NHL moves into Kansas City [EHM:2007]

[duff88]

Game 7 Play-by-Play

49:26 - VAN - Jason Krog [1] (Mats Sundin [10] & Henrik Sedin [8])

3-1 Vancouver

[duff88]

Game 7 Play-by-Play

50:26 - VAN - Kyle Wellwood [4] (Sami Salo [4] & Kevin Bieksa [3]) [PP]

4-1 Vancouver

[duff88]

Game 7 Play-by-Play

End of Game

Shots: 31-27 Vancouver

Score: 4-1 Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks are Stanley Cup Champions.

[duff88]

Vancouver wins Stanley Cup

With a 4-1 win in the 7th game of the Stanley Cup finals, the Vancouver Canucks brought home the Stanley Cup for the first time in their 39 years history. Goaltender Roberto Luongo was also the first goalie captain to win the Cup. Pavol Demitra won the Conn Smythe trophy for most valuable player in the NHL Playoffs. This was also the first Stanley Cup for Mats Sundin, confirming the big swedish centre made the right bet by coming back with the Canucks in mid-season.

Vancouver Canucks
G Roberto Luongo
G Mike Smith
D Rob Davison
D Willie Mitchell
D Mattias Öhlund
D Colin White
D Nolan Baumgartner
D Kevin Bieksa
D Alexander Edler
D Sami Salo
LW Alex Burrows
LW Jeff Cowan
LW Cody McLeod
LW Taylor Pyatt
LW Daniel Sedin
C Pavol Demitra
C Ryan Johnson
C Ryan Kessler
C Henrik Sedin
C Mats Sundin
C Kyle Wellwood
RW Dan Da Silva
RW Jason Krog
RW Jamal Mayers
RW Miroslav Satan

[duff88]

Coyotes acquire defenseman Denis Kulyash

June 12th 2009 - The Kansas City Coyotes acquired rights to 26-years-old Russian defenseman Denis Kulyash today from the Nashville Predators. In return, the Coyotes sent prospect Mathieu Brodeur and a 6th round pick in 2009.

Kulyash, a 6'3/213 offensive defenseman who played the last season with CSKA Moscow, signed a one year deal with Metallurg Magnitogorsk recently that included a NHL release clause. The Coyotes hope to succeed in what the Predators couldn't do; that is bringing Kulyash to North America. He is said to want a guaranteed contract that he will play in the NHL. Kulyash is said to be a good skater with a cannon for a shot. He scored 7 goals and 9 assists in 48 games last season.

[duff88]

Marleau hits homerun at NHL Awards Ceremony


Lukas Kaspar (Calder) - Roberto Luongo (Vezina) - Patrick Marleau (Hart) - Nicklas Lidström (Norris) - Ilya Kovalchuk (Richard)

Art Ross (most regular season points): C Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Bill Masterton (perseverence and sportsmanship): C Pavol Demitra, Vancouver Canucks
Calder Memorial (rookie of the year): LW Lukas Kaspar, Kansas City Coyotes
Frank J. Selke (defensive forward): RW Mathieu Dandenault, Edmonton Oilers
Jack Adams (coach of the year): Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks
James Norris Memorial (defenseman of the year): D Nicklas Lidström, Detroit Red Wings
Hart Memorial (most valuable player): C Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
King Clancy Memorial (leadership and humanitarian contribution): C Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche
Lady Bing Memorial (gentlemanly conduct): RW Teemu Selänne, Anaheim Ducks
Lester B. Pearson (MVP selected by NHLPA): C Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
Maurice 'Rocket' Richard (most regular season goals): LW Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta Thrashers
Vezina (goaltender of the year): G Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

First All-Star Team

Pavol Demitra (VAN) - Patrick Marleau (SJ) - Milan Michalek (SJ)
Zdeno Chara (CAR) - Nicklas Lidström (DET)
Roberto Luongo (VAN)

Second All-Star Team

Rick Nash (CBJ) - Vincent Lecavalier (LA) - Marian Hossa (DET)
Dion Phaneuf (CGY) - Wade Redden (NYR)
Vesa Toskala (TOR)

All-Rookie Team

Lukas Kaspar (KC) - Benoit Pouliot (MIN) - Radek Smolenak (DAL)
Jonas Junland (STL) - Sami Lepistö (KC)
Tuukka Rask (BOS)

[duff88]

Kulyash signs

June 17th 2009 - Denis Kulyash has agreed to terms on a one year agreement with the Kansas City Coyotes. Kulyash will have a cap hit of 1.6M$. The deal includes an agreement that if he doesn't make the team and isn't picked on waivers after training camp, he will return to Russia.

[duff88]

Tavares CHL Player of the Year

June 18th 2009 - John Tavares, who will most likely be the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, was named the CHL Player of the Year today. Tavares ended 3 points behind his Oshawa Generals teammate Brett MacLean in OHL scoring in four fewer games. He finished the season with 69 goals and 71 assists for 140 points in 62 games. Here are the different awards in the various leagues around the world:

QMJHL Regular Season Championship: Lewiston MAINEiacs (70GP - 49W - 18L - 1OTL 2SOL - 101PTS)
QMJHL Jean Béliveau Trophy (Leading scorer): C Kelsey Tessier, Quebec Remparts (67GP - 49-91-140)
QMJHL Offensive Player of the Year: C Kelsey Tessier, Quebec Remparts (67GP - 49-91-140)
QMJHL Emile Bouchard Trophy (Best defenseman): D Kirill Tulupov, Victoriaville Tigres (70GP - 25-70-95)
QMJHL Jacques Plante Trophy (Best goaltender): G Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (56GP - 32W - 2.59GAA - 91.8SAV% - 6SO)
QMJHL Offensive rookie of the year: LW Andrej Nestrasil, Victoriaville Tigres (70GP - 33-63-96)
QMJHL Defensive rookie of the year: D Dmitri Kulikov, Drummondville Voltigeurs (70GP - 26-69-95)
QMJHL Michel Brière Trophy (Player of the year): D Kirill Tulupov, Victoriaville Tigres (70GP - 25-70-95)
QMJHL Presiden't Cup Championship: Lewiston MAINEiacs (4-0 win over Montreal)

Top 10 QMJHL Scorers:
1. C Kelsey Tessier, Quebec Remparts (67GP - 49-91-140)
2. LW Maxim Grachev, Lewiston MAINEiacs (70GP - 61-65-126)
3. C Paul Byron, Gatineau Olympiques (64GP - 53-73-126)
4. C Angelo Esposito, Montreal Junior (63GP - 57-65-122)
5. RW Logan MacMillan, Halifax Mooseheads (64GP - 52-63-115)
6. C Keven Veilleux, Rimouski Oceanics (70GP - 47-65-112)
7. C Maxime Macenauer, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (70GP - 47-63-109)
8. D Andrew Bodnarchuk, Halifax Mooseheads (62GP - 26-83-109)
9. D T.J. Brennan, Montreal Junior (63GP - 23-85-108)
10. C Nicolas Deschamps, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (68GP - 44-61-105)

-

OHL Regular Season Championship: Brampton Battalion (68GP - 39W - 20L - 5OTL - 4SOL)
OHL Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Leading scorer): RW Brett MacLean, Oshawa Generals (66GP - 71-72-143)
OHL Max Kaminsky Trophy (Best defenseman): D Adam Comrie, Saginaw Spirit (68GP - 19-22-41)
OHL Goaltender of the year: G Thomas McCollum, Guelph Storm (56GP - 27W - 2.60GAA - 91.2SAV% - 4SO)
OHL Emms Family Trophy (Rookie of the year): RW Sergei Korostin, Peterborough Petes (67GP - 31-29-60)
OHL Red Tilson Trophy (Player of the year): C John Tavares, Oshawa Generals (62GP - 69-71-140)
OHL J. Ross Robertson Cup Championship: Belleville Bulls (4-2 win over London)

