Official NHL Thread 2008-09 Season

[BroadwayBomber55]

Ok hockey fans,

Please post all offseason news right here in this brand new NHL thread for the 2008-09 season.

Yes, including FA signings, trades, NHL draft.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Inside Hockey: FA Centers

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8227516/Sakic,-Sundin-head-list-of-free-agent-centers

Centers
Overall Grade: C+
Last year's group of unrestricted free agent centers featured the big three of Danny Briere, Scott Gomez and Chris Drury, as well as great depth with first and second line centers. This year's group doesn't boast that quantity of highly skilled players. There are a few players in this year's crop of free agents with high end talent, but after that, the talent level drops significantly. The strength in this year's group is that there are a number of quality third line/checking line type centers. That depth saves this year's class of unrestricted free agent centers from being less than mediocre.

1. Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche
Sakic, 38, could be nearing the end of his illustrious career. However, I still think he has a couple of good years in him, and that he is still an elite leader and hockey player in the NHL.

Prior salary: $6.75 million
Projected salary: $6 million
Projected team: Colorado Avalanche

2. Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs
One of the more interesting questions heading into this offseason is where Sundin will end playing in 2008-2009. Will he go back to a Toronto team which could be looking to rebuild? Will he do what he was unwilling to do at the trade deadline and play for another NHL team? Is playing in Sweden or even all out retirement a consideration for the Leafs' captain? Regardless of where he ends up, his next team will be getting one of the greatest players of his era, and a guy who is still getting it done even at 37.

Prior salary: $5.5 million
Projected salary: $6.5 million
Projected team: Montreal Canadiens

3. Daymond Langkow, Calgary Flames
Langkow, 31, has quietly developed into a quality second line center in the NHL over the last few years, who can also play on the top line and not look out of place. In a free agent crop lacking a lot of top end talent, Langkow follows Sakic and Sundin to round out the top three of their class.
Prior salary: $2.44 million
Projected salary: $4.75 million
Projected team: Calgary Flames

4. Pavol Demitra, Minnesota Wild (W)
If Demitra, 33, could stay healthy, he would certainly be ranked higher amongst this group. Demitra is a world class talent. However, he spends a lot of time out of the lineup or playing through injuries, which reduce his effectiveness. There is no denying his skill set though, and as an added bonus, his ability to play either center or wing.

Prior salary: $4.5 million
Projected Salary: $4 million
Projected team: Vancouver Canucks

5. Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche
A healthy Forsberg, 34, would be a phenomenal addition to any team. Unfortunately I think we have seen the last of a "healthy Forsberg." Retirement is a great possibility for this former consensus "best player in the world."
Prior salary: $1.1 million
Projected salary: N/A
Projected team: Retirement

6. Brendan Morrison, Vancouver Canucks
Morrison, 32, is a decent second line center who can do a little bit of everything. For a team not looking to break the bank or commit to a lengthy deal in terms of years, Morrison would be a solid second tier signing.

Prior salary: $3.2 million
Projected salary: $3 million
Projected team: Anaheim Ducks

7. Sergei Fedorov, Washington Capitals
Fedorov, 38, is no longer the elite player he once was. He isn't even the really good player he once was. However, his smarts, two-way play and experience are still very much a factor. Fedorov showed after he was traded to the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline that if surrounded by highly skilled players, he can still be effective.

Prior salary: $6.1 million
Projected salary: $3 million
Projected team: Washington Capitals

8. Doug Weight, Anaheim Ducks

I am not sure what Doug Weight, 37, has left in the tank. For the right team, in the right situation, he can be an effective supporting player.

Prior salary: $3.5 million
Projected salary: $1.5 million
Projected team: St. Louis Blues

9. Bobby Holik, Atlanta Thrashers

To some degree, Holik, 37, isn't the shutdown center who can contribute offensively like he once did. However, I have little doubt that he can still be effective if put on the right team and put in the right situation. You can never have enough guys like Bobby Holik in your lineup, and a team with playoff or even Cup aspirations could benefit greatly from his presence.

Prior salary: $4.25 million
Projected salary: $2 million
Projected team: New Jersey Devils

10. Craig Conroy, Calgary Flames
Speed, toughness, work on the penalty kill and leadership is what Conroy, 36, brings to the table for an NHL club. He isn't the player he once was offensively, but he can still contribute in this department as well. Considering he could come at a bargain price in a market full of players who will get overpaid, Conroy could be a valuable signing and role player for any NHL team.

