The OFFICIAL NHL 2009-10 Offseason Thread

[RomaGoth]

Do the Wings keep Hossa? What about Hudler? Does Jeremy Roenick finally retire already? Most importantly, what happened to Pumpy?

All the answers will be right here in the next few months...

[sterlingice]

Probably should add NHL to the title ;)

SI

[RomaGoth]

Probably should add NHL to the title ;)

SI

dang. good call SI. Good call.

[samifan24]

Wow you guys aren't wasting any time.

Will the Bruins deal Phil Kessel? Will they trade Patrice Bergeron or Michael Ryder?

[Chief Rum]

Probably should add NHL to the title ;)

SI

For the truly dedicated, the 'NHL' is not necessary.

[Suburban Rhythm]

What route will the Penguins choose for the victory parade?

:devil:

[Schmidty]

Good job Pens. I never thought you would pull this one out before it started.

I'm not really that bummed. It was a great series and the Wings are still the best franchise in hockey and set up for the future very well.

Anyway, congrats Pittsburgh!

[Chief Rum]

Good job Pens. I never thought you would pull this one out before it started.

I'm not really that bummed. It was a great series and the Wings are still the best franchise in hockey and set up for the future very well.

Anyway, congrats Pittsburgh!

This is the offseason thread. Pens ain't won sheet yet here! :D

[Schmidty]

This is the offseason thread. Pens ain't won sheet yet here! :D

I just clicked the first thing I saw that said 'NHL'. :D

[Chief Rum]

I just clicked the first thing I saw that said 'NHL'. :D

Heh heh yeah, that's what I figured. :p

Hell no, we don't need two congratulatory threads for the Pens (no offense, SR ;) ).

[JonInMiddleGA]

I can't imagine the Wings resign Hossa.

[Chief Rum]

I didn't catch who, but some reporter in Canada is reporting the Ducks have dealt Pronger to the Kings for Jack Johnson and the #5 overall.

Both teams deny it (especially since it would be illegal anyway, this was before tonight's game).

Certainly a deal I would consider for Pronger, although one of my main concerns is we need to add offensive depth in our forward groups and get a top six center for the second line, and this deal does not do that. What happens to Pronger could key the Ducks' whole offseason. Well, and knowing what Niedermayer and Teemu are going to do, too.

[DeToxRox]

I didn't catch who, but some reporter in Canada is reporting the Ducks have dealt Pronger to the Kings for Jack Johnson and the #5 overall.

Both teams deny it (especially since it would be illegal anyway, this was before tonight's game).

Certainly a deal I would consider for Pronger, although one of my main concerns is we need to add offensive depth in our forward groups and get a top six center for the second line, and this deal does not do that. What happens to Pronger could key the Ducks' whole offseason. Well, and knowing what Niedermayer and Teemu are going to do, too.

If Anaheim did that, then that might be the worst deal ever. I know JJ is gonna be a FA but LA isn't going to contend for a while still, and like Anaheim, they need offense badly. Just doesn't make sense but it wouldn't shock me.

[bbor]

Be interesting if Pronger and Heatly end up in LA.

Ahhh...the off season....a time for optimism for Leaf fans.

That is until Sept 1st :)

[Tekneek]

I cannot see why the Kings would make that trade. Pronger > Jack Johnson PLUS a 5th overall pick?

[chrisj]

Ahh - it's good that the off-season is here.

This is the one time of year us Oil fans can believe we have a chance at the Cup. I mean, we've got our new head coach that we've all been begging for. If you believe the rumors, apparently we're somehow going to acquire J-Bo, Heatley and get the #2 pick. It's a great time to be an Oil fan!

(Of course, none of that will come true, and 4 months from now we'll be out of the playoff race again.)

[Draft Dodger]

I cannot see why the Kings would make that trade. Pronger > Jack Johnson PLUS a 5th overall pick?

I can't either. seems crazy.

[Draft Dodger]

it looks like Ian Laperriere is headed to free agency, as the Avs are lowballing him (1 year deal at less than the 1.15 he made last year). Avalanche fans, already suffering through the horrible season, the embarrassing Roy snub and the dreadful front office shuffle are just up in arms right now. He is an immensely popular player in Denver.

[Maple Leafs]

Wow you guys aren't wasting any time.

Actually, this thread is two months late.

[Tekneek]

If you believe the rumors, apparently we're somehow going to acquire J-Bo, Heatley and get the #2 pick.

Why would anyone want Heatley? His heart and commitment are certainly suspect. Edmonton can, apparently, be a tough place to play for those who cannot handle the demands. Why bring in somebody that we already know has twice put in trade demands? Because he will help us get to the playoffs and then demand a trade?

[Fidatelo]

Hudler, Hossa, Pronger... how has no one mentioned the Coyotes decision? You know, the thing that could change how North American sports leagues operate? That's the biggest story right now by far.

[Dr. Sak]

Joining Emery as the Flyers goalies might be none other than Mr Neck Beard himself...Robert Esche.

[Tekneek]

Hudler, Hossa, Pronger... how has no one mentioned the Coyotes decision? You know, the thing that could change how North American sports leagues operate? That's the biggest story right now by far.

From what I read, no decision has been released.

[samifan24]

Joining Emery as the Flyers goalies might be none other than Mr Neck Beard himself...Robert Esche.

I can see where the Flyers scouting department spent its winter...

[Chief Rum]

I can see where the Flyers scouting department spent its winter...

Apparently it was NOT watching tapes of Emery.

[samifan24]

Apparently it was NOT watching tapes of Emery.

The ladies in Russia can be quite distracting. ;)

[Dr. Sak]

Apparently it was NOT watching tapes of Emery.

This is what I wrote in the other thread about this...

am on the fence with this signing. The Flyers don't have much cap room and they need to sign 2 goalies and a defenseman. Emery comes with a price tag of $1.5 million for 1 year. They aren't investing much in him and if he acts up they can just cut ties and not really worry about losing money long term.

There is hope that Emery will shape up. Yea I know it could be a losing battle, but I guess the playing conditions of the KHL are way worse than the NHL. So he might have some incentive to behave.

Exclusive: Emery Had to Rough It in Russia (http://csnphilly.com/pages/landing_09?blockID=58167&feedID=733)

They can't afford to keep Biron, he wants something around $4 million per for 4 or 5 years. I like Biron and do not blame either years playoff losses on him. But he is not worth that much for how inconsistent he is during the regular season.

I know all about his bad attitude and that mixed with Philly is a lot of the times a volatile mixture. I think it is a calculated risk. One of the Flyers management guys Peter Lukko has kept in contact with Emery a lot of last season, it isn't something they are just jumping into.

And when you look at the other potential FAs for goalies, what they will demand for how good they are...the return isn't really that positive.

[chrisj]

Why would anyone want Heatley? His heart and commitment are certainly suspect. Edmonton can, apparently, be a tough place to play for those who cannot handle the demands. Why bring in somebody that we already know has twice put in trade demands? Because he will help us get to the playoffs and then demand a trade?

Oh - I agree 100%.

With that being said, I'm not sure where else they would get a 40 goal scorer that the team needs.

[RomaGoth]

Good job Pens. I never thought you would pull this one out before it started.

I'm not really that bummed. It was a great series and the Wings are still the best franchise in sports and set up for the future very well.

Anyway, congrats Pittsburgh!

fixed.

Oh - I agree 100%.

With that being said, I'm not sure where else they would get a 40 goal scorer that the team needs.

Ummm....Marian Hossa?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Oh - I agree 100%.

With that being said, I'm not sure where else they would get a 40 goal scorer that the team needs.



Ummm....Marian Hossa?

Marian Gaborik?

The market is flush right now with goal scoring Marians.

[bbor]

Oh - I agree 100%.

With that being said, I'm not sure where else they would get a 40 goal scorer that the team needs.

Jason Blake..........Please?;)

[Tekneek]

With that being said, I'm not sure where else they would get a 40 goal scorer that the team needs.

He has to be undervalued by Ottawa for this to work. This is only good for Edmonton if it is a massive underpayment. Overpaying for some guy who wants to bail after the season would be a big mistake. Besides, Pat Quinn will work with whatever Tambellini provides him, but I doubt he wants somebody with demonstrated commitment issues.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Marian Gaborik?

The market is flush right now with goal scoring Marians.

Gaborik is the really intriguing name out there.
Most likely to pull a Hossa-- sign a 1 year, under market, deal with a contender.

[bronconick]

Ah yes, offseason questions.

"Will the Sharks get a heart transplant in time for next April?"

Seriously, their questions probably surround whether to resign Blake and at what (preferebly less then the $5 million they just paid), whether Marleau is still captain (I'm preferential to Boyle after the playoffs and post-season meeting with fans), how much Nabokov has left in the tank (groin injuries don't really ever go away for goalies) and whether they can find a suitable backup and whether anyone in the pipeline can be his eventual replacement. Cheechoo and his $3 million per year salary may also be on the move, as he's lost his top-6 forward slot and you don't pay that much for a checking line guy who has gotten scared (due to injury) of scoring the dirty goals that got him 56 3 years ago.

The kneejerk moves (Trade Thornton, Marleau, Nabokov, etc.) are all out because of NTC anyway and Wilson seems unlikely to even ask.

[bhlloy]

Ducks priorities IMO:

1) Resign Niedermayer
2) Resign Wisniewski
3) Don't resign Selanne (sorry Teemu, thanks for the memories but unless he takes a BIG pay cut there are a million better ways to spend the money. He was pretty ineffective in the playoffs and his speed is clearly deserting him)
4) If there is enough money after 1-3 try to resign Beauchemain and Marchant in that order
5) Go after somebody decent in FA to replace Selanne as a second line scorer
6) See if there is a market for Giguere. No sense in keeping him around and creating controversy, Hiller is clearly the man now. Even if there isn't a market, see if somebody will pick him up on waivers or for peanuts. Could use the money somewhere else and find a cheaper backup.
7) See if the Kings will actually do that god-awful deal for Pronger :D

[Chief Rum]

3) Don't resign Selanne (sorry Teemu, thanks for the memories but unless he takes a BIG pay cut there are a million better ways to spend the money. He was pretty ineffective in the playoffs and his speed is clearly deserting him)

Teemu's already signed for next year actually. Only issue is whether he'll retire or not.

I'm not too worried about Wiz. We'll get a deal done there. He's restricted anyway, so wouldn't be easy for him to leave.

Niedermayer's probably the focal point.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Ducks priorities IMO:
3) Don't resign Selanne (sorry Teemu, thanks for the memories but unless he takes a BIG pay cut there are a million better ways to spend the money. He was pretty ineffective in the playoffs and his speed is clearly deserting him)


I don't know what his current salary is at, but as someone who watched most of the Ducks' playoffs games, I'd have to disagree. After the top line, he was the only forward who was a threat.

[chrisj]

Ummm....Marian Hossa?

Do you really think he signs in Edmonton? He had the chance last season, but turned down whatever insane amount Lowe offered him to try and win a cup.

I bet he re-signs in Detriot.

Marian Gaborik?

The market is flush right now with goal scoring Marians.

A good choice - but I'd be worried about his injury history. Maybe if he was willing to sign a contract with lots of bonuses for games played...

[RomaGoth]

Do you really think he signs in Edmonton? He had the chance last season, but turned down whatever insane amount Lowe offered him to try and win a cup.

I bet he re-signs in Detriot.

I really have no idea where he signs, but I would not place a bet on Ken Holland bringing back Hossa. The Wings are a very "results" orientated organization, and the results from Hossa's playoffs were not good.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Unconfirmed at this point, but

Rob Blake back to SJ: 2 years/ $9M

[bbor]

I don't know what his current salary is at, but as someone who watched most of the Ducks' playoffs games, I'd have to disagree. After the top line, he was the only forward who was a threat.

+1

Temmu was def one of their better players IMHO.

[bronconick]

Unconfirmed at this point, but

Rob Blake back to SJ: 2 years/ $9M


Too high, in my opinion. Cheechoo *has* to be on the block if that's the case, or they plan on losing Clowe as a RFA, and I'd rather have Clowe.

[bhlloy]

+1

Temmu was def one of their better players IMHO.

Really? The guy with 6 points in 12 games and 0 goals until the last game in the SJ series? We must have been watching different playoffs. He did look good at times against Detroit (the main time when we learned Chris Chelios was done) but he was woefully anonymous for most of the playoffs.