Top 10 OHL Scorers:
1. RW Brett MacLean, Oshawa Generals (66GP - 71-72-143)
2. C John Tavares, Oshawa Generals (62GP - 69-71-140)
3. C Logan Couture, Ottawa 67's (68GP - 59-59-118)
4. LW Gianluca Caputi, Niagara IceDogs (68GP - 55-55-110)
5. C Zack Torquato, Erie Otters (60GP - 48-60-108)
6. D Alex Pietrangelo, Niagara IceDogs (61GP - 18-90-108)
7. D Bobby Sanguinetti, Brampton Battalion (67GP - 29-78-107)
8. C Michael Lomas, Owen Sound Attack (67GP - 50-54-104)
9. C Thomas Stajan, Brampton Battalion (66GP - 41-63-104)
10. C Scott Timmins, Kitchener Rangers (68GP - 46-55-101)

-

WHL Regular Season Championship: Kamloops Blazers (72GP - 48W - 20L - 1OTL - 3SOL - 100PTS)
WHL Bob Clarke Trophy (Leading scorer): C Zac Boychuk, Lethbridge Hurricanes (67GP - 53-89-142)
WHL Bill Hunter Trophy (Best defenseman): D Alex Plante, Calgary Hitmen (61GP - 17-47-64)
WHL Del Wilson Trophy (Best goaltender): G Chet Pickard, Tri-City Americans (58GP - 35W - 2.52GAA - 91.6SAV% - 6SO)
WHL Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the year): LW Stepan Novotny, Kelowna rockets (72GP - 31-28-59)
WHL Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (Player of the year): D Jonathon Blum, Vancouver Giants (66GP - 17-74-91)
WHL President's Cup Final Championship: Saskatoon Blades (4-0 win over Saskatoon)

Top 10 WHL Scorers:
1. C Zac Boychuk, Lethridge Hurricanes (67GP - 53-89-142)
2. C Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants (72GP - 70-68-138)
3. LW Drayson Bowman, Spokane Chiefs (62GP - 64-64-128)
4. C Matt Tassone, Swift Current Broncos (71GP - 50-66-116)
5. RW Brandon Sutter, Red Deer Rebels (72GP - 43-73-116)
6. RW Kyle Beach, Everett Silvertips (64GP - 53-58-111)
7. C Tyler Ennis, Medicine Hat Tigers (71GP - 52-54-106)
8. C Mitch Wahl, Spokane Chiefs (62GP - 36-70-106)
9. LW Ashton Hewson, Prince Albert Raiders (71GP - 52-53-105)
10. LW Adam Zamec, Saskatoon Blades (72GP - 48-51-99)

-

CHL Memorial Cup Champions: Lewiston MAINEiacs
CHL All-Star Team:

LW Zac Boychuk (LET) - C John Tavares (OSH) - RW Brett MacLean (OSH)
D Kirill Tulupov (VIC) - D Jonathon Blum (VAN)
G Chet Pickard (TRI)

-

NCAA Championship: Boston University Terriers
NCAA Hobey Baker Trophy (Player of the year): C Colin Wilson, Boston University Terriers [HE] (46GP - 34-28-62)

NCAA Top 10 Scorers
1. C Colin Wilson, Boston University Terriers [HE] (46GP - 34-28-62)
2. RW Brandon Yip, Boston University Terriers [HE] (50GP - 20-36-56)
3. C Riley Nash, Cornell Big Red [ECAC] (50GP - 23-32-55)
4. LW Michael Gergen, Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs [WCHA] (47GP - 20-28-48)
5. C Ryan Duncan, North Dakota Fighting Sioux [WCHA] (49GP - 20-27-47)
6. D Kevin Shattenkirk, Boston University Terrires [HE] (46GP - 11-35-46)
7. LW James Van Riemsdyk, New Hampshire Wildcats [HE] (46GP - 21-23-44)
8. C Justin Mercier, Miami-Ohio Redhawks [CCHA] (50GP - 15-29-44)
9. C Chad Rau, Colorado College Tigers [WCHA] (50GP - 24-19-43)
10. RW Tyler Ruegsegger, Denver Pioneers [WCHA] (50GP - 18-24-42)

-

AHL John B. Sollenberger Trophy (Leading scorer): C Ville Leino, Grand Rapids Griffins (80GP - 43G - 56A - 99PTS)
AHL Willie Marshall Award (Top goalscorer): LW Liam Reddox, Springfield Falcons (79GP - 45G - 45A - 90PTS)
AHL Best Forward: C Ville Leino, Grand Rapids Griffins (80GP - 43G - 56A - 99PTS)
AHL Eddie Shore Plaque (Defenseman of the year): D David Hale, Worcester Sharks (80GP - 11G - 45A - 56PTS)
AHL Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy (Goaltender of the year): G Mike Morrison, Quad City Flames (66GP - 41W - 1.89GAA - 93.4SAV% - 13SO)
AHL Red Garrett Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the year): LW Oskar Osala, Houston Aeros (79GO - 25G - 57A - 82PTS)
AHL Les Cunningham Plaque (Most Valuable Player): C Ville Leino, Grand Rapids Griffins (80GP - 43G - 56A - 99PTS)
AHL Calder Cup Champions: Norfolk Admirals

AHL Top 10 Scorers
1. C Ville Leino, Grand Rapids Griffins (80GP - 43G - 56A - 99PTS)
2. RW Darren Haydar, Grand Rapids Griffins (80GP - 39G - 58A - 97PTS)
3. LW Alex Picard, Syracuse Crunch (80GP - 39G - 58A - 97PTS)
4. LW Liam Reddox, Springfield Falcons (79GP - 45G - 45A - 90PTS)
5. C Eric Christensen, Chicago Wolves (77GP - 43G - 47A - 90PTS)
6. C Mikhail Grabovsky, Toronto Marlies (79GP - 40G - 50A - 90PTS)
7. C Ryan Potulny, Springfield Falcons (80GP - 41G - 44A - 85PTS)
8. RW Junior Lessard, Chicago Wolves (78GP - 29G - 56A - 85PTS)
9. D Noah Welch, Norfolk Admirals (80GP - 10G - 75A - 85PTS)
10. C Derrick Brassard, Lowell Devils (74GP - 38G - 45A - 83PTS)

-

ECHL Champions: Cincinnati Cyclones
ECHL MVP: D Brad Brown, Fresno Falcons (68GP - 9G - 32A - 41PTS)

ECHL Top 5 Scorers
1. RW Sean O'Connor, Victoria Salmon Kings (70GP - 37G - 33A - 70PTS)
2. RW Garret Bembridge, Idaho Steelheads (61GP - 34G - 33A - 67PTS)
3. LW Dustin Sproat, Fresno Falcons (68GP - 32G - 34A - 66PTS)
4. C Olivier Fillion, Victoria Salmon Kings (70GP - 15G - 51A - 66PTS)
5. C Chris Ferraro, Las Vegas Wranglers (70GP - 26G - 38A - 64PTS)

-

Czech Elite League Championship: HC Sparta Praha
Czech Elite League MVP: C Marek Melenovsky, HC Karlovy Vary (50GP - 40-38-78)

Czech Elite League Top 5 Scorers
1. C Marek Melenovsky, HC Karlovy Vary (50GP - 40-38-78)
2. RW Jaroslav Kristek, HC Pardubice (50GP - 22-49-71)
3. C Tomas Vlasak, HC Plzen (50GP - 26-38-64)
4. D Martin Cakajik, HC Plzen (50GP - 24-37-61)
5. C Tomas Blazek, HC Pardubice (50GP - 23-36-59)

-

Slovakian T-Com Extraliga Championship: HK 36 Skalica
Slovakian T-Com Extraliga MVP: LW Zigmund Palffy, HK 36 Skalica (47GP - 40-41-81)

Slovakian T-Com Extraliga Top 5 Scorers
1. LW Zigmund Palffy, HK 36 Skalica (47GP - 40-41-81)
2. RW Miroslav Zalesak, HK 36 Skalica (50GP - 32-43-75)
3. C Richard Sechny, HK Zvolen (48GP - 25-44-69)
4. LW Arne Krotak, HK SKP Poprad (49GP - 39-30-69)
5. C Jaroslav Kmit, HK Kosice (49GP - 23-34-57)

-

DEL Championship: Iserlohn Roosters
DEL MVP: G Norm Maracle, Iserlohn Roosters (45GP - 39W - 1.55GAA - 94.3SAV% - 6SO)