Prior salary: $2.5 million
Projected salary: $1.75 million
Projected team: Calgary Flames

The best of the rest:
11. Chris Gratton, 32, Tampa Bay Lightning
12. Michael Peca, 34, Columbus Blue Jackets
13. Josef Vasicek, 27, New York Islanders
14. Chris Kelly, 27, Ottawa Senators
15. Bryan Smolinski, 36, Montreal Canadiens (LW)

[BroadwayBomber55]

Inside Hockey: Free-Agent Wingers

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8231892/Changes-in-the-East?-Depends-on-the-team

1. Kristian Huselius, Calgary Flames
29 years old, shoots left
After an up-and-down tenure with the Florida Panthers, Huselius appeared to have found a long-term home in western Canada with the Flames. That being said, the arrival of Mike Keenan in Calgary didn't seem favorable for Huselius's career last season. Expect Huselius to sign elsewhere this offseason and if he is in the right situation, he should definitely be a 70+ point producer.

Prior salary: $1.4 million
Projected salary: $5 million
Projected team: New York Islanders

2. Ryan Malone, Pittsburgh Penguins
28 years old, shoots left
Malone certainly picked the right time to have a career year. Regardless, he has been a consistent 20+ goal scorer who plays the game fast and furious. There is no question that Malone will be one of the most sought after left wings in this free agent class.

Prior salary: $1.9 million
Projected salary: $4.25 million
Projected team: Pittsburgh Penguins

3. Markus Naslund, Vancouver Canucks
34 years old, shoots left (RW)
At this point in Naslund's career, a move elsewhere might be his best option. Naslund can still be an elite level player, he just needs some help. That help hasn't been there for him in Vancouver in quite some time. Then again, maybe Vancouver will go out and get some help for him this summer.

Prior salary: $6 million
Projected salary: $4 million
Projected team: Vancouver Canucks

4. Andrew Brunette, Colorado Avalanche
34 years old, shoots left
When Brunette left Minnesota and Jacques LeMaire's defense first system, for Colorado, he took his offensive game to another level. Brunette is one of the most underrated players in the league, post lockout, and he should cash in this summer.

Prior salary: $1.6 million
Projected salary: $3.5 million
Projected team: Colorado Avalanche

5. Corey Stillman, Ottawa Senators
34 years old, shoots left
Stillman, like Brunette, is one of the more underrated players in the game today. Stillman has battled some injuries in recent years, but when he is healthy, he just flat out produces offensively.

Prior salary: $1.75 million
Projected salary: $3.5 million
Projected team: Tampa Bay Lightning

6. Vaclav Prospal, Philadelphia Flyers
33 years old, shoots left (C)
Vaclav "Vinny" Prospal is a solid player who can line up at either left wing or center. Prospal is nowhere near an elite level difference maker, however, he is a top notch "supporting cast" type player and would make a solid addition to a team that already has some highly skilled forwards.

Prior salary: $1.9 million
Projected salary: $3.5 million
Projected team: Ottawa Senators

7. Ladislav Nagy, Los Angeles Kings
29 years old, shoots left
Nagy is a very frustrating player. He has massive talent, but for whatever reason, he has been unable to consistently put it all together. Nagy's upcoming contract could be his last shot to cement himself as a big time offensive forward in this league.

Prior salary: $3.75 million
Projected salary: $2.75 million
Projected team: Edmonton Oilers

8. Sean Avery, New York Rangers
28 years old, shoots left
There is no denying Avery's vast importance to the Rangers. However, he is also a guy who can wear out his welcome. Regardless of whether or not he is on Broadway next fall, Avery could end up being one of the most overpaid players in this free agent class.
Prior salary: $1.9 million
Projected salary: $3.5 million
Projected team: New York Rangers

9. Niklas Hagman, Dallas Stars
28 years old, shoots left
Hagman has certainly found a home in the Lone Star State after a very underwhelming start to his career elsewhere. Hagman will certainly draw some serious interest on the free agent market this summer, though it would be surprising if he doesn't end up back with the resurgent Stars.
Prior salary: $675,000
Projected salary: $3 million
Projected team: Dallas Stars

10. Martin Straka, New York Rangers
35 years old, shoots left (C)
Straka had a down season in 2007-2008. The injury bug bit him hard once again and his production went downward as well. The soon to be 36-year-old forward is approaching the downward spiral of his career, though he could have a couple more good years left in the tank.

