2011-2012 NHL Off-Season Thread

[Galaxy]

With the season ending tomorrow night, I figured I would start this as well.

We all know of Atlanta moving to Winnipeg. The draft at the end of the month, with free agency opening July 1st.

It appears the Stars are shopping the rights of Brad Richards right now.

The Sabres re-signed RW RFA Drew Stafford to a 4-year, $16 million deal early in the month. His status was the centerpiece as to what they'll do in the off-season. I'm not sure that I like he deal. It's a big gamble, but I don't see better options in terms of value or talent in the free agency market.

[DaddyTorgo]

Foul.

You can't start the thread before the season is over.

[Galaxy]

Foul.

You can't start the thread before the season is over.

Sue me. :D

[DaddyTorgo]

Bite me. :D

Fixed that for you.

[Galaxy]

Fixed that for you.

Only Pumpy can bite me.

[Pyser]

the seasons been over for a lot of us for a loooong time. its nice to be able to post about our teams again

[DeToxRox]

A Czech paper claims Jagr is coming back to the NHL and will be looking at Detroit and Pittsburgh. Considering how reliable Russian papers have been, I am sure a Czech paper is just as impeccable.

[bbor]

A Czech paper claims Jagr is coming back to the NHL and will be looking at Detroit and Pittsburgh. Considering how reliable Russian papers have been, I am sure a Czech paper is just as impeccable.


Not Montreal? I had heard they were going after him hard.

[Dr. Sak]

I hope Pittsburgh signs Jagr.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think this will be 3 consecutive offseasons with the return of Jagr rumors. And RW is an area of need. And Jagr has said multiple times he still looks up to Lemieux, so if there is a guy who can convince Jagr to play one more NHL season, he owns the Pens.

All that said...it just doesn't make sense. His game doesn't fit their style as much...though him and Sid could hold the puck down low for 15 minutes in the 3rd and chew up the clock if Pittsburgh has a lead.

[britrock88]

(insert comment about Jim Rutherford perpetually mishandling the Canes' FA-to-be defensemen)

[DaddyTorgo]

Bruins in great shape this offseason.

Everybody signed except Ryder & Recchi. $10m under the cap. Seguin to be promoted presumably.

[Galaxy]

Bruins in great shape this offseason.

Everybody signed except Ryder & Recchi. $10m under the cap. Seguin to be promoted presumably.

Is Recchi retiring?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Is Recchi retiring?

Yes.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Bruins in great shape this offseason.

Everybody signed except Ryder & Recchi. $10m under the cap. Seguin to be promoted presumably.

Kaberle? Not that he's worth bringing back, but that's top 4 minutes to replace.

Marchand is restricted, and will see a nice raise from rookie deal, but nothing that breaks the bank.

[samifan24]

Yes, Kaberle is a UFA. I would've bet anything that they'd resign him right after the trade but he was a huge disappointment and was really the team's 4th defenseman down the stretch and in the playoffs (Chara/Seidenberg/Boychuk) and I'm not sure the Bruins will pay up to retain him if they think he's going to keep playing the same way next season.

[DaddyTorgo]

That's right...my bad...I forgot Kaberle.

Yeah...not sure they'll resign him. They have McQuaid and some others that could sort of...bump up the depth-chart on D. Plus there will be UFA's out there for sure.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Yes, Kaberle is a UFA. I would've bet anything that they'd resign him right after the trade but he was a huge disappointment and was really the team's 4th defenseman down the stretch and in the playoffs (Chara/Seidenberg/Boychuk) and I'm not sure the Bruins will pay up to retain him if they think he's going to keep playing the same way next season.

I'd think they could get him cheap(er) now...but I wouldn't want him back. He was pretty invisible in most B's playoff games I caught.

I assume Seguin (full-time) and Jordan Caron are the likely candidates to replace Recchi and Ryder? Seguin's cap number could jump, only because with increased playing time, he's more than likely to reach the incentives in his deal, taking his cap hit from $850K to $3M+.

[Wolfpack]

(insert comment about Jim Rutherford perpetually mishandling the Canes' FA-to-be defensemen)

Meh. There wasn't going to be much shot of re-signing Pitkanen and I'll wager that while JR probably fielded a good number of offers for him at the deadline, that he probably wanted a godfather offer to part with him in exchange for increasing the chances of missing the playoffs (and the resulting extra revenue--Karmanos was and is still working on bringing in minority investors and it'd be easier to make a sales pitch by not being in a fire sale mode).

The pricklier thing this offseason is what to do about the forwards: Cole, Jokinen, and LaRose are UFAs. Cole played great this year, but he has a tendency to elevate his game in contract years (not unusual), but his injury history and the fact that he's well on the wrong side of 30 now leads me to think that unless he gets a deal at or just above what he's got now, he'd be overpaid. I'd rather have Jokinen, even though his shootout luck seems to have diminished. He's a versatile, multi-position, multi-line chameleon of a forward who seems to work well anywhere on the roster. LaRose is hard for me to figure out. He was horrid in +/- this year, but that could be a result of overslotting when he should be at best a third-liner. However, what he brings in chemistry and drive is very hard to replace. When he scored the goal that cut Tampa's lead to 4-2 in the third in the last game, his reaction showed that he seemed to be the only guy out there who still wanted to fight on and try to come back and that meant something to me. I contrast it with what I saw was still a rather defeated looking bench at the same time even after the goal was scored.

We've also got this supposedly great stash of young players in Charlotte, but for whatever reason they aren't sticking when they come up and the team doesn't seem hugely willing to clear space to let them come up by default. It's life on the bubble, I suppose.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Per Bob McKenzie on Twitter

I'm told the upper limit of the 2011-12 NHL salary cap will be $64 million. The lower limit, or floor, will be $48 million.<!-- / message -->

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

NJ/Parise and Nashville/Weber headed to arbitration.

Mainly moves on the team's behalf to avoid offer sheets.

[Doug5984]

So I read the Rangers can't buy out Drury, how is this going to affect their play in the FA market, mainly Richards- I've been reading for like a year now that Richards is going to end up in NY and I'm just wondering if this will hurt the Rangers ability to spend in free agency. Once the season starts Drury goes LTIR and they are good to go.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Lidstrom back...again.

[Logan]

Tough to say right now because it's not definitive yet that Drury actually does file the paperwork on the injury, but from what I read it won't prohibit them from getting Richards. It will make the Wolski buyout much more likely to happen though, as the effect would be about the same.

[Suburban Rhythm]

My understanding of the Rangers situation is, while Drury will be placed on LTIR, thus making his cap space available, that move can not be made until October. While teams are allowed to go 10% over the cap during the summer (With the numbers above, up to $70M now), it hurts them when trying to sign UFAs, like Richards.

As Logan says, they'd need to make other moves, like Wolski, if they are unable to buyout Drury.

[bronconick]

My understanding of the Rangers situation is, while Drury will be placed on LTIR, thus making his cap space available, that move can not be made until October. While teams are allowed to go 10% over the cap during the summer (With the numbers above, up to $70M now), it hurts them when trying to sign UFAs, like Richards.

As Logan says, they'd need to make other moves, like Wolski, if they are unable to buyout Drury.

They also have Redden essentially taking up their 10% overage.

[Suburban Rhythm]

They also have Redden essentially taking up their 10% overage.

Completely forgot he existed. I can't access capgeek here, but I know there is a buyout calculator there. Wondering if Redden is an candidate for a buyout?

[Logan]

Completely forgot he existed. I can't access capgeek here, but I know there is a buyout calculator there. Wondering if Redden is an candidate for a buyout?

Nope. There's been some very light talk that he might just end up walking away from his deal. Nothing meaningful enough though. He'll likely just keep on withering away in Hartford.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lidstrom back...again.

I had a feeling he would be back.

Very good news. A Lidstromless Wings scares me...

With Rafalski retiring and the cap going up as it is, the Wings all of a sudden find themselves with quite a bit cap space. Sadly, other than finding a top 4 d-man to fill Rafalski's spot, there really isn't all that much to spend all of those fat loots on. And just because you have the space, doesn't mean you should spend it. Bad contracts are an albatross and Stuart and Kronwall will be UFA's after this year.

[Honolulu_Blue]

My understanding of the Rangers situation is, while Drury will be placed on LTIR, thus making his cap space available, that move can not be made until October. While teams are allowed to go 10% over the cap during the summer (With the numbers above, up to $70M now), it hurts them when trying to sign UFAs, like Richards.

As Logan says, they'd need to make other moves, like Wolski, if they are unable to buyout Drury.

Why doesn't Drury just retire? If he knows he can't play, hang them up. Sure, he'll lose out on his last year of his contract, and that's a lot of money to walk away from, but he's made a ton of money. Is there anything other than losing out on the money (which is not small potatoes) preventing him from retiring?

Rafalski knew that he was really too banged up to play anymore and hung them up instead of just sticking with the team and spending the bulk of the year in the press box earning his salary.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lidstrom's deal is $6.2 million.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I had a feeling he would be back.

Very good news. A Lidstromless Wings scares me...

With Rafalski retiring and the cap going up as it is, the Wings all of a sudden find themselves with quite a bit cap space. Sadly, other than finding a top 4 d-man to fill Rafalski's spot, there really isn't all that much to spend all of those fat loots on. And just because you have the space, doesn't mean you should spend it. Bad contracts are an albatross and Stuart and Kronwall will be UFA's after this year.

I think that's the problem. There isn't anyone who the Wings should want to sign to a longer term deal who can maybe step up and eat some of Lidstrom's minutes when he finally does retire. Ehrhoff and Pitkaken might be long term options, and Kaberle short term, although IMO he's been garbage for a few years now.

Why doesn't Drury just retire? If he knows he can't play, hang them up. Sure, he'll lose out on his last year of his contract, and that's a lot of money to walk away from, but he's made a ton of money. Is there anything other than losing out on the money (which is not small potatoes) preventing him from retiring?

Rafalski knew that he was really too banged up to play anymore and hung them up instead of just sticking with the team and spending the bulk of the year in the press box earning his salary.

I agree that retiring if he can't continue is the "right" to do. But, easy for us to sit here and say that.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think that's the problem. There isn't anyone who the Wings should want to sign to a longer term deal who can maybe step up and eat some of Lidstrom's minutes when he finally does retire. Ehrhoff and Pitkaken might be long term options, and Kaberle short term, although IMO he's been garbage for a few years now.

Whoever they sign this year, Pitkaken, Ehrhoff, Wisneiwski or the like will be seen as Rafalski's "long term" replacement. Once Lidstrom retires (next year? Or whenever), hopefully there will be some top end defensemen available to take over that role. Shea Weber? Ryan Suter? Hrmm...