DEL Top 5 Scorers
1. LW Ilya Vorobiev, Frankfurt Lions (50GP - 34-36-70)
2. RW Michael Wolf, Iserlohn Roosters (46GP - 32-28-60)
3. LW Tyler Beechey, Ausburg Panther (50GP - 18-42-60)
4. D Pascal Trepanier, Adler Mannheim (50GP - 12-41-53)
5. LW René Corbet, Adler Mannheim (50GP - 29-24-53)

-

Swiss National League Championship: HC Genève-Servette
Swiss National League MVP: G David Aebischer, HC Genève-Servette (40GP - 27W - 2.16GAA - 91.2SAV% - 1SO)

Swiss National League Top 5 Scorers
1. LW Reto von Arx, HC Davos (50GP - 28-34-62)
2. RW Rico Fata, EHC Biel-Bienne (50GP - 33-28-61)
3. LW Oliver Setzinger, Langnau Tigers (49GP - 26-34-60)
4. C Stacy Roest, Rapperswil-Jona Lakers (50GP - 15-40-55)
5. C Igor Fedulov, HC Genève-Servette (50GP - 20-33-53)

-

Swedish Elitserien Championship: Djugardens IF
Swedish Elitserien MVP: D Kenny Jönsson, Rögle BK (46GP - 10-31-41)

Swedish Elitserien Top 5 Scorers
1. C Michael Holmqvist, Djurgardens IF (50GP - 21-32-52)
2. LW Nicklas Danielsson, Djurgarderns IF (50GP - 28-24-52)
3. LW Niklas Andersson, Frölunda Indians (50GP - 22-27-49)
4. C Kristofer Ottosson, Djurgardens IF (50GP - 18-31-49)
5. RW Mikael Renberg, Färjestads BK (49GP - 13-31-44)

-

Finnish SM-League Championship: Jokerit Helsinki
Finnish SM-League MVP: G Olaf Kölzig, Lahden Pelicans (41GP - 32W - 2.44GAA - 90.6SAV% - 1SO)

Finnish SM-League Top 5 Scorers
1. RW Sami Kapanen, Jokerit Helsinki (50GP - 29-44-73)
2. LW Toni Mäkiaho, TPS Turku (50GP - 26-41-67)
3. C Kalle Sahlstedt, HIFH Helsinki (50GP - 29-38-67)
4. C Lasse Pirjetä, Jokerit Helsinki (50GP - 27-39-66)
5. C Jarkko Immonen, JYP Jyväskylä (46GP - 22-36-58)

-

Russian Superleague Championship: Dynamo Moscow
Russian Superleague MVP: D Dmitry Yuskevich (50GP - 5-15-20)

Russian Superleague Top 5 Scorers
1. RW Jaromir Jagr, Avangard Omsk (50GP - 32-18-50)
2. C Konstantin Gorovikov, Sibir Novosibirsk (50GP - 26-20-46)
3. RW Sergei Soin, Lada Togliatti (49GP - 18-26-44)
4. RW Dmitry Subbotin, Dynamo Moscow (50GP - 21-23-44)
5. RW Aleksey Morozov, Ak Bars Kazan (45GP - 22-20-42)

-

Yearly World Rankings
1. Canada
2. Sweden
3. Finland
4. Czech Republic
5. Russia
-
6. USA
7. Slovakia
8. Germany
9. Switzerland
10. Belarus
-
11. Denmark
12. Latvia
13. Norway
14. Italy
15. Ukraine
-
16. Kazakhstan
17. Austria
18. Slovenia
19. France
20. Poland
-
21. Hungary
22. Netherlands
23. Japan
24. Estonia
25. Lithuania
-
26. Romania
27. China
28. Great Britain
29. Croatia
30. Serbia
-
31. Bulgaria
32. South Korea
33. Belgium
34. Israel
35. Australia
-
36. Spain
37. North Korea
38. South Africa
39. Iceland
40. New Zealand
-
41. Turkey
42. Mexico
43. Luxembourg
44. Ireland
45. Armenia
-
46. Bosnia-Herzegovina
47. Thailand
48. Singapore
49. Mongolia
50. Malaysia
-
51. Greece
52. Andorra

[duff88]

Bad luck hits Coyotes

June 18th 2009 - The Atlanta Thrashers have won the NHL Draft lottery and will move up 4 spots in the draft rankings, just enough to overtake the first overall pick from Kansas City. The Coyotes will therefore hold the second overall selection.

1. Atlanta Thrashers
2. Kansas City Coyotes
3. Nashville Predators
4. Chicago Blackhawks
5. Minnesota Wild

Kansas City holds 7 picks. At the present time, they hold the 2nd, 31st, 59th, 61st, 91st, 121st and 181st picks.

[Travis]

Wow, brutal luck man. Or are you a little happy that you likely won't have to make the Tavares/Hedman decision now?

[duff88]

Originally Posted by Travis

Wow, brutal luck man. Or are you a little happy that you likely won't have to make the Tavares/Hedman decision now?

Tavares was #1 on my list. But having a defenseman like Hedman is that much more needed to build a solid franchise, so hopefully he pans out well. This was a win-win situation.

[duff88]

Kaspar, Carter and Adams recieve honors

Lukas Kaspar, Anson Carter and Kevyn Adams respectively won the Sprint cup, Star Trophy and Gold Stick

June 18th 2009 - Lukas Kaspar has won the Sprint Cup given to the best players as voted by the media for the 2008-09 season. Kaspar ended the year as the leader among rookies with 25 goals and 46 assists for 71 points in 79 games. He was also leading scorer with the Coyotes as well as the winner of the Calder Trophy.

Anson Carter won the Star Trophy for fans player of the year. Carter finished second on the team in points after scoring 37 goals and 33 assists for 70 points in 75 games.

Kevyn Adams won the Gold Stick as biggest contributor without earning praise for his hard work. Adams scored 5 goals and 25 points in 76 games, playing a key role on the PK and in the dressing room.

[duff88]

Tavares goes to Atlanta


John Tavares was picked first overall by the Atlanta Thrashers

*Round 1, 21st overall - Originally held by Edmonton
**Round 1, 25th overall - Originally held by San Jose

Trade: Oilers trade pick 21 to San Jose for pick 55 and a 2010 3rd round pick
Trade: Colorado trades D John-Michael Liles to New Jersey for picks 41 and 67.
Trade: Nashville trades rights to D Marc-André Bourdon to Philadelphia for D Zbynek Michalek
Trade: Nashville trades D Dan Hamhuis and pick 83 to Pittsburgh for D Brooks Orpik
Trade: Rangers trade C Tom Pyatt to Washington for D Bryan Pothier

[duff88]

Coyotes draft review

Round 1 - 2nd overall - LD Victor Hedman - 6'6/220 - MODO (SEL) - 12/18/1990 - Örnsköldsvik, Sweden
2008-09 - MODO (SEL) - 41GP - 2G - 9A - 11PTS - Ranked 2nd overall by ISS
Victor Hedman was in a battle with John Tavares for first overall for most of the year, until defenseman Ryan Ellis made a late season surge to fight with Hedman for the second spot in the draft. A huge physical sepcimen, Hedman brings talent at both end of the ice. He can intimidate defensively with his strenght and excellent positionning, but he is also a very good skater who can bring it in offensively. He is a talented passer and has a solid shot from the point.

Round 2 - 31st overall - RW Travis Randell - 6'0/196 - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) - 1/26/1991 - St. John's, Newfoundland
2008-09 - Halifax (QMJHL) - 70GP - 14G - 13A - 27PTS - Ranked 64th overall by ISS
Randell had a up-and-down season with the Mooseheads, but ended it well with 6 points in 5 playoffs game. A strong two-way player, Randell displays great work ethic and contagious enthusiasm. He is an excellent skater and an aggressive player who loves to go out and finish his checks. He has a good selection of shots and has the potential to be a solid contributor à la Darcy Tucker.

Round 2 - 59th overall - C Jeremy Morin - 5'10/160 - USNDP (USA) - 4/16/1991 - Ann Arbor, Michigan - Commited to Harvard (2009)
2008-09 - USNDP (USA) - 60GP - 31G - 44A - 75PTS - Ranked 42nd overall by ISS
Morin was one of the biggest fallers during the 2008-09 season. He started the year ranked 11th by ISS, fell to 21 at midseason and ended up ranked 42nd in the final rankings; only to be picked 59th overall in June. The main aspects that caused this free fall were Morin's lack of top-end potential and his relatively average skating technique. What the Coyotes saw was a deceptively quick skater who shows great tenacity, is a willing forechecker, wins faceoffs and is a good passer.