Prior salary: $3.3 million
Projected salary: $2.5 million
Projected team: Pittsburgh Penguins

The best of the rest

11. Ruslan Fedotenko, New York Islanders
29 years old, shoots left (RW)
12. Jay Pandolfo, New Jersey Devils
33 years old, shoots left
13. Pascal Dupuis, Pittsburgh Penguins
29 years old, shoots left
14. Curtis Glencross, Edmonton Oilers
25 years old, shoots left
15. Eric Nystrom, Calgary Flames
25 years old, shoots left

[CanoForPresident]

I'd be shocked if Sundin signs with the Habs.

I'll also laugh my ass off if anyone signs Huselius for 5 mill per a year. Most of his production the last 2 seasons has come due to playing on a line with Jarome Iginla. It'd only be semi acceptable if the Islanders did it since they're hurting for offense and they will have to overpay for any free agent to play on the Island right now.

[Mark19]

I'd be shocked if Sundin signs with the Habs.

I'll also laugh my ass off if anyone signs Huselius for 5 mill per a year. Most of his production the last 2 seasons has come due to playing on a line with Jarome Iginla. It'd only be semi acceptable if the Islanders did it since they're hurting for offense and they will have to overpay for any free agent to play on the Island right now.

I think you and I finally agree on something. The Islanders have let their organization and facility reach the point where they need to give 2nd tier talent 1st tier money just to play for them. When every other move is illogical and you play in an obsolete building, you need to fight that much harder for the top players. I think a revamped front office and a move to the new Barclays Center could really make them a top organization in the not too distant future.

[dabomb2045]

I think you and I finally agree on something. The Islanders have let their organization and facility reach the point where they need to give 2nd tier talent 1st tier money just to play for them. When every other move is illogical and you play in an obsolete building, you need to fight that much harder for the top players. I think a revamped front office and a move to the new Barclays Center could really make them a top organization in the not too distant future.

Why dont the Isles just build a new arena for themselves? Nassau Coliseum is a dump....its gotta be the worst arena in the league by far.

There is a good chance the Barclays Center never happens anyways

[CanoForPresident]

I think you and I finally agree on something. The Islanders have let their organization and facility reach the point where they need to give 2nd tier talent 1st tier money just to play for them. When every other move is illogical and you play in an obsolete building, you need to fight that much harder for the top players. I think a revamped front office and a move to the new Barclays Center could really make them a top organization in the not too distant future.

I don't know if Huselius is even a 2nd teir player. A lousy work ethic and streaky play? How many guys do we know in the NHL with that tag? 2nd tier guys are players like Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, Brian Rafalski, etc.

The Isles should stay quiet on the FA front this offseason unless theyre adding a guy to fill a roster spot and Huselius is the type of guy they should stay away from. If Keenan soured on him, Nolan won't like him either.

They need a full rebuild badly and that all starts with drafting elite talent. They haven't been in a position to do that the last few years picking in the middle teens and its really hurting them right now. Okposo isn't the type of player you can build your team around but should they draft Filatov this year and get a high pick next year, they may find that player. The 2009 draft is supossed to be epic.

I don't know if you can really judge what the current front office for the Islanders has done yet. Sure the Ryan Smyth move looks bad now but it was the right move to make at the time. The 15 year DiPietro deal would look great if he wasn't made of glass.

I agree with Dabomb about Barclays.

[BroadwayBomber55]

I don't know if Huselius is even a 2nd teir player. A lousy work ethic and streaky play? How many guys do we know in the NHL with that tag? 2nd tier guys are players like Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, Brian Rafalski, etc.

The Isles should stay quiet on the FA front this offseason unless theyre adding a guy to fill a roster spot and Huselius is the type of guy they should stay away from. If Keenan soured on him, Nolan won't like him either.

They need a full rebuild badly and that all starts with drafting elite talent. They haven't been in a position to do that the last few years picking in the middle teens and its really hurting them right now. Okposo isn't the type of player you can build your team around but should they draft Filatov this year and get a high pick next year, they may find that player. The 2009 draft is supossed to be epic.

I don't know if you can really judge what the current front office for the Islanders has done yet. Sure the Ryan Smyth move looks bad now but it was the right move to make at the time. The 15 year DiPietro deal would look great if he wasn't made of glass.

I agree with Dabomb about Barclays.
The NY Islanders still hadn't recovered from the mishaps Mike Milbury did when he traded away very good young players the Islanders had.

Milbury traded Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen to the Florida Panthers for Oleg Kvasha and Mark Parrish and Kvasha and Parrish didn't do anything for the Islanders.

He also traded Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Bryan Berard, Eric Brewer, Darius Kasparaitis, and Bryan McCabe; goalie Tommy Salo, as well as forwards Olli Jokinen, Todd Bertuzzi, and Raffi Torres. Those were some great young talents the Islanders used to have.

