NHL moves into Kansas City [EHM:2007]

[duff88]

ISS releases final 2011 NHL Draft Rankings

Teppo Inkilä was once again ranked 1st overall in the 2011 NHL Draft Rankings by ISS. He was followed by goaltender Marco Jarl and André Lindblad. According to most experts, there is no concenssus on this draft and it should be filled from surprises from the first pick in; Inkilä is by no means a surefire first overall pick.

1 (1-3) Teppo Inkilä - C - 6'0/180 - Oulun Kärpät (FIN) - FIN
2 (5-23) Marco Jarl - G - 5'11/160 - Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL) - SWE
3 (4-7) André Lindblad - C - 6'1/169 - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) - SWE
4 (2-1) Anton Markov - RW - 5'10/174 - CSKA Moscow (RSL) - RUS
5 (3-2) Boris Denisov - RW - 6'0/171 - Dynamo Moscow (RSL) - RUS
6 (6-4) Owe Söderberg - LD - 5'10/167 - Frölunda Indians (SEL) - SWE
7 (8-16) Jens Ring - RD - 6'6/194 - Västeras HK (SEL) - SWE
8 (9-6) Pavel Misko - LW - 6'4/169 - Dynamo Moscow (RSL) - RUS
9 (10-11) Ruslan Maltsev - LD - 6'4/187 - Salavat Yulajev (RSL) - RUS
10 (11-12) Per-Anton Holm - C - 6'0/160 - Pitea HC (SEL) - SWE
11 (15-20) Jacob Karlberg - LD - 6'1/174 - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) - SWE
12 (7-5) Luigi Gilbert - C - 6'1/211 - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (OHL) - CAN
13 (13-19) Gord Harris - G - 6'1/202 - Owen Sound Attack (OHL) - CAN
14 (12-13) Milos Falter - LW - 5'10/149 - Sparta Praha (CZE) - CZE
15 (20-8) Maxim Lazarev - RD - 6'3/202 - Metallurg Magnitogorsk (RSL) - RUS
16 (14-10) Gérard Laraque - LW - 5'10/165 - Chamonix (FRA) - FRA
17 (30-74) Juho Käyhkö - G - 6'1/171 - Saginaw Spirit (OHL) - FIN
18 (25-25) Aidar Safonov - LD - 5'10/160 - Dynamo Moscow (RSL) - RUS
19 (17-9) Marc-André Hay - C - 5'11/202 - PEI Rocket (QMJHL) - CAN
20 (63-UR) Pontus Paulsson - LW - 6'1/180 - Södertälje SK (SEL) - SWE
21 (22-33) Olegs Dembovskis - LW - 5'10/156 - Dinamo Riga (LAT) - LAT
22 (18-14) Billy Rogers - C - 5'11/189 - Omaha Lancers (USHL) - USA
23 (19-24) Sven-Ake Blomberg - C - 6'1/176 - Nyköping (SEL) - SWE
24 (16-18) Ruslan Nosov - C - 6'1/174 - Avangard Omsk (RSL) - RUS
25 (60-22) Scooter Coleman - RW - 5'9/185 - Northern Michigan Wildcats (CCHA) - USA
26 (32-26) Artem Mikriukov - LW - 6'1/174 - Ak Bars Kazan (RSL) - RUS
27 (28-39) Marcus Zimmermann - G - 6'2/202 - Krefeld 81 (DEL) - GER
28 (21-27) Austin Timmins - LW - 5'8/189 - Owen Sound Attack (OHL) - CAN
29 (23-48) Jacob Patrick - LD - 5'8/202 - Marquette Rangers (NAHL) - USA
30 (91-36) Nikolai Stasenko - LD - 6'0/156 - Locomotiv Yaroslavl (RSL) - BLR

[duff88]

Leafs win the Stanley Cup

With a 3-1 win in the 6th game of the Stanley Cup finals, the Toronto Maple Leafs brought home the Stanley Cup for the first time in more than 40 years. Team captain Tomas Kaberle lifted the cup in front of wild fans at the Air Canada centre. This is the 14th Cup in Leafs history.

Marian Hossa, who finished the playoffs with 13 goals and 24 points in 20 games, was the Conn Smythe trophy winner as MVP of the playoffs.

Toronto Maple Leafs
G Vesa Toskala
G Sébastien Caron
D Cam Barker
D Tomas Kaberle [C]
D Pavel Kubina
D Brian Pothier
D Chris Pronger
D Karel Rachunek
D Luke Schenn
LW Nik Antropov
LW René Bourque
LW Ryan Hollweg
LW Mark Parrish
LW Ben Ondrus
C Vaclav Prospal
C David Bolland
C Peter Mueller [A]
C Dan Cleary
C Randy Robitaille
RW Shane Doan [A]
RW Marian Hossa
RW Alexei Ponikarovsky
RW Lee Stempniak
RW Brian Wilsie
RW Jeremy Williams

[duff88]

Washington wins draft lottery

The Washington Capitals have won the draft lottery and will keep the first overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The Coyotes will pick third with their own pick, then 19th with a pick previously acquired from the New York Rangers.

1. Washington Capitals
2. Columbus Blue Jackets [from NASHVILLE]
3. Kansas City Coyotes
4. Minnesota Wild
5. Columbus Blue Jackets

[duff88]

NHL holds its Awards Ceremony

Art Ross (most regular season points): C Olli Jokinen, Chicago Blackhawks
Bill Masterton (perseverence and sportsmanship): LW Keith Tkachuk, Los Angeles Kings
Calder Memorial (rookie of the year): C Lars Eller, St. Louis Blues
Frank J. Selke (defensive forward): C Dave Scatchard, Anaheim Ducks
Jack Adams (coach of the year): Lindy Ruff, Toronto Maple Leafs
James Norris Memorial (defenseman of the year): D Jay Bouwmeester, Florida Panthers
Hart Memorial (most valuable player): C Olli Jokinen, Chicago Blackhawks
King Clancy Memorial (leadership and humanitarian contribution): C Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche
Lady Bing Memorial (gentlemanly conduct): LW Alex Tanguay, Carolina Hurricanes
Lester B. Pearson (MVP selected by NHLPA): C Olli Jokinen, Chicago Blackhawks
Maurice 'Rocket' Richard (most regular season goals): LW Ilya Kovalchuk, Chicago Blackhawks
Vezina (goaltender of the year): G Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

First All-Star Team

Ilya Kovalchuk (CHI) - Olli Jokinen (CHI) - Sidney Crosby (PIT)
Jay Bouwmeester (FLO) - Brent Seabrook (CHI)
Roberto Luongo (VAN)

Second All-Star Team

Peter Mueller (TOR) - Joe Thornton (SJ) - Nathan Horton (FLO)
Zdeno Chara (CAR) - Sheldon Souray (EDM)
Jean-Sébastien Giguère (ANA)

All-Rookie Team

Oskar Osala (CGY) - Mikael Backlund (CGY) - Lars Eller (STL)
Erik Karlsson (OTT) - Bobby Sanguinetti (NYR)
Trevor Cann (PIT)

[duff88]

Wild trade Gaborik and Koivu

The Florida Panthers have acquired star winger Marian Gaborik. In return, the Minnesota Wild recieve winger Michael Frolik and the 57th overall pick in 2011. Gaborik led the Wild with 34 goals and 40 assists last year but will be expected to explode with the great offensive players in Florida. The 29-years-old Slovak has two years left on a 7.4M$ p/y deal. Frolik scored 41 goals and 37 assists last season with the strong Panthers; the 23-years-old Czech has two years left on a 1.4M$ p/y deal.

The Wild also traded forward Mikko Koivu to the Detroit Red Wings for defenseman Brad Stuart and a 2nd round pick in 2012. Koivu had a tough season this year with only 40 games played due to a partially torn ACL that took him out for three month. He scored 24 points. Stuart has been one of the most steady defenseman in both zones in the Western Conference for the last three years; scoring an average of 33 points per season with the Red Wings. Stuart is 31-years-old and has one year left on his contract while Koivu is 28-years-old and has two years left on his contract.

[duff88]

Randell CHL Player of the Year

June 18th 2009 - Travis Randell, the Halifax Mooseheads' forward whose rights belong to the Kansas City Coyotes, has been named the CHL Player of the Year.

QMJHL Regular Season Championship: Saint John Sea Dogs (70GP - 47W - 18L - 1OTL 4SOL - 99PTS)
QMJHL Jean Béliveau Trophy (Leading scorer): C Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanics (66GP - 67-84-151)
QMJHL Offensive Player of the Year: C Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanics (66GP - 67-84-151)
QMJHL Emile Bouchard Trophy (Best defenseman): D Simon Després, Saint John Sea Dogs (61GP - 26-90-116)
QMJHL Jacques Plante Trophy (Best goaltender): G Olivier Roy, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles (61GP - 40W - 1.79GAA - 93.8SAV% - 14SO)
QMJHL Offensive rookie of the year: LW David Sanchez, Victoriaville Tigres (70GP - 59-58-117)
QMJHL Defensive rookie of the year: D Bruno Lachance, Chicoutimi Saguenéens (70GP - 17-82-99)
QMJHL Michel Brière Trophy (Player of the year): RW Travis Randell, Halifax Mooseheads (61GP - 76-73-149)
QMJHL Presiden't Cup Championship: Val d'Or Foreurs (4-2 win over Montreal)

Top 10 QMJHL Scorers:
1. C Jordan Caron, Rimouski Oceanics (66GP - 67-84-151)
2. RW Travis Randell, Halifax Mooseheads (61GP - 76-73-149)
3. LW Andrej Nestrasil, Victoriaville Tigres (62GP - 54-79-133)
4. LW Philippe Cornet, Rimouski Oceanics (68GP - 50-71-121)
5. LW David Sanchez, Victoriaville Tigres (70GP - 59-58-117)
6. D Simon Després, Saint John Sea Dogs (61GP - 26-90-116)
7. C Ryan McGregor, Rimouski Oceanics (64GP - 40-74-114)
8. RW Tommy Wiart, Moncton Wildcats (70GP - 55-58-113)
9. D Brandon Gormley, Moncton Wildcats (62GP - 33-80-113)
10. C Steven Anthony, Saint John Sea Dogs (58GP - 51-55-106)

-

OHL Regular Season Championship: Ottawa 67's (68GP - 49W - 15L - 4OTL - 0SOL - 102PTS)
OHL Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (Leading scorer): C Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires (63GP - 57-72-129)
OHL Max Kaminsky Trophy (Best defenseman): D Taylor Doherty, Kingston Frontenacs (67GP - 11-55-66)
OHL Goaltender of the year: G Edward Pasquale, Ottawa 67's (58GP - 43W - 1.95GAA - 93.1SAV% - 11SO)
OHL Emms Family Trophy (Rookie of the year): C Dale Calla, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (68GP - 60-58-118)
OHL Red Tilson Trophy (Player of the year): D Taylor Doherty, Kingston Frontenacs (67GP - 11-55-66)
OHL J. Ross Robertson Cup Championship: Saginaw Spirit (4-3 win over London)