Round 3 - 61st overall - C Vitaly Karamnov - 6'1/185 - Dynamo Moscow (RUS) - 8/8/1989 - Moscow, Russia
2008-09 - Dynamo-2 (RUS-3) - 33GP - 12G - 6A - 18PTS - Unranked by ISS
After a difficult year adjusting to the North-American lifestyle with the Everett Silvertips of the WHL, Vitaly Karamnov went back to his native Russia to play with Dynamo Moscow. After being passed over in two consecutive drafts, Karamnov had a great World Junior Championship where he got the attention of a few NHL teams. A great two-way talent, Karamnov is an exceptionnal skater with great playmaking ability. He plays solid on both ends of the ice and has a game reminiscent of Dainius Zubrus. He will need to adjust to a more physical style, but he shows tremendous promise.

Round 4 - 91st overall - LW Erik Haula - 5'11/160 - Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS) - 3/23/1991 - Pori, Finland
2008-09 - Shattuck-St. Mary's (USHS) - 60GP - 35G - 52A - 87PTS - Ranked 150th overall by ISS
Erik Haula showed his professional attitue by coming over to North America to play high school hockey with the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary's club, which he led in scoring. Although he has yet to commit to an university, Haula hopes to play US College hockey for the 2010-11 season. He plays a solid two-way game based on his good anticipation and his solid work ethic. He's solid in the fact that he has no glarant strenght or weakness. He will need to get stronger if he wants to keep the same style in the pros, but he should have a lot of time to develop.

Round 5 - 121st overall - LD Mark Cundari - 5'9/185 - Windsor Spitfires (OHL) - 4/4/1990 - Woodbridge, Ontario
2008-09 - Windsor Spitfires (OHL) - 61GP - 24G - 32A - 56PTS - Ranked 80th overall by ISS
Passed over in last year's NHL Draft, the diminutive defenseman impressed with solid two-way play on a middle-of-the-pack Windsor team. Although very small, Cundari is rather strong and plays a defense first game that reminds the one of Atlanta's Francis Bouillon. Cundari is a hard worker and a leader on and off the ice; he can log in big minutes and plays a very physical game despite his size. He accumulated 113PIM with the Spitfires, also finishing in the top 20 in the leagues for hits with 122.

Round 7 - 181st overall - RW Matt Bourdeau - 6'2/205 - Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL) - 4/25/1989 - Hampton, New Brunswick - Commited to Denver (2009)
2008-09 - Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (USHL) - 60GP - 32G - 42A - 74PTS - Unranked by ISS
Few would have expected Matt Bourdeau to ever be drafted when he was first eligible two years ago. Scoring 7 points in 43 games with Ohio in the USHL as a 17 years old, Bourdeau didn't open anyone's eyes. The following year, he tried his hand at the QMJHL with moderate success, only scoring 12 points in 62 games with Lewiston. Finally, Bourdeau decided to come back with Ohio where he had a good season, ending the year 3rd in league scoring. His offensive talent is not what got him drafted; his fiesty aggressive style, along with his good skating ability and excellent work ethic, were what got the Coyotes to take a flyer on this late bloomer.

[duff88]

Binnington, Bellefleur, Rowan and Ekman-Larsson picked first

June 28th 2009 - The QMJHL, OHL, WHL and CHL Import Draft have all been completed. In the QMJHL, the Victoriaville Tigres picked big Halifax-born defenseman Luc Binnington first overall. In the OHL, Kingston selected diminutive winger Saad Bellefleur with the first pick. The Moose Jaw Warriors picked big 15-years old center Billy Rowan first in the WHL Bantam Draft. Finally, swedish defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who was picked 37th overall by Chicago last week, was the first selection in the CHL Import Draft by Moncton.

QMJHL Draft Top 5:
1. Victoriaville Tigres - LD Luc Binnington - 6'2/216 - Restigouche Tigers - Halifax, Nova Scotia
2. Moncton Wildcats - LD Daryl Hopkins - 5'10/180 - Moncton Speedy Glass Flyers AAA - Moncton, New Brunswick
3. Val d'Or Foreurs - RD Éric Poudrier - 5'10/209 - Charlottetown Islanders AAA - Charlottetown, PEI
4. Drummondville Voltigeurs - LD Cleve Keating - 5'11/209 - Vaudreuil Mustangs - New Minas, Nova Scotia
5. Gatineau Olympiques - RW Alex Cotnoir - 5'10/200 - Yarmouth Motormart Mariners - Victoriaville, Quebec

OHL Draft Top 5:
1. Kingston Frontenacs - LW Saad Bellefleur - 5'9/176 - Chatham Kent Cyclones - Newmarket, Ontario
2. Niagara IceDogs - LW Doug Gillies - 5'8/202 - Westport Rideaus - Mississauga, Ontario
3. Owen Sound Attack - G Gord Harris - 6'0/200 - Kemptville 73's - Brantford, Ontario
4. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds - RD Eric McRae - 5'7/191 - Eastern Ontario Cobras - York, Ontario
5. Sudbury Wolves - RD Pier-Luc Hill - 5'10/220 - Toronto Young Nats - Cornwall, Ontario

WHL Draft Top 5:
1. Kamloops Blazers - C Billy Rowan - 6'2/213 - Okanagan Rockets - North Saanich, British Columbia
2. Chilliwak Bruins - G Russel Dewar - 5'11/196 - Medicine Hat Big Country Pipeline Tigers - Spruce Grove, Alberta
3. Brandon Wheat Kings - C Ethan Harrison - 6'0/191 - Victoria Cougars - Golden, British Columbia
4. Everett Silvertips - LW Dorin Buchanan - 5'7/198 - Notre Dame Hounds - Neudorf, Saskatchewan
5. Kootenay Ice - RW Coady Pelletier - 5'8/187 - Notre Dame Hounds - Broadview, Saskatchewan

CHL Import Draft Top 5 (and other important picks):
1. Moncton Wildcats - LD Oliver Ekman-Larsson - 6'2/174 - Sweden - 37th overall by Chicago in 2009
2. Moose Jaw Warriors - LD Tim Erixon - 6'2/191 - Sweden - 62nd overall by Nashville in 2009
3. Kingston Frontenacs - LW Adam Pettersson - 6'0/178 - Sweden - Eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
4. Victoriaville Tigres - LW Iiro Pakarinen - 6'1/200 - Finland - 89th overall by Los Angeles in 2009
5. Chilliwack Bruins - C Markus Kinisjärvi - 6'0/185 - Sweden - Eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft
-
37. Chicoutimi Saguenéens - LW Magnus Svensson-Pääjärvi - 6'2/200 - Sweden - 15th overall by Pittsburgh in 2009
38. Tri-City Americans - C Jacob Josefson - 6'0/187 - Sweden - 27th overall by the New York Rangers in 2009
40. Halifax Mooseheads - LW Anton Lander - 6'0/191 - Sweden - 20th overall by Florida in 2009

[duff88]

Khabibulin to hit free agent market

June 29th 2009 - The Kansas City Coyotes and goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin were unable to come on an agreement on a new contract; the Bulin Wall will therefore become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. GM Nicolas Fillion has mentionned that despite the current situation, there are still considerable chances of seeing the russian goaltender back with the team.

Krys Kolanos, Daniel Tjärnqvist, Jeff Taffe, Rick Rypien, Tyler Mosienko, Bryan Rodney and Cody Bostock will also be released to free agency.

[duff88]

Free-agent frenzy starts

July 1st 2009 - Slovakian forward Marian Hossa and Canadian defenseman Scott Niedermayer will be the biggest names available on the unrestricted free agents market this summer. The chase has barely begun, but already the Atlanta Thrashers, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs have shown interest in Hossa, who was named to the second all-star team this season while playing with Detroit. On the other hand, eight teams have offered a contract to the 35 years old defenseman, including Atlanta, Anaheim, Chicago, Portland and the New York Islanders.