[sprucemoose]

The NY Islanders still hadn't recovered from the mishaps Mike Milbury did when he traded away very good young players the Islanders had.

Milbury traded Roberto Luongo and Olli Jokinen to the Florida Panthers for Oleg Kvasha and Mark Parrish and Kvasha and Parrish didn't do anything for the Islanders.

He also traded Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Bryan Berard, Eric Brewer, Darius Kasparaitis, and Bryan McCabe; goalie Tommy Salo, as well as forwards Olli Jokinen, Todd Bertuzzi, and Raffi Torres. Those were some great young talents the Islanders used to have.

It isn't only that he traded young talent, it is that he got so little in return. The guy traded Chara and Spezza for Alexei Yashin. How can this guy ever get another job?

One funny thing from this season: TSN had Mike Milbury and John Ferguson Jr as two of their analysts on trade deadline day. It was pretty great watching possibly the two worst GMs of the last 15 years analysing the work of other GMs.

[Mark19]

I don't know if Huselius is even a 2nd teir player. A lousy work ethic and streaky play? How many guys do we know in the NHL with that tag? 2nd tier guys are players like Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, Brian Rafalski, etc.

The Isles should stay quiet on the FA front this offseason unless theyre adding a guy to fill a roster spot and Huselius is the type of guy they should stay away from. If Keenan soured on him, Nolan won't like him either.

They need a full rebuild badly and that all starts with drafting elite talent. They haven't been in a position to do that the last few years picking in the middle teens and its really hurting them right now. Okposo isn't the type of player you can build your team around but should they draft Filatov this year and get a high pick next year, they may find that player. The 2009 draft is supossed to be epic.

I don't know if you can really judge what the current front office for the Islanders has done yet. Sure the Ryan Smyth move looks bad now but it was the right move to make at the time. The 15 year DiPietro deal would look great if he wasn't made of glass.

I agree with Dabomb about Barclays.

A full rebuild is necessary and it does begin with the draft but the current management loves to bring in middling talent so they can keep their head above water for one more season. It seems like their organizational goal is to always be in the hunt for the final playoff spot. Perhaps they will finally hit rock bottom and receive some top draft picks, I wouldn't count on it though.

Regarding a new place to play, I think there is too much time and money for the Barclays complex to not be completed. The Isles really need a facility that is directly accessible to fans in NYC as well as on the island. That currently looks like the best option. Staying in Uniondale shouldn't be considered.

[YanksFan1992]

Todd McLellan is the new head coach of the Sharks.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68759

[BroadwayBomber55]

Caps’ Ovechkin wins NHL MVP, now seeks the Cup

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AjPGtkjaHhp27qq7bTcKCPY5nYcB?slug=ap-nhlawards&prov=ap&type=lgns

NHL award winners

Hart: Alexander Ovechkin, WSH
Vezina: Martin Brodeur, NJD
Adams: Bruce Boudreau, WSH
Calder: Patrick Kane, CHI
Norris: Nicklas Lidstrom, DET
Lady Byng: Pavel Datsyuk, DET
Selke: Pavel Datsyuk, DET

Props to Jason Blake for winning the Bill Masterson trophy and to Vincent LeCavalier for winning the King Clincy trophy.

Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, received the NHL's lifetime achievement award.

[CanoForPresident]

Caps’ Ovechkin wins NHL MVP, now seeks the Cup

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AjPGtkjaHhp27qq7bTcKCPY5nYcB?slug=ap-nhlawards&prov=ap&type=lgns

NHL award winners

Hart: Alexander Ovechkin, WSH
Vezina: Martin Brodeur, NJD
Adams: Bruce Boudreau, WSH
Calder: Patrick Kane, CHI
Norris: Nicklas Lidstrom, DET
Lady Byng: Pavel Datsyuk, DET
Selke: Pavel Datsyuk, DET

Props to Jason Blake for winning the Bill Masterson trophy and to Vincent LeCavalier for winning the King Clincy trophy.




Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, received the NHL's lifetime achievement award.

Hated him when he was with the Isles but Glad that he won this award. He deserves it.

[YanksFan1992]

Craig Hartsburg is likely to be named the Senators new head coach today.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68780

[RhodyYanksFan]

Caps’ Ovechkin wins NHL MVP, now seeks the Cup

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=AjPGtkjaHhp27qq7bTcKCPY5nYcB?slug=ap-nhlawards&prov=ap&type=lgns

NHL award winners

Hart: Alexander Ovechkin, WSH
Vezina: Martin Brodeur, NJD
Adams: Bruce Boudreau, WSH
Calder: Patrick Kane, CHI
Norris: Nicklas Lidstrom, DET
Lady Byng: Pavel Datsyuk, DET
Selke: Pavel Datsyuk, DET

Props to Jason Blake for winning the Bill Masterson trophy and to Vincent LeCavalier for winning the King Clincy trophy.

