It's Gone! 2004-2006 NHL Offseason and Lockout Thread

[bbor]

Hawks have nothing to give for the 1st pick....I can only think of Ruutu as the only player Washington could possibly want,and Tallon has said he is untouchable.

What could they give up that Washington would want SI?

[sterlingice]

Originally Posted by bbor

Hawks have nothing to give for the 1st pick....I can only think of Ruutu as the only player Washington could possibly want,and Tallon has said he is untouchable.

What could they give up that Washington would want SI?

You hit right on it. I can't figure out anyone with any value under contract that isn't part of their "young core" they're trying to build. But there are still these persistent rumors. (For the record, I couldn't even see them doing something stupid like trading Ruutu to move up into that spot)

SI

[bbor]

I think Ovechkin is a perfect replacement for Jagr...so i can't see Washington dealing the pick unless they get blown away by an offer.

[sachmo71]

Rumor from the Dallas Morning News is Guerin to Florida from for the 7th overall pick.

I don't buy it. What do they want with a 9.5 million power forward without any power?

[bbor]

Keenan needs a whipping boy

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by bbor

CR..Glad to see you're still reading this thread

I was wondering your opinion on the Gerber deal?

Sounds like the Ducks go the shaft?

Also what do you think about losing your GM?

Well, it's Carolina, so it's a high third rounder.

Seriously, I don't know enough about Melic to make the call on that deal. I know that, since Gerbs started as an eighth rounder and we have a kid who is supposed to be really good in Bryzgalov ready to replace him with the big club, getting a young defensman and a third rounder for Gerbs ain't all that bad for the team, nor does it really affect how we will finish next year (assuming there is one).

Could we have gotten better? Yeah, unfortunately, I think so. I think Gerbs could have been sold as the answer to a team's goalkeeping woes and ogtten us a little better talent.

Coates has been around a long time, so I know he knows his hockey. I'm not too concerned about the management guys. We got some good hockey folks in there. But I am very worried about Disney. We neeed another Artie Moreno to come along and buy the Ducks because word is Mickey Mouse is cutting the budget again.

I'm not sure Murray being here would make a difference in that, so I say kudos to him moving to a Cup contender, a coaching role, and his family.

CR

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

I'm not sure Murray being here would make a difference in that, so I say kudos to him moving to a Cup contender, a coaching role, and his family.

In general, the news has not been met well in Ottawa. The fans are... well, angry wouldn't be the right word, because that implies a level of sophistication that we don't quite have in this city. Maybe a better term would be "not as convinced of the genius of this move as they had prepared themselves to be".

The media is, of course, unaimous in their praise of the move, even though none of them ever mentioned Murray as a candidate before the announcement.

[Draft Dodger]

what about the Hasek rumors? how is that going over in Ottawa?

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

In general, the news has not been met well in Ottawa. The fans are... well, angry wouldn't be the right word, because that implies a level of sophistication that we don't quite have in this city. Maybe a better term would be "not as convinced of the genius of this move as they had prepared themselves to be".

The media is, of course, unaimous in their praise of the move, even though none of them ever mentioned Murray as a candidate before the announcement.

Just remind the fans that at least Murray was a part of two different organizations that actually got to the Finals.

Martin was a very good coach. It can't be easy to follow in his footsteps for just about anyone.

And what's really funny is that Murray will have to match Martin's amazing regular season success to avoid being pilloried, and then do better in the postseason to make the fans forget Martin (of course, the latter shouldn't be as hard).

CR

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

what about the Hasek rumors? how is that going over in Ottawa?

Surprisingly mixed, actually. To me, it's a no-brainer: you have a championship calibre team, you need a goalie, he's the best available... go get him. But for some reason fans here aren't really sold.