Forwards
Erik Cole - RW - 6'2/198 - USA - Edmonton Oilers (79GP - 11G - 30A - 41PTS)
Mike Comrie - C - 5'10/183 - Canada - New York Islanders (71GP - 20G - 46A - 66PTS)
Mathieu Dandenault - RW - 6'1/198 - Canada - Montreal Canadiens/Edmonton Oilers (70GP - 10G - 17A - 27PTS)
Radek Dvorak - RW - 6'2/200 - Czech Republic - Florida Panthers (76GP - 18G - 18A - 36PTS)
Sergei Fedorov - C - 6'1/198 - Russia - Washington Capitals (58GP - 9G - 16A - 25PTS)
Ruslan Fedotenko - RW - 6'2/194 - Ukraine - Pittsburgh Penguins (82GP - 19G - 35A - 54PTS)
Mike Grier - RW - 6'1/218 - USA - San Jose Sharks (77GP - 15G - 14A - 29PTS)
Bill Guerin - RW - 6'2/209 - USA - New York Islanders (82GP - 33G - 35A - 68PTS)
Martin Havlat - RW - 6'1/191 - Czech Republic - Chicago Blackhawks (73GP - 21G - 25A - 46PTS)
Marian Hossa - RW - 6'1/207 - Slovakia - Detroit Red Wings (73GP - 36G - 57A - 93PTS)
Jaromir Jagr - RW - 6'3/240 - Czech Republic - Avangard Omsk [RUS] (50GP - 32G - 18A - 50PTS)
Mike Knuble - RW - 6'2/231 - USA - Philadelphia Flyers (78GP - 28G - 37A - 65PTS)
Saku Koivu - C - 5'10/187 - Finland - Montreal Canadiens (35GP - 10G - 25A - 35PTS)
Alexei Kovalev - RW - 6'2/218 - Russia - Montreal Canadiens (74GP - 34G - 43A - 77PTS)
Viktor Kozlov - C - 6'5/233 - Russia - Washington Capitals/New Jersey Devils (83GP - 14G - 24A - 38PTS)
Robert Lang - C - 6'3/216 - Czech Republic - Montreal Canadiens (77GP - 24G - 45A - 69PTS)
Jere Lehtinen - LW - 6'0/198 - Finland - Dallas Stars (78GP - 13G - 19A - 32PTS)
John Madden - C - 5'11/189 - Canada - New Jersey Devils/Chicago Blackhawks (48GP - 8G - 13A - 21PTS)
Dean McAmmond - LW - 5'11/194 - Canada - Kansas City Coyotes/Pittsburgh Penguins (73GP - 15G - 28A - 43PTS)
Andy McDonald - C - 5'10/185 - Canada - St. Louis blues (82GP - 31G - 46A - 77PTS)
Glen Murray - RW - 6'3/224 - Canada - Toronto Maple Leafs (76GP - 33G - 37A - 70PTS)
Ladislav Nagy - LW - 5'11/191 - Slovakia - Servestal Cherepovets [RUS] (44GP - 21G - 12A - 33PTS)
Samuel Pahlsson - C - 6'0/207 - Sweden - Anaheim Ducks (77GP - 8G - 22A - 30PTS)
Mark Parrish - LW - 5'11/191 - USA - Dallas Stars (77GP - 31G - 38A - 69PTS)
Mark Recchi - RW - 5'10/189 - Canada - Florida Panthers (76GP - 23G - 31A - 54PTS)
Steve Reinprecht - C - 6'0/189 - Canada - Edmonton Oilers (80GP - 35G - 36A - 71PTS)
Henrik Sedin - C - 6'2/198 - Sweden - Vancouver Canucks (71GP - 17G - 34A - 51PTS)
Martin Straka - LW - 5'9/176 - Czech Republic - HC Plzen [CZE] (48GP - 34G -33A - 67PTS)
Mats Sundin - C - 6'5/229 - Sweden - Vancouver Canucks (38GP - 11G - 22A - 33PTS)
Keith Tkachuk - LW - 6'2/229 - USA - St. Louis Blues (75GP - 24G - 31A - 55PTS)
Doug Weight - C - 5'11/198 - USA - New York Islanders (77GP - 17G - 47A - 64PTS)
Richard Zednik - RW - 6'1/194 - Slovakia - Florida Panthers (76GP - 15G - 15A - 30PTS)

Defensemen
Adrian Aucoin - RD - 6'2/209 - Canada - Calgary Flames (75GP - 5G - 22A - 27PTS)
Rob Blake - LD - 6'4/224 - Canada - San Jose Sharks/Toronto Maple Leafs (81GP - 12G - 32A - 44PTS)
Nick Boynton - RD - 6'2/211 - Canada - Florida Panthers (77GP - 9G - 5A - 14PTS)
Philippe Boucher - RD - 6'2/220 - Canada - Pittsburgh Penguins/Buffalo Sabres (78GP - 9G - 32A - 41PTS)
Hal Gill - LD - 6'7/249 - USA - Pittsburgh Penguins/Nashville Predators (31GP - 1G - 4A - 5PTS)
Niclas Hävelid - RD - 5'11/196 - Sweden - Atlanta Thrashers/Buffalo Sabres (62GP - 2G - 15A - 17PTS)
Bret Hedican - LD - 6'2/202 - USA - Kansas City Coyotes/San Jose Sharks (75GP - 3G - 18A - 21PTS)
Dmitri Kalinin - 6'2/205 - Russia - New York Rangers (71GP - 5G - 10A - 15PTS)
Ken Klee - 6'0/213 - USA - Montreal Canadiens/Buffalo Sabres (62GP - 0G - 7A - 7PTS)
Filip Kuba - LD - 6'3/202 - Czech Republic - Ottawa Senators (82GP - 7G - 34A - 41PTS)
Marek Malik - LD - 6'5/233 - Czech Republic - St. Louis Blues (81GP - 2G - 14A - 16PTS)
Paul Mara - LD - 6'4/209 - USA - New York Rangers (78GP - 3G - 20A - 23PTS)
Kyle McLaren - RD - 6'4/233 - Canada - San Jose Sharks (77GP - 3G - 23A - 26PTS)
Derek Morris - RD - 6'0/213 - Canada - Carolina Hurricanes (82GP - 4G - 16A - 20PTS)
Scott Niedermayer - RD - 6'1/198 - Canada - Anaheim Ducks (82GP - 14G - 35A - 49PTS)
Sean O'Donnell - LD - 6'3/229 - Canada - Los Angeles Kings/San Jose Sharks (82GP - 1G - 15A - 16PTS)
Mathieu Schneider - LD - 6'0/185 - USA - Atlanta Thrashers (77GP - 9G - 28A - 37PTS)
Jaroslav Spacek - LD - 5'11/202 - Czech Republic - Buffalo Sabres (80GP - 3G - 27A - 30PTS)
Darryl Sydor - LD - 6'1/202 - Canada - Dallas Stars/New York Rangers (79GP - 6G - 21A - 27PTS)
Sergei Zubov - RD - 6'1/198 - Russia - Dallas Stars (27GP - 2G - 20A - 22PTS)

Goaltenders
Martin Biron - G - 6'3/160 - Canada - Philadelphia Flyers (64GP - 29W - 2.98GAA - 90.2SAV% - 4SO)
Brian Boucher - G - 6'1/180 - USA - San Jose Sharks (24GP - 9W - 2.89GAA - 89.7SAV% - 1SO)
Emmanuel Fernandez - G - 6'0/185 - Portland Titans (63GP - 28W - 3.06GAA - 90.4SAV% - 3SO)
Nikolai Khabibulin - G - 6'1/207 - Russia - Kansas City Coyotes (33GP - 7W - 3.46GAA - 89.9SAV%)
Dwayne Roloson - G - 6'1/183 - Canada - Edmonton Oilers (67GP - 33W - 3.16GAA - 89.6SAV% - 1SO)
Kevin Weekes - G - 6'0/194 - Canada - New Jersey Devils (60GP - 26W - 3.18GAA - 89.5SAV% - 5SO)

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Toronto signs RW Marian Hossa - 4 years ; 25M$
Atlanta signs D Scott Niedermayer - 1 year; 5.25M$
St. Louis signs G Martin Biron - 3 years ; 8.75M$
Atlanta signs D Paul Mara - 3 years ; 7M$
Portland signs D Filip Kuba - 3 years ; 7.75M$

[duff88]

Nylander traded to Canucks

July 3rd 2009 - The Vancouver Canucks have acquired center Michael Nylander from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 3rd round pick in 2010 and a 2nd round pick in 2011. This trade all but confirms the separation of the Sedin twins; Henrik is a free agent and it would be surprising to see him come back to play with his brother Daniel in Vancouver.