Top 10 OHL Scorers:
1. C Taylor Hall, Windsor Spitfires (63GP - 57-72-129)
2. C Nazem Kadri, London Knights (67GP - 62-65-127)
3. C Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion (61GP - 62-65-127)
4. C Ryan O'Reilly, Erie Otters (68GP - 54-69-123)
5. C Chris DeSousa, Niagara IceDogs (67GP - 53-68-121)
6. LW Armand Hull, Erie Otters (68GP - 45-74-119)
7. C Dale Calla, Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (68GP - 60-58-118)
8. C Britt Devault, Kingston Frontenacs (67GP - 52-63-115)
9. D Vladimir Roth, London Knights (63GP - 23-90-113)
10. LW Yiorgo Ewanchuk, Kingston Frontenacs (68GP - 52-54-106)

-

WHL Regular Season Championship: Saskatoon Blades (72GP - 49W - 17L - 2OTL - 4SOL - 104PTS)
WHL Bob Clarke Trophy (Leading scorer): LW Brandon McMillan, Kelowna Rockets (72GP - 74-75-149)
WHL Bill Hunter Trophy (Best defenseman): D Tyson Barrie, Kelowna Rockets (65GP - 37-85-122)
WHL Del Wilson Trophy (Best goaltender): G Marco Jarl, Lethbridge Hurricanes (57GP - 41W - 1.73GAA - 94.1SAV% - 13SO)
WHL Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the year): D Hannes Pikkarainen, Chilliwack Bruins (69GP - 14-67-81)
WHL Four Broncos Memorial Trophy (Player of the year): D Tyson Barrie, Kelowna Rockets (65GP - 37-85-122)
WHL President's Cup Final Championship: Brandon Wheat Kings (4-2 win over Chilliwack)

Top 10 WHL Scorers:
1. LW Brandon McMillan, Kelowna Rockets (72GP - 74-75-149)
2. C Ian Schultz, Calgary Hitmen (72GP - 51-82-143)
3. C Jordan Iron, Saskatoon Blades (69GP - 68-69-137)
4. C Rylan Schwartz, Spokane Chiefs (72GP - 64-68-132)
5. C James Wright, Swift Current Broncos (72GP - 50-81-131)
6. C Markus Kinisjärvi, Chilliwack Bruins (64GP - 48-82-130)
7. RW David Toews, Brandon Wheat Kings (68GP - 51-73-124)
8. D Tommi Kivistö, Red Deer Rebels (71GP - 38-85-123)
9. C Brayden Schenn, Brandon Wheat Kings (67GP - 55-67-122)
10. D Tyson Barrie, Kelowna Rockets (65GP - 37-85-122)

-

CHL Memorial Cup Champions: Saginaw Spirit
CHL All-Star Team:
LW Brandon McMillan - C Taylor Hall - RW Travis Randell
D Taylor Doherty - D Tyson Barrie
G Olivier Roy

-

NCAA Championship: Minnesota Golden Gophers
NCAA Hobey Baker Trophy (Player of the year): C Corey Trivino, Boston University (50GP - 22G - 34A - 56PTS)

NCAA Top 10 Scorers
1. Robbie Czarnik, Michigan (49GP - 30-27-57)
2. Corey Trivino, Boston University (50GP - 22-34-56)
3. Jimmy Hayes, Boston College (50GP - 26-27-53)
4. Tyler Ruegsegger, Denver (50GP - 23-24-47)
5. Matt Butcher, Northern Michigan (48GP - 18-26-44)
6. Eric Lampe, Quinnipiac (50GP - 16-28-44)
7. Drew Shore, New Hampshire (49GP - 14-30-44)
8. David Fische, Minnesota (50GP - 12-32-44)
9. Billy Sweatt, Colorado College (40GP - 23-20-43)
10. Jeremy Morin, Harvard (46GP - 17-26-43)

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AHL John B. Sollenberger Trophy (Leading scorer): C Todd White, Binghamton (73GP - 38-59-97)
AHL Willie Marshall Award (Top goalscorer): C Trevor Lewis, Manchester (80GP - 43-53-96)
AHL Best Forward: C Todd White, Binghamton (73GP - 38-59-97)
AHL Eddie Shore Plaque (Defenseman of the year): D Martin Lojek, Houston (76GP - 7-68-75)
AHL Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy (Goaltender of the year): G Jimmy Howard, Grand Rapids (63GP - 49W - 1.83GAA - 93.3SAV% - 11SO)
AHL Red Garrett Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the year): RW Juuso Puustinen, Quad City (80GP - 36-34-70)
AHL Les Cunningham Plaque (Most Valuable Player): D Martin Lojek, Houston (76GP - 7-68-75)
AHL Calder Cup Champions: Chicago Wolves

AHL Top 10 Scorers
1. C Todd White, Binghamton (73GP - 38-59-97)
2. C Trevor Lewis, Manchester (80GP - 43-53-96)
3. LW Dylan Hunter, Portland (74GP - 33-55-88)
4. LW Linus Klasen, Albany (67GP - 27-61-88)
5. LW Mayson Raymond, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (78GP - 35-52-87)
6. RW Bill Thomas, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (80GP - 40-44-84)
7. C Ryan Stone, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (74GP - 30-53-83)
8. LW Andreas Nödl, Philadelphia (80GP - 42-40-82)
9. LW Martin Kariya, Bridgeport (80GP - 23-59-82)
10. C T.J. Oshie, Peoria (80GP - 31-49-80)

-

ECHL Champions: Wheeling Nailers
ECHL MVP: D Adam Pardy, Charlotte (70GP - 14-50-64)

ECHL Top 5 Scorers
1. C Mike Stathopoulos, Stockton (70GP - 31-41-72)
2. D Adam Pardy, Charlotte (70GP - 14-50-64)
3. C Steve Zalewski, Phoenix (68GP - 21-42-63)
4. C Kyle Jones, Fresno (63GP - 32-30-62)
5. D Denis Bodrov, Mississippi (70GP - 16-45-61)

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Czech Elite League Championship: HC Pardubice
Czech Elite League MVP: C Marek Melenovsky, HC Pardubice (50GP - 37-38-75)

Czech Elite League Top 5 Scorers
1. C Marek Melenovsky, Pardubice (50GP - 37-38-75)
2. C Tomas Vlasak, Sparta (50GP - 31-33-64)
3. C Josef Straka, Znojmo (60GP - 40-20-60)
4. C Jan Hrdina, Pardubice (46GP - 20-37-57)
5. RW Tomas Divisek, Slavia (50GP - 35-22-57)

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Slovakian T-Com Extraliga Championship: HK Zvolen
Slovakian T-Com Extraliga MVP: G Rastislav Stana, Zvolen (44GP - 35W - 1.29GAA - 94.6SAV% - 12SO)

Slovakian T-Com Extraliga Top 5 Scorers
1. C Martin Cibak, Zilina (50GP - 32-35-67)
2. LW Martin Bartek, Zvolen (48GP - 39-24-63)
3. C Milan Kytnar, Poprad (50GP - 32-31-63)
4. RW Jiri Bicek, Slovan (50GP - 24-33-57)
5. C Tomas Surovy, Trencin (47GP - 16-35-51)

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DEL Championship: EHC Eisbären Berlin
DEL MVP: G Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers, Berlin (44GP - 35W - 1.72GAA - 93.5SAV% - 11SO)

DEL Top 5 Scorers
1. RW Brad Tapper, Duisburg (50GP - 38-44-82)
2. LW Ryan Jones, Nürnberg (50GP - 42-36-78)
3. RW Jeff Hamilton, Mannheim (50GP - 34-41-75)
4. RW Michael Wolf, Berlin (48GP - 36-38-74)
5. LW Ilya Vorobiev, Frankfurt (50GP - 26-35-61)

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Swiss National League Championship: ZSC Lions
Swiss National League MVP: RW Patrick Thoresen, ZSC Lions (45GP - 33-40-73)

Swiss National League Top 5 Scorers
1. RW Patrick Thoresen, ZSC Lions (45GP - 33-40-73)
2. C Martin Plüss, ZSC Lions (45GP - 29-39-68)
3. LW Reto von Arx, Zug (50GP - 24-43-67)
4. LW Roman Wick, Kloten (45GP - 31-33-64)
5. C Eric Himelfarb, Zug (50GP - 16-40-56)

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Swedish Elitserien Championship: Frölunda Indians
Swedish Elitserien MVP: D Dick Tärnström, Färjestad (46GP - 17-47-64)

Swedish Elitserien Top 5 Scorers
1. C Kristofer Ottosson, Frölunda (50GP - 23-44-67)
2. C Yared Hagos, HV71 (50GP - 24-41-65)
3. D Dick Tärnström, Färjestad (46GP - 17-47-64)
4. C Jaroslav Hlinka, Linköping (44GP - 23-40-63)
5. RW Christian Berglund, Färjestad (50GP - 26-37-63)

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Finnish SM-League Championship: Rauman Lukko
Finnish SM-League MVP: RW Lauri Tukonen, Lukko (46GP - 40-26-66)

Finnish SM-League Top 5 Scorers
1. RW Lauri Tukonen, Lukko (46GP - 40-26-66)
2. LW Dan Lacouture, Lukko (50GP - 22-43-65)
3. C Jarkko Immonen, JYP (46GP - 26-36-62)
4. C Riku Hahl, Jokerit (50GP - 28-32-60)
5. C Petteri Wirtanen, Pelicans (50GP - 19-36-55)

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Russian Superleague Championship: Avangard Omsk
Russian Superleague MVP: G Aleksandr Emerenko, Avangard (40GP - 32W - 1.90GAA - 92.5SAV% - 5SO)

Russian Superleague Top 5 Scorers
1. LW Ivan Tkachenko, Lada (50GP - 28-25-53)
2. C Alexei Kaigorodov, Metallurg Mg (45GP - 20-31-51)
3. LW Ruslan Nurtdinov, Lokomotiv (50GP - 27-23-50)
4. RW Pavel Rosa, Avangard (45GP - 21-25-46)
5. C Dmitri Pestunov, Avangard (50GP - 16-29-45)

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

[duff88]

Capitals select Jarl first overall

1. Washington Capitals - G Marco Jarl
2. Columbus Blue Jackets [from NASHVILLE] - C Teppo Inkilä
3. Kansas City Coyotes - C André Lindblad
4. Minnesota Wild - RW Anton Markov
5. Columbus Blue Jackets - D Ruslan Maltsev
6. Detroit Red Wings - C Ruslan Nosov
7. Atlanta Thrashers - RW Boris Denisov
8. New York Islanders - LW Pavel Misko
9. Pittsburgh Penguins - G Gord Harris
10. Ottawa Senators - D Jacob Karlberg
11. Philadelphia Flyers - C Per-Anton Holm
12. St. Louis Blues - D Jens Ring
13. Portland titans - D Owe Söderberg
14. Colorado Avalanche - LW Milos Falter
15. Anaheim Ducks - RW Roope Virkki
16. Dallas Stars - D Aidar Safonov
17. Boston Bruins - LW Pontus Paulsson
18. Edmonton Oilers - LW Austin Timmins
19. Kansas City Coyotes [from NEW YORK R] - D Ivan Ruzicka
20. Atlanta Thrashers [from CAROLINA] - D David Pulliainen
21. Buffalo Sabres - C Adam Niemelä
22. San Jose Sharks - LW Gérard Laraque
23. Calgary Flames - G Juho Käyhkö
24. Montreal Canadiens - LW Olegs Dembovskis
25. Chicago Blackhawks - C Andrei Glotov
26. New Jersey Devils - D Maxim Lazarev
27. Florida Panthers - C Stephan Jakobsson
28. New York Rangers [from VANCOUVER] - LW Artem Mikriukov
29. Los Angeles Kings - C Per Hall
30. Toronto Maple Leafs - RW Valerij Zakharov
-
33. Kansas City Coyotes - D Nikolai Stasenko
-
63. Kansas City Coyotes - D Sergej Kurenkov
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129. Kansas City Coyotes - D Jacob Patrick
-
153. Kansas City Coyotes - LW Jakub Maxa
-
183. Kansas City Coyotes - D Anders Harvey