The most common reasons:
- He'd cost too much (But wait, isn't Melnyk supposed to be a billionaire with cash to burn? Or was that just a PR smokescreen?)
- He's old and might not be that good anymore (None of the guys they have now are good either)
- He'd take playing time away from the young guys like Prusek and Emery (Apparently developing a young goalie is more important than winning a Cup)
- He'd be a cancer in a great dressing room (Actually, the Sens room hasn't been "great" in years -- Bonk and to a lesser extent Havlat are poison)

So for some reason, the chance to land a Cup-winning hall-of-famer with something to prove doesn't have Ottawa fans dancing in the streets. I don't get it.

Originally Posted by Chief Rum

And what's really funny is that Murray will have to match Martin's amazing regular season success to avoid being pilloried, and then do better in the postseason to make the fans forget Martin (of course, the latter shouldn't be as hard).

Yes and no. He'll certainly need to better Martin's post-season record (remember, Murray's been out of the second round only once in 14 years of coaching). But one thing that fans here have figured out is that regular season doesn't mean much. If he can lead the team to a 95-point season, which would be good for about sixth place, fans here would be perfectly happy as long as that's followed by a playoff run.

[Karim]

Originally Posted by bbor

Karim..you looking forward to the draft at all?

LMAO!

[bbor]

ML......Melnyk used to have money to burn....but his stock went for a shit.Biovale is getting beaten down.

[Karim]

Todd Bertuzzi sighting...
http://www.ackthpt.com/bertuzzi_punch.htm

[Tekneek]

Originally Posted by Karim

Todd Bertuzzi sighting...
http://www.ackthpt.com/bertuzzi_punch.htm

Classy!

[sachmo71]

I didn't expect this:

Stars update: Jason Arnott re-signed to one-year contract and Jon
Klemm re-signed to two-year deal.


Maybe Klemm, because he was one of our better defensemen. That probably spells the end for Matvichuk, who will now go to Detroit or Colorado and play pretty well. Arnott I was sure they would let walk. I really like him, but he's streaky.

[Karim]

Some articles for this morning:

Walker says no cap... Preds having problems signing Suter...
http://tennessean.com/sports/predato...nt_ID=53152159

Gomez may be available... Could be seeking $5 million...
http://nypost.com/sports/devils/26281.htm

Tough choices ahead in Nashville...
http://tennessean.com/sports/predato...nt_ID=52881146

Bourque vs. Coffey debate... Bruins may be interested in Conroy...
http://bruins.bostonherald.com/bruin...rticleid=31709

Sabres looking at defence on Saturday...
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial...23/1048177.asp

Leafs really don't care what the post-CBA landscape looks like...
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/Con...l=970081593064

This sort of thing gets you shot in Edmonton...
http://www.littlemadole.com/pool/images/10.jpg

[sachmo71]

Gomez wan't $5 million? Yikes!

[bbor]

Karim=having a slow work day

[Simms]

Not exactly hockey-related, but was any of the Toronto contingent here listening to the FAN during morning drive?

I won the 8:50 quiz.

[Cards4ever]

What did you win for a prize?

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Simms

Not exactly hockey-related, but was any of the Toronto contingent here listening to the FAN during morning drive?

I won the 8:50 quiz.

Woohoo....grats Simms......What were the questions?

[Cards4ever]

I realize this isn't huge news for everyone, but it is here in Minnesota!

Dean Blais has left UND to become a assistant at Columbus

http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/9007366.htm

[sachmo71]

Interesting...

Stars acquire defenseman Shawn Belle from St. Louis for goaltender
Jason Bacashihua.


I really like Bacashihua, but we have Smith and Ellis waiting to take over behind Turco also. So we get a really nice prospect who could be a powerplay leader for us in a year or two, although I thought Daley was going to step up.
Anyway, Cash should be starting for the Blues in a year or two, and he may be the guy you've been hoping for...

[Karim]

I think this was a good deal for the Stars. Belle looks like a sure-fire player who has very good size and great speed.

[sachmo71]

I think Cash might be a franchise goalie some day. We just have too many of them.