He's a decent player still. He still has a good shot and he's very savvy, but his legs are going and that is really a huge part of his game.

However, just looked it up and he's signed for 09 for 2 million. If he wants to come back and play for that number, that sounds pretty good to me. For some reason I thought he was up in the 4-5 million range, and at that price we'd be better spending the money somewhere.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Too high, in my opinion. Cheechoo *has* to be on the block if that's the case, or they plan on losing Clowe as a RFA, and I'd rather have Clowe.

Agree. I first read it as $4.5 total, not per, and thought that's OK. Then re-read.

Cheechoo is going to be moved-- people keep pointing at Pittsburgh as a destination.

We have the same cap issues once Malkin and Staal's extensions kick in. They are paying Kunitz $3.7M, and can maybe give one other winger over $3M. Given my choices, Cheechoo is not that guy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Agree. I first read it as $4.5 total, not per, and thought that's OK. Then re-read.

Cheechoo is going to be moved-- people keep pointing at Pittsburgh as a destination.

We have the same cap issues once Malkin and Staal's extensions kick in. They are paying Kunitz $3.7M, and can maybe give one other winger over $3M. Given my choices, Cheechoo is not that guy.

The Penguins look to be in pretty good shape. They really aren't losing anybody all that irreplaceable and have some money to spend. Scuderi really stepped up and getting him back would be good, but Hal Gill and Boucher should be replaceable by guys with less salary.

Forward-wise Satan, Sykora and, to a lesser extent, Fedotenko, are the very epitmoe of NHL replaceable parts. The Penguins could look to upgrade one or two of those spots and still not really lose all that much. The core of the team (Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Gonchar, Orpik and Fleury) remains and they still have the main group of grinders (Talbot, Cooke, and Kennedy). Kunitz's contract may be a bit inflated, but not by much and he has the ability to play up to, if not, over it.

[Fidatelo]

The Penguins look to be in pretty good shape. They really aren't losing anybody all that irreplaceable and have some money to spend. Scuderi really stepped up and getting him back would be good, but Hal Gill and Boucher should be replaceable by guys with less salary.

Forward-wise Satan, Sykora and, to a lesser extent, Fedotenko, are the very epitmoe of NHL replaceable parts. The Penguins could look to upgrade one or two of those spots and still not really lose all that much. The core of the team (Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Gonchar, Orpik and Fleury) remains and they still have the main group of grinders (Talbot, Cooke, and Kennedy). Kunitz's contract may be a bit inflated, but not by much and he has the ability to play up to, if not, over it.

I never thought I'd say this, but I thought Fedotenko was more than just a replaceable part, from what I saw of the Pens in the playoffs. For a guy that looks like he's 14 and who I always figured was pretty chumpy, he looked like one of the best Pens on many nights. Obviously playing next to a guy like Malkin helps, but I thought he was better than Guerin or Kunitz for sure.

[RomaGoth]

I never thought I'd say this, but I thought Fedotenko was more than just a replaceable part, from what I saw of the Pens in the playoffs. For a guy that looks like he's 14 and who I always figured was pretty chumpy, he looked like one of the best Pens on many nights. Obviously playing next to a guy like Malkin helps, but I thought he was better than Guerin or Kunitz for sure.

I agree. The Pens should keep Fedotenko and dump Satan.

[Oilers9911]

Gaborik is intriguing if you want a pane of glass playing on your first line. Pretty damn good when he plays but he is oft-injured.

The Oilers had better go out and get themselves a centre or even 2. They do not have a number 1 centre. Shawn Horcoff is an ok 2 or 3 guy but no way is he a 1st liner.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Judge rejects sale of Phoenix Coyotes to Jim Balsillie, move to Canada - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4261699)

PHOENIX -- The Coyotes are staying in Phoenix.

A bankruptcy judge has rejected the proposed sale of the team to Canadian billionaire Jim Balsillie, who would have moved the team to Hamilton, Ontario.

Judge Redfield T. Baum issued a 21-page ruling late Monday afternoon, concluding that the June 29 deadline imposed by Balsillie did not allow enough time to resolve the complex case.

"Simply put, the court does not think there is sufficient time [14 days] for all of these issues to be fairly presented to the court given that deadline," the judge wrote.

The ruling is a victory for the NHL, which had argued Balsillie was using the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to make an end-run around the league's rules over who owns teams and where they are located.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly declined immediate comment Monday, saying the league needed to read the entire opinion before issuing a statement.

The judge's decision is also a win for the city of Glendale, which had spent $183 million to build an arena for the Coyotes and had contended the franchise could not use bankruptcy to evade its lease.

This is the third time Balsillie -- whose company makes the BlackBerry -- has tried and failed to buy an NHL team. His previous attempts to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins and Nashville Predators fell through.

Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes took the NHL by surprise when he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on May 5, proposing to sell the team to Balsillie for $212.5 million, contingent on the franchise moving to Ontario.

The NHL said that commissioner Gary Bettman was in a car on his way to deliver a letter of intent to Moyes from Jerry Reinsdorf to purchase the team and keep it in Glendale. However, any bid to buy the team in Arizona will be far less than the offer Balsillie made.

"I think people are going to be shocked when they see the value of this team remaining in Glendale," Moyes' attorney Thomas Salerno said. "It's going to be materially less than the offer we have on the table."

Salerno said Moyes is disappointed and is evaluating his options. Moyes says he has more than $300 million invested in the team and would have recouped about $100 million if the Balsillie sale had gone through.

The NHL says it has had four parties, including Reinsdorf, file preliminary applications to investigate purchasing the team and keeping it in Arizona. However, if no buyer can be found, the league would look to relocate the franchise.

[Logan]

Really? Bettman hand delivers letters?

Nashville fans watch out.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Satan is gone. Period.

I think Talbot has earned at the very least a chance to stay in the top 6, or maybe top 9, if someone like Kennedy is given a chance to move up.

Still, they need to find two more guys to play in the top 6. Kunitz is the only definite at this point.

Guerin made $4.5M last year, he'd have to cut that in half, and take a 1 year deal.

Fedotenko had a slow start, then got hurt punching Colby Armstrong's big schnoz. But from March forward, he was pretty good. Not great, but what you'd expect from $2.25M.

Sykora...at the beginning of the year, I thought it was a no brainer he'd get a slight bump from $2.5M, or maybe an extra year to keep the cost lower, but that he'd be back. He went through an awful stretch, and then was hurt. I've been a huge fan, but I think they let him walk. Only if he gets no other great offers, and comes back at a discount. He worked really well with Malkin, better than Fedotenko has, but when he's not scoring, he's pretty useless. Still, someone will pay him, and he is still a 25 goal guy.

On D, it's hard to believe that about 3 1/2 years ago, Scuderi was HATED. Hell, I am sure I posted it here myself. He was paired with Joe Melichar on those awful teams sandwiched around the lockout. I think he's going to get alot more than the Pens can match from someone like Atlanta or the Isles (he's a Syosset native). But he also seems like the type who is grateful for the chances he got, coming up in the Pens system, and will take a discount to play for the same team and a contender. He made $712K this year, if he'll take like $7M over 3 or something like that, he'll be back. Anymore, might be tough.

Gill is pretty much gone. He was, IMO, alot worse this year than he was when he originally came over in the trade last season. He was criticized in Boston and Toronto, but he serves a role. The problem in the prior two stops, he was put in a role he couldn't handle. He's not a top pairing guy. But as a #4/5 type, play 17 mins, play PK, he's a good fit. But, you can't pay him $2+M when you have to save somewhere.

Set in goal, MAF signed an extension last year. He'll get backed up by John Curry, rather than a vet, I think, and save about $1M against the cap.

The 3rd line is intact. Jordan Staal showed why it's OK to pay 3 centers that much money. Would it be better if he could shift to wing? Maybe. But he's 20 freaking years old!

They'll probably try to move some other "expensive" guys like Dupuis, whose making $1.4M. He's good on the 4th line, fast as hell, and plays the PK, but you can find guys who do that for 1/2 the price.

Godard is back, and pretty cheap. They probably try to keep Craig Adams or Mike Zigomanis to center the 4th line.

Kunitz - Crosby - XXX
Talbot - Malkin - XXX
Cooke - Staal - Kennedy
Godard - Adams/Zigomanis - XXX

Internally, they have two guy who might be top 6 material in Eric Tangradi, part of the Kunitz-Whitney deal, and Luca Caputi. I think they've prefer not having to hand them a spot. They have plenty of guys who played some this year, like Dustin Jeffery, who can fit the 4th line role-- skate, hit, win faceoffs and PK. All for $450K.

Orpik - Gonchar
Eaton - Letang
XXX - XXX

Obviously, they hope to keep Scuderi. Otherwise, they look outside for a veteran guy who can PK. Alex Goligoski played most of the first 4 months of the year in Pittsburgh, until Gonchar was healthy, and played well. He's a smaller guy, but good skater and puck mover. Also, Ben Lovejoy was huge in Wilkes-Barre this year. Yeah, it's the AHL, but he was +46. So, he should at least compete for the #7 spot.

They can not target top end guys- Hossa, Gaborik, etc. They might not even be able to go after the mid-tier guys. Gionta might be a fit, but would need to come in around $3M.

Another option is stick with Guerin and Fedotenko on 1 year deals, and look at D, like Beauchemin on a multi year deal, rather than another group of 1 year guys.

One dark horse guy, who I've always thought SHOULD break out and be a 25 goal guy, but never has- Taylor Pyatt. But that is a big risk, since if he can't score, and your 3rd line is pretty much set, you are paying free agent $ for a guy you don't need.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Holy shit, that ended up really long

[claphamsa]

i got as far as satan is good and gave up on it :)

[Suburban Rhythm]

i got as far as satan is good and gave up on it :)

You wasted your time on that! ;)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Alex Goligoski played most of the first 4 months of the year in Pittsburgh, until Gonchar was healthy, and played well. He's a smaller guy, but good skater and puck mover.

Goligoski given a 3 year / $5.5M deal. A little more, $1.8M, than I expected.

It's not so bad, by the end of that, when he hopefully levels off as a 2nd pairing guy and on the PP. But, it's this season, when you are paying that to what is in essence your #6. I was expecting around $1.2, and for a team tight against the cap, that $600,000 hurts.

[bbor]

This Heatly thing is getting UGLYYYYYY.

[bbor]

Rumour has it that the Sedins want 63 mil over 12 years....EACH!!!!

[Pumpy Tudors]

This Heatly thing is getting UGLYYYYYY.
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7279/heatleydany040130.jpg
Rumour has it that the Sedins want 63 mil over 12 years....EACH!!!!
I love Swedish twins.

[Dr. Sak]

Rumour has it that the Sedins want 63 mil over 12 years....EACH!!!!

I want to be married to Kate Walsh but that isn't happening either. But chances are they'll find a stupid owner quicker than she will realize she wants to marry me.

[Honolulu_Blue]

This Heatly thing is getting UGLYYYYYY.

Yeah, despite Healty possible being one of the best power forwards in the history of the NHL (right, Lathum?), I can't see trading for his huge, long term contract. He can score a ton of goals, but he seems to lack quite a few intangibles.

Rumour has it that the Sedins want 63 mil over 12 years....EACH!!!!

That means they need to find a team willing to pay $126 over the course of 12 years for their services. That cap hit, around $5.25 per year, isn't terrible for a first line forward, but, still, that's a LOT of money and a long, long time.

[Pyser]

some pics from the party lemieux threw at his house. cup is in the pool. again.

hxxp://sportscracklepop.com/2009/06/17/wonder-if-the-stanley-cup-canonballed-into-the-pool/

[RomaGoth]

some pics from the party lemieux threw at his house. cup is in the pool. again.

hxxp://sportscracklepop.com/2009/06/17/wonder-if-the-stanley-cup-canonballed-into-the-pool/

I love how Lemieux has a name plate on his desk in his own house.

[MikeVic]

some pics from the party lemieux threw at his house. cup is in the pool. again.

hxxp://sportscracklepop.com/2009/06/17/wonder-if-the-stanley-cup-canonballed-into-the-pool/

Who’s that young looking girl with Crosby? She has the exact same smile and pose in both of her pictures.

[Suburban Rhythm]

some pics from the party lemieux threw at his house. cup is in the pool. again.

hxxp://sportscracklepop.com/2009/06/17/wonder-if-the-stanley-cup-canonballed-into-the-pool/

Just wait til Phil Bourque gets ahold of it again

[Maple Leafs]

This Heatly thing is getting UGLYYYYYY.

