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]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

Foul.

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

Sue me.

[DaddyTorgo]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Bite me.

Fixed that for you.

[Galaxy]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

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]

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Is Recchi retiring?

Yes.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by DaddyTorgo

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by britrock88

(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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by bronconick

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]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

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]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

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.

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

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]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

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...

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

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]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

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]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

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]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

Originally Posted by Dr. Sak

I hope Pittsburgh signs Jagr.

Originally Posted by 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.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../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:

[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

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]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

Changes to Rule 48

Board of Governors approves changes to two rules - NHL.com - News

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]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

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]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

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

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by 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/hocke...hl-draft_n.htm

8. Columbus —Ryan Murphy. We fully expect that Philadelphia will be making this eighth selection come draft day after trading Jeff Carter and his salary to Columbus in order to pave the way for the Ilya Bryzgalov signing. But either way, Columbus and Philly could both use a dynamic offensive force from the back end.