I'm looking forward to seeing Belle play.

[Cards4ever]

Originally Posted by sachmo71

I think Cash might be a franchise goalie some day. We just have too many of them.

I'm looking forward to seeing Belle play.

At this point, wouldn't you be happy to see anybody play?!

[sachmo71]

Touche, Cards.

[Karim]

Just in case anyone is still interested...

2004 NHL Entry Draft Contest

1. With the 1st selection overall, does Washington draft Ovechkin (1 point), Malkin (2 points) or trade down (3 points)?

2. Name a team involved in the first trade of any kind. (3 points)

3. Who is the first Canadian-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

4. Who is the first American-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

5. Name a player who will be selected in the 2nd round. (3 points)

BONUS: Name the player your favourite team will select in the first round. (1 point) Of course, the Leafs don't have a 1st round pick. Choose your 2nd favourite team or any player the Leafs might get.

[Coder]

Originally Posted by Karim

Just in case anyone is still interested...

2004 NHL Entry Draft Contest

1. With the 1st selection overall, does Washington draft Ovechkin (1 point), Malkin (2 points) or trade down (3 points)?

2. Name a team involved in the first trade of any kind. (3 points)

3. Who is the first Canadian-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

4. Who is the first American-born player selected (2 points) and by what team (1 point)?

5. Name a player who will be selected in the 2nd round. (3 points)

BONUS: Name the player your favourite team will select in the first round. (1 point) Of course, the Leafs don't have a 1st round pick. Choose your 2nd favourite team or any player the Leafs might get.

You want this by PM or should I post here?

[Coder]

Dola, seeing as you guys posted in the thread

1) Ovechkin
2) Phoenix Coyotes (Lots of teams covet the goalies)
3) Cam Barker, Chicago Blackhawks
4) Al Montoya, Florida Panthers
5) Carl Söderberg

~

I have two favourite teams.. I'm Swedish, so I'm allowed .

At 10, Atlanta Thrashers will select Robbie Schremp, who's seriously undervalued by THN.
At 26, Vancouver Canucks will be looking for a defenseman. If they haven't moved up to pick Valabik, I think they'll go for Jeff Schultz.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Simms

Not exactly hockey-related, but was any of the Toronto contingent here listening to the FAN during morning drive?

I won the 8:50 quiz.

I missed this the first time around. Congratulations.

I was in Toronto over the weekend and annoyed my wife by listening to the Fan pretty much exclusively. Ottawa is a beautiful town but God, I miss a real sports media.

(Now if you'd won Lunchbag Letdown I'd be really impressed....)

[Maple Leafs]

1. They take Ovechkin
2. The Panthers
3. Barker, to Chicago
4. Montoya, to Rangers
5. Johan Fransson
6. I refuse to name a #2 team, so I'm taking a bigtime shot in the dark on the Leafs at #90 overall: goalie Kyle Moir

[Coder]

Hehe.. I wrote Panthers first.. I think that Keenan is "keen" to put his mark on the team early. However, I think someone will move up before Florida is on the clock. Phoenix are pretty well stocked with prospects and can afford to trade their pick.

[Maple Leafs]

Here's my draft day trivia question. See if you can get it without looking it up:

There hasn't been a defenceman taken #1 overall since 1996. However, in the mid-90's there was a stretch where four out of five #1's were defencemen: Hamrlik ('92), Jovanovski (94), Berard (95) and Phillips (96). The question: prior to Hamrlik, who was the last junior defenceman to be taken #1 overall at the NHL draft?

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Here's my draft day trivia question. See if you can get it without looking it up:

There hasn't been a defenceman taken #1 overall since 1996. However, in the mid-90's there was a stretch where four out of five #1's were defencemen: Hamrlik ('92), Jovanovski (94), Berard (95) and Phillips (96). The question: prior to Hamrlik, who was the last junior defenceman to be taken #1 overall at the NHL draft?