TRADE: Atlanta trades D Kimmo Timonen to Florida for F Martin Hanzal and D Alexandre Picard
TRADE: New York I trades D Mike Van Ryn to Minnesota for F Matt Foy
TRADE: Boston trades D Dennis Wideman to Detroit for the 66th overall pick

[duff88]

Coyotes draft review

Round 1 - 3rd overall - C/RW André Lindblad - L - 6'1/174 - Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL) - 3/7/1993 - Västervik, Sweden
2010-11 - Moose Jaw (WHL) - 72GP - 42G - 69A - 111PTS - Ranked 3rd overall by ISS
André Lindblad made an impact in Moose Jaw after being the first selection in the CHL Import Draft. The swedish center led a poor team to the post-season by scoring 111 points, more than twice the amount of the second scorer on the team Justin Maylan who ended with 52 points. Lindblad played more than 25 minutes a game and was named captain midway through the year as he showed why he is such a highly coveted prospect. He is a very strong two-way player who plays with amazing consistency. He is a good skater and a masterful player with the puck; he is wonderful at distributing the puck. He has very good hands and excellent positionning both in the offensive and defensive zone. Although his style is best suited for center, he is somewhat deficient on faceoffs which can be a liability at times. His average shot selection will also prevent him from ever being a great scorer at the NHL level.

Round 1 - 19th overall - RD Ivan Ruzicka - L - 5'7/187 - HC Sparta Praha (CZE) - 6/23/1993 - Plzen, Czech Republic
2010-11 - Sparta Praha Jrs (CZE) - 33GP - 25G - 44A - 69PTS - Ranked 46th overall by ISS
Some people will claim that Ruzicka was a reach at the point the Coyotes took him, but by the words head scout Jerry Bourne were describing him, he could as well be a steal. A diminutive defenseman in size, Ruzicka is still a very strong player who is already built like a tank. Bourne described him as the best skater in the draft, with only danish winger Kasper Krog falling in the same category. He is an offensive minded defenseman who is able to control the play and who can sometimes take the role of fourth attacker on the ice. He is a superb passer, posses great hands and has a varied selection of shots. For someone his size, Ruzicka is also surprisingly willing to take the body defensively and shows excellent positionning ability. Compared to "Dan Boyle but with the skating of Scott Niedermayer", Ruzicka is incredibly consistent and has a great attitude although he is said to barely ever speak a word. He has already made it public that he will come over to play with the Ottawa 67's who selected him 116th overall in the 2010 CHL Import Draft. All in all, it's the size of Ruzicka that scared teams away, and for good reasons: there are currently no such small defenders who enjoy success in the NHL.

Round 2 - 33rd overall - LD/RD Nikolai Stasenko - L - 6'0/156 - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (RSL) - 2/25/1993 - Chist, Belarus
2010-11 - Dynamo Moscow Jrs (RUSJR) - 12GP - 4G - 7A - 11PTS - Ranked 30th overall by ISS
Nikolai Stasenko is a stay-at-home belarussian defenseman who will play for Lokomotiv of the Russian Superleague for the next two seasons. He is said to be a good skater who plays very hard and who plays an aggressive brand of defensive hockey. He reads the game well and likes to get under his opponents' skin. He will take hits and deliver them with consistency. He is also a smart player who is very good at passing the puck out of the defensive zone. Stasenko is rather on the thin side and will need to bulk up and get stronger. With a very good contract in Russia, it's also questionnable wether he will be interested in coming over to play in the AHL.

Round 3 - 63rd overall - RD Sergej Kurenkov - L - 6'5/222 - Avangard Omsk (RSL) - 1/18/1993 - Yaroslavl, Russia
2010-11 - Avangard Jrs (RUSJR) - 21GP - 8G - 16A - 24PTS - Ranked 40th overall by ISS
Sergej Kurenkov is one of the intriguing prospects of the 2011 draft class. Although ranked high by all scouting agencies, none of them were very fond of him as a player. Kurenkov is a big, strong and mean defenseman and he is a solid skater. He is also a hard worker and a good teammate. But there are some big cons to counteract what so far looks like a great prospect: He has very average hockey sense, is often taken out of position and doesn't use his long reach enough. He is also average offensively and has a hard time making a good first pass out of the defensive zone. On the verge of ending his contract with Avangard, Kurenkov will explore his options but coming to North America, be it for the Rampage or for an eventual CHL team that could draft him in the import draft, is not out of question.

Round 5 - 129th overall - LD Jacob Patrick - R - 5'9/205 - Marquette Rangers (NAHL) - 4/25/1993 - Estero, Florida
2010-11 - Marquette (NAHL) - 60GP - 17G - 26A - 43PTS - Ranked 29th overall by ISS - Commited to Providence (2011)
Jacob Patrick suffered one of the greatest falls on NHL Draft day. Ranked 29th overall by ISS and in the top 50 of all but one major scouting agencies, none expected Patrick to fall all the way to the fifth round. The Florida native is a two-way defender who does everything well, but nothing exceptionally well. He is a good skater, is rather strong for his small size and is solid and confident with the puck. His combination of size and lack of top end talent might be what ultimately cost him a high selection.

Round 6 - 153rd overall - LW Jakub Maxa - L - 5'11/176 - HC Litvinov (CZE) - 4/23/1989 - Litvinov, Czech Republic
2010-11 - Litvinov (CZE) - 49GP - 9G - 10A - 19PTS - Unranked overager
Not much is known on the 22-years-old Czech. He is said to be a good skater, although lacking speed, and a hard working winger. Head scout Jerry Bourne has said that he is very good technically and plays well on both sides of the ice, but he needs to be more confident with the puck. He should be signed to a contract this summer to come over with the Rampage.

Round 7 - 183rd overall - LD Anders Harvey - R - 5'11/189 - Minnesota Owls (MJHL) - 7/3/1993 - Moose Lake, Minnesota
2010-11 - Minnesota (MJHL) - 60GP - 13G - 36A - 49PTS - Unranked - Commited to Dartmouth (2011)
Anders Harvey is another rather unknown player who was captain of the Minnesota Owls of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League. He is said to be an incredible three-sports athlete who recently chose to concentrate on hockey by commiting to Dartmouth. He is an average skater, but makes up with amazing determination and work rate. He is a two-way defender who is a coach's dream because of his poise with the puck and his great attitude. He will be a player to watch in the NCAA.

[NoSkillz]

The Leafs?! With Lindy Ruff behind the bench? Oh God, no!

[duff88]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

The Leafs?! With Lindy Ruff behind the bench? Oh God, no!

I know... I know...

[duff88]

Coyotes re-sign players

June 24th 2011 - The Kansas City Coyotes have signed new one year deals with Anson Carter, Jay McKee, Jack Combs, Staffan Kronwall, James Sanford, Rosario Ruggeri, Alexandre Picard-Hooper, Louis-Philippe Martin, Chris Duran, Andrew Kozek and Nathan Saunders. Logan MacMillan and Lukas Kaspar signed two year deals while Ryan Parent signed a three year contract.

Reid Cashman and Stefan Meyer recieved qualifying offers and will become restricted free agents. Brett Sterling was not extended a contract offer and will therefore be released a an unrestricted free agent.

[duff88]

Carter and Kronwall recieve honors

June 25th 2011 - Anson Carter has won the Sprint Cup and Star Trophy. Carter finished at the top of the Coyotes' scoring list with 27 goals and 30 assists for 57 points in 82 games.

Staffan Kronwall won the Gold Stick as biggest contributor without earning praise for his hard work. The swedish defenseman scored 2 goals and 17 points in 82 games, playing a key role on the PK and bringing a stabilizing dimension to the young defensive core.

[duff88]

Fecteau, Vachon, Fullerton and Forsman picked first

June 28th 2009 - The QMJHL, OHL, WHL and CHL Import Draft have all been completed. In the QMJHL, the Prince Edward Island Rocket picked winger Bruno Fecteau first overall. In the OHL, Peterborough selected winger Max Vachon with the first pick. The Medicine Hat Tigers picked 14-years old defenseman Jim Fullerton first in the WHL Bantam Draft. Finally, swedish defenseman Robin Forsman, was picked first in the CHL Import Draft by Peterborough.


QMJHL Draft Top 5:
1. Prince Edward Island Rocket - RW Bruno Fecteau - 6'0/163 - Joliette, Quebec
2. Rimouski Oceanics - LW Doug St. Pierre - 5'10/154 - St. John's, Newfoundland
3. Lewiston MAINEiacs - RW Jass Kress - 6'2/165 - Oakfield, Nova Scotia
4. Quebec Remparts - C Jean-François Thériault - 6'2/163 - Quebec, Quebec
5. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies - LW Lucas Bowness - 6'0/147 - Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia

OHL Draft Top 5:
1. Peterborough Petes - RW Max Vachon - 6'0/149 - Wellan, Ontario
2. London Knights - C Marcel Vézina - 5'10/156 - Scarborough, Ontario
3. Oshawa Generals - LW Cole Kennedy - 6'3/160 - Niagara Falls, Ontario
4. Kitchener Rangers - RW Simon Kang - 5'9/149 - Scarborough, Ontario
5. Niagara IceDogs - LW Daryl Nardella - 6'1/160 - New York, New York

WHL Draft Top 5:
1. Medicine Hat Tigers - RD Jim Fullerton - 5'11/154 - Edmonton, Alberta
2. Portland Winterhawks - RW Larry Staal - 5'5/156 - Burnaby, British Columbia
3. Regina Pats - RW Jarett Dorion - 5'10/158 - Wawanesa, Manitoba
4. Prince George Cougars - RW Brandon Bloodoff - 6'0/160 - Unity, Saskatchewan
5. Prince Albert Raiders - RW Adrian Cheechoo - 5'11/224 - Wilcox, Saskatchewan

CHL Import Draft Top 5 (and other important picks):
1. Peterborough Petes - RD Robin Forsman - 6'0/176 - Sweden - Eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft
2. Prince Edward Island Rocket - C Lubos Kratena - 6'2/163 - Czech Republic - Eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft
3. Medicine Hat Tigers - C Ondrej Prochazka - 6'3/169 - Czech Republic - Eligible for the 2012 NHL Draft
4. London Knights - G Libor Hasek - 6'0/163 - Czech Republic - Eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft
5. Rimouski Oceanics - G Timofei Demkov - Belarus - Eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft
-
104. Vancouver Giants - RW Anton Markov - Russia - 4th overall pick in 2011 by Minnesota
105. Saginaw Spirit - RW Boris Denisov - Russia - 7th oveall pick in 2011 by Atlanta
106. Cape Breton Screaming Eagles - LD Ruslan Maltsev - Russia - 5th overall pick in 2011 by Columbus
107. Kamloops Blazers - LW Pavel Misko - Russia - 8th overall pick in 2011 by New York I
110. Red Deer Rebels - C Ruslan Nosov - Russia - 6th overall pick in 2011 by Detroit
113. Lethbridge Hurricanes - C Per Hall - Sweden - 29th overall pick in 2011 by Los Angeles
114. Kingston Frontenacs - RW Kasper Krog - Denmark - 46th overall pick in 2011 by Dallas

[duff88]

Free Agency period starts

July 1st 2011 - Zdeno Chara, Brad Richards, Pavol Demitra, Andrei Markov and Chris Pronger are the biggest names of this summer's defensemen-heavy unrestricted free agents market. The Coyotes will likely try to add some big names, both up front and at the blue line, to take them a step closer to the playoffs.