Meanwhile, Lou Lamoriello has announced his retirement from professional hockey. He will be replaced by former Blue Jackets and current Barrie Colts GM Doug MacLean. Lindy Ruff wasn't offered a contract by the Buffalo Sabres; Wayne Gretzky will replace him behind the bench.

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Montreal signs C Saku Koivu - 1 year ; 4.3M$
Philadelphia signs LW Keith Tkachuk ; 2 years ; 6.5M$
Los Angeles signs D Derek Morris - 3 years ; 7M$
New York Islanders sign C Todd Marchant - 1 year ; 1.9M$

[duff88]

Coyotes sign prospects Hedman, Karamnov and Long

July 5th 2009 - The Kansas City Coyotes have signed rookie deals with their first round pick, second overall in the last entry draft, defenseman Victor Hedman. Most experts consider Hedman to be NHL ready at the young age of 18; he should be able to start the yeat with the Coyotes. Otherwise, he is going to be sent down to San Antonio to mature in the AHL.

The Coyotes also signed russian forward Vitaly Karamnov and diminutive WHLer Colin Long. Both are expected to suit up for the Rampage in the AHL.

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Florida signs D Darryl Sydor - 2 years ; 2.5M$
Washington signs G Manny Fernandez - 3 years ; 6.75M$
Montreal signs C Andy McDonald - 3 years ; 4.4M$
Columbus signs G Brian Boucher - 3 years ; 4.6M$

[duff88]

Coyotes sign Hävelid

July 6th 2009 - The Kansas city Coyotes announced today the signing of swedish defenseman Niclas Hävelid to a two-year contract. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 5'11/196 defender scored 2 goals and added 15 assists last year while splitting the year between Atlanta and Buffalo; finishing the year +11 in 62 games. He is a steady reliable defenseman who can log big minutes if needed, or play a defensive role. At 36 years old, the Stockholm native could provide a leadership role in the lockeroom for some of the young players. He is also expected to help grooming Victor Hedman.

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Montreal signs C Robert Lang - 2 years ; 5.75M$
Montreal signs RW Alex Kovalev - 2 years ; 8.75M$
Montreal signs C John Madden - 3 years ; 10.75M$
Vancouver signs RW Mike Knuble - 1 year ; 1.3M$
Vancouver signs C Viktor Kozlov - 2 years ; 2.6M$
Montreal signs RW Mathieu Dandenault - 2 years ; 2.6M$
Los Angeles signs D Kyle McLaren - 2 years ; 1.9M$
Atlanta signs C Steve Reinprecht - 3 years ; 8.25M$
Vancouver signs RW Ian Laperrière - 1 year ; 800K$
Vancouver signs D Philippe Boucher - 1 years ; 1M$
Edmonton signs LW Erik Cole - 3 years ; 8M$
Ottawa signs D Dmitri Kalinin - 3 years ; 3.7M$
Boston signs RW Martin Havlat - 2 years ; 8M$
Atlanta signs D Jaroslav Spacek - 2 years ; 2.1M$
Washington signs D Sergei Zubov - 2 years ; 6.25M$

[duff88]

Khabibulin signs with Oilers

July 12th 2009 - After recieving offers from at least six teams, including the Kansas City Coyotes, free agent goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin accepted a two year, 7.25M$ deal with the Edmonton Oilers. Various sources have indicated the Coyotes had offered a higher paying contract for a single season.

With the list of notable free agent market goaltenders thinning to only Dwayne Roloson and Kevin Weekes, GM Nicolas Fillion may have to turn to the trade route if he wants to acquire a more experienced partner for goaltender Marc Denis.

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Portland signs D Rob Blake - 2 years ; 6.75M$
Florida signs C Mike Comrie - 2 years ; 4.2M$
New York Islanders sign C Samuel Pahlsson - 2 years ; 1.6M$

[duff88]

Coyotes acquire Mason

July 16th 2009 - The Kansas City Coyotes have acquires 33-years-old goaltender Chris Mason from the St. Louis Blues. In return, the Coyotes gave up a 7th round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Mason played only 17 games with the Blues last season, finishing with a 6-8-1 record. He held a 2.97 goals against average and a 91.1% save percentage. He also had 1 shutout.

Meanwhile, the Blues traded Calder-nominated defenseman Jonas Junland to the Minnesota Wild for two draft picks.

[duff88]

Vancouver olympic games postponed

July 21st 2009 - It was announced today that every scheduled olympic events would be postponed by two years. Therefore, the 2010 Olympic Games scheduled in Vancouver will take place in 2012. The World Championships will be held in Vancouver this year as the city awaits the Olympic games. There will also be an 8-teams world cup event featuring Canada, USA, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Finland, Sweden, Russia and Germany in September 2010.

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Dallas signs RW Jere Lehtinen - 2 years ; 5.5M$
New York Islanders sign RW Mark Parrish - 3 years ; 6.5M$
Montreal signs D Adrian Aucoin - 1 year ; 950K$
Boston signs D Marek Malik - 1 year ; 1.5M$
Dallas signs LW Kyle Calder - 3 years ; 3.3M$
Montreal signs D Hal Gill - 2 years ; 1.4M$
Portland signs G Kevin Weekes - 3 years ; 4.8M$
Atlanta signs RW Glen Murray - 2 years ; 5M$
New York Islanders sign C Mats Sundin - 2 years ; 7.25M$
Portland signs RW Ruslan Fedotenko - 3 years ; 5.5M$
Portland signs C Henrik Sedin - 3 years ; 9.5M$

[duff88]

Quinn retires

July 27th 2009 - A bad surprise hit the Kansas City Coyotes today as head coach Pat Quinn announced his immediate retirement from hockey for personnal reasons. Kevin Dineen, already in the organisation as an assistant to Quinn, will replace him.

Meanwhile, word around the team is that GM Nicolas Fillion was unable to add a much needed center to his team through free agency and may be looking at making another trade. The name of highly praised prospect Colin Long has been at the center of recent rumours as a possible return.

[duff88]

Notable retirements

D Chris Chelios - 47 years old - 1648GP - 187G - 766A - 975PTS
---Fourth in All-Time Games Played - First in Defensemen
---36th in All-Time Assists - 8th in Defensemen

LW Gary Roberts - 43 years old - 1194GP - 434G - 469A - 903PTS

G Curtis Joseph - 42 years old - 962GP - 472W - 54SO
---Fourth in All-Time Wins
---18th in All-Time Shutouts

C Jeremy Roenick - 39 years old - 1394GP - 515G - 711A - 1226PTS
---35th in All-Time Goals
---48th in All-Time Assists
---38th in All-Time Points

RW Owen Nolan - 37 years old - 1150GP - 404G - 463A - 867PTS

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Portland signs RW P.J. Axelsson - 3 years ; 2.2M$
Portland signs D Sean O'Donnell - 1 year ; 825K$
St. Louis signs C Doug Weight - 2 years ; 3.7M$
Montreal signs RW Richard Zednik - 2 years ; 1.5M$

[duff88]

Coyotes acquire Lombardi

August 3rd 2009 - As had been rumoured in the previous days, the Kansas City Coyotes have acquired a center via transaction. The Coyotes traded 19-years-old prospect center Colin Long to the Calgary Flames for speedy center Matthew Lomgardi. Lombardi, who stands at 5'11/189 and whom, at 27-years-old, has one year left on a 1.8M$ contract, scored 15 goals and 29 assists in 79 games with the Flames last year.

Meanwhile, prospect Erik Haula has announced that he wants to return to Finland for the next season and study his options from then on. He has recieved offer from various SM-League teams and should make a decision soon.