I agree that retiring if he can't continue is the "right" to do. But, easy for us to sit here and say that.

Oh, definitely. That's why I kept qualifying my statement about walking away from that kind of money. Again, Rafalski did it. And everything you hear about Drury being the ultimate team guy and what not, you'd think he would be a candidate for it, but he certainly is under no obligation. The Rangers signed him to that deal. He has every right to earn every penny coming his way.

[Logan]

I agree that retiring if he can't continue is the "right" to do. But, easy for us to sit here and say that.

The money he would be walking away from if he retires is actually only about $1.6 million...the difference between his $5 million salary and what would be the buyout amount. He's been extremely well compensated for his time here, with basically no production over the past two years (he was outscored by Lundqvist this season). Is that money worth pissing off the franchise you grew up loving? That's his call. He'll continue to get booed mercilessly if he shows up at MSG post-retirement.

There's certainly a hope that he will live up to that C on his jersey and do what he can to help the team.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Saw a great post at HF saying the Rangers should trade Drury to Montreal for Gomez, then buyout Gomez.

;)

[Suburban Rhythm]

Whoever they sign this year, Pitkaken, Ehrhoff, Wisneiwski or the like will be seen as Rafalski's "long term" replacement. Once Lidstrom retires (next year? Or whenever), hopefully there will be some top end defensemen available to take over that role. Shea Weber? Ryan Suter? Hrmm...



See earlier post re: Nashville taking Weber to arbitration.

Quick look at 2012 UFAs to be:

Ryan Suter
JM Liles
Dennis Wideman
Brent Burns
Matt Carle
Braydon Coburn
Beauchemin
Jeff Finger!
(and Kronwall and Stuart as you said earlier)

....oh and Colin White.

[Honolulu_Blue]

See earlier post re: Nashville taking Weber to arbitration.

Quick look at 2012 UFAs to be:

Ryan Suter
JM Liles
Dennis Wideman
Brent Burns
Matt Carle
Braydon Coburn
Beauchemin
Jeff Finger!
(and Kronwall and Stuart as you said earlier)

....oh and Colin White.

I know about the arbitration. I believe it's possible that, as a result of the aribitration process, that Weber ends up signing 1 year deal with Nashville and becomes a UFA next year. Which is why I mentioned him.

I don't think that will happen. In fact, I don't think he'll even make it to arbitration.

Other than Suter and Brent Burns, no one on that list is particularly exciting. And if the Preds break the bank to sign Weber for the long haul, they may not have the monies to retain Suter.

[Suburban Rhythm]

A Czech paper claims Jagr is coming back to the NHL and will be looking at Detroit and Pittsburgh. Considering how reliable Russian papers have been, I am sure a Czech paper is just as impeccable.

I hope Pittsburgh signs Jagr.

I think this will be 3 consecutive offseasons with the return of Jagr rumors. And RW is an area of need. And Jagr has said multiple times he still looks up to Lemieux, so if there is a guy who can convince Jagr to play one more NHL season, he owns the Pens.

All that said...it just doesn't make sense. His game doesn't fit their style as much...though him and Sid could hold the puck down low for 15 minutes in the 3rd and chew up the clock if Pittsburgh has a lead.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_743173.html

[Logan]

A Petr Svoboda sighting!

[Suburban Rhythm]

The best part of the article is somehow Lemieux is trying to make contact with Jagr, but hasn't yet. And who revealed this information? Not Lemieux, or Svoboda....but ex-Pen and Czech teammate Robert Lang.

Like Lemieux couldn't reach Jagr, had Lang's number and tried him to see if he knew where Jaromir might be.

[Logan]

Courtesy of a DGB Twitter link, this blew my mind:

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lj3uoomhnC1qib4uqo1_400.jpg

[Honolulu_Blue]

I saw this morning that it was reported that Bryzgalov was asking for around $7 million a year. That's craziness.

The Jagr thing continues to drag on... Very boring now. All of this talk now is negotiating tactics. If he signs with the Wings, I think it will be fun to watch (I hope). If not, well, then, that's fine too.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Changes to Rule 48

Board of Governors approves changes to two rules - NHL.com - News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=566579&navid=mod-rr-headlines)

Targeted head hits from any direction on the ice will be subject to a two-minute minor penalty under Rule 48 starting with the 2011-12 NHL season.

The NHL's Board of Governors on Tuesday approved changes to the wording of Rule 48 that were initially passed by the League's general managers and then the Competition Committee at meetings in Boston during the Stanley Cup Final.

Rule 48 previously provided the on-ice officials with the ability to call a major penalty for any targeted head hit from the lateral or blind side, but the re-written rule no longer includes the words lateral or blind side, and the major penalty provision has been replaced by the minor penalty provision.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lidstrom just bagged his 7th Norris.

[bhlloy]

Changes to Rule 48

Board of Governors approves changes to two rules - NHL.com - News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=566579&navid=mod-rr-headlines)

I'm confused - so they changed the rule to take out the "blind side" wording, but now the refs can only call it a minor instead of a major? Or can they call either?

[Suburban Rhythm]

I'm confused - so they changed the rule to take out the "blind side" wording, but now the refs can only call it a minor instead of a major? Or can they call either?

Under the earlier rule, a hit deemed to fall under Rule 48 was a major.
Under the new rule, a hit deemed to fall under Rule 48 will be a minor. Just like any other minor, under the referees discretion, it can be called a major penalty.

I like the fact they are trying to remove more headshots. I hate the fact they are putting more discretion in the hands of the referees to determine 1) was there contact with the head 2) was the head targeted and 3) was it egregious enough that it should earn a major.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

PING Sak

Is this stuff true with Bryzgalov asking for/allegedly getting $7M a year??
As a Penguins fan, I want nothing more than the Flyers to do something like this, but it really can't be true, right?

[Fidatelo]

Updates from Winnipeg (for anyone who cares):
- Our inaugural home opener is Oct 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.
- Our nickname and coach are both expected to be announced 'sometime this weekend'. We'll have generic NHL jerseys to give drafted players tomorrow.
- I'm not sure if they will have logos/jerseys ready to go at the same time, but I suspect they will as they have said they are worried about counterfeit merchandise filling any void between the announcement of the nickname and the availability of official swag.

[bhlloy]

I like the fact they are trying to remove more headshots. I hate the fact they are putting more discretion in the hands of the referees to determine 1) was there contact with the head 2) was the head targeted and 3) was it egregious enough that it should earn a major.

Yeah, exactly. You put in a tougher rule and then you let the refs penalize it less? What kind of message is that sending?

Not to mention the room for controversy and second guessing "yeah it was a hit to the head but it wasn't a major penalty" or "how could that only be a minor he nearly killed the guy". This is a horrible move IMO.

Stunned to see Perry win the MVP, absolutely awesome. If the definition of an MVP is somebody who without their team would have been nowhere near the playoffs, definitely deserved. And another trophy that the girly man Sedin's didn't win :p

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

PING Sak

Is this stuff true with Bryzgalov asking for/allegedly getting $7M a year??
As a Penguins fan, I want nothing more than the Flyers to do something like this, but it really can't be true, right?

Allow myself to quote...myself

From Kyle Woodlief's mock draft-

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2011-06-22-red-line-report-mock-nhl-draft_n.htm


8. Columbus —Ryan Murphy (http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Celebrities/Directors,+Producers,+Writers/Ryan+Murphy). We fully expect that Philadelphia will be making this eighth selection come draft day after trading Jeff Carter (http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/People/Athletes/NHL/Jeff+Carter) and his salary to Columbus in order to pave the way for the Ilya Bryzgalov (http://content.usatoday.com/topics/topic/Ilya+Bryzgalov) signing. But either way, Columbus and Philly could both use a dynamic offensive force from the back end.

[Doug5984]

With openers being released, how much longer until the schedule comes out?

This is the year I make a trip to see my first live NHL game, just have to find a weekend that works.... I'm really hoping for a home Nashville game Dec 10th, the same weekend the Saints will be in Nashville to play the titans.

[Honolulu_Blue]

With openers being released, how much longer until the schedule comes out?

This is the year I make a trip to see my first live NHL game, just have to find a weekend that works.... I'm really hoping for a home Nashville game Dec 10th, the same weekend the Saints will be in Nashville to play the titans.

I think the schedule is due out today.

[Sublime 2]

Allow myself to quote...myself

From Kyle Woodlief's mock draft-

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/woodlief/2011-06-22-red-line-report-mock-nhl-draft_n.htm

Outside of what you guys are talking about, but I really hope Murphy falls to the Bruins at 9. Thank you Phil Kessel.

[Fidatelo]

I think the schedule is due out today.

Yep, this afternoon.

[bronconick]

So, what's everyone think about the NHL possibly going to a 16/14 conference split with 8 team divisions in the East and 7 in the West? Winnipeg moves west and Columbus/Detroit moves east.

Edit: Apparently first round of playoffs would be "divisional play", whatever that means, but not the full Norris/Patrick 2 rounds like the 80's and early 90's.

[Logan]

I think it's an advantage to playing out West.

[Galaxy]

So, what's everyone think about the NHL possibly going to a 16/14 conference split with 8 team divisions in the East and 7 in the West? Winnipeg moves west and Columbus/Detroit moves east.

Edit: Apparently first round of playoffs would be "divisional play", whatever that means, but not the full Norris/Patrick 2 rounds like the 80's and early 90's.

That's got Gary Bettman written all over it. Which means it's likely a dumb idea.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think...I'm confused. Both conferences are currently 15 teams.

Winnipeg (Atlanta) moves from the East to West, making it 16-14. Then Columbus/Detroit moves East, back to 15-15. Unless you are saying both teams would move East. Which, I just don't see happening.

And, I think it's much more likely Nashville be the team moved. Without calculating it out, I'm thinking Nashville is closer to the teams in the SE overall than another team that might get bumped to make room for Detroit, say Pittsburgh or Philly.

[Galaxy]

So, what's everyone think about the NHL possibly going to a 16/14 conference split with 8 team divisions in the East and 7 in the West? Winnipeg moves west and Columbus/Detroit moves east.

Edit: Apparently first round of playoffs would be "divisional play", whatever that means, but not the full Norris/Patrick 2 rounds like the 80's and early 90's.

Are you sure that's right?

Report: Gary Bettman proposes major NHL realignment - NHL - Sporting News (http://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2011-06-23/report-gary-bettman-proposes-major-nhl-realignment-winnipeg-detroit-red-wings)

Looks like it could be a 15 team per conference, 2 divisions per conference (8 in one and 7 in the other) alignmenthttp://aol.sportingnews.com/nhl/story/2011-06-23/report-gary-bettman-proposes-major-nhl-realignment-winnipeg-detroit-red-wings?