"When you have players come ask you for a trade, I tell the players 'don't finish that sentence,' because once you ask, I'm going to move you.... I'm not kissing anyone's ass to play in my town, so to hell with you, don't finish the sentence."
- Brian Burke

I don't know, based on what I've heard about his community service in Atlanta, Heatley doesn't need any tips on how not to finish a sentence.

[bbor]

Burke said earlier this week that he in no way would ever want Heatley on his hockey club because he went public with the trade request.

I am really looking forward to seeing Heatley and Tavares playing together on Torontos top line next season.:D

[Suburban Rhythm]

20% off at NHL Shop.

Code: AFFTP7 (case sensitive)

Good thru 6/30/09

Yeah, the stuff is overpriced to begin with, but I thought you guys might want to stock up on your 2009 Cup Champs gear.

:p

[Sublime 2]

Wow you guys aren't wasting any time.

Will the Bruins deal Phil Kessel? Will they trade Patrice Bergeron or Michael Ryder?

Heard anything new sami?

I've said it before, I don't think management is head over heels for Kessel like many fans are, but I do think they will offer him a Krejci type contract. If they trade him though, they better be getting back a STUD D-Man.

[johnnyshaka]

Burke said earlier this week that he in no way would ever want Heatley on his hockey club because he went public with the trade request.

You mean like how he dealt for Pronger a few years ago?

[samifan24]

Heard anything new sami?

I've said it before, I don't think management is head over heels for Kessel like many fans are, but I do think they will offer him a Krejci type contract. If they trade him though, they better be getting back a STUD D-Man.

All I've been reading online is that the experts believe the Bruins absolutely need more depth on the blueline, specifically big, ideally mobile defensemen. One article I read said that while Ference and Hunwick are good players, they are both small, as are most Boston defensemen, and the Bruins need more height to take the physical punishment late in the year and in the playoffs. They also need someone to help Wideman move the puck out of the zone. Jay Bouwmeester would be a great add but of course the Bruins probably can't afford him.

I do think they'll deal Kessel and if it happens I think it could happen during the draft next week.

[Pyser]

fuck you, brent sutter.

seriously.

fuck you. HARD.

[Logan]

All I've been reading online is that the experts believe the Bruins absolutely need more depth on the blueline, specifically big, ideally mobile defensemen. One article I read said that while Ference and Hunwick are good players, they are both small, as are most Boston defensemen, and the Bruins need more height to take the physical punishment late in the year and in the playoffs. They also need someone to help Wideman move the puck out of the zone. Jay Bouwmeester would be a great add but of course the Bruins probably can't afford him.

I do think they'll deal Kessel and if it happens I think it could happen during the draft next week.

Rangers have plenty of supposed high quality defensive prospects.

[Honolulu_Blue]

As for the Wings, nothing will be decided until the cap is set. Even then, it will be a hard choice.

Everyone is basically looking at the situation as if the wings have two options: 1) Keep Hossa and let Samuelsson and Hulder walk or 2) Keep Hudler and Samuelsson and let Hossa walk.

I don't think it's quite that simple. Obviously if the Wings keep Hossa, they wont be able to resign either of those guys. Even if Hossa walks, I am not sure both Hudler and Samuelsson coming back is a sure thing. It all depends on what these guys feel like they can get elsewhere. Samuelsson has more options as an UFA and Hudler has fewer since he's an RFA. Hudler had a pretty good year, his best ever, scoring 29 goals. He does a lot with limited ice time. That said, he only gets limited ice time because there are many limits as to what he can do. He's not a great skater. Not big. Doesn't play great defense. He's got a good knack for the puck, sees the ice pretty well and good on the power play. I just can't see the Wings paying him anymore than $2 million a year, tops. They already have Cleary and Filpulla just above that and I'm not sure how many 3rd line/power play forwards who play around 10-12 minutes a game one can be willing to pay $2+ million. You already have Holmstrom getting paid at around that level.

It will be really interesting to see what happens. I've always thought that it was either Hossa or Franzen. In fact, I always figured the Wings would re-sign Franzen and always figured Hossa would be a 1 year gamble. Still, over the last 15 years, the Wings have always been incredibly good to their own. While they don't hold on to players who don't develop, those who do and play well are rewarded for it. It's unlike them to just let go good soldiers in order to chase outside help. In the pre-cap world this wasn't an issue. Guys like McCarty, Draper, Maltby, etc. go their due and the Wings were still able to go out and get Hulls and Robitailles and Ray Whitneys. Obviously, that has changed and this is really the first time, since just after the lockout when the Wings were forced to buyout contracts, that they are really forced with some very tough decisions.

Personally, if Hossa is willing to take a cap friendly deal to stay, I'd love it. I just don't see that happening. He'd really need to sacrifice a lot of money and I am not sure how comfortable Holland would be having so many super long term contracts (Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Hossa, and Franzen). If Hossa does re-sign, the Wings will likely run into cap issues almost every year. I think having some cap flexibility is important, especially given how many unknowns there are from year to year (i.e., cap level, development of younger players, decline of play of older players, etc.) Given all of that and the fact that there are some teams out there with loads of cap space burning a hole in their pocket, I think Hossa is out of here.

[samifan24]

Rangers have plenty of supposed high quality defensive prospects.

I think the Bruins will want experienced players rather than prospects that need to develop. They think they can win now.

[Maple Leafs]

All I've been reading online is that the experts believe the Bruins absolutely need more depth on the blueline, specifically big, ideally mobile defensemen. One article I read said that while Ference and Hunwick are good players, they are both small, as are most Boston defensemen, and the Bruins need more height to take the physical punishment late in the year and in the playoffs. They also need someone to help Wideman move the puck out of the zone.
Yes, hi, you were calling about the Kubina/Kaberle package deal?

[RomaGoth]

As for the Wings, nothing will be decided until the cap is set. Even then, it will be a hard choice.

Everyone is basically looking at the situation as if the wings have two options: 1) Keep Hossa and let Samuelsson and Hulder walk or 2) Keep Hudler and Samuelsson and let Hossa walk.

I don't think it's quite that simple. Obviously if the Wings keep Hossa, they wont be able to resign either of those guys. Even if Hossa walks, I am not sure both Hudler and Samuelsson coming back is a sure thing. It all depends on what these guys feel like they can get elsewhere. Samuelsson has more options as an UFA and Hudler has fewer since he's an RFA. Hudler had a pretty good year, his best ever, scoring 29 goals. He does a lot with limited ice time. That said, he only gets limited ice time because there are many limits as to what he can do. He's not a great skater. Not big. Doesn't play great defense. He's got a good knack for the puck, sees the ice pretty well and good on the power play. I just can't see the Wings paying him anymore than $2 million a year, tops. They already have Cleary and Filpulla just above that and I'm not sure how many 3rd line/power play forwards who play around 10-12 minutes a game one can be willing to pay $2+ million. You already have Holmstrom getting paid at around that level.

It will be really interesting to see what happens. I've always thought that it was either Hossa or Franzen. In fact, I always figured the Wings would re-sign Franzen and always figured Hossa would be a 1 year gamble. Still, over the last 15 years, the Wings have always been incredibly good to their own. While they don't hold on to players who don't develop, those who do and play well are rewarded for it. It's unlike them to just let go good soldiers in order to chase outside help. In the pre-cap world this wasn't an issue. Guys like McCarty, Draper, Maltby, etc. go their due and the Wings were still able to go out and get Hulls and Robitailles and Ray Whitneys. Obviously, that has changed and this is really the first time, since just after the lockout when the Wings were forced to buyout contracts, that they are really forced with some very tough decisions.

Personally, if Hossa is willing to take a cap friendly deal to stay, I'd love it. I just don't see that happening. He'd really need to sacrifice a lot of money and I am not sure how comfortable Holland would be having so many super long term contracts (Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Hossa, and Franzen). If Hossa does re-sign, the Wings will likely run into cap issues almost every year. I think having some cap flexibility is important, especially given how many unknowns there are from year to year (i.e., cap level, development of younger players, decline of play of older players, etc.) Given all of that and the fact that there are some teams out there with loads of cap space burning a hole in their pocket, I think Hossa is out of here.

I believe he is gone as well. I would like to see them keep Samuelsson and Hudler and let Hossa walk. Yes, he had a 40 goal regular season, but he essentially disappeared in the playoffs. The Wings proved last year that they can win the Cup without Hossa (and previous years as well). I just don't see the long term benefit of signing him to a multi-year deal.

I believe that Maltby is probably done in Detroit and Chelios is certainly finished with the Wings. I would not be surprised to see him play with Chicago one final year before retirement (although in my opinion he should have retired 3 years ago). The Wings have some talent that needs to come up to the big club and get some minutes - Abdelkader, Ericsson, Hudler, Filpulla, Leino. Another year or two for Lidstrom and Draper is about all we can expect. Lidstrom especially looked tired in the Finals (albeit groin surgery does not help). A changing of the guard is in order for some of the long time Red Wing players.

[bhlloy]

I think the Bruins will want experienced players rather than prospects that need to develop. They think they can win now.

I guess we'll never know what the Pronger deal really was (or if there even was one), but I'm still surprised the B's couldn't get it done. If it was Kessel and a pick then I'd be amazed if they get better value this offseason. I still think Boston + Pronger win the cup last season hands down, and he'd still be around for another year.

[Suburban Rhythm]

What is the max the Wings can play Hossa? Assuming Samuelsson and Hudler are gone, and replaced by cheap (minimum salary?) guys like Helm and Abdelkader.

Also heard recently, for the first time, that it was believed had Hossa won his Cup, he would have returned to Europe. Was anything like that rumored in Detroit?

[Honolulu_Blue]

What is the max the Wings can play Hossa? Assuming Samuelsson and Hudler are gone, and replaced by cheap (minimum salary?) guys like Helm and Abdelkader.

Also heard recently, for the first time, that it was believed had Hossa won his Cup, he would have returned to Europe. Was anything like that rumored in Detroit?

I've never heard anything about Hossa returning to Europe. It's possible, but this is the first I've heard of it.

According to NHLnumbers.com, which is pretty good, the Wings' current cap number (with no UFAs or RFAs signed) is at $51.255. So, even if the cap stayed the same, the Wings have about $5.4 million left. I am not sure if that number includes Abdelkader, Helm and/or Ericsson.

If Hossa is going to say, he's going to need to sign a deal similar to what Franzen signed. It'd be something very long term, but a cap hit somwhere's around $4-$4.5 tops. Even that type of deal would be dependent on the cap increasing by some amount, say, $2-3 million or so. I just don't see eother of those things happening.

The only other alternative is try to and trade a player to free up cap space, but that's not too likely or cut a guy like Draper (not going to happen) or Maltby (possibly, but unlikey, and, even if so, that's still not a lot of money coming back).

[Mike Lowe]

Yeah we need Draper to come in on breakaways and shoot it directly at the goalie. His defense is so overrated. I'd take someone with even "less" defense who can actually contribute elsewhere on the ice over Draper anyday. He is so overhyped IMO.

Love the Wings though, looking forward to another run next year.

[DeToxRox]

The best thing for Detroit would be Holmer retiring. Won't happen I am sure but it'd be whats best for the Wings.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I've never heard anything about Hossa returning to Europe. It's possible, but this is the first I've heard of it.

According to NHLnumbers.com, which is pretty good, the Wings' current cap number (with no UFAs or RFAs signed) is at $51.255. So, even if the cap stayed the same, the Wings have about $5.4 million left. I am not sure if that number includes Abdelkader, Helm and/or Ericsson.

If Hossa is going to say, he's going to need to sign a deal similar to what Franzen signed. It'd be something very long term, but a cap hit somwhere's around $4-$4.5 tops. Even that type of deal would be dependent on the cap increasing by some amount, say, $2-3 million or so. I just don't see eother of those things happening.

The only other alternative is try to and trade a player to free up cap space, but that's not too likely or cut a guy like Draper (not going to happen) or Maltby (possibly, but unlikey, and, even if so, that's still not a lot of money coming back).

The whole return to Europe thing was mentioned on a Pittsburgh sports call-in show, with rotating hosts. This guy is pretty awful (none are great). So, it could be entirely made up.

I honestly can't see him taking $4M, but what do I know.

And as far as the cap, everything I've read is steady this year, somewhere around $56M, but 2010-11 season could drop to around $50. So, I know you'd have Lidstrom's contract up, but also Osgood (I think) and need a replacement there.