Forwards
Jason Arnott - C - 6'4/218 - Canada - 36yo - Nashville Predators/Carolina Hurricanes (71GP - 25G - 45A - 70PTS)
Todd Bertuzzi - RW - 6'3/244 - Canada - 36yo - Calgary Flames (81GP - 23G - 42A - 65PTS)
Pavol Demitra - C - 6'0/205 - Slovakia - 36yo - Carolina Hurricanes (82GP - 41G - 47A - 88PTS)
Brian Gionta - RW - 5'7/174 - USA - 32yo - Los Angeles Kings (74GP - 34G - 34A - 68PTS)
Mike Grier - RW - 6'1/218 - USA - 36yo - San Jose Sharks/Montreal Canadiens (69GP - 11G - 14A - 25PTS)
Michal Handzus - C - 6'5/213 - Slovakia - 34yo - Philadelphia Flyers (80GP - 22G - 41A - 63PTS)
Martin Havlat - RW - 6'1/191 - Czech Republic - 30yo - Nashville Predators/Carolina Hurricanes (71GP - 27G - 27A - 54PTS)
Paul Kariya - LW - 5'10/174 - Canada - 36yo - New York Islanders/Chicago Blackhawks (82GP - 35G - 32A - 67PTS)
Alex Kovalev - RW - 6'2/218 - Russia - 38yo - Montreal Canadiens (82GP - 38G - 44A - 82PTS)
Viktor Kozlov - C - 6'5/233 - Russia - 36yo - Vancouver Canucks (74GP - 20G - 31A- 51PTS)
Jamie Langenbrunner - RW - 6'1/198 - USA - 35yo - Carolina Hurricanes (82GP - 33G - 37A - 70PTS)
Jere Lehtinen - LW - 6'0/198 - Finland - 38yo - Detroit Red Wings/San Jose Sharks (77GP - 20G - 23A - 43PTS)
Adam Mair - RW - 6'2/213 - Canada - 32yo - New York Islanders (65GP - 8G - 9A - 17PTS)
Fredrik Modin - LW - 6'4/224 - Sweden - 36yo - New York Rangers (82GP - 24G - 43A - 67PTS)
Michael Nylander - C - 6'1/194 - Sweden - 38yo - Vancouver Canucks (78GP - 24G - 56A - 80PTS)
Brad Richards - C - 6'1/196 - Canada - 31yo - Florida Panthers (79GP - 33G - 62A - 95PTS)
Michael Ryder - RW - 6'0/194 - Canada - 31yo - New York Islanders (78GP - 23G - 37A - 60PTS)
Joe Sakic - C - 5'11/178 - Canada - 41yo - Colorado Avalanche (82GP - 22G - 44A - 66PTS)
Miroslav Satan - RW - 6'3/191 - Slovakia - 36yo - Vancouver Canucks (82GP - 31G - 42A - 73PTS)
Martin St. Louis - RW - 5'9/183 - Canada - 36yo - St. Louis Blues (82GP - 42G - 38A - 80PTS)
Mats Sundin - C - 6'5/229 - Sweden - 40yo - New York Islanders (78GP - 25G - 42A - 67PTS)
Richard Zednik - RW - 6'1/194 - Slovakia - 35yo - Atlanta Thrashers (82GP - 21G - 29A - 50PTS)

Defensemen
Adrian Aucoin - RD - 6'2/209 - Canada - 37yo - Nashville Predators/Vancouver Canucks (59GP - 1G - 14A - 15PTS)
Bryan Berard - LD - 6'2/218 - USA - 34yo - Los Angeles Kings (82GP - 4G - 38A - 42PTS)
Philippe Boucher - RD - 6'2/220 - Canada - 38yo - Vancouver Canucks (51GP - 1G - 11A - 12PTS)
Nick Boynton - RD - 6'2/211 - Canada - 32yo - Dallas Stars/Columbus Blue Jackets (68GP - 3G - 15A - 18PTS)
Eric Brewer - LD - 6'3/218 - Canada - 32yo - St. Louis Blues/San Jose Sharks (81GP - 3G - 14A - 17PTS)
Zdeno Chara - RD - 6'9/257 - Slovakia - 34yo - Carolina Hurricanes (82GP - 11G - 30A - 41PTS)
Steve Eminger - LD - 6'2/198 - Canada - 27yo - New Jersey Devils (76GP - 4G - 15A - 19PTS)
Christian Ehrhoff - RD - 6'2/198 - Germany - 29yo - San Jose Sharks (82GP - 11G - 30A - 41PTS)
Dan Hamhuis - LD - 6'0/207 - Canada - 28yo - Pittsburgh Penguins/Calgary Flames (74GP - 5G - 32A - 37PTS)
Roman Hamrlik - LD - 6'2/209 - Czech Republic - 37yo - Montreal Canadiens (82GP - 6G - 36A - 42PTS)
Scott Hannan - LD - 6'2/229 - Canada - 32yo - Colorado Avalanche/Pittsburgh Penguins (83GP - 4G - 22A - 26PTS)
Ed Jovanovski - LD - 6'2/209 - Canada - 35yo - Buffalo Sabres (82GP - 6G - 43A - 49PTS)
Andrei Markov - LD - 6'0/202 - Russia - 32yo - Florida Panthers (75GP - 8G - 34A - 42PTS)
Paul Martin - RD - 6'2/194 - USA - 30yo - Pittsburgh Penguins/Colorado Avalanche (81GP - 12G - 42A - 54PTS)
Chris Phillips - RD - 6'3/213 - Canada - 33yo - Ottawa Senators/Buffalo Sabres (81GP - 3G - 22A - 25PTS)
Tom Poti - LD - 6'3/218 - USA -34yo - Columbus Blue Jackets (82GP - 7G - 27A - 34PTS)
Tom Preissing - RD - 6'0/202 - USA - 33yo - Los Angeles Kings (82GP - 6G - 32A - 38PTS)
Chris Pronger - RD - 6'6/218 - Canada - 36yo - St. Louis Blues/Toronto Maple Leafs (82GP - 14G - 21A - 35PTS)
Craig Rivet - RD - 6'3/200 - Canada - 36yo - Buffalo Sabres/Vancouver Canucks (64GP - 3G - 15A - 18PTS)
Sami Salo - RD - 6'3/213 - Finland - 36yo - Vancouver Canucks (81GP - 7G - 30A - 37PTS)
Brent Sopel - RD - 6'1/202 - Canada - 34yo - St. Louis Blues/Ottawa Senators (79GP - 1G - 13A - 14PTS)
Jaroslav Spacek - LD - 5'11/202 - Czech Republic - 37yo - Atlanta Thrashers/Carolina Hurricanes (73GP - 1G- 21A - 22PTS)
Brendan Witt - LD - 6'2/229 - Canada - 36yo - Edmonton Oilers (82GP - 2G - 14A - 16PTS)
Sergei Zubov - RD - 6'1/198 - Russia - 40yo - Calgary Flames (82GP - 9G - 11A - 20PTS)

Goaltenders
Martin Gerber - G - 6'0/194 - Switzerland - 36yo - Ottawa Senators (72GP - 34W - 3.39GAA - 89.3SAV% - 3SO)
John Grahame - G - 6'2/218 - USA - 35yo - Nashville Predators (23GP - 4W - 3.72GAA - 88.6SAV%)
Brent Johnson - G - 6'2/198 - USA - 34yo - New Jersey Devils (19GP - 4W - 3.33GAA - 89.1SAV% - 1SO)
Nikolai Khabibulin - G - 6'1/207 - Russia - 38yo - Edmonton Oilers (31GP - 18W - 2.30GAA - 91.5SAV% - 4SO)
Manny Legace - G - 5'9/169 - Canada - 38yo - Atlanta Thrashers (21GP - 6W - 4.47GAA - 85.8SAV% - 1SO)
Chris Mason - G - 6'0/194 - Canada - 35yo - Kansas City Coyotes/New York Islanders (35GP - 14W - 3.09GAA - 89.7SAV% - 2SO)
Jocelyn Thibault - G - 5'11/167 - Canada - 36yo - Edmonton Oilers (12GP - 5W - 3.30GAA - 87.7SAV%)
Tomas Vokoun - G - 6'0/196 - Czech Republic - 34yo - Florida Panthers (64GP - 39W - 2.49GAA - 91.0SAV% - 4SO)

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Calgary signs D Roman Hamrlik - 1 year ; 1.8M$
Los Angeles signs D Adrian Aucoin - 2 years ; 4.8M$
Florida re-signs G Tomas Vokoun - 2 years ; 8.5M$
Ottawa signs D Chris Phillips - 3 years ; 3.5M$
Portland signs D Tom Poti - 3 years ; 6M$
Washington signs D Dan Hamhuis - 2 years ; 2M$

[duff88]

Coyotes sign Eric Brewer

The Kansas City Coyotes added a big name to their defensive core today by signing 32-years-old Canadian defenseman Eric Brewer to a three-year deal. Brewer will earn 4.4M$ p/y with this contract. The former 5th overall draft selection was traded to the San Jose Sharks last season after spending 5 and a half seasons seasons with the St. Louis Blues. He should bring a new dimension to the Coyotes as a defenseman who can do anything asked from him; he can play on well on both sides of the ice and can be used on the left or right side.

The Coyotes also signed free agent goaltender Jordan Parise to a one-year two-way deal.