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Anaheim signs C Sergei Fedorov - 2 years ; 4.3M$
Anaheim signs C Bryan Smolinski - 1 years ; 900K$
Dallas signs D Mathieu Schneider - 1 year ; 1M$
Portland signs C Alexei Yashin - 1 year ; 1.4M$

TRADE: Portland trades D Jay McKee to New Jersey for a 4th round pick in 2010.
TRADE: Anaheim acquires D Kevin Bieksa from Vancouver for rights to Adam Hughesman

[duff88]

42 players invited to training camp

September 3rd 2009 - 42 players will suit up for the Kansas City Coyotes when training camp opens in less than two weeks. Four prospect invitees will join the 38 roster players: defensemen Mark Cundari and Tim Billingsley as well as wingers Jared Staal and Travis Randell. The camp will feature four goaltenders, fifteen defensemen and nineteen forwards. Here is the complete list:

Erik Haula will suit up for Tampereen Ilves in the Finnish SM-League next year. He has also announced that he doesn't plan on attending US Colleges anymore; his contract with Ilves will run out in two years and at that time he hopes to come to North America to play in the NHL or AHL.

Among players whos rights are held by Kansas City but who will not suit up in this year's training camp:

G Brett Bennett - 6'1/191 - 21-years-old - Boston University Terriers [NCAA]
G Scott Darling - 6'7/200 - 20-years-old - Western Michigan Broncos [NCAA]
D Maksim Goncharov - 5'11/187 - 20-years-old - CSKA Moscow [RUS]
C Alexei Kaigorodov - 6'0/191 - 26-years-old - Metallurg Magnitogorsk [RUS]
C Dmitri Pestunov - 5'9/198 - 24-years-old - Avangard Omsk [RUS]
C Ben Ferriero - 5'10/183 - 22-years-old - Boston College Eagles [NCAA]
C Vladimir Ruzicka - 6'2/198 - 20-years-old - Slavia Praha [CZE]
C Jeremy Morin - 5'10/160 - 18-years-old - Harvard Crimson [NCAA]
C Patrick Brosnihan - 6'4/213 - 23-years-old - Yale Bulldogs [NCAA]
RW Erik Haula - 5'11/160 - 18-years-old - Tampereen Ilves [FIN]
RW Matt Bourdeau - 6'2/205 - 20-years-old - Denver Pioneers [NCAA]
RW Martin Latal - 5'11/185 - 21-years-old - HC Olomouc [CZE]

[samifan24]

Just found your dynasty and it's been a fun read. Sometimes I wish it were possible to play EHM out of the box without having to worry about the salary cap bug but I'm on a Mac and I believe the editor is Windows-only. I'll enjoy reading your dynasty, though!

[Travis]

Hey Sami, I can't speak for duff, but I haven't had to touch the cap stuff since starting up a game with the Lidas 1.1 rosters.

[duff88]

Originally Posted by Travis

Hey Sami, I can't speak for duff, but I haven't had to touch the cap stuff since starting up a game with the Lidas 1.1 rosters.

Me neither, don't really notice any cap problems.

[duff88]

Hedman stays; Coyotes set


Victor Hedman was the second overall pick in 2009

September 28th 2009 - Victor Hedman has succeeded in getting a roster spot on opening day with the Kansas City Coyotes. The towering swedish defenseman, who was the second overall pick in this summer's NHL Entry Draft, will start the first game of his career on the first pairing with fellow countryman Niclas Hävelid. Hedman succeeds in what the player that beat him out on draft day, centre John Tavares, failed to do; Tavares was sent back to the Oshawa Generals by the Atlanta Thrashers.

Despite a 2-3-0 record in pre-season, there is some optimism that the Coyotes could cause some surprises this season and maybe even be in the hunt for a playoffs spot. Here are the expected lines for the opening game at the Honda Center in Anaheim on October 5th. Only Staffan Kronwall, with a light foot contusion, is currently sidelined with an injury which should be healed by opening day. The Coyotes will probably use 7 defensemen a lot through the year with Cory Murphy, Denis Kulyash and Reid Cashman serving as powerplay specialists.

22 Lukas Kaspar - 44 Rob Schremp - 77 Anson Carter [A]
49 Dan Fritsche - 18 Matthew Lombardi - 76 Evgeni Artyukhin
82 Tomas Kopecky - 17 Kevyn Adams [A] - 57 Blake Comeau
12 Brett Sterling - 10 Jamie Lundmark

6 Victor Hedman - 28 Niclas Hävelid
27 Sami Lepistö - 7 Greg de Vries [C]
8 Denis Kulyash - 6 Alexei Semenov
21 Cory Murphy

31 Marc Denis
50 Chris Mason

H.S. - 16 C Petteri Nokelainen, 5 D Reid Cashman, 2 D Staffan Kronwall

PRE-SEASON September 16th 2009 : Kansas City vs. St. Louis, 3-2 L (MacMillan, Hunter), McKee (10/10) & Ford [L] (18/21)
PRE-SEASON September 18th 2009 : Coyotes at St. Louis, 6-4L (Karamnov, Murphy, Krysanov, Sterling), Ford [L] (21/27)
PRE-SEASON September 20th 2009 : Kansas City vs. Atlanta, 5-3W (Kopecky, Kulyash, Kaspar, Fritsche, Lepistö), Mason [W] (27/30)
PRE-SEASON September 22th 2009 : Kansas City vs. Pittsburgh, 4-1W (Lundmark, Kaspar, Lepistö, Schremp), Denis [W] (24/25)
PRE-SEASON September 24th 2009 : Coyotes at Boston, 5-2L (Schremp [2]), Denis (20/21) & Mason [L] (11/15)

[duff88]

Taylor Hall ranked first


Taylor Hall will be the go-to-guy in Windsor this year

October 1st 2009[/i] - Taylor Hall of the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL was ranked first in the ISS Preliminary 2010 NHL Draft rankings. The Kingston native precedes finnish winger Teemu Pulkkinen and big canadian defenseman Erik Gudbranson in the rankings.

1. Taylor Hall - C - 6'1/165 - Windsor Spitfires (OHL) - CAN
2. Teemu Pulkkinen - RW - 5'10/176 - Jokerit Helsinki (FIN) - FIN
3. Erik Gudbranson - RD - 6'4/189 - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) - CAN
4. Brandon Gormley - LD - 6'0/187 - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) - CAN
5. Maksim Kitsyn - LW - 6'1/198 - Mettalurg Novokuznetsk (RSL) - RUS
6. Joey Hishon - C - 5'11/167 - Owen Sound Attack (OHL) - CAN
7. Cam Fowler - LD - 6'0/180 - Maine Black Bears (NCAA) - USA
8. John McFarland - C - 6'1/194 - Sudbury Wolves (OHL) - CAN
9. Artem Gareev - LW - 6'0/222 - Salavat Yulajev (RSL) - RUS
10. Kirill Kabanov - LW - 6'2/171 - Spartak Moscow (RSL) - RUS
11. Alex Cotnoir - RW - 5'10/200 - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) - CAN
12. Ryan Spooner - C - 5'10/168 - Peterborough Petes (OHL) -
13. Cleve Keating - LD - 6'0/209 - Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) - CAN
14. Clay Lenardon - C - 6'0/205 - Cornell Big Red (NCAA) - USA
15. Steve Chaffin - LD - 6'4/185 - Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) - CAN
16. Jared Knight - C - 6'0/186 - London Knights (OHL) - USA
17. Luc Binnington - LD - 6'3/216 - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) - CAN
18. Aleksandr Ataev - RD - 5'10/191 - Ak Bars Kazan (RSL) - RUS
19. Wade Poulin - G - 6'2/207 - Tri-City Americans (WHL) - CAN
20. Myles Lambert - RW - 5'10/198 - Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) - CAN
21. Jimmy Dias - RD - 6'1/213 - Kamloops Blazers (WHL) - CAN
22. Markus Kinisjärvi - C - 6'0/185 - Västeras HK (SEL) - SWE
23. Vladimir Tarasenko - RW - 6'1/189 - Sibir Novosibirsk (RSL) - RUS
24. Adam Sedlak - RD - 6'3/196 - Peterborough Petes (OHL) - CZE
25. Jarno Sandell - LD - 5'10/183 - Södertälje SK (SEL) - SWE
26. Carl Mulock - LW - 6'2/229 - Brampton Battalion (OHL) - CAN
27. Lasse Sillanpää - C - 5'10/205 - Niagara IceDogs (OHL) - FIN
28. Kevin Sundher - C - 5'7/147 - Chilliwack Bruins (WHL) - CAN
29. Zak MacDonald-Miller - RD - 6'4/220 - Chilliwack Bruins (WHL) - CAN
30. Maksim Gryaznov - G - 6'2/163 - Barys Astana (RUS-2) - KAZ

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by Travis

Hey Sami, I can't speak for duff, but I haven't had to touch the cap stuff since starting up a game with the Lidas 1.1 rosters.