Sak and I were discussing, about 24 teams would be screwed under that situation. They'd have to discount the previously signed contracts like they did after the lockout, or there'd be 400 free agents.

Very similar to Pittsburgh, we've got guys who are overpaid, like Dupuis making$1.4M, but to cut him, be on the hook for 1/2 that, and need to pay his replacement, there is no savings.

Yeah we need Draper to come in on breakaways and shoot it directly at the goalie. His defense is so overrated. I'd take someone with even "less" defense who can actually contribute elsewhere on the ice over Draper anyday. He is so overhyped IMO.

Love the Wings though, looking forward to another run next year.

But who would talk for Lidstrom?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Yeah we need Draper to come in on breakaways and shoot it directly at the goalie. His defense is so overrated. I'd take someone with even "less" defense who can actually contribute elsewhere on the ice over Draper anyday. He is so overhyped IMO.

Love the Wings though, looking forward to another run next year.

The best thing for Detroit would be Holmer retiring. Won't happen I am sure but it'd be whats best for the Wings.

Yeah. Draper has lost some of his effectiveness and Holmstrom was downright awful the last 40+ games or so. The problem, however, is that I'd really be surprised if the Wings cut/waived/forced out any of these guys. It's certainly possible, but Detroit has been a destination franchise for years because of how it treats its players. The organization has been incredibly loyal to its own and that combined with the success of the team are two big parts of what make the organization as great as it is. (It's not like the city is all that).

Once you start waiving long time saltwarts and well-respected veterans, I think that begins to tarnish the organization's reputation a bit. Then again, being too loyal to these guys and sacrificing competitiveness also isn't doing the team any favors. This is why this is Holland's toughest summer to date. Other than that first post-lockout summer when teams were forced to buyout contracts, he really hasn't been forced to make any tough decisions regarding established guys. Most of his summers, the Hossa deal aside, was spent tinkering around the edges and plugging smaller gaps in the line-up.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I honestly can't see him taking $4M, but what do I know.

Me either. I don't see it happening at all.


And as far as the cap, everything I've read is steady this year, somewhere around $56M, but 2010-11 season could drop to around $50. So, I know you'd have Lidstrom's contract up, but also Osgood (I think) and need a replacement there.

Sak and I were discussing, about 24 teams would be screwed under that situation. They'd have to discount the previously signed contracts like they did after the lockout, or there'd be 400 free agents.

As horrible as it would be for the league for the cap to drop so dramatically in one year, it would be sort of fascinating to see what happened. All of a sudden, you could have a bunch of high-priced free agents on the outside looking in. Their only option would be to take a very low deal or play in the KHL.

It'd be like my Eastside Hockey Manager career before I went in and edited the cap value.

[DeToxRox]

Yeah. Draper has lost some of his effectiveness and Holmstrom was downright awful the last 40+ games or so. The problem, however, is that I'd really be surprised if the Wings cut/waived/forced out any of these guys. It's certainly possible, but Detroit has been a destination franchise for years because of how it treats its players. The organization has been incredibly loyal to its own and that combined with the success of the team are two big parts of what make the organization as great as it is. (It's not like the city is all that).

Once you start waiving long time saltwarts and well-respected veterans, I think that begins to tarnish the organization's reputation a bit. Then again, being too loyal to these guys and sacrificing competitiveness also isn't doing the team any favors. This is why this is Holland's toughest summer to date. Other than that first post-lockout summer when teams were forced to buyout contracts, he really hasn't been forced to make any tough decisions regarding established guys. Most of his summers, the Hossa deal aside, was spent tinkering around the edges and plugging smaller gaps in the line-up.

I agree. I do think though that Holmer is going to be done sooner rather then later. He's just never healthy. I do think though that players will be more likely to retire rather then put Kenny Holland and the organization on their heels because of how well they are treated. I think a guy like Maltby would retire when his deal runs out rather then try and get another deal or go play elsewhere.

[Suburban Rhythm]

As weird as it sounds, I am hoping the Pens are forced to bring in other guys to fill roles. I think this team played better because they were hungry.

I don't think a team with Crosby will ever coast, but a team of everyone back will not be as hungry as a team of guys looking to win for the first time.

I don't want to say that caught up to Detroit, but outside of Hossa, and the young guys brought up, these guys had all won before, including the prior year. Helm was the hungriest guy on the ice for them the majority of the time. Giving him and Abdelkader full time roles over Draper and Maltby might not only be cheaper, but beneficial throughout the team.

Samuelsson is a guy I am intrigued with for Pittsburgh. They've got 2 spots open in the top 6, but can't spend over about $3M for one of those spots.

[DeToxRox]

As weird as it sounds, I am hoping the Pens are forced to bring in other guys to fill roles. I think this team played better because they were hungry.

I don't think a team with Crosby will ever coast, but a team of everyone back will not be as hungry as a team of guys looking to win for the first time.

I don't want to say that caught up to Detroit, but outside of Hossa, and the young guys brought up, these guys had all won before, including the prior year. Helm was the hungriest guy on the ice for them the majority of the time. Giving him and Abdelkader full time roles over Draper and Maltby might not only be cheaper, but beneficial throughout the team.

Samuelsson is a guy I am intrigued with for Pittsburgh. They've got 2 spots open in the top 6, but can't spend over about $3M for one of those spots.

My beef with Sammy is probably more how he was used, but he is so terrible on the point on the PP. I'd love to see that gone. He is a good player though and would be perfect with Crosby or Malkin centering him. He isn't afraid to shoot, he just shoots too much. He will probably get 4 mil somewhere. It sounds extreme but I could see it honestly and someone will not be happy with it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Just for something to kill time-- predict the destination for these FAs:

Max Afinogenov -
Nik Antropov -
Adrian Aucoin -
Francois Beauchemin -
Martin Biron -
Rob Blake -
Jay Bouwmeester -
Mike Cammalleri -
Erik Cole -
Ruslan Fedotenko -
Marian Gaborik -
Brian Gionta -
Bill Guerin -
Marty Havlat -
Marian Hossa -
Nik Khabibulin -
Mike Knuble -
Saku Koivu -
Mike Komisarek -
Ales Kotalik -
Alexei Kovalev -
Chad Larose -
Jere Lehtinen -
Jordan Leopold -
John Madden -
Chris Neil -
Scott Niedermayer -
Rob Niedermayer -
Mark Recchi -
Mikael Samuelsson -
Rob Scuderi -
Daniel Sedin -
Henrik Sedin -
Alex Tanguay -

Feel free to throw in any other predictions you feel pretty good about, I tried to limit the list a little.

And "retire" is a perfectly acceptable answer.

[Suburban Rhythm]

My beef with Sammy is probably more how he was used, but he is so terrible on the point on the PP. I'd love to see that gone. He is a good player though and would be perfect with Crosby or Malkin centering him. He isn't afraid to shoot, he just shoots too much. He will probably get 4 mil somewhere. It sounds extreme but I could see it honestly and someone will not be happy with it.

We have drastically improve in not passing up shots, but we still need more shooters in Pittsburgh. Too many guys playing with Crosby and Malkin like to think they are capable of blind, behind the back, thru the legs passes on give and goes with those 2...and turn it over at the blue line.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Max Afinogenov - Nashville
Nik Antropov - NJ
Adrian Aucoin - Boston
Francois Beauchemin - Montreal
Martin Biron - Edmonton
Rob Blake - SJ
Jay Bouwmeester - NJ
Mike Cammalleri - Buffalo
Erik Cole - Carolina
Ruslan Fedotenko - Pittsburgh
Marian Gaborik - Montreal
Brian Gionta - Rangers
Bill Guerin - RETIRE
Marty Havlat - Vancouver
Marian Hossa - Edmonton
Nik Khabibulin - LA
Mike Knuble - Ottawa
Saku Koivu - Minnesota
Mike Komisarek - Philly
Ales Kotalik - Chicago
Alexei Kovalev - Washington
Chad Larose - Pittsburgh
Jere Lehtinen - Dallas
Jordan Leopold - Columbus
John Madden - Dallas
Chris Neil - Colorado
Scott Niedermayer - Anaheim
Rob Niedermayer - Anaheim
Mark Recchi - Carolina
Mikael Samuelsson - Calgary
Rob Scuderi - Isles
Daniel Sedin - Vancouver
Henrik Sedin - Vancouver
Alex Tanguay - Toronto



The one thing I am sure of...nobody to Phoenix!

[samifan24]

I guess we'll never know what the Pronger deal really was (or if there even was one), but I'm still surprised the B's couldn't get it done. If it was Kessel and a pick then I'd be amazed if they get better value this offseason. I still think Boston + Pronger win the cup last season hands down, and he'd still be around for another year.

It would've been nice to have Pronger for the playoffs, yes, but I have to believe that there is a good reason why the Bruins didn't make the deal at the time.

[Logan]

I can assure you the Rangers will not go after Gionta.

[RomaGoth]

As weird as it sounds, I am hoping the Pens are forced to bring in other guys to fill roles. I think this team played better because they were hungry.

I don't think a team with Crosby will ever coast, but a team of everyone back will not be as hungry as a team of guys looking to win for the first time.

I don't want to say that caught up to Detroit, but outside of Hossa, and the young guys brought up, these guys had all won before, including the prior year. Helm was the hungriest guy on the ice for them the majority of the time. Giving him and Abdelkader full time roles over Draper and Maltby might not only be cheaper, but beneficial throughout the team.

Samuelsson is a guy I am intrigued with for Pittsburgh. They've got 2 spots open in the top 6, but can't spend over about $3M for one of those spots.

As I explained to a friend of mine, the sheer number of games played has finally caught up to the Wings. This team has played more hockey than any other team in the NHL over the past 15 years or so. The Wings veterans have been averaging over 100 games per season including playoffs. They looked exhausted in the SCF this year. I still believe that they should have kept Abdelkader and Leino in the games and left Draper/Maltby on the bench.

No way is Samuelsson worth $3m per year, but I could see giving him $2m, maybe $2.5m tops. As DeToxRox said, he was terrible on the point, but that is a Babcock problem.

I still don't see Hossa coming back to Detroit, not for the type of pay cut he would have to take. Someone else will overpay for him, perhaps Chicago?

[RomaGoth]

Dola

If there were any doubts...

NHL.com - News: Holland: Chelios not returning to Wings in 2009-10 - 06/22/2009 (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=426277)

[Apathetic Lurker]

I predict the SABRES do:

shit.just overpay some of their own or sign some overpriced no-names and tell everyone how well they did while their good/great prospects languish down in the nether reaches of the minors..

Of course if they sign Bouwmeester I will rejoice but I have a better chance of shitting gold bars than the Sabres actually splashing some cash for greatness.

[samifan24]

Where does everyone think Bouwmeester will end up?

[RomaGoth]

Where does everyone think Bouwmeester will end up?

Most likely in his hometown of Edmonton. If not there, then probably NY Rangers or even Colorado. Just purely guesses on my part though.

[bbor]

Max Afinogenov - Toronto
Nik Antropov - Toronto
Adrian Aucoin -Toronto
Francois Beauchemin -Toronto
Martin Biron -Toronto
Rob Blake -Toronto
Jay Bouwmeester - Toronto
Mike Cammalleri - Toronto
Erik Cole -Toronto
Ruslan Fedotenko -Toronto
Marian Gaborik -Toronto
Brian Gionta -Toronto
Bill Guerin -Toronto
Marty Havlat -Toronto
Marian Hossa -Toronto
Nik Khabibulin -Toronto
Mike Knuble -Toronto
Saku Koivu -Toronto
Mike Komisarek -Toronto
Ales Kotalik -Toronto
Alexei Kovalev -Toronto
Chad Larose -Toronto
Jere Lehtinen -Toronto
Jordan Leopold -Toronto
John Madden -Toronto
Chris Neil -Toronto
Scott Niedermayer -Toronto
Rob Niedermayer -Toronto
Mark Recchi -Toronto
Mikael Samuelsson -Toronto
Rob Scuderi -Toronto
Daniel Sedin -Toronto
Henrik Sedin -Toronto
Alex Tanguay -Toronto

This is according to a Toronto newspapers.

These have all been E5'ed by Ek.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So, not too surprisingly, Mike Babcock was named as the coach for Canada's Olympic hockey team.