It could also set up the NHL to add two teams (I know, not what they need right now) down the line. I absolutely hate the idea that the top 4 teams in each division would make the playoffs.

[Logan]

In that case...it's an advantage to playing in the 7 team division.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So, what's everyone think about the NHL possibly going to a 16/14 conference split with 8 team divisions in the East and 7 in the West? Winnipeg moves west and Columbus/Detroit moves east.

Edit: Apparently first round of playoffs would be "divisional play", whatever that means, but not the full Norris/Patrick 2 rounds like the 80's and early 90's.

I read that the conferences would be balanced: Each having one 8 team division and one 7 team division.

The top for teams from each division make the playoffs.

First round would be "divisional play." That means that the top seed in each division would play the fourth seed in that division and the second and third seeds in that division would play. So, unlike now, there would be no inter-divisional playoff games in the first round.

After the first round, the four remaining teams in each conference would be re-seeded, by record or divisional ranking I would guess. Similar how it's done to day.

I don't think that's too terrible an idea. I like the idea of the first round being strictly "divisional play." The league tried to make divisional games more important and spark divisional rivalries coming out of the lockout when they had each team playing some very high number of divisional games this year. It didn't really work. The main reason is that rivalries tend to develop in playoff series. If you want two teams to hate each other, make them play each other in the playoffs.

[Galaxy]

I don't think that's too terrible an idea. I like the idea of the first round being strictly "divisional play." The league tried to make divisional games more important and spark divisional rivalries coming out of the lockout when they had each team playing some very high number of divisional games this year. It didn't really work. The main reason is that rivalries tend to develop in playoff series. If you want two teams to hate each other, make them play each other in the playoffs.

I think they went overkill with the whole 3 home, 3 away regular season divisional games.

[Fidatelo]

I don't think that's too terrible an idea. I like the idea of the first round being strictly "divisional play." The league tried to make divisional games more important and spark divisional rivalries coming out of the lockout when they had each team playing some very high number of divisional games this year. It didn't really work. The main reason is that rivalries tend to develop in playoff series. If you want two teams to hate each other, make them play each other in the playoffs.

The other problem with the current setup is rather than make Edmonton v Calgary feel like an intense rivalry, they play each other so often it becomes "just another game against Calgary". In the case of rivalries, less is often more.

[bronconick]

CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - NHL - NHL maps out major changes (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2011/06/22/18321961.html?cid=rsssportsslam%21%20hockey)

Here's what I got. He contradicts himself, first saying that Columbus and Detroit both get their wish to move East, but each conference would have one of 8 and one of 7.

Edit: Unless the conferences are no longer going to be East/West, in which case Detroit/Columbus don't improve their postseason time zone travel as much.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I think they went overkill with the whole 3 home, 3 away regular season divisional games.

Wasn't it 4 and 4 initially and then they cut it back to 3 and 3? I can't remember exactly.

I actually don't find 3 and 3 against divisional opponents to be overkill. I believe it's a smaller percentage of the overall schedule than the NFL's 1 and 1 setup. Not sure how it compares to NBA or MLB, though MLB is a different beast all together.

[Galaxy]

Wasn't it 4 and 4 initially and then they cut it back to 3 and 3? I can't remember exactly.

I actually don't find 3 and 3 against divisional opponents to be overkill. I believe it's a smaller percentage of the overall schedule than the NFL's 1 and 1 setup. Not sure how it compares to NBA or MLB, though MLB is a different beast all together.

I think you're right. I think it's hard to compare to the NFL.

I like the idea of a home-and-home series against every team in the league. Something I've missed.

The possible good news is that the Islanders might finally be getting their new arena.

http://www.buffalonews.com/wire-feeds/24-hour-national-news/article464609.ece

[Honolulu_Blue]

I like the idea of a home-and-home series against every team in the league. Something I've missed.

I agree with this. That should be a minimum, which would likely involve shaving some of the intra-divisional games.

[bhlloy]

In that case...it's an advantage to playing in the 7 team division.

A pretty serious advantage - with a 7 team division some pretty hilarious possibilities for teams under .500 to get in at the expense of much better teams in the 8 team division on a regular basis I would have thought. Just another brilliant Bettman idea. Let's propose a playoff system that is inherently unfair to 14 out of 30 teams in the league.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Wasn't it 4 and 4 initially and then they cut it back to 3 and 3? I can't remember exactly.

I actually don't find 3 and 3 against divisional opponents to be overkill. I believe it's a smaller percentage of the overall schedule than the NFL's 1 and 1 setup. Not sure how it compares to NBA or MLB, though MLB is a different beast all together.

Yes, used to be 8 divisional games. I remember this because Pens went 8-0 vs. Philly in the 2007 season.

Edit to add: If it is going to be top 4 of each division make the playoffs, I am in favor of going back to 8 games vs. divisional opponents. Those are the teams you are competing against for a postseason spot. A team who plays well in their division should be rewarded with that spot rather than a team who does well outside of their division.

[DaddyTorgo]

A pretty serious advantage - with a 7 team division some pretty hilarious possibilities for teams under .500 to get in at the expense of much better teams in the 8 team division on a regular basis I would have thought. Just another brilliant Bettman idea. Let's propose a playoff system that is inherently unfair to 14 out of 30 teams in the league.

Actually it's worse - it's unfair to 16/30 (all of the teams in the 8 team divisions). So it would be unfair to a majority of teams in the league - for no good reason.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Schedule is out

Bruins open against Philly; Winnipeg to host Habs - NHL.com - Schedule (http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=566826&navid=DL|NHL|home)

2011-2012 regular season NHL team schedules - NHL.com - Schedule (http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=69865&navid=mod-rr-headlines)


All 30 teams play on the final day of the season, 4/7/12

[bhlloy]

Actually it's worse - it's unfair to 16/30 (all of the teams in the 8 team divisions). So it would be unfair to a majority of teams in the league - for no good reason.

lol yeah good catch. I can't believe this is seriously being considered, or the board of governors would ever pass it

[chrisj]

I'm not sure you'll ever come up with a system that is fair to everyone.

Just look at this year... Vancouver finished first overall, but had a huge advantage playing 24 games vs teams that didn't make the playoffs. What if they had to play in the central with Detroit, Nashville and Chicago instead of Edmonton, Calgary and Colorado? (might not be as big advantage now that you play 6 games vs division rivals compared to when it was 8... but it is still an advantage)

[Doug5984]

Jeff Carter traded to Columbus? Looks like for Voracek, # 8, & 3rd rounder

[DeToxRox]

Steve Levy just tweeted Versteeg to the Flyers but that was all he said.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Steve Levy just tweeted Versteeg to the Flyers but that was all he said.

Versteeg was already in Philly. Out of Philly?

Edit- Looks like to Florida. Which makes sense, with Tallon there.

Double Edit - Bobby Mac saying reports of Versteeg to Florida are false.

[DeToxRox]

Too many incoming tweets, my mind was boggled. Obviously meant Florida.

GMillerTSN Gord Miller by CaptainOrange18
Mike Richards to LA for a package including Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds? Hearing from good sources that it could happen.

[DeToxRox]

TSNBobMcKenzie Bob McKenzie
Unconfirmed reports that Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds would be PHI bound. But not done yet. Could happen. Stay tuned.

Eklund initially broke this too. Unreal if he fucking gets one right.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Too many incoming tweets, my mind was boggled. Obviously meant Florida.

GMillerTSN Gord Miller by CaptainOrange18
Mike Richards to LA for a package including Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds? Hearing from good sources that it could happen.

Trading texts with Sak on all of this.

Trading Carter AND Richards? That's nuts.

[Doug5984]

Too many incoming tweets, my mind was boggled. Obviously meant Florida.

GMillerTSN Gord Miller by CaptainOrange18
Mike Richards to LA for a package including Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds? Hearing from good sources that it could happen.

Just saw the same thing from Bob McKenzie on twitter... Philly pretty active today.

[bhlloy]

I'm not sure you'll ever come up with a system that is fair to everyone.

Just look at this year... Vancouver finished first overall, but had a huge advantage playing 24 games vs teams that didn't make the playoffs. What if they had to play in the central with Detroit, Nashville and Chicago instead of Edmonton, Calgary and Colorado? (might not be as big advantage now that you play 6 games vs division rivals compared to when it was 8... but it is still an advantage)

This is true, but there's "oh that's not fair but the strength of the divisions might change over time and even out" and then "teams playing in division x will have a permanent and obvious advantage over teams playing in division y every single year". Not the same thing IMO. Dumbest proposal I've seen in a long time.

Wow... Philly completely rebuilding their team around Bryzgalov? Not sure he's that good of a goaltender to warrant doing that.

[DeToxRox]

RT @GMillerTSN Done deal, and it's a blockbuster. Phi trades captain Mike Richards to LA for Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds.

[Doug5984]

wow

[Suburban Rhythm]

If this is honestly true, I don't get it.

Look at the teams with recent success:

Boston: Krejci, Bergeron (+Seguin...Peverly)
Pittsburgh: Crosby, Malkin, Staal
Chicago: Toews, Sharp, Bolland
Detroit: Datsyuk, Zetterberg (+Filpulla...Draper)

I like Giroux alot. But Giroux-Briere-Blair Betts isn't really that terrifying if I'm matching up against Philly.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wow.

This is madness.

How do you trade your captain/#1 center and your #2.

Like SB is saying, teams that have been successful are almost always strong down the middle.

With the aging defensive core and Bryzgalov it seems sort of odd to switch gears and start going with some sort of youth movement up front.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Wow.

This is madness.

How do you trade your captain/#1 center and your #2.

Like SB is saying, teams that have been successful are almost always strong down the middle.

With the aging defensive core and Bryzgalov it seems sort of odd to switch gears and start going with some sort of youth movement up front.
+infinty!

The window with Pronger and Timonen is another year or so. Schenn might turn out to be a strong player, but not this year. Simmonds is a solid player, but not a game breaker.

As I said, I like Giroux. But Philly looks real easy to play against down the middle now.

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

Just thinking out loud here, Sak can confirm

JVR - Giroux - Voracek
Hartnell - Briere - Versteeg
Leino - Schenn - Simmonds
Betts - Powe - Nodl/Carcillo

As a Pittsburgher, that makes me happy.

[bronconick]

"Today, the Winter Classic will feature the 16-24-5 Rangers and the 11-28-4 Flyers."