I would guess Gord Kluzak.

[Coder]

Fact that Columbus traded wasn't that much of a surprise, but the fact that Carolina did the trade does.. Ladd?

[bbor]

Damn...i missed the contest.

Who the F did Phoenix draft???? A 2nd rounder guy for sure.

ML...you and your damn trivia gives me headaches

[sachmo71]

Trivia: Gainey?

[Tekneek]

Originally Posted by bbor

Damn...i missed the contest.

Who the F did Phoenix draft???? A 2nd rounder guy for sure.

Not a definite second rounder. Of course, the selection of Blake Wheeler brings this thread back on topic for the FOFC.

From TSN :

5. Phoenix - BLAKE WHEELER, RW, Breck

Lowdown: Solid all-around athlete was Minnesota's leading scorer with 100 points in 30 games and led Breck High School to the Class A title. Rangy winger needs to fill out his 6-3 1/2 frame but also won a state championship in football as a tight end. An above-average skater for a player his size, he is solid at both ends of the rink. He's ranked 17th among North American prospects by NHL Central Scouting but easily could slip into the second round.

[Chubby]

Just what the Sabres need, another winger

[Draft Dodger]

"It's a great team,'' Barker said of the Blackhawks during an interview with TSN. "I've heard a lot about the organization, nothing but good things.''

sure.

[Ryan S]

Originally Posted by bbor

Who the F did Phoenix draft???? A 2nd rounder guy for sure.

From ESPN.com

The Phoenix Coyotes raised more than a few eyebrows by picking high-schooler Blake Wheeler with the fifth overall pick. Not only is his jump (from 17th overall in Central Scouting's rankings of North American skaters) surprising, but he's only entering his senior year of high school in the fall.


"I got the impression that they were trying to pick me with the fifth pick in the second round, and that would have been great. I got no indication they'd pick me with the fifth pick in the first," Wheeler said. "My dad was the most excited. My mouth was hanging open, and he was doing all the yelling. Believe me, we were shocked."



Wheeler, a right winger who also plays football for the Breck School in Minnesota, won't turn 18 until Aug. 31 and will join the University of Minnesota for the 2005-06 season. If he plays all four seasons for the Gophers, he won't be in a Coyotes jersey until the 2009-10 season

[Cards4ever]

Blake Wheeler will probably be playing in the USHL next year and then the U of Minnesota the year after, he has a huge upside, you don't find guys with that size with the skating and stickhandling skills he has. This kid was one of the highest sought after recruits in college hockey. From what Gretzky is doing, looks like he is following the NJ model and taking college players, he has Taffe, Westrum, Ballard and still in school he has Matt Jones from UND.

Chubby, Buffalo's problem is signing the picks they draft, they haven't talked to last years pick Vanek at all and just recently signed there 02 pick or they would have lost him. Stafford is good player, lots of grit and isn't afraid to take punishment to get to the net.

[Cards4ever]

Dola, he is a old 17, he will turn 18 August 31st, the Wild took AJ Thelen who started college at 18.

If Crosby had been available, don't you think he would have been taken right away?

[Draft Dodger]

21. Colorado - WOJTEK WOLSKI, LW, Brampton

seems cool. I wonder who we will trade him for?

[sachmo71]

(#) Dallas and New Jersey trade picks, (^) Dallas trades picks with San Jose

[Cards4ever]

I wonder why they didn't want Zajac.

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

"It's a great team,'' Barker said of the Blackhawks during an interview with TSN. "I've heard a lot about the organization, nothing but good things.''

sure.

I'd be worried about this guy right away....he will be a candidate for the NHL drug testing policy after those comments

[bbor]

Dola

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

21. Colorado - WOJTEK WOLSKI, LW, Brampton

seems cool. I wonder who we will trade him for?

After he gets out of jail?

[Cards4ever]

Chucko goes to Calgary!

I love all of these future Gophers going high in the draft!