I have always had mixed feelings when it comes to international hockey. While I pretty much always route for the US in international competitions, hockey has always been a bit more complicated because there have been so few great US-born Red Wings, so my loyalties tend to be divided.

I loved the fact that Yzerman and Shanahan won gold medals in 2004. I was happy for all the Wings' Swedish contingent in 2008. While I don't expect any Wings players to be on the 2010 Canadian National team, I think I'd really like to see them win because Yzerman is the GM and Babcock's the coach.

In any event, it should be a great tournament. Russia, Sweden and Canada should all be amazingly good teams. It will be really interesting to see what kind of team the US puts together since most of the old guard are officially gone. You thrown in the fact that the games will be in Vancouver and it's a recipe for a amazing series of games.

[DeToxRox]

So, not too surprisingly, Mike Babcock was named as the coach for Canada's Olympic hockey team.

I have always had mixed feelings when it comes to international hockey. While I pretty much always route for the US in international competitions, hockey has always been a bit more complicated because there have been so few great US-born Red Wings, so my loyalties tend to be divided.

I loved the fact that Yzerman and Shanahan won gold medals in 2004. I was happy for all the Wings' Swedish contingent in 2008. While I don't expect any Wings players to be on the 2010 Canadian National team, I think I'd really like to see them win because Yzerman is the GM and Babcock's the coach.

In any event, it should be a great tournament. Russia, Sweden and Canada should all be amazingly good teams. It will be really interesting to see what kind of team the US puts together since most of the old guard are officially gone. You thrown in the fact that the games will be in Vancouver and it's a recipe for a amazing series of games.

I think the USA can surprise some people. They're going to be fast and gritty. I suspect they will play no holds barred hockey and mix it up quite a bit with some other countries. It all depends on the goalies at this point. Miller and Thomas can do some damage, but they have to be spectacular for the USA to medal.

[Travis]

As much as I'd love to see Bouwmeester end up here, the only way it happens is if the Oilers deal two of Visnovsky, Souray and Gilbert. Personally I'm all for that. Souray being a big time sell high candidate and while I like Visnovsky's skill set, I'd rather see them keep Gilbert unless whatever deal they're looking to make requires them to throw in Gilbert rather than Souray or Lubo.

At this point I'm expecting at least 2 "big" moves out of the Oilers, possibly 3. One should be going after a top tier sniper (yes I'm looking at you Heatley) and my assumption is one D would be going back the other way. Second is for a goalie, though a lot of how that plays out will come down to how much Quinn likes Deslauriers and Dubnyk and whether the Oil are pursuing Gustavsson or not. This is probably where they'll look to free agency unless they want to make a huge splash, so I'm not assuming a D will get moved here (though obviously not out of the question). Last would be to move up in the draft from the #10 spot and that would be a prime chance to include a puck mover on the back end to sweeten the pot.

Oilers need to jettison some of their blue line salary in a big way. With Grebeshkov and Smid both due for raises, no way they can even think about Bouwmeester unless they have those other deals in place. If they do try to make it happen and only move one of the big three I'd have to assume that the trade for a sniper won't take place until during next season which could change a lot of player values a lot, so hard to guess who might go for what until much later.

[MikeVic]

It would be nice if the Oilers did something big. I don't follow very closely, but I still follow... I had a guy ask me who the Oilers' goalie was and I didn't even know. I thought it was still Rolosson.

[johnnyshaka]

It would be nice if the Oilers did something big. I don't follow very closely, but I still follow... I had a guy ask me who the Oilers' goalie was and I didn't even know. I thought it was still Rolosson.

Don't worry, nobody knows.

[RomaGoth]

Don't worry, nobody knows.

+1

[Maple Leafs]

It would be nice if the Oilers did something big. I don't follow very closely, but I still follow... I had a guy ask me who the Oilers' goalie was and I didn't even know. I thought it was still Rolosson.
In a few days it will be Vesa Toskala, but try to act surprised.

[RomaGoth]

In a few days it will be Vesa Toskala, but try to act surprised.

:eek: Toskala to Edmonton? :eek:

[Maple Leafs]

:eek: Toskala to Edmonton? :eek:
Hey, they said the Oilers wanted to do something big. This would be big.

Wait, did they mean "big" as in "positive"?

[MikeVic]

No please no Toskala. You can keep him. I'd rather sign... CuJo?

[RomaGoth]

No please no Toskala. You can keep him. I'd rather sign... CuJo?

You missed out on some guy named Ray Emery...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hey, they said the Oilers wanted to do something big. This would be big.

Wait, did they mean "big" as in "positive"?

If they meant "big" as in "large", shouldn't they just go for the whole enchilada and make a deal for Kyle Wellwood? (Assuming Kyle hadn't already eaten the enchilada, of course.)

[johnnyshaka]

If they meant "big" as in "large", shouldn't they just go for the whole enchilada and make a deal for Kyle Wellwood? (Assuming Kyle hadn't already eaten the enchilada, of course.)

We've already got a fat, lazy, overpaid, bum...Fred Penner...errrrr...I mean, Dustin.

[General Mike]

20% off at NHL Shop.

Code: AFFTP7 (case sensitive)

Good thru 6/30/09

Yeah, the stuff is overpriced to begin with, but I thought you guys might want to stock up on your 2009 Cup Champs gear.

:p

Thanks.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Most likely in his hometown of Edmonton. If not there, then probably NY Rangers or even Colorado. Just purely guesses on my part though.

I don't think NYR have the cap space. They'd need to move one of Redden Rozsival, Drury or Gomez....and that's not happening. At least not without the other team sending alot of cap clutter back, which still leaves them with no space.

Colorado...don't see that, only because they will struggle. If he is truthful in that he wants to win, and that's why he's leaving Florida, then Colorado is probably out.

Philly wants him badly, but until they move Randy Jones and Joffrey Lupul (a combine $7M in cap space) that's unlikely as well.

I could see Columbus make a big push for him. He'd fit there perfectly, and it's a team on the rise. Minnesota has space too. But, the Wild typically doesn't go after big names.

So that leaves...Detroit, who will sign him to a 16 year, $92M deal, $4.5M cap hit.

[Chief Rum]

We've already got a fat, lazy, overpaid, bum...Fred Penner...errrrr...I mean, Dustin.

:lol:

[Maple Leafs]

If they meant "big" as in "large", shouldn't they just go for the whole enchilada and make a deal for Kyle Wellwood? (Assuming Kyle hadn't already eaten the enchilada, of course.)
Making fun of somebody for being overweight is hurtful and wrong.

[Wolfpack]

First minor rumbling for Carolina on their players as Jim Rutherford all-but-officially said that Dennis Seidenberg is gone based on the salary expectations that Seidenberg and his agent were looking at. JR was semi-touting Frank Kaberle and his millstone no-trade contract as a viable replacement (though most Carolina fans are desperately hoping he'll play in the KHL or elsewhere overseas next year). If Kaberle is also gone, that leaves Carolina with five D's under contract, so they'll definitely be doing some shopping (even if he stays, they'd still go shopping, but at a pretty reduced budget).

One positive of Seidenberg leaving is that it increases the likelihood that Carolina has more room to re-sign LaRose, Ruutu, and Jokinen if they want (personally, I do want to keep those three for various reasons). I wouldn't mind Cole staying, either, but after that brief burst of great play after getting back to Raleigh, he pretty much disappeared statistically, especially in the playoffs. He'll have to take about a 50% pay cut or more for it to make sense for him to stay here again based on recent performance.

[Pyser]

i know no one here cares about the devils, but seriously, what sutter just did is very fucked up. and the devils get screwed since the cba prevents teams from getting compensation from coaches. extremely dangerous precedent was just set. contracts mean nothing for coaches.

[RomaGoth]

I don't think NYR have the cap space. They'd need to move one of Redden Rozsival, Drury or Gomez....and that's not happening. At least not without the other team sending alot of cap clutter back, which still leaves them with no space.

Colorado...don't see that, only because they will struggle. If he is truthful in that he wants to win, and that's why he's leaving Florida, then Colorado is probably out.

Philly wants him badly, but until they move Randy Jones and Joffrey Lupul (a combine $7M in cap space) that's unlikely as well.

I could see Columbus make a big push for him. He'd fit there perfectly, and it's a team on the rise. Minnesota has space too. But, the Wild typically doesn't go after big names.

So that leaves...Detroit, who will sign him to a 16 year, $92M deal, $4.5M cap hit.

Let us not forget that the Isles were the first ones to pull this crap with long-term contracts. Detroit is just smarter about it. I would love to see Bouwmeester wearing the winged wheel, but that is highly unlikely.

i know no one here cares about the devils

nobody anywhere cares about the devils

but seriously, what sutter just did is very fucked up. and the devils get screwed since the cba prevents teams from getting compensation from coaches. extremely dangerous precedent was just set. contracts mean nothing for coaches.

I agree. He screwed them and left without even leaving a note on the nightstand. I hope that in the next CBA there is something added to include this kind of garbage from coaches, or there will be a lot more of it in the future.

[Fidatelo]

I love these long contracts. I can't wait until 2014 when half the league has 1-2 players that have 6 or 7 years remaining on a contract that assumed they were going to maintain a level of production that they no longer can attain. Has no one in an NHL front office watched the NBA over the last decade? Signing someone to a deal over 5 years is an absolute crapshoot, it doesn't matter who the person is.

[RomaGoth]

Has no one in an NHL front office watched the NBA over the last decade?

No they have not, or the NHL would have a better tv contract than the Vs. network and it would not lag behind other exciting sporting events such as WSOP and World's Strong Man Competition. Fucking Bettman.

[Pumpy Tudors]

nobody anywhere cares about the devils
ice cold

[Suburban Rhythm]

First minor rumbling for Carolina on their players as Jim Rutherford all-but-officially said that Dennis Seidenberg is gone based on the salary expectations that Seidenberg and his agent were looking at. JR was semi-touting Frank Kaberle and his millstone no-trade contract as a viable replacement (though most Carolina fans are desperately hoping he'll play in the KHL or elsewhere overseas next year). If Kaberle is also gone, that leaves Carolina with five D's under contract, so they'll definitely be doing some shopping (even if he stays, they'd still go shopping, but at a pretty reduced budget).

One positive of Seidenberg leaving is that it increases the likelihood that Carolina has more room to re-sign LaRose, Ruutu, and Jokinen if they want (personally, I do want to keep those three for various reasons). I wouldn't mind Cole staying, either, but after that brief burst of great play after getting back to Raleigh, he pretty much disappeared statistically, especially in the playoffs. He'll have to take about a 50% pay cut or more for it to make sense for him to stay here again based on recent performance.

What is Seidenberg asking for?

He's a potential replacement for Rob Scuderi, who I am feeling more and more is gone. Seidenberg won't be as good as Scuds was in a PK and shutdown role, but he can do other things...like actually handle the puck.

I'd be curious about Jokinen in Pittsburgh if he wasn't asking alot. He'd be a (relatively) cheap option with Sid or Geno.

I really like Larose as a player, but with Kennedy and Talbot, and lesser degree Cooke, we have too many guys that do what he does.

[Tekneek]

I found something cool while perusing some player profiles for the draft.

Victor Hedman is the top rated European (by CSB) and lists Football Manager as his favorite game.

NHL.com - NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles: Hedman, Victor (http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=5325&sort=finalRank)

Video Game: FM '08 and FM '09

[Tekneek]

NHL.com - NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles: Erixon, Tim (http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=5264&sort=finalRank)

Video Game: Eastside Hockey Manager

[Ajaxab]

NHL.com - NHL Entry Draft Prospect Profiles: Erixon, Tim (http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftprospectdetail.htm?dpid=5264&sort=finalRank)

Video Game: Eastside Hockey Manager

Nice finds Tekneek. It tells you a lot about a person if they identify their favorite game as FM or EHM.

[Draft Dodger]

fake Brian Burke was Puck Daddy's #2 hockey blog story of the season
The Year in Hockey Blogs: Top 10 stories, trends and scandals - Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/The-Year-in-Hockey-Blogs-Top-10-stories-trends?urn=nhl,172596)

[sterlingice]

I keep forgetting to read DGB. Quality stuff every time and I end up spending an hour or two catching up.

SI

[Dr. Sak]

Bruins and Flyers will be playing in Fenway on Jan 1st.