NBC just got trolled by Philly.

[Doug5984]

Bryz signed - 9 years, 51 mil.

[bronconick]

So it went from 7 years, 50 million to 9 years, 51 million? If those last two years are actually 500k, I hope it gets rejected.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Today Holmgren is like Michael Corleone on the day of his nephew's baptism, he is settling all family business.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I hope it's rejected...then Bryzgalov signs with the Isles July 1st.

[Galaxy]

Rumors are circulating that Calgary is trying to move D Robyn Regehr to Buffalo. He needs to waive his no-trade clause.

http://wgr550.com/TSN-Report--Robyn-Regehr-Headed-to-Buffalo-/10188408

[bhlloy]

WTF are they thinking? I don't think Bryzgalov is going to age well or gracefully either. Absolute madness.

[Ryan S]

First round would be "divisional play." That means that the top seed in each division would play the fourth seed in that division and the second and third seeds in that division would play. So, unlike now, there would be no inter-divisional playoff games in the first round..

If they go for this I hope they play two rounds of divisional playoffs. There does not seem to be much point in having divisional playoffs if you don't have a division championship.

[Pyser]

i cant believe the flyers signed carter to an 11 year contract and got out from under it before it even started. that is some kind of magic right there.

nash must be happy today.

im torn as a devils fan. richards and carter killed us, but schenn will be a beast, the other forwards they picked up have promise (ive always loved simmonds game), and the #8 will probably land them another good defenseman for when their older ones start dropping off

weird trades, but i cant say they mortgaged their entire future

the only for sure plus to me is being stuck with bryz for a while. they were a scarier team yesterday, i think.

[bronconick]

WTF are they thinking? I don't think Bryzgalov is going to age well or gracefully either. Absolute madness.

Simmonds is 22, Voracek is 21, Schenn is 19. They also picked up the #8 pick. They gave away their top two centers for that. Both were 26.

They just gave 9 years to a 31 year old goalie. They have a 36 year old in Kimmo Timonen until 2013. They have a 36 year old Chris Pronger until he is 42. They have a 33 year old Danny Briere until 2015.

By the time guys like Schenn are ready to contribute, they're going to have a handful of old worthless contracts. What exactly are they trying to do?

[Dr. Sak]

These two were traded because of their lack of discipline off the ice....mainly Richards. There were many rumors about their partying in center city after game nights. The GM had a talk with them both and neither listened.

I also think there is more to the story about Richards and Lavy not getting along. I'm not about to spaz out about the 9 year deal to Bryz. Their owner has deep pockets and doesnt mind having high priced talent in the minors if it comes to it.

Timmonen has said a few times he may retire before his contract is over, and since being moved back to center Briere's production has gone up. Pronger is the only one who scares me with the back issues.

I will be interested to see what they do with the rest of their cap money. Rumors have been circulating that Leino wants 4 mil a year and the Flyers will let him walk and possibly make an offer sheet offer to Stamkos or go after Brad Richards. They aren't done yet.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Any offer sheet Stamkos gets, that Philly can offer with their cap space, will get matched. Rough guess but they could give him something between 8-9m per. Also, Stamkos has to sign the offersheet.

Talentwise, there is a good chance Philly comes out ahead...in 2015. But the window to win is now.

[BlackJack]

"Today, the Winter Classic will feature the 16-24-5 Rangers and the 11-28-4 Flyers."

NBC just got trolled by Philly.

Rangers were a playoff team last season, pretty good young talent, no reason to think they won't be at least as good. But yeah, Flyers blow.

[Dr. Sak]

Any offer sheet Stamkos gets, that Philly can offer with their cap space, will get matched. Rough guess but they could give him something between 8-9m per. Also, Stamkos has to sign the offersheet.

Talentwise, there is a good chance Philly comes out ahead...in 2015. But the window to win is now.

Why just because of Pronger? Two years ago people said the Flyers had two years before the window closed..and two years later the same thing is said. I like the Carter deal, I don't know how I feel about the Richards trade, but I don't think they are done.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The chance exists who they get at #8 becomes a #1 D, but once Pronger is gone, I don't see that guy currently on the roster in Carle, Coburn or Mezsaros.

[Dr. Sak]

The chance exists who they get at #8 becomes a #1 D, but once Pronger is gone, I don't see that guy currently on the roster in Carle, Coburn or Mezsaros.

I think these trades gave them flexibility in terms of cap space, and gives them a young core to play alongside Giroux and JvR.

I am not homer enough to say this is a great thing, but they did get some good returns and if you look back at the past few drafts where they have had first round picks, they have done well with them. (Richards, Carter, Pikanen, JvR, Giroux, Sbisa).

But the more I read about Schenn, I get a bit more optimistic.

[Dr. Sak]

But if the rumors are true about issues in the locker room stemming from Richards...he had to go.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I will be interested to see what they do with the rest of their cap money. Rumors have been circulating that Leino wants 4 mil a year and the Flyers will let him walk and possibly make an offer sheet offer to Stamkos or go after Brad Richards. They aren't done yet.

Do the Flyers have the cap space to make an offer for Stamkos or Richards? The Bryzgalov signing ate up $5.6 million. They still have to sign Simmonds and Voracek to deals. They will likely try to retain Leino and have a few other holes.

[Dr. Sak]

Flyers have a little over 10 million right now.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Per Capgeek, about $7.5M in space, without anything allocated to Voracek, Simmonds and Powe, all RFAs. But, this is counting Schenn at $3.1M too

CapGeek.com :: It's a numbers game :: NHL Salary Cap Charts (http://www.capgeek.com/charts.php?Team=24)

I guess my issue with all of this from a Philly standpoint is, with Pronger, they knew they had a realistic shot-- SCF last season, 2nd round this season (with an injured Pronger). While they may come out of this in a better place in 2 seasons, there is no guarantee they even come out to where they currently stood.

Like you said, if it's locker room issues, then people needed to be moved to correct it. But then I question handing out 11 and 13 year deals to people.

[chrisj]

So it sounds like Ryan Smyth will be traded to Alberta this weekend. Big question is if it is Edmonton or Calgary...

[Suburban Rhythm]

A couple other deals

Sharks: Setoguchi 3 years $3M per
Habs: Markov 3 years $5.75M per

[Dr. Sak]

Per Capgeek, about $7.5M in space, without anything allocated to Voracek, Simmonds and Powe, all RFAs. But, this is counting Schenn at $3.1M too


It's also counting Leighton and Lappy who will be AHLed and LTIR.

Richards said that if he knew he would have been traded he never would have signed the long term deal.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Richards said that if he knew he would have been traded he never would have signed the long term deal.

Hard to have too much sympathy for a guy who is moving to L.A. and making that kind of money. If he had trouble with too much nightlife in Philly he could be a mad man in L.A.

[Dr. Sak]

And I would not be surprise to see Bob go.

[Galaxy]

So it sounds like Ryan Smyth will be traded to Alberta this weekend. Big question is if it is Edmonton or Calgary...

The Flames seem like they're trying to move cap space in regards to Regehr.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Found a center for Philly...

No offer for Jagr, but talks continue with Penguins (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11175/1155893-61-0.stm?cmpid%3Dpenguins.xml)


In other matters pertaining to free agency, Shero said:
• Center Max Talbot was offered a three-year contract, but did not accept it and is expected to test the market as an unrestricted free agent July 1.

[Logan]

Outside of DownGoesBrown, any other Twitter feeds recommended to follow the draft tonight and potential trades? I won't be able to watch on Versus.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Bob Mckenzie of TSN and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN always seem to be pretty active and on top of things on twitter.

[Suburban Rhythm]

2nd vote for McKenzie. He's usually pretty accurate and reliable.

[Logan]

Done, thanks boys.

[Fidatelo]

Claude Noel officially announced as new coach of the Winnipeg No-Names.

Rumor has them announcing the name of the team at the draft, but I'm not holding my breath.

[Galaxy]

Claude Noel officially announced as new coach of the Winnipeg No-Names.

Rumor has them announcing the name of the team at the draft, but I'm not holding my breath.

I really hope they are the Jets.

[Fidatelo]

I really hope they are the Jets.

I'm not even sure I care anymore, I just want to know. I'm also more concerned/worried about the colours and logo than the actual name. I want a jersey with a classic look that I'm proud to wear around, not something hideous like the old Moose jerseys.

That said, I'm currently wearing a Jets t-shirt so I might be somewhat partial to that name :)

[Galaxy]

I'm not even sure I care anymore, I just want to know. I'm also more concerned/worried about the colours and logo than the actual name. I want a jersey with a classic look that I'm proud to wear around, not something hideous like the old Moose jerseys.

That said, I'm currently wearing a Jets t-shirt so I might be somewhat partial to that name :)

They're sticking with Winnipeg as the franchise name, not Manitoba right?

Do you think they'll try to expand the arena capacity at some point?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Another signing

Tampa keeps Eric Brewer 4 years @ $4M per

Seems like a little much to me. I'll always compare to Penguins under contract, and Orpik and Letang are both under $4M. However, Orpik doesn't have Brewer's offense, and Letang's was a RFA deal.

[Ajaxab]

I really hope they are the Jets.

As someone who lived in Winnipeg during the late 80s/early 90s, bought tickets from 7-11 and then sat wherever I wanted watching a team who couldn't get out of the first round of the playoffs, I'm all for wiping the slate clean. The nostalgia factor is great and all, but the Jets name has a losing stink to it that needs to be washed away with something else.

I can understand where people are coming from though. I'd probably want Hartford to be called the Whalers if they got a team again.

But if I'm the city of Winnipeg and the team, I want a different name. It's time to chart a new course for a new era.

[SackAttack]

They're sticking with Winnipeg as the franchise name, not Manitoba right?

Do you think they'll try to expand the arena capacity at some point?

I thought the whole point of the Winnipeg thrust was 'We have a new modern arena, give us a team now.' Why would capacity be an issue?

[Fidatelo]

Winnipeg Jets, apparently its unofficially official.

[Fidatelo]

I thought the whole point of the Winnipeg thrust was 'We have a new modern arena, give us a team now.' Why would capacity be an issue?

Capacity is not an issue. The arena is the perfect size, it is large enough to generate the required revenues but small enough to keep the tickets hard to get and keep demand high. I don't see them ever expanding it.

[MikeVic]

I thought the whole point of the Winnipeg thrust was 'We have a new modern arena, give us a team now.' Why would capacity be an issue?

There was more to it than that. New arena helps sell tickets to fans, but the economy I think is a big part too. I think at the time they left, the Cdn dollar was worth .60 of a U.S. dollar. Whereas now it's about even. Also the richest person in Canada being involved helps with finances.