#4 Eric Brewer - LD/RD - L - 6'3/218 - 32-years-old - Vernon, British Columbia

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Atlanta signs D Chris Pronger - 2 years ; 10.25M$
Vancouver signs RW Martin Havlat - 3 years ; 12.75M$
Atlanta signs D Christian Ehrhoff - 2 years ; 2.1M$
Edmonton signs RW Michael Ryder - 2 years ; 1.9M$
Atlanta signs RW Brian Gionta - 3 years ; 13.25M$
Florida re-signs D Andrei Markov - 3 years ; 16.25M$
Vancouver signs C Michal Handzus - 1 year ; 4.6M$
Calgary signs D Paul Martin - 3 years ; 9.25M$
Portland signs D Bryan Berard - 1 year ; 2M$
Ottawa signs D Zdeno Chara - 3 years ; 19M$
Los Angeles signs D Ed Jovanovski - 2 years ; 9.5M$
Portland signs D Brendan Witt - 2 years ; 5.5M$
New York I signs LW Paul Kariya - 1 year ; 1.2M$
St. Louis re-signs RW Martin St. Louis - 2 years ; 10M$
Montreal signs RW Jamie Langenbrunner - 1 year ; 1M$
Vancouver signs D Sami Salo - 2 years ; 5.75M$
Vancouver signs RW Todd Bertuzzi - 1 year ; 1.7M$
Edmonton signs D Steve Eminger - 2 years ; 2.1M$
New York I signs C Jason Arnott - 2 years ; 9.5M$
New York I signs D Nick Boynton - 3 years ; 4.5M$
Toronto signs D Tom Preissing - 3 years ; 8.75M$
San Jose signs RW Mike Grier - 1 year ; 1.2M$
New Jersey signs G John Grahame - 2 years ; 1.6M$
Colorado signs D Jaroslav Spacek - 2 years ; 3.7M$
Minnesota signs G Martin Gerber - 2 years ; 6M$

[duff88]

Coyotes sign prospects and RFAs

The Kansas City Coyotes have signed prospects Patrick Brosnihan, Sergej Kurenkov, Jakub Maxa, Aaron Ness and Ben Ferriero to rookie contracts. The Coyotes also reached agreements with restricted free agents Reid Cashman and Stefan Meyer. Both signed two-way deals.

[duff88]

UFA Tracker

Florida signs C Adam Mair - 2 years ; 1.8M$
St. Louis signs C Pavol Demitra - 2 years ; 10.5M$
Nashville signs LW Fredrik Modin - 2 years ; 9M$
New York I signs C Brad Richards - 3 years ; 19.75M$
New York I signs RW Miroslav Satan - 2 years ; 8.75M$
New York I signs D Sergei Zubov - 2 years ; 2.2M$
Dallas signs LW Jere Lehtinen - 1 year ; 1.4M$
Montreal signs RW Alex Kovalev - 2 years ; 8.75M$
Edmonton signs RW Richard Zednik - 1 year ; 2.3M$
Ottawa signs C Viktor Kozlov - 1 year ; 1.3M$
Pittsburgh signs LW Brett Sterling - 2 years ; 1M$
Nashville signs C Michael Nylander - 1 year ; 1.9M$
Colorado signs C Mats Sundin - 2 years ; 3M$

[duff88]

Fillion tried; players wouldn't follow

GM Nicolas Fillion has announced that he is done on the free agents market; and by his own words, the summer was a huge disappointment. Although very happy with the addition of defenseman Eric Brewer that brings the team's defensive core to another level, the Coyotes tried to add some key players but have fallen short on every occasion.

Rumours say that team failed to reach agreements with free agents Brad Richards, Jason Arnott, Adam Mair and Richard Zednik among others, despite putting a lot of money on the board.

[DeToxRox]

Keep it up Duff, even if you are a dirty GSP lover.

I assume your team isn't good enough to acquire top guys unless you pay totally out the ass?

You think Lindbland plays on the big club or stays in Juniors?

[duff88]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Keep it up Duff, even if you are a dirty GSP lover.

I assume your team isn't good enough to acquire top guys unless you pay totally out the ass?

You think Lindbland plays on the big club or stays in Juniors?

Lindblad is not ready.

And for the record, Ruzicka will be a stud.

EDIT: I've rarely seen any athletes more down to earth and likeable than GSP. If you at least had a good reason to hate him...

[duff88]

52 players to open training camp

September 9th 2011 - 52 players will be in Kansas City tommorow for the opening of the Coyotes' 2011-12 season training camp with fitness tests. Four goaltenders, eighteen defensemen and thirty forwards will fight for the twenty-three open roster spots. Four players will be in Kansas City as invitees: Defensemen Ivan Ruzicka and Bjorn Krupp as well as forwards André Lindbland and Greg McKegg.

OTHER PROSPECTS
G Scott Darling - 6'7/211 - 22 years old - Western Michigan (NCAA) - Lemont, Illinois
D Nikolai Stasenko - 6'0/156 - 18 years old - Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (RSL) - Chist, Belarus
D Jacob Patrick - 5'9/205 - 18 years old - Providence Friars (NCAA) - Estero, Florida
D Anders Harvey - 5'11/191 - 18 years old - Dartmouth Big Green (NCAA) - Moose Lake, Minnesota
C Dmitri Pestunov - 5'9/198 - 26 years old - Avangard Omsk (RSL) - Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan
C Jeremy Morin - 5'11/160 - 20 years old - Harvard Crimson (NCAA) - Ann Arbor, Michigan
C Mikael Granlund - 5'10/185 - 19 years old - Tampereen Ilves (FIN) - Oulu, Finland
RW Johan Larsson - 6'0/200 - 19 years old - Brynäs IF (SEL) - Visby, Sweden
RW Matt Bourdeau - 6'2/209 - 22 years old - Denver Pioneers (NCAA) - Hampton, New Brunswick

[duff88]

Randell will stay up

September 28th 2011 - One of the top prospects in the National Hockey League, 20-years-old winger Travis Randell will stay up with the Kansas City Coyotes to start the season. The St. John's, Newfoundland native scored a goal and an assist in five pre-season games. His promotion to the Coyotes was the key factor in the demotion of winger Jack Combs, who failed to impress in the pre-season. Among other players who were sent down were goaltender Jordan Parise, defensemen Aaron Ness and Maksim Goncharov as well as forwards Kirill Kabanov and Andrew Kozek.

PRE-SEASON - September 16th 2011: Coyotes at Dallas, 2-0 L, Pavelec [L] (24/25) & Parise (6/7)
PRE-SEASON - September 19th 2011: Coyotes at Buffalo, 4-1 L, (Kabanov), Parise [L] (18/21) & Pavelec (31/32)
PRE-SEASON - September 20th 2011: Kansas City vs. Edmonton, 5-0 L, Denis [L] (31/36)
PRE-SEASON - September 22nd 2011: Coyotes at Minnesota, 5-3 L, (Kaspar, Brewer, Randell), Denis [L] (31/36)
PRE-SEASON - September 24th 2011: Coyotes at Montreal, 6-0 L, Denis [L] (45/51)

[duff88]

Hockey's Future name Randell top prospect

September 30th 2011 - Hockey's Future has released its yearly rankings of the top 50 prospects in the world, and Coyotes' Travis Randell tops the rankings. Two other Coyotes are also a part of the list.

1. RW Travis Randell [KC] - 20 years old - 31st overall pick in 2009
2. D Alex Pietrangelo [STL] - 21 years old - 4th overall pick in 2008
3. D Simon Després [NYI] - 20 years old - 6th overall pick in 2009
4. LW James Van Riemsdyk [PHI] - 22 years old - 2nd overall pick in 2007
5. C Nazem Kadri [NJ] - 20 years old - 7th overall pick in 2009
6. D Jared Cowen [MTL] - 20 years old - 9th overall pick in 2009
7. C Brayden Schenn [BOS] - 20 years old - 17th overall pick in 2009
8. RW Teemu Pulkkinen [MIN] - 19 years old - 3rd overall pick in 2010
9. C Matt Duchene [PHI] - 20 years old - 10th overall pick in 2009
10. C Taylor Hall [CHI] - 19 years old - 1st overall pick in 2010
11. C Teppo Inkilä [CBJ] - 18 years old - 2nd overall pick in 2011
12. LW Artem Gareev [DAL] - 19 years old - 2nd overall pick in 2010
13. G Marco Jarl [WAS] - 18 years old - 1st overall pick in 2011
14. D Tommi Kivistö [OTT] - 20 years old - 25th overall pick in 2009
15. C André Lindblad [KC] - 18 years old - 3rd overall pick in 2011
36. LW Kirill Kabanov [KC] - 19 years old - 4th overall pick in 2010

[duff88]

Lönnberg tops Preliminary ISS 2012 NHL Draft Rankings

October 1st 2011 - ISS has released it's initial rankings for the 2012 NHL Draft. Canadian-based swedish defenseman Wilhelm Lönnberg was the top ranked player. The skilled blueliner, compared to a more defensive-minded Nicklas Lidström, tops teammate Armand Hull in the rankings. Darren Sigouin, Stéphane Aubin and Alexandre Gagnon complete the top 5.

1. D Wilhelm Lönnberg - 6'1/178 - Erie Otters (OHL) - Sweden
2. LW Armand Hull - 5'11/165 - Erie Otters (OHL) - Canada
3. RW Darren Sigouin - 6'1/169 - Peterborough Petes (OHL) - Canada
4. RW Stéphane Aubin - 6'4/191 - P.E.I. Rocket (QMJHL) - Canada
5. D Alexandre Gagnon - 6'0/183 - Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) - Canada
6. LW Yiorgo Ewanchuk - 6'1/167 - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) - Canada
7. G Spiros Houghton - 6'0/194 - Sarnia Sting (OHL) - Canada
8. D Bob Scoville - 6'0/185 - Guelph Storm (OHL) - Canada
9. D Gleb Belov - 6'2/200 - CSKA Moscow (RSL) - Russia
10. RW Tommy Wiart - 5'6/165 - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) - Canada
11. G Ulrik Bork - 5'11/178 - Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) - Denmark
12. D Sebastien Côté - 5'11/167 - Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) - Canada
13. C Ondrej Prochazka - 6'3/169 - Slavia Praha Jrs (CZE) - Czech Republic
14. C Jean-Simon Jager - 6'4/231 - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) - Canada
15. D Leo Sutton - 5'11/171 - Oshawa Generals (OHL) - Canada
16. C Lawne Monette - 6'5/216 - Barrie Colts (OHL) - Canada
17. C Yan Barkov - 6'0/200 - Dynamo Moscow (RSL) - Russia
18. D Shannon Ladd - 6'4/211 - Saginaw Spirit (OHL) - Canada
19. C Henrick McCauley - 6'1/163 - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (OHL) - Canada
20. RW Frederic Bouché - 6'0/165 - Montreal Junior (QMJHL) - Canada
21. C Oldrich Glas - 6'1/189 - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) - Czech Republic
22. C Alain Leinweber - 5'11/176 - London Knights (OHL) - Canada
23. C Michel Knecht - 6'0/183 - Lugano HC (SUI) - Switzerland
24. D Joe Regan - 6'0/154 - Boston University Terriers (NCAA) - USA
25. D Ragnar Wikman - 5'11/176 - Frölunda Indians (SEL) - Sweden
26. D Bryden Dubois - 6'4/220 - London Knights (OHL) - Canada
27. C Vyacheslav Romanov - 6'0/158 - CSKA Moscow (RSL) - Russia
28. D Archie Mason - 6'0/171 - Erie Otters (OHL) - Canada
29. RW Dmitri Storm - 5'11/156 - MODO (SEL) - Sweden
30. C Steffen Sturm - 6'1/211 - Düsseldorf Metro Stars (DEL) - Germany

[duff88]

Dineen will start with seven defensemen

October 3rd 2011 - Kansas City head coach Kevin Dineen has announced that he will use seven defensemen to start the season tommorow in St. Louis. Marc Denis will be the starting goaltender. Reid Cashman and Stefan Meyer will be healthy scratches while P.J. Axelsson will be off the lineup to heal a minor wrist injury.