[Maple Leafs]

fake Brian Burke was Puck Daddy's #2 hockey blog story of the season
The Year in Hockey Blogs: Top 10 stories, trends and scandals - Puck Daddy - NHL - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/The-Year-in-Hockey-Blogs-Top-10-stories-trends?urn=nhl,172596)
Because God forbid the Leafs ever win anything...

[Draft Dodger]

Because God forbid the Leafs ever win anything...

:)

[Maple Leafs]

Two recent statistical looks at drafting success, both of which come to the surprising conclusion that the Red Wings are bad at it.

Detroit isn't that great at Drafting (and other secrets): Draft Analysis*1994-2009 - Pension Plan Puppets (http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2009/6/21/920352/detroit-isnt-that-great-at)

A New Approach to Which NHL Teams Draft Best? (1999-2005) - Bird Watchers Anonymous (http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2009/6/24/922606/a-new-approach-to-which-nhl-teams)

[Wolfpack]

What is Seidenberg asking for?

He's a potential replacement for Rob Scuderi, who I am feeling more and more is gone. Seidenberg won't be as good as Scuds was in a PK and shutdown role, but he can do other things...like actually handle the puck.

I'd be curious about Jokinen in Pittsburgh if he wasn't asking alot. He'd be a (relatively) cheap option with Sid or Geno.

I really like Larose as a player, but with Kennedy and Talbot, and lesser degree Cooke, we have too many guys that do what he does.

I don't know what Seids's number is, but as JR put it, "Based on my conversation with his agent, and where they think he's at, he's a long way out of our reach." He made $1.2 mill last year. Also bear in mind that "out of our reach" in Carolina means something different than elsewhere as we aren't going to be spending up to the cap (probably at least $5-6 million under at best), so I'm guessing he went up to $2.5-3 mill or something in that range. Given that Carolina had $40 million on the books already, it was going to be hard to keep him, LaRose, Jokinen, Ruutu, Cole, et al, together anyway.

This won't really change anything in terms of whether Carolina becomes a serious buyer in free agency, though. I'm guessing they may try to make a run at someone, either at a wing position (if they don't take Cole back) or a d-man. Otherwise, they'll probably look to the AHL and the fairly good young talent in Albany to replenish things.

[RomaGoth]

Two recent statistical looks at drafting success, both of which come to the surprising conclusion that the Red Wings are bad at it.

Detroit isn't that great at Drafting (and other secrets): Draft Analysis*1994-2009 - Pension Plan Puppets (http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2009/6/21/920352/detroit-isnt-that-great-at)

A New Approach to Which NHL Teams Draft Best? (1999-2005) - Bird Watchers Anonymous (http://www.birdwatchersanonymous.com/2009/6/24/922606/a-new-approach-to-which-nhl-teams)

While I admit that I am a Red Wings homer, and I also admit that the spread sheets I looked at make very little sense to me, I am also wondering where some of the other players are that the Wings drafted? It appears that this article looks at Zetterberg and Datsyuk only. Jiri Fischer was a very good d-man before his career ended prematurely. What about Hudler? Filpulla? Franzen? I realize that most of these players have probably not reached the 200 game mark yet, but still...

I still believe that the Wings are a great drafting team. Focusing on one or two specific rounds is not going to change that fact.

[RomaGoth]

Dola

Came across some things that I will put here that somewhat validates what I said earlier about the Wings drafting...

The other thing that needs to be pointed out with Detroit is that their development system is so good because players take a long time to make the NHL. If Kronwall, Filpulla, and Hudler had been playing for Florida, all three would have over 300 games in the NHL by now, and players like Mowers and Helm would have been in the NHL a year and a half ago. They take it slow and it works, but it also negatively impacts on the stats you’re examining.

Detroit is a hard beast to gauge because of all these factors. But then again the same arguments can be made in reverse to some of the other organizations. I.E would so and so have made it through on another team?
The Tool is awesome to look back at the Data, but drafting really is a hard thing to qualify as there are so many variable factors from team to team.


Perhaps they are lucky in the later rounds, but they still have to spot the talent in the first place. It is disappointing, however, to see all of the first round flame outs in the past decade (Wallin, Kusnetsov, etc.).

[Mike Lowe]

Yeah, the Red Wings seriously need to reexamine the way they've been running their franchise.

Sincerely,

4 Stanley Cups since 1997

[DeToxRox]

I'd say scouting as a whole, Detroit takes the cake.

Just look at guys like Danny Cleary and Samuelsson. They were casted away and both were integral parts of the team. They always seem to find guys like that and put them in the best position to win which is why they're so successful.

[Fidatelo]

I'm not sure if it's scouting so much as player development. It seems like Detroit just knows how to properly bring a player along from prospect to pro, giving them a better than average chance to be successful. If you put talented people in the right scenarios and support them in effective ways, they will often succeed.

[DeToxRox]

I'm not sure if it's scouting so much as player development. It seems like Detroit just knows how to properly bring a player along from prospect to pro, giving them a better than average chance to be successful. If you put talented people in the right scenarios and support them in effective ways, they will often succeed.

This is it in a nutshell.

The experience a guy can get from 2-3 years as a featured guy in the AHL who gets 20 minutes a night is sometimes better then being a 4th line guy in the NHL playing 5-6 minutes a night in a checking role.

Detroit doesn't rush guys and let's them develop at their own pace. They however also have that luxury because they don't need their young kids to step in and be stars right away.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So the latest rumor was: Frolov, another player, 5th over all pick for Heatley.

Hrmmm....

[Tekneek]

I understand why teams would trade for Heatley. They are willing to take his offensive ability on, while having no heart or dedication. I wish they were willing to take a stand and force him to get over himself or retire, but that isn't the way they think.

[DataKing]

Hey Blue, I think you should add "1st Ballot Hall of Fame Inductee" to your sig. :D

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hey Blue, I think you should add "1st Ballot Hall of Fame Inductee" to your sig. :D

Thanks for reminding me. I started to do it the other day and then completely forgot what I was doing and why.

[RomaGoth]

I understand why teams would trade for Heatley. They are willing to take his offensive ability on, while having no heart or dedication. I wish they were willing to take a stand and force him to get over himself or retire, but that isn't the way they think.

This is why the Kings will never be seriously competitive. Why take on a guy like Heatley, who is clearly a selfish player with a questionable work ethic?

[RomaGoth]

Fedorov off to Russia, in case anyone didn't see this coming.

Sergei Fedorov, leaves Washington Capitals, signs two-year deal with Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4285795)

[DataKing]

Fedorov off to Russia, in case anyone didn't see this coming.

Sergei Fedorov, leaves Washington Capitals, signs two-year deal with Russian club Metallurg Magnitogorsk - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4285795)

Knew this was coming, but it's still a shame. Sergei's always been one of my favorite offensive players to watch. He may have lost a step when it comes to pure speed, but he's still one of the strongest skaters in the game...Ovechkin's gonna miss him.

[johnnyshaka]

Is that the team his brother is playing for? If so, makes a lot of sense.

[bbor]

I find Feds amazing.......not many players can switch from Forward to defence at a drop of a hat and play at the high level he does.Defence to forward i can see as it is a lot easier...but F to D is really tough.

[bbor]

Crazy Leaf trade rumour that i heard...well crazy for the Leafs IMHO...Kaberle and Leafs 1st for Kessel.

Kessel is a good player,but really....An extremely affordable #2 D-man and a 1st rounder for him...i think not.

[MikeVic]

I find Feds amazing.......not many players can switch from Forward to defence at a drop of a hat and play at the high level he does.Defence to forward i can see as it is a lot easier...but F to D is really tough.

Yeah, that impressed me a lot. I thought I misunderstood when I saw him play D.

[RomaGoth]

Crazy Leaf trade rumour that i heard...well crazy for the Leafs IMHO...Kaberle and Leafs 1st for Kessel.

Kessel is a good player,but really....An extremely affordable #2 D-man and a 1st rounder for him...i think not.

bbor, meet toronto maple leafs;

toronto maple leafs, meet bbor.

[DeToxRox]

Kessel under the media scrutiny of Toronto will be one of the funniest things ever. The kid is a loose cannon.

[claphamsa]

Anything that makes the leafs (or redwings) suck more is fine in my book!

[RomaGoth]

Anything that makes the leafs (or redwings) suck more is fine in my book!

Do I detect some Stanley Cup envy? ;)

[Honolulu_Blue]

So, reports indicate that next year's cap figure will be: $56.8 million.

So, that's a $100,000 increase over last year. The only reason for the increase is because, pursuant to a clause in the CBA, the NHLPA voted to increase the cap by 5%.

So, in reality, the cap fell by 5%, but the NHLPA's vote kept it pretty much where it was at last year.

[claphamsa]

Do I detect some Stanley Cup envy? ;)
yes cuz the leafs win every year.....

[Danny]

I have to watch the NHL draft with an online stream since I don't get Vs. channel.

[Logan]

Isles take Tavares, Lightning take Hedman.

[Logan]

Pronger to the Flyers.

[Chief Rum]

Okay, Flyers fans, tell me about Sbisa.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Okay, Flyers fans, tell me about Sbisa.

Until Sak gets here, I'll do my best.

He played the first 15-18 games in Philly, and by all accounts was very solid as an 18 year old who had zero expectations of making the team out of camp.

I don't think he did anyone one thing great, but several things pretty well. Good skater, solid positionally, good puck mover. Maybe a fringe top pairing guy, but no doubt in someone's top 4 for a very long time

That is based on 1 or 2 games though.

From all this I take-

Niedermayer must be returning.

Philly thinks they can extend Pronger.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

If my math is correct....Pronger was at $6.25M, Lupul at $4.5M and Sbisa under $1M on his entry deal.

Add in Emery +$1.5M...are the Flyers at the cap already?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Double Dola

Poor Joffrey Lupul...must not sleep well whenever he hears Pronger is available for trade.

[Chief Rum]

Until Sak gets here, I'll do my best.

He played the first 15-18 games in Philly, and by all accounts was very solid as an 18 year old who had zero expectations of making the team out of camp.

I don't think he did anyone one thing great, but several things pretty well. Good skater, solid positionally, good puck mover. Maybe a fringe top pairing guy, but no doubt in someone's top 4 for a very long time

That is based on 1 or 2 games though.

From all this I take-

Niedermayer must be returning.

Philly thinks they can extend Pronger.

Niedermayer is returning to play. No word yet, I believe on if he's returning to the Ducks, as he is an unrestricted free agent. That said, I think most people believe he will be returning to the Ducks.

I think Lupes is making $4.25 M, not that that $250K makes a difference, pretty sure the Flyers are at or near the cap.

I am happy for what Pronger did here with us, but I'm not too broken up seeing him go, especially since he's with an Eastern Conference team.

Lupes coming back? Hrm...well, no doubt he can do some scoring. But my understanding is that, since he left Anaheim, his devotion to defense has been, rather, undevotional. I wonder if Carlyle can beat it back into him that he needs to play both ways. Also, another RW? We needed a C, not a RW. Will there be any room to go after a C if we sign Nieds? I hope so...

[Chief Rum]

Double Dola

Poor Joffrey Lupul...must not sleep well whenever he hears Pronger is available for trade.

Heh...well, he's actually been traded once without Pronger being involved, too. ;)

When you think about it, we really just got the same deal back we dealt out to get Pronger in the first place.

Lupul, Smid, 2 1sts for Pronger
Pronger for Lupul, Sbisa and 2 1sts.

lol

[bhlloy]

I was a little disappointed but I'd never heard of Sbisa. If SR's evaluation is on the money, I guess it's a fair trade for both teams. Would have liked to get a better forward than Lupul but Sbisa sounds promising and 2 firsts is pretty nice even if they are towards the low end. For a guy who only really tries in the playoffs (with the Ducks anyway for the last 2 years, I have no doubt he'll play hard in Philly for at least a season) it's a pretty decent haul IMO.

Niedermayer is returning, which allowed the Ducks to pull the trigger on the Pronger deal so quickly.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Niedermayer is returning to play. No word yet, I believe on if he's returning to the Ducks, as he is an unrestricted free agent. That said, I think most people believe he will be returning to the Ducks.

I think Lupes is making $4.25 M, not that that $250K makes a difference, pretty sure the Flyers are at or near the cap.

I am happy for what Pronger did here with us, but I'm not too broken up seeing him go, especially since he's with an Eastern Conference team.

Lupes coming back? Hrm...well, no doubt he can do some scoring. But my understanding is that, since he left Anaheim, his devotion to defense has been, rather, undevotional. I wonder if Carlyle can beat it back into him that he needs to play both ways. Also, another RW? We needed a C, not a RW. Will there be any room to go after a C if we sign Nieds? I hope so...