[Galaxy]

I thought the whole point of the Winnipeg thrust was 'We have a new modern arena, give us a team now.' Why would capacity be an issue?

It only has a capacity of around 15,000 seats. The next smallest is Nassau Colisuem, which has 16,234 seats.

[JPhillips]

Winnipeg Thrust would be a good band name.

[Draft Dodger]

Bob Mckenzie of TSN and Pierre LeBrun of ESPN always seem to be pretty active and on top of things on twitter.

Darren Dreger also

[Draft Dodger]

who, by the way, is reporting that JM Liles has been traded to Toronto for a 2012 2nd rounder.

[Draft Dodger]

really, really slick move for Toronto.

as ML points out, Leafs move Kaberle for a 1st a player and Liles who is a comparable players.

Avs, meanwhile, apparently passed on a 2nd at the deadline for Liles that would have been Toronto's. Now they get Boston's. yay.

[Pumpy Tudors]

If the Winnipeg team is called the Jets, then the people running that team don't know how to make money. How are you going to sell Jets jerseys when 110% of the people in Winnipeg already have Jets jerseys?

[Draft Dodger]

If the Winnipeg team is called the Jets, then the people running that team don't know how to make money. How are you going to sell Jets jerseys when 110% of the people in Winnipeg already have Jets jerseys?

are you unfamiliar with the NHL? the jerseys will be DIFFERENT.

[MikeVic]

If the Winnipeg team is called the Jets, then the people running that team don't know how to make money. How are you going to sell Jets jerseys when 110% of the people in Winnipeg already have Jets jerseys?

The alternative was to call them the Winnipeg Whiteouts and have Colin White's face as the logo. Is that better?

[Young Drachma]

If the Winnipeg team is called the Jets, then the people running that team don't know how to make money. How are you going to sell Jets jerseys when 110% of the people in Winnipeg already have Jets jerseys?

Because in this case, they had no choice. The Ravens would've been the Colts if the name wasn't elsewhere. Should hell freeze over and Hartford another NHL team, they'll be the Whalers. Sometimes, you just have to stick with the prevailing sentiment. True North doesn't need the money and like everyone has said, there will be new jerseys released at some point anyway or a tweaked logo.

It was the only sensible choice they could make.

[Galaxy]

Why wouldn't they sell jerseys even if they're were just like the old ones? Unless they're signing the players from the old Winnipeg Jets, people are going to buy their current favorite players. Plus you got the third jersey to play around with now.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The alternative was to call them the Winnipeg Whiteouts and have Colin White's face as the logo. Is that better?

His whole face or a profile? And if its his profile, his good eye?

[Draft Dodger]

#massivePumpyfail

[Pumpy Tudors]

I could bring serious Pumpy out for this one, but I'll just let it go. I don't have the energy.

[Draft Dodger]

Dear Pierre McGuire,
Please stop talking.

thanks,
everyone.

[Dr. Sak]

Dear Pierre McGuire,
Please stop talking.

thanks,
everyone.

I love how he f-ed up and said the Avs drafted Forsberg.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Bunch more moves-

SJ sends Setoguchi +1st + last years 1st pick (Charlie Coyle) to Minnesota for Burns + 2nd

Chicago sends Brouwer to Washington for a 1st

Brian Campbell agrees to waive NTC. Will go to Florida (Tallon does it again). Chicago gets Rusty Olesz.

Ryan Smyth will be back to Edmonton. LA gets Gilbert Brule + 4th.

[Galaxy]

I love how Sabres fans are complaining that we didn't get a center. Do people not understand that nearly everyone of these guys are two, three, or four years away from really being able to play and contribute?

[Suburban Rhythm]

I love how Sabres fans are complaining that we didn't get a center. Do people not understand that nearly everyone of these guys are two, three, or four years away from really being able to play and contribute?

No, they have no clue.

I had someone text me that because the Pens took a D, this has to mean Jagr is back. They didn't draft a winger for that reason!!

:banghead:

[sovereignstar v2]

SJ sends Setoguchi +1st to Minnesota for Burns.

Setoguchi + Charlie Coyle + 1.28 FOR Brent Burns + 2012 2nd

[Galaxy]

The Robyn Reghner deal to Buffalo seems to be still in limbo.

However, it appears that the latest from what I've read on TSN is that it appears he will waive his clause. It sounds like it could be Regehr and Kotalik to Buffalo for Chris Butler (RFA), Paul Byron, and a 2nd round pick?

It also sounds like owner Terry Pegula was a big seller in getting Regehr to come.

[Fidatelo]

Kind of scared about the Scheifelelele pick at 7 by the Jets. I really felt like Coutourierierier was the obvious choice at that point, and it feels like the guys who wrote this article (http://www.tsn2.ca/nhl/story/?id=369690) are already penciling in the next paragraph.

Oh well, I'm still on a high about the name and maybe Scheifelelele will be the rising star that the Jets braintrust see him as. Have to trust them until they prove untrustworthy.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Filatov to Sens, 3rd back to C-bus.

Flames extend Tanguay, 5 years/ $17.5m

[bronconick]

“They just hit a home run,” Babcock said of the Sharks. “That’s a gold medal pick. I’m pissed off.”

Honestly, that did more to sell me on the trade than anything the Sharks could have said.

[Galaxy]

The Robyn Reghner deal to Buffalo seems to be still in limbo.

However, it appears that the latest from what I've read on TSN is that it appears he will waive his clause. It sounds like it could be Regehr and Kotalik to Buffalo for Chris Butler (RFA), Paul Byron, and a 2nd round pick?

It also sounds like owner Terry Pegula was a big seller in getting Regehr to come.

Deal is done.

Calgary Gets: D Chris Butler (RFA), C Paul Byron
Buffalo Gets: D Robyn Regehr, LW Ales Kotalik, 2012 2nd Round Draft Pick

[Suburban Rhythm]

Ryan Smyth will be back to Edmonton. LA gets Gilbert Brule + 4th.

And this is now off.

[Dr. Sak]

Kind of scared about the Scheifelelele pick at 7 by the Jets. I really felt like Coutourierierier was the obvious choice at that point, and it feels like the guys who wrote this article (http://www.tsn2.ca/nhl/story/?id=369690) are already penciling in the next paragraph.

Oh well, I'm still on a high about the name and maybe Scheifelelele will be the rising star that the Jets braintrust see him as. Have to trust them until they prove untrustworthy.

Supposedly the Jets turned down a deal from the Flyers that would have sent Mike Richards to the Jets for Evander Kane and the 7th overall pick.

[Galaxy]

No, they have no clue.

I had someone text me that because the Pens took a D, this has to mean Jagr is back. They didn't draft a winger for that reason!!

:banghead:

What's worst is that people don't understand how the big European leagues work when they see the stats of these guys compared to their North American counterparts. If you're 18 or 19 years old playing the Swedish or Finnish elite league, you're a pretty talented player. Don't let the stats take away from that.

I also like looking at the Facebook page for the Sabres (the official page). Talk about moronic fans who think that NHL 2011 translate to real-life.


How good is Regehr? I like what I've seen and heard of him in the small pieces, but being on the East Coast I don't follow the Flames and him much.

[Galaxy]

Supposedly the Jets turned down a deal from the Flyers that would have sent Mike Richards to the Jets for Evander Kane and the 7th overall pick.

I would have turned that down.

[Fidatelo]

Supposedly the Jets turned down a deal from the Flyers that would have sent Mike Richards to the Jets for Evander Kane and the 7th overall pick.

That would have been an interesting trade. It's a lot to give up, but Richards would be a HUGE fan favorite hear since he's from Kenora (cottage country for 'Peggers).

I'd have probably made that trade a week ago before I heard any of this negative character stuff that seems to be coming out. Now I'm not so sure, and that trade being turned down makes sense because it sounds like the guys running the Jets are all about character (which is one of the main reasons they are high on Scheifele).

[Suburban Rhythm]

What's worst is that people don't understand how the big European leagues work when they see the stats of these guys compared to their North American counterparts. If you're 18 or 19 years old playing the Swedish or Finnish elite league, you're a pretty talented player. Don't let the stats take away from that.

I also like looking at the Facebook page for the Sabres (the official page). Talk about moronic fans who think that NHL 2011 translate to real-life.


How good is Regehr? I like what I've seen and heard of him in the small pieces, but being on the East Coast I don't follow the Flames and him much.

Big +1 on the Facebook thing.

Regher...as of a couple years ago, I'd have said he was a legit #2 guy, not having the offensive numbers to be a #1. Now, not sure he's a legit top pairing guy anymore, but a real good 2nd pairing guy.

On par with Dan Girardi, Scott Hannan group. IMO.

[Chubby]

I wasn't super high on Butler anyways, hopefully we buy out Kotalik and we still got a 2nd rounder too

[Honolulu_Blue]

And this is now off.

Back on apparently, as Smyth is now an Oiler.

[johnnyshaka]

Back on apparently, as Smyth is now an Oiler.

For Colin Fraser and a 7th...fine by me.

[SirFozzie]

Interesting. NHL releasing a trial balloon instead of a low level realignment after next year to allow Winnipeg out out of the Southeast division, they are going to go to a completely new alignment.

Two Conferences, each with two divisions (two divisions will have 7 teams, the other will have 8). (Note to Bettman: If you think this means you have an opportunity to expand to 32 teams, I will eat your spleen!)

Hell, bring back divisional playoff rounds (Top Four from each division qualify for playoffs), those were always fun and generated heated matchups early

[Wolfpack]

Interesting. NHL releasing a trial balloon instead of a low level realignment after next year to allow Winnipeg out out of the Southeast division, they are going to go to a completely new alignment.

Two Conferences, each with two divisions (two divisions will have 7 teams, the other will have 8). (Note to Bettman: If you think this means you have an opportunity to expand to 32 teams, I will eat your spleen!)

Hell, bring back divisional playoff rounds (Top Four from each division qualify for playoffs), those were always fun and generated heated matchups early

The prickly thing is that with both Detroit and Columbus wanting to go east, either one would have to stay behind or the two conferences would be imbalanced (if done strictly by geography--could you have an Atlantic/Midwest conference and a Mideast/Pacific conference?).

As to division playoffs, the idea that's been bandied about is to restore the division playoffs for at least one round (meaning the top four from each division advance regardless of conference standings), then switch to conference seedings thereafter. To me, that's somewhat nonsensical and that if you're going to go into divisional playoffs, you may as well go all the way and restore the 1980s format.