Kaspar - Schremp [A] - Carter [C]
Pyatt - Kelly - Randell
Artyukhin - Krysanov- Karamnov
Lombardi - MacMillan

Hedman - Kronwall
Kulyash - Semenov
Brewer - McKee [A]
Parent

Denis
Pavelec

[duff88]

Randell impresses in debut

October 4th 2011 - Travis Randell assisted on two goals in eighteen minutes of ice-time today in his first National Hockey League game, but the Kansas City Coyotes were ultimately defeated 4-3 by the St. Louis Blues in shootout. Rob Schremp, Matthew Lombardi and Anton Krysanov failed to convert in the shootout while Erik Johnson scored the game winner for the Blues. With his two points performance, Randell was named the first star of the game by the experts present at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis.

October 4th 2011: Coyotes at St. Louis, 4-3S L, (Lombardi 1, Kelly 1, Pyatt 1), Denis [OTL] (30/33)

Kansas City Coyotes (1GP, 0-0-1, 1 point)

[duff88]

Home opener ruined by officiating

October 11th 2011 - The Coyotes were hoping for a win on their home opener today at the Sprint Center, but referees Russ Reinhart had other things in mind. After giving Marek Svatos the first penalty of the game one minute in, Reinhart gave the next fourteen penalites to the Coyotes who got out with a total of 40 penalty minutes to the Kings' 2. The Kings went away with a 6-4 win, shooting 58 times at an overwhelmed Marc Denis for the win.

"We are going to put in an official complain to the NHL about the work of mister Reinhart and . For now, this is all that is going to be said." said coach Dineen.

Russ Reinhart is usually considered a fair referee. He officiated 41 games last season, giving out an average of 7 minor penalties every game. The Hockey News, who ranks referees through the year for their game-to-game performance, rated Reinhart fourteenth for the 2010-11 season with a 7.76 rating. Rookie referee Connor Wilequet was the highest ranked with 8.00 while Marty Vorderegger was the most poorly rated with 6.79.

October 6th 2011: Coyotes at Detroit, 4-1 L, (Artyukhin 1), Denis [L] (29/33)
October 11th 2011: Kansas City vs. Los Angeles, 6-4 L, (Schremp 1, Kaspar 1, Krysanov 1, Kelly 2), Denis [L] (52/58)

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

[duff88]

League backs Reinhart

October 12th 2011 - The NHL has backed referee Russ Reinhart by releasing a statement saying although the head office understands the ground behind the complaint, a review of the match showed that the referee was fair in his decisions.

[duff88]

Denis pulls harmstring; Parise called up

October 18th 2011 - Marc Denis suffered a pulled harmstring in the Coyotes' 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars yesterday in Kansas City. He will miss about 3 weeks of action and has been placed on the injured reserve. Kansas City has called up Jordan Parise from the San Antonio Rampage to backup Ondrej Pavelec. Parise won one of his three games in the AHL, allowing 9 goals and maintaining a 90.9SAV%.

October 13th 2011: Coyotes at Toronto, 4-3 L, (Carter 1, Kaspar 2, Randell 1), Denis [L] (33/37)
October 17th 2011: Kansas City vs. Dallas, 2-1 L, (Schremp 2), Denis (13/14) & Pavelec [L] (11/12)

Kansas City Coyotes (5GP, 0-4-1, 1 point)

[duff88]

Winless Coyotes make changes

October 29th 2011 - The Coyotes are not playing poor hockey, but they can't seem to buy a win. After 10 games this season, the Coyotes have yet to beat a single team, only managing two points from overtime losses. Most of the top players have been very good; Kaspar, Carter and Schremp have combined for 38 points while Victor Hedman has been a key player defensively. Denis Kulyash and Matthew Lombardi have played subpar hockey and will need to improve quickly.

Kevin Dineen will use complete line overhaul for the next game in Vancouver, hoping to earn a single win before the end of the month. Alexei Semenov will be out of the lineup for three weeks with a hip flexor strain.

LINES FOR THE OCTOBER 31ST GAME AGAINST VANCOUVER

Axelsson - Schremp - Carter
Kaspar - Lombardi - Randell
Pyatt - Kelly - MacMillan
Karamnov - Krysanov - Artyukhin

Hedman - Kulyash
Kronwall - Brewer
McKee - Semenov

Parise
Pavelec

October 19th 2011: Coyotes at Minnesota, 4-3 L, (Axelsson 1, Karamnov 1, Carter 2), Pavelec [L] (28/32)
October 20th 2011: Kansas City vs. New York R, 6-2 L, (Kaspar 3, Pyatt 2), Pavelec [L] (21/27)
October 22nd 2011: Kansas City vs. Portland, 5-3 L, (Carter 3-4, Schremp 3), Parise [L] (33/38)
October 25th 2011: Kansas City vs. New Jersey, 4-3OT L, (Carter 5, Randell 2, Schremp 4), Pavelec [OTL] (24/28)
October 27th 2011: Coyotes at Ottawa, 4-2 L, (Carter 6-7), Pavelec [L] (29/33)

Kansas City Coyotes (10GP, 0-8-2, 2 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Falling apart from the start

November 1st 2011 - The season has barely begun, and everything already seems to be falling appart for the Kansas City Coyotes. Without a single win in October and with a team playing without any confidence, things couldn't have started any worse. Goaltender Marc Denis, who has missed seven games with injuries, should be back in the next few days. The Coyotes will start November with a 5-games home streak followed by a 5-games away stretch.

"I'd like to say there's an easy way out of it, but it all comes down to confidence." said head coach Kevin Dineen.

Anson Carter won the October edition of the Sprint Cup. Carter scored 10 goals and 6 assists for 16 opints in 11 games. He beat Lukas Kaspar and Rob Schremp in the voting.

NHL Offensive Player of the Month: C Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators (14GP - 10G - 14A - 24PTS)
NHL Defensive Player of the Month: G Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks (11GP - 9W - 1.92GAA - 93.6SAV% - 2SO)
NHL Rookie of the Month: RW Zack Kassian, Detroit Red Wings (8GP - 3G - 1A - 4PTS)
NHL Goals Leader: 13 - RW Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
NHL Assists Leader: 14 - C Jason Spezza, Ottawa Senators
NHL Points Leader: 26 - RW Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
NHL Defenseman Points Leader: 12 - D Sergei Gonchar, Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Rookie Points Leader: 7 - C Taylor Hall, Chicago Blackhawks

October 31st 2011: Coyotes at Vancouver, 8-4 L, (Carter 8-9-10, Lombardi 2), Parise [L] (35/43)

Kansas City Coyotes (11GP, 0-9-2, 2 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Heated player meeting after another loss

November 4th 2011 - The Kansas City Coyotes lost yet another game yesterday, leaving them with 13 consecutive winless games to start the 2011-12 season. Following the game, it took more than half an hour past the legal limit before the lockerroom was open for the media, which will result in a noteworthy fine for the Coyotes' organization. A player meeting, without the coaches, was the reason for that situation.

Although the first words following the arrival of media members in the locker room were "no comments", it looks like the meeting was very heated and that punches were close to being traded. Team captain Anson Carter, who leads the team in points and who has arguably been the most consistent player for the whole year, was behind the meeting and reportedly did most of the talking. At the arrival of the media in the lockerroom, 20-years-old rookie Travis Randell seemed particularly shaken by what he had just witnessed.

"I wasn't aware they were going to do this. Obviously there are some things to be said; there comes a time where you have to burst the bubble before it gets too big... and it's gotten big enough." said head coach Kevin Dineen

November 1st 2011: Kansas City vs. Florida, 3-2 L, (Schremp 5, Kelly 3), Pavelec [L] (33/36)
November 3rd 2011: Kansas City vs. Atlanta, 3-2 L, (Hedman 1, Kaspar 4), Pavelec [L] (27/30)

Kansas City Coyotes (13GP, 0-11-2, 2 points, 15th in the West)

[DeToxRox]

Oof, tough losses man. I have been there in EHM 07 and it sucks as literally nothing seems to work. Have you contemplated a system change at all?

Also, I totally forgot what happens if you do win a complaint vs a Ref?

[duff88]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Oof, tough losses man. I have been there in EHM 07 and it sucks as literally nothing seems to work. Have you contemplated a system change at all?

Also, I totally forgot what happens if you do win a complaint vs a Ref?

I've tried some things, I've got a few ideas on how to get them back in the right track. My job is in danger right now, I'll have to get the guys going.

IIRC, they simply say they agree with you and will avoid putting that ref in your team's games for a bit of time.

[duff88]

Coyotes win!

November 6th 2011 - After a heated meeting following Tuesday's loss to the Atlanta Thrashers, the Kansas City Coyotes have finally earned their first win of the season. In his second game of the season, playing on the first line with Rob Schremp and Anson Carter in place of healthy scratch Per-Johan Axelsson, Stefan Meyer scored the game winning goal two minutes into the third period to lead the Coyotes to a 5-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Two deceptions since the start of the year, defenseman Denis Kulyash and centre Matthew Lombardi, contributed with goals in the win. Lukas Kaspar also scored twice to earn the first star of the game.

November 6th 2011: Kansas City vs. Anaheim, 5-3 W, (Kaspar 5-6, Kulyash 1, Meyer 1, Lombardi 3), Pavelec [W] (28/31)

Kansas City Coyotes (14GP, 1-11-2, 4 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Denis back, Parise down

November 9th 2011 - Marc Denis will be back in the lineup tommorow night in the last home game before a five-game road trip. Jordan Parise was therefore sent back down to the San Antonio Rampage.

November 8th 2011: Kansas City vs. Edmonton, 4-1 L, (MacMillan 1), Pavelec [L] (32/36)

Kansas City Coyotes (15GP, 1-12-2, 4 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Dineen fired

November 28th 2011 - It took much longer than anyone would have ever imagined, but the Kansas City Coyotes have finally decided to part way with head coach Kevin Dineen. With an abysmal two wins in 23 games to start the season, the Coyotes are already well on their way to a last place finish for the second time in their four year history. Assistants David Bell, Rick Ley and Craig Simpson were also let go.

"We were hoping to have a long future with Kevin behind the bench. We are unfortunate to let him go because he truly showed the dedication and attitude we wanted to bring to our team. With the beginning of the season, the move was unevitable." said GM Fillion, who according to some may be fighting for his own job at the moment.

The staff of the AHL's San Antonio Rampage will serve as interim for the next few days. Greg Ireland will be assisted by Steve Brière and Gerald Overton. Assistant GM Jake Goertzen will also be behind the bench on an interim basis.