But you have the Crusher-- Erik Christensen! ;)

[Chief Rum]

But you have the Crusher-- Erik Christensen! ;)

You know, I know you like to bag on him, and he didn't get off to a good start, but Christensen was okay in the playoffs. Not a top six guy, but decent offensive filler at least, and I suppose he has the potential for more. As long as we don't need to count on that potential, he can be a useful player to have.

The team website for Anaheim says Nieds is coming back and coming back to the Ducks. No details yet, but that's what it says. I guess he won't be testing free agency then (happy about that).

[henry296]

So, reports indicate that next year's cap figure will be: $56.8 million.

So, that's a $100,000 increase over last year. The only reason for the increase is because, pursuant to a clause in the CBA, the NHLPA voted to increase the cap by 5%.

So, in reality, the cap fell by 5%, but the NHLPA's vote kept it pretty much where it was at last year.

That is true, but the NHLPA has invoked the 5% clause every year; so it really hasn't changed relative to revenue.

[bhlloy]

CR - do you think the Ducks take a run at resigning Beauchemin now or go after another scorer? I guess it depends a lot on who is willing to pay for a guy coming off knee surgery and how close we feel Mikkelson and Festerling are to being legitimate starting NHL defensemen. I would certainly like him back at his 2008 level, not so much at his 09 playoff level (obviously understandable seeing as he hadn't played all season) In fact if he gets back to 08 level, I'm not sure there is that huge a dropoff from Pronger TBH the way Pronger has played in the regular season.

[Suburban Rhythm]

You know, I know you like to bag on him, and he didn't get off to a good start, but Christensen was okay in the playoffs. Not a top six guy, but decent offensive filler at least, and I suppose he has the potential for more. As long as we don't need to count on that potential, he can be a useful player to have.

The team website for Anaheim says Nieds is coming back and coming back to the Ducks. No details yet, but that's what it says. I guess he won't be testing free agency then (happy about that).

Actually, I loved him while he was here. I wasted money on a #16 jersey in 2005!

He's a good 2nd line center on a borderline playoff team. But like you said, you'd rather not have to depend on him

But your words are perfect for him- offensive filler. While he's been good on faceoffs, outside of that he does nothing of value that you'd be able to use him on your 3rd line, and mostly wasted on your 4th line with guys who can't get him the puck. During the regular season, he's nice to stash on your 4th line for the shootout. Actually, the way Miro Satan got used by the Pens in the playoffs would be a perfect scenario for EC until he showed consistency-- give him the odd shift with Ryan and Perry to try and move Getzlaf around.

He's got great offensive tools, but he just doesn't seem like he wants to compete.

[Chief Rum]

CR - do you think the Ducks take a run at resigning Beauchemin now or go after another scorer? I guess it depends a lot on who is willing to pay for a guy coming off knee surgery and how close we feel Mikkelson and Festerling are to being legitimate starting NHL defensemen. I would certainly like him back at his 2008 level, not so much at his 09 playoff level (obviously understandable seeing as he hadn't played all season) In fact if he gets back to 08 level, I'm not sure there is that huge a dropoff from Pronger TBH the way Pronger has played in the regular season.

I think they will still prioritize a second line center, so if it's an either or choice, I think Beauch will be sadly allowed to vamoosh.

What they're looking at it right now on the blueline is:

Niedermayer
Whitney
Wisniewski

as the top guys, followed by a host of prospects/young players in:

Sbisa
Mikkelssen
Festerling
Salcido

and then they'll probably bring back Brookbank, and maybe add a cheap vet plugger.

If Beauch will come back at a good price, I think they'll do it, but only if they're confident they will solve the second line center spots.

I am kinda hoping we trade Jiggy for that center. That would allow us to pay Beauch.

[bhlloy]

Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought as well. I would like him back, but I'm pretty sure somebody out there is going to give him some decent money.

Flyers fans on the blogs sound pretty devastated about losing Sbica. That sounds promising to me...

[johnnyshaka]

Really like that MSP fell to the Oilers.

That is all.

[Chief Rum]

I am hearing on the Ducks boards that Pronger sounded pissed in his Versus interview. That true? I feel a little bad, even if people hate on him. There was a part of his game that really worked for us, and he probably deserves more than to be shipped off at the drop of a hat. I hope he does well in Philly.

Turns out Lupes never got rid of his Newport Beach home. He was interviewed from there. I guess that's his permanent home again now.

[johnnyshaka]

Just heard Pronger on TSN and he said Philly was a on "the list" but who knows if that douche was just pandering to the media or what.

[Chief Rum]

I "like" the Holland pick. Sounds like a good replacement for Tangredi, another big center we shipped off to Pitt in the Whitney deal.

That said, the "like" is in quotes because I really wanted to get Schroeder. Is there any chance he lasts until 21? Please?

[Dr. Sak]

I'm not happy with the Flyers trading Sbisa...not at all. Lupul you can have. The guy is good when he wants to play...but that isn't all the time. His salary of 4.25 mil is a bit too much for his effort.

[johnnyshaka]

I "like" the Holland pick. Sounds like a good replacement for Tangredi, another big center we shipped off to Pitt in the Whitney deal.

That said, the "like" is in quotes because I really wanted to get Schroeder. Is there any chance he lasts until 21? Please?

Thought the Ducks would've been going for a D-man after dealing Pronger and Niedermayer likely hanging on for one more year...two tops.

[Chief Rum]

Thought the Ducks would've been going for a D-man after dealing Pronger and Niedermayer likely hanging on for one more year...two tops.

Actually, the Ducks have drafted a ton of D-men the past few years with their top picks, guys that may be reaching Anaheim in the next year or two. Organizationally, I am pretty sure they're hurting most on the wing now.

[Chief Rum]

Come to think of it, if he's healthy, Mitera might make the team next season.

I would like to get Gardner out of college, though, and into the pipeline.

[johnnyshaka]

Fair enough, I'll be the first to admit I'm not very familiar with the Ducks' farm system.

[Schmidty]

I saw that Red Wing trading down coming. It's not like it matters if it's in the 1st round. They'll find their guys.

[johnnyshaka]

Boy, what happened to all the crazy trading that was supposed to go down?? The Pronger deal was the only one involving players...right?

[General Mike]

There's always tomorrow.

[DeToxRox]

Detroit got decent value to deal down 3 spots. I am not really surprised considering how deep this draft is.

[Tekneek]

Pronger always bullshits when he gets traded. It doesn't matter what he thinks about it anyway, as we know from history. If Mrs. Pronger doesn't like it anymore, the trade demand is delivered. Since he is only on a 1 year contract, Philly gets a rental. If they decide to extend the contract, they better talk to Lauren too, else they will get a big surprise.

[DeToxRox]

As far as Pronger to Philly .. I am promising a bench clearer this year once he just trashes Crosby after the play.

[Suburban Rhythm]

As far as Pronger to Philly .. I am promising a bench clearer this year once he just trashes Crosby after the play.

Derian Hatcher is there as an asst coach now. "This is how I got him in the teeth!"

But yeah...difference between 3 seasons ago and now- Eric Godard. Minimal skills, but ape shit crazy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Bouwmeester to Calgary for Leopold and a 3rd round pick. Since both Bouwmeester and Leopold (I believe) are UFAs, I guess it's rights for rights plus a third rounder.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings drafted Landon Ferraro, son of Ray Ferraro. Welcome to the orginization Lil' Parm.

[samifan24]

Bouwmeester to Calgary for Leopold and a 3rd round pick. Since both Bouwmeester and Leopold (I believe) are UFAs, I guess it's rights for rights plus a third rounder.

Kevin Allen of USA Today wrote today that he was "being told" Bouwmeester wants to test the market on July 1.

[johnnyshaka]

Bouwmeester better not sign in Calgary...ARGH!!!

[Suburban Rhythm]

Bouwmeester better not sign in Calgary...ARGH!!!

Weren't they so far up against the cap last season, they only dressed 18 or 19 guys some games?

I guess they lose Cammalieri and Bertuzzi's salaries, but those guys need replace too.

[henry296]

Penguins draft Ulf Samuelsson's son in the second round.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins draft Ulf Samuelsson's son in the second round.

Beat me to it

The kid they got in the 3rd is the all time leading scorer in Minnesota HS history...but being said it was against the weakest competition.

73G 62A 135 pts in 31 games is just silly.

[johnnyshaka]

If they can sign him they definitely have to make a move to offload another big contract...my guess is Phaneuf because they could land some pretty impressive prospects/picks.

[DeToxRox]

Love the Ferraro and Tatar picks for Detroit. Both are smallish but possess speed and goal scoring ability. Ferraro is only 17 and Tatar was the kid who (thanks to the amazing goaltending of fellow Wing prospect Tommy McCallum) helped the Slovaks beat the USA in the WJC. I like his game a lot. You can't teach that kind of ability with the puck he has.

[DeToxRox]

I have read on two different (although neither were Wings related) forums that there is a rumor of Hossa signing a 12 year deal sometime soon, around that 4 mil per year mark. Most of the money would obviously be paid up front and chances are he'd be retired around 38 or 39.

I say do it. I know people are turned off by his playoff performance but he gives you 40 goals a year, he is able to play 20 minutes a night, and he allows for Leino to play on the big team.

Ditch Huds and Sammy, call up Helmer and Leino and while it hurts the cap this year, Holmer will probably be gone soon, as will Draper and Maltby.

I just think if you can get Hossa for 4 - 4.5 mil a year you have to do it. You make the room and live with it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have read on two different (although neither were Wings related) forums that there is a rumor of Hossa signing a 12 year deal sometime soon, around that 4 mil per year mark. Most of the money would obviously be paid up front and chances are he'd be retired around 38 or 39.

I say do it. I know people are turned off by his playoff performance but he gives you 40 goals a year, he is able to play 20 minutes a night, and he allows for Leino to play on the big team.

Ditch Huds and Sammy, call up Helmer and Leino and while it hurts the cap this year, Holmer will probably be gone soon, as will Draper and Maltby.

I just think if you can get Hossa for 4 - 4.5 mil a year you have to do it. You make the room and live with it.

I concur. I just don't know if Hossa would accept such a deal.

[DeToxRox]

I concur. I just don't know if Hossa would accept such a deal.

Agreed with that. I hope so though because I still like the guy a lot. And although he did struggle, he was also saddled with two walking wounded in the SCF when they played (Dats and Holmer) and he pressed badly. I think he of all people deserves a second chance and is a great fit here.

We shall see though.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Penguins draft Ulf Samuelsson's son in the second round.


And in the 5th draft Andy Bathgate, grandson of HHOF-er Andy Bathgate.

When's Austin Lemieux turn 18?

[Chief Rum]

Ping: Maple Leafs fans...

Burke is in Toronto
Allaire is in Toronto
Jiggy has given a list of teams he will accept a trade to, and (reportedly) Toronto is on the list...

Jiggy to Toronto?

[bbor]

Ping: Maple Leafs fans...

Burke is in Toronto
Allaire is in Toronto
Jiggy has given a list of teams he will accept a trade to, and (reportedly) Toronto is on the list...

Jiggy to Toronto?

I could see this happening IF The Swede goalie does'nt sign in T.O and Toskola gets moved.

[DeToxRox]

http://www.danielbradfordkelly.com/media/images/burkepissed.gif

[Maple Leafs]

Jiggy to Toronto?
Definitely, but only if Gustavsson says no and the Ducks will take back a salary. Other than that, yeah, it makes too much sense not to happen.

You guys want Toskala?

[Chief Rum]

Definitely, but only if Gustavsson says no and the Ducks will take back a salary. Other than that, yeah, it makes too much sense not to happen.

You guys want Toskala?

While I am sure the Ducks would take back salary, the only reason they do it is to clear sal cap space (which the Leafs have). So whatever salary they take back would have to be significantly less than Jiggy's salary and if the salary doesn't take care of a particular need for the Ducks, it would have to be short term, too, so the Ducks don't get in a situation where they already need to turn around and trade said same player off again.

[chrisj]

If they can sign him they definitely have to make a move to offload another big contract...my guess is Phaneuf because they could land some pretty impressive prospects/picks.

You're probably right - but you know, with Brent Sutter coming to Calgary I can't see him wanting Phaneuf traded given their connection from the Red Deer Rebels days...