Me personally, I believe that the conferences should be dropped, which would allow for some more creative divisional alignments.

[molson]

Interesting. NHL releasing a trial balloon instead of a low level realignment after next year to allow Winnipeg out out of the Southeast division, they are going to go to a completely new alignment.

Two Conferences, each with two divisions (two divisions will have 7 teams, the other will have 8). (Note to Bettman: If you think this means you have an opportunity to expand to 32 teams, I will eat your spleen!)

Hell, bring back divisional playoff rounds (Top Four from each division qualify for playoffs), those were always fun and generated heated matchups early

Thank god they're decreasing divisions by two. I kind of like the division playoffs - I remember how the Bruins just couldn't get past the Canadians for years and years until 1988 - it was kind of fun how you had to get out of your own division before you moved into the final 4. Though for some reason, it does seem kind of silly for the #1 team to have to start from scratch and deal with the #4 team from their own division for 7 games.....though really, that's no different than 1 v. 8. Just a psychological difference somehow...

[Draft Dodger]

hate, hate, hate the seeded playoff structure and really, really, really want divisional playoffs back.

[DataKing]

Brian Campbell agrees to waive NTC. Will go to Florida (Tallon does it again). Chicago gets Rusty Olesz.


I don't pretend to understand what Florida is thinking, but this is *huge* for the Blackhawks, getting out from underneath Campbell's ridiculously bloated 7m+/year contract.

[Dr. Sak]

Maple Leafs on XM right now.

[Dr. Sak]

I don't pretend to understand what Florida is thinking, but this is *huge* for the Blackhawks, getting out from underneath Campbell's ridiculously bloated 7m+/year contract.

They need to get to the cap floor.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I don't pretend to understand what Florida is thinking, but this is *huge* for the Blackhawks, getting out from underneath Campbell's ridiculously bloated 7m+/year contract.

It is. I am saddened by the move. I always enjoyed looking at that albatross of a contract on Cap Geek.com.

Maple Leafs on XM right now.

Sweet! Wish I had access to it.

[Suburban Rhythm]

PING HiFi

Report: Semyon Varlamov likely won&rsquo;t re-sign with Washington Capitals - Capitals Insider - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/report-semyon-varlamov-likely-wont-re-sign-with-washington-capitals/2011/06/27/AGVELTnH_blog.html)

In other news, the Capitals have placed defenseman Tyler Sloan on waivers (http://twitter.com/#!/renhockey/status/85317688016121857). Sloan is under contract for the 2011-12 season at $700,000 and if the Capitals were to buy him out it would result in a salary cap hit of $233,333 each of the next two seasons according to Cap Geek. The deadline to buyout a player is June 30.

[Dr. Sak]

Flyers trade Powe to the Wild for a 2013 3rd rounder.

I hope Carcillo is next.

[Dr. Sak]

Bieska re-ups with Vancouver

[Suburban Rhythm]

A couple interesting moves with players not getting QOs

Tyler Kennedy - PIT
Matt D'Agostini - STL
Mike Lundin - TB
Nik Bergfors - FLA
Christian Hanson - TOR
Sami Lepisto - CLB
Benoit Pouliot - MTL
Dan Carcillo - PHI

[Dr. Sak]

Brooks Laich resigns with the Caps... 6 yrs 27 mil

[Honolulu_Blue]

Brooks Laich resigns with the Caps... 6 yrs 27 mil

Didn't see that one coming, especially after they traded for Troy Brouwer. Not a bad signing for the Caps. He's a pretty good player. Very solid all around.

$4.5 million for a 20-25 goal scorer might be a little high, but he does a lot of other things well.

This makes an already razor thin crop of UFA forwards that much thinner.

[Warhammer]

Can anyone make sense of the Smyth to EDM move? If the Kings need a top 6 forward, why deal one?

EDIT: Or was this done to free up money for Doughty's contract?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Didn't see that one coming, especially after they traded for Troy Brouwer. Not a bad signing for the Caps. He's a pretty good player. Very solid all around.

$4.5 million for a 20-25 goal scorer might be a little high, but he does a lot of other things well.

This makes an already razor thin crop of UFA forwards that much thinner.

Sort of makes more sense. For 3 years now, Washington has proven to be great in the regular season and average to bad in the postseason.

They need more Brouwer's/Laich's and less Semin's to be successful.

He's not worth $4.5M, that's maybe $.5 - 1M too much. But that's what happens in free agency.

I'd say he's alot like Chris Kunitz. On an average team, he's probably a 2nd-3rd liner, but on a team with legit superstars, he can be a 20-25/60 point guy.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Can anyone make sense of the Smyth to EDM move? If the Kings need a top 6 forward, why deal one?

EDIT: Or was this done to free up money for Doughty's contract?

DOLA

Yeah...it's $$$. Smyth is at I think something like $6.2M. And worth about 1/2 that now.

[bhlloy]

Laich was going to be quite a few teams #1 target, great character two-way guy who is not bad on the offensive end either. Pretty sure he was the guy the Ducks were going to go after the hardest.

Not a bad deal at all for the Caps IMO. Either sign him now or watch him go for more than that in a couple of weeks. And like SR says, they have to keep the guys like him around to have any shot.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Can anyone make sense of the Smyth to EDM move? If the Kings need a top 6 forward, why deal one?

EDIT: Or was this done to free up money for Doughty's contract?

I think it was to free up cash. Once they got Richards, they probably felt like they were "ok" up front and have quite a bit of cash invested in forwards.

Sort of makes more sense. For 3 years now, Washington has proven to be great in the regular season and average to bad in the postseason.

They need more Brouwer's/Laich's and less Semin's to be successful.

He's not worth $4.5M, that's maybe $.5 - 1M too much. But that's what happens in free agency.

I'd say he's alot like Chris Kunitz. On an average team, he's probably a 2nd-3rd liner, but on a team with legit superstars, he can be a 20-25/60 point guy.

I think $3.5 - $4 million would be reasonable for Laich. I look at him like Dan Cleary, but younger and with a little more offensive upside. Cleary makes $2.8 million.

This isn't a great year to have a ton of cap space.

[Suburban Rhythm]

There are going to be a handful of guys who get ridiculous deals Friday now.

Someone will give Michael Ryder close to $4M now.
Jussi Jokinen, who I do like, is now looking at a 5 year deal worth $20M+.
Ville Leino is getting $3M+

[Suburban Rhythm]

DOLA

few more-

Tomas Kopecky, whose rights were dealt to Florida (of course Florida, he played for the Hawks in the last 4 seasons!). Signs a 4 year deal...no $ detail yet.

Max Lapierre re-signs with Vancouver. 2 years, $1M per

MA "Don't Call me Andy Delmore" Bergeron re-signs with TB. 2 years, $1M per.

[Suburban Rhythm]

TROLA

Pascal Dupuis returning to Pittsburgh, 2 years $1.5M per.

I like it if he's playing on the 3rd line. Not so much if he's plugged in next to Crosby again.

[Suburban Rhythm]

This makes an already razor thin crop of UFA forwards that much thinner.


This isn't a great year to have a ton of cap space.



Pascal Dupuis returning to Pittsburgh, 2 years $1.5M per.



Just to drive home the point of how thin free agency is going to be.

Had Dupuis made it until Friday, his 17 goals last year would have placed him 10th among UFA goalscorers.

[bronconick]

Can anyone make sense of the Smyth to EDM move? If the Kings need a top 6 forward, why deal one?

EDIT: Or was this done to free up money for Doughty's contract?

Smyth requested a move back to Edmonton. It's his last year on this contract. I'd imagine he's going back there to play a season and retire. And it works out nicely for the Kings since it gets his 6.2 million for 45 points and molasses level skating off their cap.

[DataKing]

Given how thin free agency is shaping up to be this year, I'm hoping the Wings go ahead and use some of their space to extend Kronwall now. Maybe even Helm too (even though the kid only goes to RFA status after next season). Do that and find me another top-4 defenseman, and I'll be happy Ken Holland.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Given how thin free agency is shaping up to be this year, I'm hoping the Wings go ahead and use some of their space to extend Kronwall now. Maybe even Helm too (even though the kid only goes to RFA status after next season). Do that and find me another top-4 defenseman, and I'll be happy Ken Holland.

I would totally agree, but unfortunately, that's not really how it works under the current system. Kronwall's and Helm's contracts for this year are set. Any new contract negotiated with Helm and/or Kronwall wouldn't kick in until next year and would only count against the cap from next year forward. Since the cap hit of contracts is spread equally across the length of the contract, there is no way to use this year's cap space to free up cap sapce in any other future year.

The only thing the Wings can do to plan ahead like that would be to either sign players to 1 year deals or not sign anyone at all.

As things unfold, unless something crazy happens, I am begining to see a scenario where the Wings enter the season with a lot of space under the cap. This would open them up for a trade or two during the season, but it's never been an approach they have taken in the past and might be a little different given Lidstrom came back.

[DataKing]

I didn't realize that you couldn't renegotiate now and have the new contract simply override the old one (and the associated cap hit). Since the numbers would be significantly higher, but you'd be locking up the players long-term. I guess I'm thinking in terms of NFL contracts. Thanks for the info.

So as someone who follows our beloved Wings closer than I do, who does your gut tell you Holland will go after to fill the spot left vacant by Raffy? I'm thinking I wouldn't mind seeing Sopel don the winged wheel. No Salo though...the last thing we need is someone who is injury prone.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The only thing you'd want Sopel for is his awesome 'stache. He doesn't seem like he'd fit the Wings skating, puck posession game.

[DeToxRox]

Wings should probably bite the bullet and attempt to get Jovo (who I detest) or Kaberle (if even can come relatively cheap) for a year (I am also assuming Ericsson re-signs soon), then focus their efforts on 2012 FA where they can lock up Stuart and Kronner and then make a run at Weber or Ryan Suter.

[Honolulu_Blue]

So as someone who follows our beloved Wings closer than I do, who does your gut tell you Holland will go after to fill the spot left vacant by Raffy? I'm thinking I wouldn't mind seeing Sopel don the winged wheel. No Salo though...the last thing we need is someone who is injury prone.

There are some intriguing options out there in the UFA market. The potential candidates include:

James Wisniewski
Christian Ehrhoff
Joni Pitkanen

Tomas Kaberle
Bryan McCabe
Ed Jovanovski
Roman Hamrlik
Ian White

The top four seem to be the best candidates for a possible Top 4 position. I thought Wisniewski was great in Anaheim in the 2009 playoffs. He was a force out there. I fear his play is a bit inconsistent. He got shipped from Anaheim to the Isles and then to Montreal. Always a bit concerning to see a guy moved around that much. Still, he plays with an edge, has some offensive upside and is a local kid.