November 10th 2011: Kansas City vs. San Jose, 5-2 L, (Carter 11-12), Denis [L] (32/37)
November 13th 2011: Coyotes at St. Louis, 4-1 L, (Artyukhin 2), Denis [L] (36/40)
November 15th 2011: Coyotes at Edmonton, 7-3 L, (Kaspar 7, Hedman 2, Kelly 4), Denis [L] (45/52)
November 17th 2011: Coyotes at Portland, 6-5 W, (Carter 13, Krysanov 2, Pyatt 3, Lombardi 4, Randell 3-4), Denis (13/18) & Pavelec [W] (13/13)
November 20th 2011: Coyotes at Calgary, 6-5 L, (Lombardi 5-6-7, Randell 5, Kelly 5), Pavelec [L] (34/40)
November 23rd 2011: Coyotes at Columbus, 3-2 L, (Pyatt 4, Kulyash 2), Denis [L] (27/30)
November 24th 2011: Kansas City vs. San Jose, 5-3 L, (Kaspar 8, Kelly 6, Carter 14), Denis [L] (27/32)
November 27th 2011: Kansas City vs. Ottawa, 4-2 L, (Parent 1, Karamnov 3), Denis [L] (34/38)

Kansas City Coyotes (23GP, 2-17-2, 6 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Can things change in December?

December 1st 2011 - The Kansas City Coyotes will hope for the wind to turn after firing their coaching staff. The month of December will probably be a determining factor for the Coyotes as to where they will be going to end the season. Although the playoffs already seem out of reach, it may be a good time to try and build a team out of individuals.

Lukas Kaspar was the Sprint Cup winner for November with 5 goals and 8 assists for 13 points in 13 games. He beat Travis Randell and Matthew Lombardi in the voting process. Although he didn't win this segment of the Sprint Cup, Randell was named NHL Rookie of the Month.

The Coyotes suffered two player losses in their win against St. Louis during the last game. Victor Hedman will miss the next two games with a thigh injury while Matthew Lombardi will miss at least 3 weeks with a rotator cuff strain. Rampage captain Eric Hunter was recalled to fill in for Lombardi, but will be scratched for the next game.

NHL Offensive Player of the Month: C Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks (14GP - 15G - 12A - 27PTS)
NHL Defensive Player of the Month: D Scott Hannan, Montreal Canadines (13GP - 1G - 12A - 13PTS)
NHL Rookie of the Month: RW Travis Randell, Kansas City Coyotes (13GP - 3G - 9A - 12PTS)
NHL Goals Leader: 23 - RW Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
NHL Assists Leader: 26 - C Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL Points Leader: 43 - C Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL Defenseman Points Leader: 22 - D Scott Hannan, Montreal Canadines
NHL Rookie Points Leader: 18 - RW Travis Randell, Kansas City Coyotes

November 29th 2011: Coyotes at St. Louis, 3-2 W, (Brewer 1, Schremp 6-7), Denis [W] (21/23)

Kansas City Coyotes (24GP, 3-17-2, 8 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Babcock new head coach

December 14th 2011 - The Kansas City Coyotes have hired their new head coach. Former Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock, who led them to the Stanley Cup in 2007-08, signed a four year deal with the Coyotes. Craig Ludwig, Kelly Miller and Chris Terreri will serve as his assistants. Babcock is 48 years old and was let go at the end of the last season by Detroit GM Ken Holland who hired Bruce Boudreau as his replacement.

Meanwhile, Logan MacMillan has been sent down to the San Antonio Rampage. A full lineup, free of injury, is expected for tommorow's game against Portland.

December 1st 2011: Kansas City vs. St. Louis, 4-2 W, (Kelly 7, Karamnov 3, MacMillan 2, Krysanov 3), Denis [W] (35/37)
December 2nd 2011: Coyotes at Minnesota, 6-5S W, (Randell 6, Karamnov 4, Kelly 8, Artyukhin 3, Schremp 8), Denis [W] (34/39)
December 5th 2011: Coyotes at San Jose, 4-3 L, (MacMillan 3-4, Hunter 1), Denis [L] (32/36)
December 7th 2011: Coyotes at Los Angeles, 4-3 L, (Schremp 9, Brewer 2, Kelly 9), Denis [L] (32/36)
December 9th 2011: Kansas City vs. Los Angeles, 2-1 L, (Semenov 1), Pavelec [L] (28/30)
December 12th 2011: Coyotes at Chicago, 4-3 L, (Randell 7-8, Karamnov 5), Denis [L] (27/31)
December 13th 2011: Kansas City vs. Toronto, 8-2 L, (Carter 15, Pyatt 5), Pavelec [L] (14/18) & Denis (28/32)

Kansas City Coyotes (31GP, 5-24-2, 12 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Babcock era starts on the right foot

December 22nd 2011 - With a 6-0 win in Nashville today, highlighted by a three assists performance by Victor Hedman who had just turned 21 on December 18th, the Kansas City Coyotes have now won three of their last four games, impressing in each of these games with solid team work and success on the powerplay. Hedman has truly been the star of this team in the last 6 games in which he has 5 assists and a +7 rating.

Lukas Kaspar, although he hasn't showed up on the scoreboard since the November 24th loss to the San Jose Sharks, has racked up assists since then. Kaspar has earned 13 assists in 13 games since his last goal and currently leads the team in points with 38. Travis Randell, who looks more like a ten year veteran than like a rookie on the ice, has been averaging the higest time on the ice for any forwards on the team, being used in every situation and responding well. New acquisition Eric Brewer, who has found success paired with Hedman, is also on a tear and has been incredibly solid in the last few weeks.

December 15th 2011: Kansas City vs. Portland, 4-1 W, (Randell 9, Carter 16, Lombardi 8, Schremp 10), Denis [W] (24/25)
December 18th 2011: Coyotes at New York I, 3-1 W, (Pyatt 6, Hunter 2, Kelly 10), Denis [W] (18/19)
December 21st 2011: Coyotes at Washington, 4-3 L, (Karamnov 6, Schremp 11-12), Denis [L] (44/48)
December 22nd 2011: Coyotes at Nashville, 6-0 W, (Krysanov 4, Schremp 13, Lombardi 9-10, Carter 17, Pyatt 7), Denis [W] (26/26)

Kansas City Coyotes (35GP, 8-25-2, 18 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Only three Coyotes in World Juniors

December 27th 2011 - With Czech Republic, Slovakia and USA down in the first division of the World Junior Championships, the look of the main tournament is a definite change from what we are used to. Only thee Kansas City Coyotes will take part in the tournament. André Lindblad and Johan Larsson will suit up for Sweden while Mikael Granlund will play for Finland.

Two players had played in the Division 1 tournament that was held two weeks ago. Defenseman Ivan Ruzicka was the MVP of the tournament in leading Czech Republic back to a the main tourny by leading the tournament in scoring with 12 assists in 5 games. Nikolai Stasenko couldn't help Belarus to better than a 3rd place finish, ending the tournament with a goal in five games. Great Britain was the other country who will be promoted.

GROUP A
Canada (G Gord Harris - D Brandon Gormley - D Erik Gudbranson - F Austin Timmins - F John McFarland [C] - F Darren Sigouin)
Russia (G Yakov Shabanov - D Aidar Safonov - D Gleb Belov - F Anton Andreev [C] - F Anton Markov - F Boris Denisov)
Germany (G Marcus Zimmermann - D Roman Goc - D Marco Deitrich [C] - F Boris Lehner - F Vitali Merz - F Boris Staudt)
Denmark (G Ulrik Bork - D Sven Moller - D Gert Schultz - F Marc Pedersen - F Fritz Adriansen - F Kasper Krog [C])
Ukraine (G Yevgeny Bolshakov - D Maxim Toryanik - D Valery Vovk - F Dmitri Khanin - F Maksim Timchenko [C] - F Demian Egorov)

GROUP B
Sweden (G Marco Jarl - D Jarno Sandell [C] - D Wilhelm Lönnberg - F Pontus Paulsson - F Markus Kinisjärvi - F Andre Lindblad)
Finland (G Juho Käyhkö - D Dinny Korhonen [C] - D David Pulliainen - F Mikael Savolainen - F Thomas Sulin - F Jussi-Pekka Pulkkinen)
Latvia (G Artis Zostins - D Maris Breinins - D Stanislavs Baranovskis - F Olegs Dembovksis - F Vadis Grundmanis [C] - F Edgars Dzelzs)
Switzerland (G Stephan Serena - D Omar Bucher - D Remo Schoop [C] - F Michel Knecht - F Roberto Steiner - F Gregory Perret)
Slovenia (G Marko Pavlin - D Karel Markovic - D Miro Markovic - F Anze Brodnik - F Gasper Kopitar [C] - F Gregor Pesjak)

December 26th 2011: Kansas City vs. Chicago, 4-3OT L, (Hunter 3, Artyukhin 4, Schremp 14), Denis [OTL] (28/32)

Kansas City Coyotes (36GP, 8-25-3, 19 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Things are looking up for 2012

January 1st 2012 - Things can only get better in 2012 following the awful start to the season, and the month of December definitely went in that sense. With a new coaching staff, the team played better hockey and has made some significant moves forward.

Rob Schremp, out of a month of 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 14 games, was the December segment winner of the Sprint Cup. He beat Victor Hedman and Marc Denis in the voting. Meanwhile, Erik Haula was the AHL Rookie of the Month. The 20-years-old finnish winger scored 15 goals and 9 assists in 15 games. He currently leads the Rampage with 43 points in 35 games, which puts him fourth in the league. His 23 goals also lead the league.

NHL Offensive Player of the Month: LW Ilya Kovalchuk, Chicago Blackhawks (15GP - 15G - 13A - 28PTS)
NHL Defensive Player of the Month: D Sergei Gonchar, Chicago Blackhawks (15GP - 4G - 15A - 17PTS)
NHL Rookie of the Month: LW Artem Gareev, Dallas Stars (12GP - 5G - 4A - 9PTS)
NHL Goals Leader: 39 - LW Ilya Kovalchuk, Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Assists Leader: 39 - C Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
NHL Points Leader: 68 - RW Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
NHL Defenseman Points Leader: 37 - D Sergei Gonchar, Chicago Blackhawks
NHL Rookie Points Leader: 28 - RW Travis Randell, Kansas City Coyotes

December 28th 2011: Kansas City vs. Montreal, 5-2 L, (Randell 10, Kelly 11), Denis [L] (35/40)
December 30th 2011: Kansas City vs. Detroit, 3-2 L, (Carter 18, Hedman 3), Denis [L] (29/32)

Kansas City Coyotes (38GP, 8-27-3, 19 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Can Kovalchuk go 50 in 50?

January 4th 2012 - With a hat trick tonight, Ilya Kovalchuk now has 42 goals in 44 regular season games. Playing on a line with Olli Jokinen and Dainius Zubrus in Chicago, also helped by Sergei Gonchar and Brent Seabrook on defense, Kovalchuk leads the league in goal scoring by 8 goals.

Only five players have scored 50 goals in 50 games in the history of the NHL. Maurice Richard did it for the first time in 1944-45. Mike Bossy was the next to do it in 1980-81. Wayne Gretzky then did it thrice, scoring 50 goals in 39 games and 61 in 50 games in 1981-82, scoring 50 goals in 42 games and 61 in 50 games in 1983-84 and finally scoring 50 goals in 49 games before scoring a hat trick in the fiftieth game. Mario Lemieux scored 50 goals in 46 games in 1988-89, scoring 54 in 50 games and ending the season with 85 goals. The last player to do it was Brett Hull, who did it in 1990-91 and 1991-92.