... but if Darryl Sutter is trying to trade him, I'm wondering if it is because Brent has issues with his attitude? Which might make some GMs think twice.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Caught on ESPN earlier-

Holland saying he feels it's unlikely Hossa returns now.

[bbor]

Great flame war going down on Ek's site....looks like people are finally fed up with his BS and are asking for refunds...and he is giving them....Talk about losing any credibility he has left.

[samifan24]

Great flame war going down on Ek's site....looks like people are finally fed up with his BS and are asking for refunds...and he is giving them....Talk about losing any credibility he has left.

Which site? Is that the one that Eklund guy runs? I follow him on Twitter and was wondering how credible his information can be. He talks about meeting with sources all the time so I wondered if he knew what he's talking about...I guess that's not the case?

[bbor]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/boards/thread.php?thread_id=65825&forum_id=1"

[Honolulu_Blue]

Caught on ESPN earlier-

Holland saying he feels it's unlikely Hossa returns now.

In other not at all surprising former-Red Wing soon-to-be UFA news, Ty Conklin is not coming back. It looks like it's going to be the Chris Osgood/Jimmy Howard show!

Hopefully Osgood stays healthy and mentally fit for the vast majority of the season.

[bbor]

In other not at all surprising former-Red Wing soon-to-be UFA news, Ty Conklin is not coming back. It looks like it's going to be the Chris Osgood/Vesa Toskula show!

Hopefully Osgood stays healthy and mentally fit for the vast majority of the season.


Fixed!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Fixed!

There is going to be no Chris Osgood/Vesa Toskula show.

And I will not be tolerating anymore of this Vesa Toskula nonsense.

[bbor]

There is going to be no Chris Osgood/Vesa Toskula show.

And I will not be tolerating anymore of this Vesa Toskula nonsense.

Watched agame from 86 the other day on Leaf Classics......Det vs T.O.

6-0 leafs win....over 280 min in penalties.....Demers and Brophy almost going at it between the benches......Hanlon in net vs Bester.......and.....PETR KLIMA playing for the Wings.....killing penalties of all things.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Watched agame from 86 the other day on Leaf Classics......Det vs T.O.

6-0 leafs win....over 280 min in penalties.....Demers and Brophy almost going at it between the benches......Hanlon in net vs Bester.......and.....PETR KLIMA playing for the Wings.....killing penalties of all things.

I miss those days...

Killing penalties? That must have been a measure of last resort. Everyone else must have been kicked out of the game or too tired.

[johnnyshaka]

There is going to be no Chris Osgood/Vesa Toskula show.


What do ya mean? Osgood would be a solid replacement for Cujo in Toronto.

[Honolulu_Blue]

What do ya mean? Osgood would be a solid replacement for Cujo in Toronto.

http://www.danielbradfordkelly.com/media/images/burkepissed.gif

.

[RomaGoth]

In other not at all surprising former-Red Wing soon-to-be UFA news, Ty Conklin is not coming back. It looks like it's going to be the Chris Osgood/Jimmy Howard show!

Hopefully Osgood stays healthy and mentally fit for the vast majority of the season.

There is a silver lining here though. With Howard playing for the big club, this will give Larsson a chance to be the starter with GR. I think either him or McCollum is the future goalie for the Wings.

[Dr. Sak]

I actually hope the Flyers sign Conklin. Mainly because the guy I work with is really good friends with Conklin, they played hockey together and Conklin stayed with him while playing for Pittsburgh. So if he signs with the Flyers, I'll get great tix to Flyers game and get to hang out with the team!

[Honolulu_Blue]

I actually hope the Flyers sign Conklin. Mainly because the guy I work with is really good friends with Conklin, they played hockey together and Conklin stayed with him while playing for Pittsburgh. So if he signs with the Flyers, I'll get great tix to Flyers game and get to hang out with the team!

Consdering the Flyers are slated to play outdoors on Jan 1, I'd say your odds the Flyers hanging with Dr. Sak are looking pretty good.

[Dr. Sak]

Too bad they traded Lupul and Upshall...I really wanted to hang with the Legion of Poon.

[RomaGoth]

I actually hope the Flyers sign Conklin. Mainly because the guy I work with is really good friends with Conklin, they played hockey together and Conklin stayed with him while playing for Pittsburgh. So if he signs with the Flyers, I'll get great tix to Flyers game and get to hang out with the team!

I wonder if the Pens would sign him to back up Fleury? Don't the Flyers have Emery and Toskala? :D

[RomaGoth]

Question directed at HB or Detox. I thought that Illitch owned the Joe?

Detroit Red Wings want new arena lease from city - ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4289416)

[gstelmack]

Joe Louis Arena - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Louis_Arena)

Joe Louis Arena is owned by the city of Detroit and operated by Olympia Entertainment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympia_Entertainment), an Ilitch Holdings, Inc. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilitch_Holdings,_Inc.)-owned company.

[RomaGoth]

Joe Louis Arena - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Louis_Arena)

Aaah, didn't see the "Operated by" part of the deal before.

[Pumpy Tudors]

FOFC threads are where I get about 95% of my hockey news from, so I just have one question after reading this page of replies...

Who doesn't have Vesa Toskala?

If you're going to clone a goalie and ship him off to every team in the league, aren't there better choices? Craig Billington can't be doing much these days.

[RomaGoth]

FOFC threads are where I get about 95% of my hockey news from

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

[Suburban Rhythm]

Consdering the Flyers are slated to play outdoors on Jan 1, I'd say your odds the Flyers hanging with Dr. Sak are looking pretty good.
And then lose in the Finals. The old Ty Conklin hat trick...or something like that.

I wonder if the Pens would sign him to back up Fleury? Don't the Flyers have Emery and Toskala? :D

I'd welcome Conklin back, provided it was a 1 year deal worth the same $750K he made last year.

He was pretty instrumental in Fleury learning how to play the puck behind the net. And then Fleury forgot it all as soon as Conklin left.

[Pumpy Tudors]

:eek::eek::eek::eek:
Well, I used to get my hockey news from fake Brian Burke, but for some reason, he fell off the face of the earth.

[RomaGoth]

Well, I used to get my hockey news from fake Brian Burke, but for some reason, he fell off the face of the earth.

Nah, he just went to Toronto...;)

[RomaGoth]

Dola

Gotta love these old school hockey boys.

Brian Burke: 'I Don't Give a Rat's Ass What They Do in Pittsburgh or Detroit' -- NHL FanHouse (http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/06/25/brian-burke-i-dont-give-a-rats-ass-what-they-do-in-pittsburg/)

[JonInMiddleGA]

Dola

Gotta love these old school hockey boys.

Brian Burke: 'I Don't Give a Rat's Ass What They Do in Pittsburgh or Detroit' -- NHL FanHouse (http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2009/06/25/brian-burke-i-dont-give-a-rats-ass-what-they-do-in-pittsburg/)

Heh, I don't remember this quote, but it made me laugh.
On Alex Auld making the team: "There is no way Alex Auld was going to be on this team this year, unless he flew to France during the summer and bathed in the holy waters at Lourdes."

[Maple Leafs]

You couldn't make this up: Ottawa Senators brand baby pacifiers have been recalled, because they present a choking hazard.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Ottawa+Senators+infant+pacifiers+recalled+health+risk/1744459/story.html

[johnnyshaka]

You couldn't make this up: Ottawa Senators brand baby pacifiers have been recalled, because they present a choking hazard.

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Business/Ottawa+Senators+infant+pacifiers+recalled+health+risk/1744459/story.html

In all fairness, the article does state the following:

Also under the recall are pacifiers featuring the logos of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings, Health Canada said.

[Wolfpack]

Carolina signs their first RFA of the offseason as Jussi Jokinen is retained for basically $3.4 million over two years ($1.5 this year, $1.9 next year). I like this signing a good deal as Jokinen has proven versatility to play all the forward positions and did well to blend in on any line combination we put him on this year. As Carolina tends to be a playoff bubble team, his abilities in the shootout are something that the Hurricanes really need as well. The team's left a lot of points on the table the last few years because they couldn't win a shootout to save their lives at times.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Pens sign 2

Bill Guerin 1 year, being reported $2.8M

Craig Adams 2 years, $550K per

Guerin is a little higher than I hoped. Tkachuk's got $2.1M to stay in St Louis. But he'll play out this year and retire, really fit in well, and Sid and him seemed to have a great relationship (the anti-Recchi?)

Adams...that is less than the $750K he made this year. He's a perfect 4th line, knows his role, plays the PK and generally keeps his mouth closed and fills a spot. That he does it at $550K for a team up against the cap is even better.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Dola

CR and bhlloy-

no QO to Crusher Christensen? Does that mean we can have him back?

[bhlloy]

I guess not. Coming off shoulder surgery, I figure he's nice to pick up on the cheap but not worth the qualifying offer.

If the shoulder surgery makes him play any softer I'd rather him not even bother coming back. Brian Burke would have run him out of town by now :D

[Chief Rum]

Dola

CR and bhlloy-

no QO to Crusher Christensen? Does that mean we can have him back?

I'm a little surprised, but if it means we have the money to bring back Beauchemin and pay up on Wisniewski and still find a second line center, I'm down with it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Handful of others who didn't receive QO's:

Fredrik Sjostrom
Steve Eminger
Anthony Stewart
Marcel Goc
Lukas Kaspar
Dan Fritsche
Peter Olvecky
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen
Jeff Woywitka

Poor Jeff Woywitka...how many stops has he made now without really playing? Philly, Edmonton, St Louis...and probably missing somewhere.


Tollefson intrigues me a little. Turner, or other CBJ fans, any thoughts?
He'd strictly be a 3rd pairing guy in Pittsburgh, with Alex Goligoski. Can he be counted on to stay back while Gogo pushes the puck, or is he too busy looking for the big hit?

[bhlloy]

Tollefsen would be a great fit for the Ducks also IMO. Defensive minded, can skate and has a nasty attitude. I wouldn't mind seeing him here as the 6th/7th guy next year either.

[Draft Dodger]

Cody McCormick is another one the non-QO list

[TurnerONU22]

Tollefson intrigues me a little. Turner, or other CBJ fans, any thoughts?
He'd strictly be a 3rd pairing guy in Pittsburgh, with Alex Goligoski. Can he be counted on to stay back while Gogo pushes the puck, or is he too busy looking for the big hit?

I'd say its more of this. Tollefsen's is probably a 6/7th defensemen, but he's redundant on our roster (LH stay-at-home). He's a tough player, good at sticking up for his opponents, sound player around the net, but he's not a great skater and makes poor decisions with the puck when even slightly pressured. Biggest flaw is 'receiving the rush', he tends to come up and attempt to smash the winger against the boards, rather than staying in position.

[Dr. Sak]

Pens sign 2

Bill Guerin 1 year, being reported $2.8M

Craig Adams 2 years, $550K per

Guerin is a little higher than I hoped. Tkachuk's got $2.1M to stay in St Louis. But he'll play out this year and retire, really fit in well, and Sid and him seemed to have a great relationship (the anti-Recchi?)

Adams...that is less than the $750K he made this year. He's a perfect 4th line, knows his role, plays the PK and generally keeps his mouth closed and fills a spot. That he does it at $550K for a team up against the cap is even better.

I was actually hoping Adams would hit the free agent market and the Flyers would look at him. Like you said he's a good 4th liner and can play the PK.

Guerin might be a little high but its only 1 year. Just hope that he fares better than Gary Robers.

[RomaGoth]

I was actually hoping Adams would hit the free agent market and the Flyers would look at him. Like you said he's a good 4th liner and can play the PK.

Guerin might be a little high but its only 1 year. Just hope that he fares better than Mark Recchi.

fixed

[Dr. Sak]

fixed

I was referring to the Pens signing Gary Roberts to a 1 year deal and him getting hurt maybe 10 games into the season. (07-08)

[samifan24]

I'd always heard that Dan Fritsche was considered a big prospect but he hasn't done much in the NHL thus far. I don't know that he's had much of an opportunity in Columbus or New York or his most recent stop (forget where) but some team should sign him as a potential upside guy.

[MikeVic]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/90/248300831_7d3dec2351.jpg?v=0

[johnnyshaka]

Gomez to Montreal for Higgins per TSN.

Is Gainey on crack?

EDIT: http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283329

Looks like there are some spare parts involved. McDonagh was the Habs first rounder a few years ago...still several years away from making any impact...if he ever does.