Ehrhoff has had a great year in Vancouver. For some reason, though, I don't like him. I think it was because he had a goofy-ass picture in Eastside Hockey Manager and never played well for me there.

Joni Pitkanen fits the Wings love of Euros, but he is a Finn and that doesn't always work out. He always seemed like he should be a better player than he actually is, but I have to admit I've never focused on Pitkanen or really noticed him. Sometimes the latter can be a good thing for a D-Man. Then again, I have heard rumors that the Wings' brass don't like him.

As for the second group, none of them thrill me. Kaberle's a great passer and that would fit in well with Detroit's puck possession style of play, but he's looked like a bitch in the playoffs this year. He's wilting under pressure. Not a good sign.

McCabe does nothing for me.

I've always loved Roman "The Hammer" Hammrlik, but he's 37 and has lost a step. I don't see him as a viable Top 4 defensemen anymore. Same with Jovocop. Great player, love the passion, but not the guy he once was.

Ian White might be the most intriguing out of that bunch. He moves the puck well and can skate well. He's been shipped around a bit, Toronto-Calgary-Carolina-San Jose, over the last couple of years, but may be a decent fit at a reduced price (when compared to the top options).

One of the biggest problems the Wings had last year was with larger forwards. Teams were able to cycle down low almost constantly against them. That would seem to indicate that getting a defensemen with a little size, strength and edge would fit the bill. That would seem to make Wisneiwski a better fit.

The one thing the Wings can't do is over pay for a guy. I think Holland has been excellent at this ever since the lockout. Early on fans bitched and moaned while other teams snatched up free agents and Holland stood pat and waited. One of the most important aspects of a team in the cap era is having players play up to or exceed their contract. I don't know if any of the abovementioned players are $6 million guys. I think around $4-$4.5 million is about right. (Which is exactly where Bieksa signed at.) The Wings can then save that money, perhaps invest it in an upgrade at forward (though I don't think there's much out there right now), or save it for the trade deadline or for next year when all signs indicate there will be a much deeper pool of UFAs. Included in that UFA pool are Kronwall and Stuart. So, the Wings have to consider where they want to go with those guys as well.

[DataKing]

Thanks for the info. And I definitely agree with Holland's approach of not overpaying. Frankly with the reputation the organization has, there's no need to. And they have to keep in mind that Kronwall and Helm are both going to presumably become big-money guys, or at least bigger than they are now. Personally I'd hate to see either one of them leave after next year, but I have faith in Holland in finding a way to keep them around at a reasonable price.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Thanks for the info. And I definitely agree with Holland's approach of not overpaying. Frankly with the reputation the organization has, there's no need to. And they have to keep in mind that Kronwall and Helm are both going to presumably become big-money guys, or at least bigger than they are now. Personally I'd hate to see either one of them leave after next year, but I have faith in Holland in finding a way to keep them around at a reasonable price.

I have a hard time seeing either guy get away. It's pretty rare for the Wings to let home grown guys go like that, especially when they are considered core parts of the team. I think Kronwall is in line for a bit of a raise, another $0.5 - $1 million a year, especially if he picks up where he left off from last year. He was essentially the Wings #1 defensemen throughout the season and playoffs.

Helm is a different story. The guy is incredibly valuable. I love him, but he's only ever scored 12 goals and about 30 points. Granted, his true value to the team is in other areas, but it's not too often 10 goal/30 point forwards, even those with great speed and checking ability, are "big-money guys." If he has a break out year offensively, that could be a different story.

[Logan]

McCabe does nothing for me.

Did nothing for the Rangers either.

[DeToxRox]

McKenzie is reporting Ehroff turned down a Bieksa deal and Vancouver is shopping the rights to him.

[johnnyshaka]

Smyth requested a move back to Edmonton. It's his last year on this contract. I'd imagine he's going back there to play a season and retire. And it works out nicely for the Kings since it gets his 6.2 million for 45 points and molasses level skating off their cap.

Doubt very much that he retires after this season. My guess is he re-signs for a couple of years at a third of the price...which I would be fine with.

[Honolulu_Blue]

McKenzie is reporting Ehroff turned down a Bieksa deal and Vancouver is shopping the rights to him.

I am not surprised. Given his offensive output the last two seasons and the thin crop. He could stand to make more on the open market.

[johnnyshaka]

I am not surprised. Given his offensive output the last two seasons and the thin crop. He could stand to make more on the open market.

Good point.

Also goes to show that "winning" isn't everything to these guys as I would have to think the Canucks are real contenders again next season.

[DeToxRox]

McKenzie reporting Pitkanen is close to resigning with the Canes.

[Johnny93g]

Dougy Gilmour is a Hall of Famer!!! It's about time!

Ed Belfour, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Mark Howe also are inducted.

Pat Burns amazingly is not.

[DeToxRox]

McKenzie reporting Pitkanen is close to resigning with the Canes.

3 yrs/13.5 mil for Pitkanen.

[Suburban Rhythm]

3 yrs/13.5 mil for Pitkanen.

That's actually a pretty fair deal. Paul Martin got $5m last year for 5 seasons. Pitkanen is better offensively, worse defensively.

[Suburban Rhythm]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11179/1156789-100.stm

Jagr offered 1 year deal by Penguins

[Honolulu_Blue]

McKenzie is reporting Ehroff turned down a Bieksa deal and Vancouver is shopping the rights to him.

And Ehroff's rights have been acquired by Garth Snow and the New York Islanders for a 4th round pick. If Ehroff ends up signing with the Isles then we know he's really not about winning.

[Dr. Sak]

According to the Philly Daily News the Flyers will send in an offer sheet to Stamkos for 10+ years.

[bronconick]

And Ehroff's rights have been acquired by Garth Snow and the New York Islanders for a 4th round pick. If Ehroff ends up signing with the Isles then we know he's really not about winning.

If he was about winning, he probably would have just re-signed in Vancouver.

[Dr. Sak]

If he was about winning, he probably would have just re-signed in Vancouver.

ZING!

[Galaxy]

The prickly thing is that with both Detroit and Columbus wanting to go east, either one would have to stay behind or the two conferences would be imbalanced (if done strictly by geography--could you have an Atlantic/Midwest conference and a Mideast/Pacific conference?).

As to division playoffs, the idea that's been bandied about is to restore the division playoffs for at least one round (meaning the top four from each division advance regardless of conference standings), then switch to conference seedings thereafter. To me, that's somewhat nonsensical and that if you're going to go into divisional playoffs, you may as well go all the way and restore the 1980s format.

Me personally, I believe that the conferences should be dropped, which would allow for some more creative divisional alignments.

Phoenix seems like it could be a wild-card if they can't get a buyer.

[Wolfpack]

That's actually a pretty fair deal. Paul Martin got $5m last year for 5 seasons. Pitkanen is better offensively, worse defensively.

4.5 per is right about where expectations were going to be, maybe a little more than that, even.

It's been a rather abrupt sea change since about the time the cap floor was announced to go up as much as it was. Before that point, the front office was pretty consistently saying it was unlikely they were going to sign Pitkanen (or Jokinen for that matter), but lo, and behold, find yourself quite a bit under the floor and you find yourself spending to make it there. Since the floor was announced, Jim Rutherford put his budget at about $50 million, so it's now a question of how much the current UFAs re-sign for rather than whether they'll re-sign at all. Speculation is now that Jokinen and Cole will re-sign, while LaRose and Stillman are up in the air. The other big-dollar re-signing to do is Brandon Sutter, who's expected to get a substantial raise over his entry-level deal even as an RFA.

edit: now that I say that, of course, I go and read Canes Country and they're now saying that JR thinks Cole and Jokinen might not re-sign. I'm guessing JR's waging one of his usual passive-aggressive campaigns and daring either player to find bigger deals when free agency comes (JR's also got the luxury of knowing that Charlotte's got a fair number of prospects in the wings ready to move in should they not re-sign).

[DeToxRox]

sportsnetbroph Mike Brophy
Hearing tonight Stamkos may be signed at between $7-7.5 mil per season
3 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

[Suburban Rhythm]

So I read the Rangers can't buy out Drury, how is this going to affect their play in the FA market, mainly Richards- I've been reading for like a year now that Richards is going to end up in NY and I'm just wondering if this will hurt the Rangers ability to spend in free agency. Once the season starts Drury goes LTIR and they are good to go.

Drury buyout done

How soon before he signs a Jagr-like comeback, 1 year deal with the Avs?

[DaddyTorgo]

Bruins shopping the rights to Kaberle. Suppose it's worth a shot...

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Panthers signed Tomas Kopecky for 4 years/$12 million.

I know that the Panthers need to get to the cap floor, but Kopecky for $3 million a year? That's madness. Dale Tallon loooooves to give big contracts.

Chad Larose re-upped with the Hurricanes 2 years for an average of $1.7 million.

[The Jackal]

According to the Philly Daily News the Flyers will send in an offer sheet to Stamkos for 10+ years.

These rumors are getting ridiculous. Even if the Flyers do send an offer, it won't be the best, and Tampa will match it. Sure the prospect of Stamkos is exciting but I'm worried about other things, like hoping Leino prices himself into free agency so we can sign someone who likes playing defense.

[DeToxRox]

Panthers are the only team that can get Stamkos and it'd have to be a lot of money to get him to go there. 10 years/100 mil wouldn't shock me though should he not be locked up before the 1st.

[The Jackal]

Panthers are the only team that can get Stamkos and it'd have to be a lot of money to get him to go there. 10 years/100 mil wouldn't shock me though should he not be locked up before the 1st.

That's not true. The Leafs could do it too, and I bet some others.

[Suburban Rhythm]

The Panthers signed Tomas Kopecky for 4 years/$12 million.

I know that the Panthers need to get to the cap floor, but Kopecky for $3 million a year? That's madness. Dale Tallon loooooves to give big contracts.

Chad Larose re-upped with the Hurricanes 2 years for an average of $1.7 million.

Tyler Kennedy is stupid if he signs with the Pens before Friday now. He's twice the player Kopecky is.

[The Jackal]

Tyler Kennedy is stupid if he signs with the Pens before Friday now. He's twice the player Kopecky is.

I think he said he wants to test FA, won't rule out re-signing with the Pens. But they might get priced out.. he's not -that- good.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Panthers are the only team that can get Stamkos and it'd have to be a lot of money to get him to go there. 10 years/100 mil wouldn't shock me though should he not be locked up before the 1st.

That's not true. The Leafs could do it too, and I bet some others.

Agree there are others.