Unofficial 50 goals scorers in 50 games have been scored five different times. Jari Kuri scored his 50th goal in his 50th game in 1984-85, but it was the team's 53rd game. Alexander Mogilny scored his 50th goal in his 46th game in 1992-93, but it was also his team's 53rd game. Mario Lemieux scored 50 goals in less than 50 games in 1992-93 and 1995-96 but had not played in every game by his team up to that point. Cam Neely scored 50 goals in 44 games in 1993-94, faster than any player other than Gretzky and Lemieux, but it was the Bruins' 66th game of the season. Bobby Hull, Charlie Simmer and Bernie Nicholls all scorer all had near misses, scoring their 50th goal in the 51st or 52 games of the season.

Ilya Kovalchuk has played in all of the Blackhawks' game this season. The Blackhawks will play their 50th game in a bit more than a week on January 16th in Nashville.

January 1st 2012: Coyotes at Philadelphia, 4-2 W, (Karamnov 7-8, Kelly 12, Krysanov 5), Denis [W] (30/32)
January 3rd 2012: Kansas City vs. St. Louis, 4-2 W, (Schremp 15, Carter 19, Kelly 13, Lombardi 11), Denis [W] (33/35)

Kansas City Coyotes (40GP, 10-27-3, 23 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Kovalchuk pulls harmstring

January 9th 2012 - Ilya Kovalchuk's dream of scoring an official 50 goals in 50 games ended tonight when he suffered a pulled harmstring in the Blackhawks' 6-5 overtime loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Kovalchuk will miss two weeks of action. The Russian sniper had scored 44 goals in 46 games up to that point.

TRADE: Florida trades D Kimmo Timonen to Dallas for F Tom Wandell and rights to prospect D Alex Theriau
TRADE: New York I trades F Paul Kariya to Los Angeles for D Vyacheslav Voinov

January 5th 2012: Kansas City vs. Dallas, 6-2 W, (Schremp 16-17, Lombardi 12, Kelly 14, Parent 2, Krysanov 6), Denis [W] (31/33)
January 8th 2012: Coyotes at Anaheim, 3-0 L, Denis [L] (26/29)
January 9th 2012: Coyotes at Colorado, 4-3 W, (Randell 11, Pyatt 8, Hunter 4, Carter 20), Pavelec [W] (32/35)

Kansas City Coyotes (43GP, 12-28-3, 27 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Lindblad stars in Sweden WJC Victory

January 10th 2012 - André Lindblad, the Coyotes' third overall pick in the last NHL Entry Draft, was the first star of the World Junior Championships final in which he scored a goal and two assists to lead Sweden past Canada 3-2. Lindblad was also named tournament MVP after scoring 6 points and keeping a +7 record in 6 games.

This victory is a sweet revenge for the Swedes who lost to the repeating Canadians last year in the Finals. Finland won the bronze medal by defeating Denmark and hot young goaltender Ulrik Bork 4-3 in shootouts. The hosts, Switzerland, finished 7th. Slovenia and Germany will be relegated and replaced by Czech Republic and Great Britain in next year's tournament.

Gold Medal: Sweden
Silver Medal: Canada
Bronze Medal: Finland
4th place: Denmark
5th place: Russia
6th place: Latvia
7th place: Switzerland
8th place: Ukraine
9th place: Slovenia
10th place: Germany

Top 5 Scorers:
1. RW Marc Pedersen (DEN) - 7GP - 6-5-11
2. C Jussi-Pekka Pulkkinen (FIN) - 7GP - 1-8-9
3. RW Darren Sigouin (CAN) - 6GP - 1-7-8
4. RW Kasper Krog (DEN) - 7GP - 4-3-7
5. C John McFarland (CAN) - 6GP - 3-4-7

MVP: André Lindblad (SWE)
Best Forward: André Lindblad (SWE)
Best Defenseman: Brandon Gormley (CAN)
Best Goaltender: Marco Jarl (SWE)

All-Star Team:

Marc Pedersen (DEN) - André Lindblad (SWE) - Darren Sigouin (CAN)
Brandon Gormley (CAN) - Ruslan Maltsev (RUS)
Marco Jarl (SWE)

Coyotes prospects:
C André Lindblad (SWE) - 6GP - 2-4-6
RW Johan Larsson (SWE) - 6GP - 2-3-5
C Mikael Granlund (FIN) - 7GP - 0-0-0

[duff88]

Axelsson traded to Chicago

January 11th 2012 - The Kansas City Coyotes have traded forward Per-Johan Axelsson to the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2nd round pick in 2013. The Blackhawks had shown interest in Axelsson following the loss of Ilya Kovalchuk to an injury. The team has played with 11 forwards and 7 defensemen in the lineup for most of the season. In 20 games with the Coyotes this year, Axelsson had scored a goal and 6 assists for 7 points while being -6.

Meanwhile, Kirill Kabanov has been named to the AHL All-Star game for team PlanetUSA. In 38 games with the Rampage, the 19-years-old russian has scored 15 goals and 34 points. He will play in his 100th AHL career game in two days against Houston.

TRADE: New Jersey trade F Mattias Tedenby to Edmonton for F Peter Schaefer

[duff88]

Sigouin overtakes ISS #1 rank

January 14th 2012 - The International Scouting Service has released it's mid-season rankings for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and Peterborough Petes right winger Darren Sigouin has overtaken the first overall spot previously held by Swedish defenseman Wilhelm Lönnberg. Shannon Ladd, previously ranked 18th, made one of the important leap up to the fifth spot. Latvia goaltender Artis Zostins, strong from a great showing at the World Junior Chamiponships, also had an interesting upgrade from 59th to 16th. Ondrej Prochazka, previously ranked 13th, has fallen out of the first round and into mid second round and is not looking up at the moment. Four goaltenders are ranked in the first round.

1 (3) RW Darren Sigouin - 6'1/169 - Peterborough Petes (OHL) - Canada
2 (1) D Wilhelm Lönnberg - 6'1/178 - Erie Otters (OHL) - Sweden
3 (2) LW Armand Hull - 5'11/165 - Erie Otters (OHL) - Canada
4 (4) RW Stéphane Aubin - 6'4/191 - P.E.I. Rocket (QMJHL) - Canada
5 (18) D Shannon Ladd - 6'4/211 - Saginaw Spirit (OHL) - Canada
6 (5) D Alexandre Gagnon - 6'0/183 - Shawinigan Cataractes (QMJHL) - Canada
7 (12) D Sebastien Côté - 5'11/167 - Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) - Canada
8 (8) D Bob Scoville - 6'0/185 - Guelph Storm (OHL) - Canada
9 (7) G Spiros Houghton - 6'0/194 - Sarnia Sting (OHL) - Canada
10 (10) RW Tommy Wiart - 5'6/165 - Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) - Canada
11 (6) LW Yiorgo Ewanchuk - 6'1/167 - Kingston Frontenacs (OHL) - Canada
12 (9) D Gleb Belov - 6'2/200 - CSKA Moscow (RSL) - Russia
13 (14) C Jean-Simon Jager - 6'4/231 - Gatineau Olympiques (QMJHL) - Canada
14 (11) G Ulrik Bork - 5'11/178 - Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL) - Denmark
15 (15) D Leo Sutton - 5'11/171 - Oshawa Generals (OHL) - Canada
16 (59) G Artis Zostins - 5'7/154 - DHK Latgale (LAT) - Latvia
17 (16) C Lawne Monette - 6'5/216 - Barrie Colts (OHL) - Canada
18 (24) D Joe Regan - 6'0/154 - Boston University Terriers (NCAA) - USA
19 (21) C Oldrich Glas - 6'1/189 - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) - Czech Republic
20 (52) C Jon Svensson - 5'10/167 - Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) - Sweden
21 (28) D Archie Mason - 6'0/171 - Erie Otters (OHL) - Canada
22 (19) C Henrick McCauley - 6'1/163 - Mississauga St. Michael's Majors (OHL) - Canada
23 (17) C Yan Barkov - 6'0/200 - Dynamo Moscow (RSL) - Russia
24 (46) RW Florian Richter - 6'2/205 - Slavia Praha Jrs (CZE) - Czech Republic
25 (33) C Tom Fournier - 6'1/167 - Victoriaville Tigres (QMJHL) - Canada
26 (36) D Radomil Herman - 5'10/191 - Spara Praha Jrs (CZE) - Czech Republic
27 (29) RW Dmitri Storm - 5'11/156 - MODO (SEL) - Sweden
28 (39) C Thomas Sulin - 5'11/156 - Ilves Tampereen (FIN) - Finland
29 (37) G Renaud Dufour - 5'11/174 - Baie-Comeau Drakkars (QMJHL) - Canada
30 (43) D Andrew Bailey - 6'1/194 - Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) - USA

January 12th 2012 - Coyotes at New York R, 5-2 L, (Kaspar 9, Randell 12), Denis [L] (29/34)

Kansas City Coyotes (44GP, 12-29-3, 27 points, 15th in the West)

[duff88]

Kovalchuk leaves a mark in return

January 29th 2012 - After missing nine games with a pulled harmstring, Ilya Kovalchuk made an incredible impact tonight in his return with the Chicago Blackhawks, who defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 10-3. Kovalchuk scored twice and added three assists, leaving him with a total of 78 points in 47 games this season which places him third in the league behind Jarome Iginla and Sidney Crosby. Kovalchuk has now scored 46 goals in 47 games and will hope to get an unofficial 50 in 50. His fiftieth game should come on February 8th in Vancouver.

January 15th 2012 - Kansas City vs. Calgary, 3-1 L, (Kaspar 10), Denis [L] (29/32)
January 17th 2012 - Kansas City vs. Edmonton, 3-2 L, (Artyukhin 5, Carter 21), Denis [L] (40/43)
January 19th 2012 - Kansas City vs. Boston, 5-2 L, (Pyatt 9, Artyukhin 6), Pavelec [L] (32/37)
January 21st 2012 - Coyotes at Boston, 4-3 W, (Kelly 15, Randell 13, Kaspar 11, Pyatt 10), Denis [W] (34/37)
January 23rd 2012 - Coyotes at Buffalo, 4-2 L, (Cashman 1, Artyukhin 7), Denis [L] (26/30)
January 25th 2012 - Coyotes at Chicago, 4-1 L, (Artyukhin 8), Denis [L] (36/40)
January 26th 2012 - Kansas City vs. Columbus, 5-0 W, (Pyatt 11, Kelly 16, Carter 22, Schremp 18, Krysanov 7), Pavelec [W] (30/30)
January 28th 2012 - Kansas City vs. Colorado, 4-0 L, Pavelec [L] (21/25)
January 29th 2012 - Coyotes at Atlanta, 7-3 L, (Carter 23-24, Lombardi 13), Denis [L] (43/50)

Kansas City Coyotes (53GP, 14-36-3, 31 points, 15th in the West)