Cool, where can I find these rosters? Will they work on my Mac or do you need the editor to use them?

[Travis]

Originally Posted by samifan24

Cool, where can I find these rosters? Will they work on my Mac or do you need the editor to use them?

The Blue Line :: Download

As far as I know they should work straight out of the zip, but I've never tried on a mac so I'm not 100% on that.

[samifan24]

Originally Posted by Travis

The Blue Line :: Download

As far as I know they should work straight out of the zip, but I've never tried on a mac so I'm not 100% on that.

Thanks.

[duff88]

Lombardi uncertain, Denis out, McKee called up

October 3rd 2009 - Coyotes goaltender Marc Denis, who was expected to start on opening day against the Ducks, will miss around one week of action after coming out of practice with anterior knee pain. David McKee has been recalled from the Rampage; Chris Mason will therefore have his first start with the Coyotes.

Recent acquisition Matthew Lombardi suffered a twisted ankle in practice but should be in place for the game against Anaheim. Meanwhile, defenseman James Sanford suffered a separated shoulder in a pre-season game with San Antonio and will miss at least four months.

[duff88]

Lombardi stars in opening game win


Matthew Lombardi was playing his first game with the Coyotes

October 5th 2009 - Matthew Lombardi's participation in the Kansas City Coyotes' opening game was a gameday decision, but the new acquisition did more than just suit up for his first game. Lombardi contributed two assists on his way to being named the first star of the game while goaltender Chris Mason blocked 29 of the 31 shots against for the win.

Blake Comeau scored the opening goal of the season midway into the second period. Rob Schremp scored a few minutes later, but two early goals in the third period by the Ducks tied the game at 2. Alexei Semenov scored the game winning goal with a rocket from the point. Niclas Hävelid completed the score with a powerplay marker with four minutes left, using Evgeni Artyukhin as a screen.

Victor Hedman, who played his first game in the NHL, had to leave the game at the end of one period with a finger injury. He should be back for the next game in Los Angeles on October 7th. Mason will once again be in nets.

October 5th 2009 - Coyotes at Anaheim, 4-2 W, (Comeau 1, Schremp 1, Semenov 1, Hävelid 1), Mason [W] (29/31)

Kansas City Coyotes (1GP, 1-0-0, 2 points)

[samifan24]

I think this thread is more engaging than other dynasties I've seen because you write well and add a visual element with the photos. Does EHM support exporting standings and stats and such in HTML pages in the same way that FOF does? That would be impressive.

[duff88]

Originally Posted by samifan24

I think this thread is more engaging than other dynasties I've seen because you write well and add a visual element with the photos. Does EHM support exporting standings and stats and such in HTML pages in the same way that FOF does? That would be impressive.

You can print roster, stats, schedules, transactions and standings both in text and html. One thing I recommend though is to save before everytime you do it because it happened a few times that the game quitted on me.

Thanks for the comments. English is my second language and I can barely speak it (I never really get the chance to practice), so it's nice to know it doesn't show up too much or at least that the text is understandable.

[duff88]

Murphy fractures shin in humiliating loss

October 8th 2009 - Brian Boyle scored twice and added an assist yesterday as the Los Angeles Kings put forth a hockey clinic for the Kansas City Coyotes who were defeated 5-0, only shooting 17 times at goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. Vincent Lecavalier, Patrick O'Sullivan and Michal Handzus also scored for the winners.

Few players stood out for the Coyotes in a losing cause. Niclas Hävelid, Lukas Kaspar, Dan Fritsche and Evgeni Artyukhin played solid hockey for the most part while goaltender Chris Mason had to stand on his head for most of the game. Everyone but Fritsche and Artyukhin finished in the minus, Anson Carter leading in that category with a dysmal -4.

Among the negatives to take out of that game, defenseman Cory Murphy will be out of action for 3 months after suffering a fractured shin on a slapper from Brian Boyle whom, to add insult to injury, scored on the rebound. Murphy had to be helped off the ice and went directly to the locker room from which he didn't return. Reid Cashman will be inserted into Murphy's seventh defenseman spot.

October 7th 2009 - Coyotes at Los Angeles, 5-0 L, Mason [L] (26/31)

Kansas City Coyotes (2GP, 1-1-0, 2 points)

[duff88]

Denis back for home opener

October 11th 2009 - Marc Denis will be back in nets for the home opener tommorow against the Buffalo Sabres. David McKee has been sent down to San Antonio, opening the roster spot to remove Denis from the injured reserve.

The Coyotes lost their last game to the Avalanche 4-2, despite taking an early 2-0 lead. Three goals in the third period, including two by Milan Hejduk, led the Avs to their first win of the season. 40-years-old captain Joe Sakic was held off the scoresheet in the win. Lukas Kaspar and Anson Carter scored for the Coyotes in the loss. Victor Hedman played his best game of the season, finishing +1 in slightly more than 16 minutes of ice time.

The Coyotes will have four straight home games followed by a game in St. Louis before a complete week without hockey.

October 9th 2009 - Coyotes at Colorado, 4-2 L, (Carter 1, Kaspar 1), Mason [L] (21/25)

Kansas City Coyotes (3GP, 1-2-0, 2 points)

[duff88]

Losing streak to end October


Evgeny Artyukhin was the October winner of the Sprint Cup

November 1st 2009 - After starting the season on the right foot with three early wins, the Kansas City Coyotes lost their five last game, on their way to finish the month with a disappointing 3-7-0 record, which places them 14th in the West and 28th in the League.

Evgeny Artyukhin, despite not being the team's leading scorer, was the winner of the October segment of the Sprint Cup. In 10 games, the big russian forward scored 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points. Most of all, Artyukhin played dominant hockey and was consistently an intimidating presence whenever he hit the ice. Rob Schremp and Anson Carter also recieved some votes.

NHL Offensive Player of the Month: LW Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta Thrashers (11GP - 10G - 10A - 20PTS)
NHL Defensive Player of the Month: G Miikka Kiprusoff (9GP - 7W - 0L - 2T - 1SO)
NHL Rookie of the Month: D Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues (12GP - 1G - 6A - 7PTS)
NHL Goals Leader: 10 - LW Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta Thrashers
NHL Assists Leader: 14 - C Tomas Plekanec, Los Angeles Kings
NHL Points Leader: 22 - RW Patrick O'Sullivan, Los Angeles Kings
NHL Defenseman Points Leader: 11 - D Bryan Berard, Los Angeles Kings
NHL Rookie Points Leader: 7 - D Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues

October 12th 2009 - Kansas City vs. Buffalo, 5-4S W, (Kulyash 1, Nokelainen 1, Artyukhin 1, Hävelid 2), Denis [W] (32/36)
October 14th 2009 - Kansas City vs. St. Louis, 4-3S W, (Schremp 2, Artyukhin 2-3), Denis [W] (31/34)
October 17th 2009 - Kansas City vs. San Jose, 5-1 L, (Cashman 1), Denis [L] (30/35)
October 20th 2009 - Kansas City vs. Minnesota, 4-2 L, (Nokelainen 2, Lombardi 1), Denis [L] (28/32)
October 21st 2009 - Coyotes at St. Louis, 4-1 L, (Kopecky 1), Mason [L] (33/37)
October 28th 2009 - Kansas City vs. Columbus, 6-2 L, (Carter 2-3), Denis [L] (38/44)
October 30th 2009 - Kansas City vs. Colorado, 5-3 L, (Artyukhin 4, Sterlin 1, Kaspar 2), Denis [L] (50/55)

Kansas City Coyotes (10GP, 3-7-0, 6 points, 14th in the West)