Philly could arguably do it.
Dallas has 17 players signed for next season...and are still $25M under the cap (not that I see them making an offer).

Florida would actually be stupid to do this...they'd be giving up top 10 1st rounders. Philly is at least giving up 1st in the 20 range.

[Suburban Rhythm]

I think he said he wants to test FA, won't rule out re-signing with the Pens. But they might get priced out.. he's not -that- good.

I agree he's not -that- good. But he's a 24 year old coming off a 20+ goal season in a weak free agent class. Someone will offer him $3M+.

I said earlier in this thread, Michael Ryder will get an offer of $4M+. Jussi Jokinen $4.5M+ and term of 4+ years.

[The Jackal]

I agree he's not -that- good. But he's a 24 year old coming off a 20+ goal season in a weak free agent class. Someone will offer him $3M+.

I said earlier in this thread, Michael Ryder will get an offer of $4M+. Jussi Jokinen $4.5M+ and term of 4+ years.

Stupid cap floor. Though like I said, if it prices Leino out, okay. I'd rather Erik Cole at this point.

[The Jackal]

Agree there are others.

Philly could arguably do it.
Dallas has 17 players signed for next season...and are still $25M under the cap (not that I see them making an offer).

Florida would actually be stupid to do this...they'd be giving up top 10 1st rounders. Philly is at least giving up 1st in the 20 range.

Philly could technically do it, they'd have to convince Hartnell to waive his NTC or just plain waive him, and probably force Schenn to play in the AHL the whole year (or trade Versteeg), and likely trade Bob. A lot more roster blowup, not sure if its worth it.

[DeToxRox]

RealKyper Nick Kypreos

Big #NHL news as some question #Predators missing qualifying offers on RFA's O'Reilly, Spaling, Halischuk and Kostitsyn. Stay tuned...

[The Jackal]

Smooth.

[Dr. Sak]

I will admit that I think there is a 80% chance Tampa matches any offer. Any team that makes an offer also has to have the 4 first rounders they would lose if Stamkos signs with them. I am listening to WIP and the number that is floating around is a 14 year deal worth 110 million which would be a cap hit of 7.85 million a year. The Flyers could front load that contract and really hamstring Tampa who lost 20 to 25 million last year.

With what is happening, I doubt Leino resigns because he knows he can get 4 million plus in FA. I think Cole would be a nice addition at the right price.

[The Jackal]

Eh I still think Tampa would match it. The only thing I could see them not matching was something close to a max deal.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Max is now $12.86M. I don't even think Philly gives that out.

At some point the cap has to stop going up $4-5M a year.

[Dr. Sak]

The Flyers also have to be careful not to screw themselves in the essence that once they make that offer to Stamkos, Tampa has 7 days to decide whether or not to match it. You are only allowed to exceed the salary cap by 10% in the offseason, so that could hurt who they target come Friday.

[Honolulu_Blue]

On top of all this there is the fact that the current CBA is set to expire next year, I believe. Who knows what that could bring.

Also, while Philly, or some other team, may have cap space this year that kind of mega deal can really hamstring a team in future years. While Stamkos is probably one of a handful of players who could justifiably could be worth that sort of cap hit, a team can only have so many big money, long term deals without getting handcuffed.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Also, as much as I would like to see Stamkos stay with Steve Yzerman in Tampa, I do like the excitement and drama that comes with a RFA offer sheet, so I hope it happens.

This kind of stuff is my Fourth of July fireworks.

[bronconick]

Also, as much as I would like to see Stamkos stay with Steve Yzerman in Tampa, I do like the excitement and drama that comes with a RFA offer sheet, so I hope it happens.

This kind of stuff is my Fourth of July fireworks.

I hope someone offer sheets someone. Otherwise this is the Brad Richards show starring 3rd line forwards and #4 d-men.

[The Jackal]

Max is now $12.86M. I don't even think Philly gives that out.

At some point the cap has to stop going up $4-5M a year.

No the Flyers wouldn't come close to that. But another team might, at least in the 10m range.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Thinking about this a little more...

If Philly knew they wanted to give Stamkos an offersheet, they should have gone with a D at #8 Friday.

Couturier is not a Stamkos level player, but Giroux, JVR, Schenn, Briere (still signed for awhile) + Stamkos is a good group of forwards.

They have no one on D. Pronger is 36(?). Timonen is 36(?). Coburn and Carle are both UFAs next year--and neither is a top pair guy, IMO.

[The Jackal]

I would have liked to see a D as well but you can't fault them for taking Couturier, who could easily end up being the best player in the draft, and is penciled in to fill the role of a shutdown center, something I don't want any of those other guys doing.

The Flyers are not going to get Stamkos.

[Dr. Sak]

Hearing Jagr to get a 1 yr deal worth 1.4 mil.

Also a radio host in Tampa saying his sources tell him Stamkos has been resigned, no confirmation as of yet.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Hearing Jagr to get a 1 yr deal worth 1.4 mil.

Also a radio host in Tampa saying his sources tell him Stamkos has been resigned, no confirmation as of yet.

Saw this too, from a Russian paper. That seems WAY low to me.
I'm expecting 2-2.5

[Galaxy]

RealKyper Nick Kypreos

Big #NHL news as some question #Predators missing qualifying offers on RFA's O'Reilly, Spaling, Halischuk and Kostitsyn. Stay tuned...

When did the Minnesota Vikings join the NHL?

[Galaxy]

Sabres lock up RFA Nathan Gerbe to a 3-year, $4.3 million deal.

NY Post reports that Richards is seeking a 8-year, $50-$55 million deal.



http://wgr550.com/Richards--agent----Tell-Darcy-to-be-aggressive--/10234794
Richards' agent: "Tell Darcy to be aggressive"


Brad Richards will be the biggest prize on the free agent market come Friday at noon. This morning we spoke with his agent Pat Morris, who laid out all that his client is looking for from his next team. It sure sounds like Buffalo could fit the bill.

The money will come. That's a certainty. A #1 center in a market with very few options at center will get the big bucks. Morris says that Richards has other things he's looking for, "He would like to first and foremost, when you've won a Stanley Cup, you want to win another one. He'd like to win again and have an opportunity to be with a team that has younger players coming in to fill and in a market where hockey matters every game, game in and game out with full buildings. A hockey market with an opportunity to win are the top 2 criteria."

Morris said he would not be surprised to hear from 25 teams around the league, some kicking tires, other presenting serious offers. It remains to be seen just how serious the Sabres would be in pursuit of Richards, or if he'd ultimately choose to come here, but Morris would expect the two sides to be a good fit.

"With our offices in Mississauga, we know Buffalo hockey well. It's a real good community to live in with passionate hockey fans and a team that is on the rise. Excellent goaltending, an emerging defense and lots of forward that are skilled and lots of forwards that provide some grit and tenacity. If they call, we'll certainly receive them with open arms and listen."

The reason the Sabres are in this race at all, is the change in ownership and management. Terry Pegula has made a run at Richards possible. Morris says he doesn't know Pegula, but he did express knowledge OF the Sabres new owner. Morris referenced the changes in the building (HSBC Arena), the wherewithall to provide the franchise and management with ample resources as well. Ownership seems to be quite important to Richards after being forced out of Tampa during a change, and seeing Dallas fall apart as well. With Pegula, it's an owner at the other end of the spectrum, willing to fly to Saskatchewan.

"It certainly makes a difference. I'm sure in free agency Brad will have a lot of things thrown his way but small things become large when you add a personal touch to it. I think those type of measures are well received."

The clock ticks...to noon on July 1st. How soon will something happen? Morris says it's all up to Richards, who has known this day is coming for quite some time. Morris says it will still come down to a business decision and there are things that matter and things that don't. Market size is not a primary concern.

A number of teams contacted the Stars about the rights to Richards' but no deal was made. Morris wouldn't say which teams that tried to swing that deal. When pressed for info he simply said, "We'll do our best...and tell Darcy to be aggressive."

Morris expects Richards to receive all the offers on Friday and narrow it down to three or four teams from there. It's possible Richards would then sleep on it, and start talking economics AFTER narrowing it down to a list of finalists.

Richards will be at Morris' office in Mississauga on Friday when free agency opens up.

*Morris also represents UFA Cody McCormick and said the last contact he had with Darcy Regier was 10 days ago, and that the ball is in Darcy's court.

[DeToxRox]

RT @TReedDispatch #CBJ trade for rights to D James Wisniewski. Give up a 7th rounder to montreal.

[DeToxRox]

No idea who this is, just saw it on HF

Anthony SanFilippo
Ok #Flyers fans, I'm told that if the Flyers decide to give Stamkos an offer sheet it's for $115 mil over 12 years with a full no-trade.

[Dr. Sak]

They can't do a full no trade till 2016, so he would have a chance to be Cartered or Richarded till then.

[The Jackal]

No idea who this is, just saw it on HF

Anthony SanFilippo
Ok #Flyers fans, I'm told that if the Flyers decide to give Stamkos an offer sheet it's for $115 mil over 12 years with a full no-trade.

He's a pretty reliable writer in the Philly media.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Roloson back to Tampa, 1 year $3M

[Dr. Sak]

http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/czech_reports_jagr_says_no_to_pittsburgh/

[Dr. Sak]

incarceratedbob incarcerated bob
**UPDATED NHL NEWS** Jagr decision will be made official Friday #Penguins will be the landing spot, lawyers just reviewing contract.

[Suburban Rhythm]

At this point I just want a damn answer so the team can make the next move. They still will need another RW, and if they can't get Tyler Kennedy, I am hoping to start MorozovWatch

[Suburban Rhythm]

There is a player returning to Pittsburgh!

Arron Asham

[Galaxy]

So the Sabres acquired the rights to Christian Ehrhoff from the Islanders for a 2012 4th-round pick after sending the rights to Steve Montador to Chicago for a 2012 or 2013 7th-draft pick.

[Suburban Rhythm]

So the Sabres acquired the rights to Christian Ehrhoff from the Islanders for a 2012 4th-round pick after sending the rights to Steve Montador to Chicago for a 2012 or 2013 7th-draft pick.

Ehrhoff-Myers
Leopold-Regher

is a pretty strong to 4

If Buffalo can snag Ehrhoff and Richards...wow

[Chief Rum]

Paul Kariya retires because of post-concussion syndrome, and criticizes the NHL for inconsistent discipline on head shot hits. I tend to agree with that.

Thanks for the memories, Paul. While I will always despise the way you left the Ducks, when you were here in Anaheim, you were one of the best wingers in hockey, and the Selanne-Rucchin-Kariya line was one of the best in the league.