Mr. Hockey, Gordie Howe, received the NHL's lifetime achievement award.

Marty had no business winning the Veznia. He was the 3rd best goalie in his division so how could he be named the best in the league?? I would have rather seen Henrik win of course, but really, that should have been all about Nabokov.

[montrealer]

Lapierre signs two-year deal Montreal Canadiens Jun 9, 2008, 3:00 PM EDT PRESS RELEASE

Related Info
Lapierre by numbers MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey announced Monday the signing of forward Maxim Lapierre to a two-year contract (2008-09 and 2009-10). As per club policy, financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Maxim is part of our core of young players who contribute to the success of our team. The determination, grit and energy he brings to the ice are important assets that we are looking for in our young players,” said Bob Gainey.

Lapierre, 23, will begin his fourth season with the Canadiens this fall. In 2007-08, he set career highs in games played (53), goals, assists and points (7-11-18). He also served 60 penalty minutes.

A native of St-Leonard, Lapierre played his 100th NHL game on the last regular-season matchup last April 5, 2008. Thus far in his NHL career, he registered 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists), and added 84 penalty minutes.

Lapierre was selected 61st overall in the second round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Canadiens.


Well ......the rumours just wont go away about Sundin signing in Montreal.........God I hope not but with this many rumours floating around here and in TO you gotta wonder.

[njdhockey]

Marty had no business winning the Veznia. He was the 3rd best goalie in his division so how could he be named the best in the league?? I would have rather seen Henrik win of course, but really, that should have been all about Nabokov.
C'mon now you're just being biased. To be honest, I could see it going to either Brodeur or Nabokov. They were both deserving.

Brodeur:
44w, 2.17GAA, .920%, 4so, 1921sv

Nabokov:
46w, 2.14GAA, .910%, 6so, 1639sv

GAA is nearly identical, Brodeur has a higher save percentage while facing a lot more shots. Nabokov also played on a better team.

So who were the two goalies better than Brodeur is the division?

[CanoForPresident]

C'mon now you're just being biased. To be honest, I could see it going to either Brodeur or Nabokov. They were both deserving.

Brodeur:
44w, 2.17GAA, .920%, 4so, 1921sv

Nabokov:
46w, 2.14GAA, .910%, 6so, 1639sv

GAA is nearly identical, Brodeur has a higher save percentage while facing a lot more shots. Nabokov also played on a better team.

So who were the two goalies better than Brodeur is the division?

I actually agree with you on this, though Brouder has won the vezina TWICE when he didnt deserve it.


Ovechkin also became the first player to ever win the Hart, Pearson, Art Ross and Richard trophy. http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2008/06/frozen_inside061208awards.jpg



Sidney Crosby can kiss my ass.

[YanksFan1992]

Florida has hired Peter DeBoer as their new head coach.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3442075

[BroadwayBomber55]

Todd McLellan is the new head coach of the Sharks.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68759
Good pickup by the Sharks.

Todd McLellan will bring a disclipine, proven approach to Team Teal.
Here's the article on why it is a great move by the San Jose Sharks to bring in this coach:

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8235622/McLellan-will-bring-discipline,-proven-approach

On paper, McLellan will probably look to instill a game of quick, simplified thinking for crisp passes and smart puck movement that worked so well in Detroit — especially if mobile puck mover Brian Campbell stays in San Jose. Defensively, the system will probably emphasize a notion similar to what Ron Wilson preached: five men up, five men back, everyone supporting each other.

In fact, if you looked at what worked in San Jose under Wilson, it was similar in strategy to the Detroit mold. When things were really clicking, San Jose brought a mix of speed, defensive awareness, and hard forechecking that stood with anyone else in the league. The problem was finding the right buttons to push for consistent execution.

That's McLellan's biggest challenge — to take what the previous San Jose regime did well, factor in his own experience with the Detroit and Minnesota organizations, and figure out a way to get every player on the Sharks roster to play with absolute commitment and passion.

[YanksFan1992]

Rotoworld is reporting that Markus Naslund will not be back with Vancouver next year.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68787

[njdhockey]

Rotoworld is reporting that Markus Naslund will not be back with Vancouver next year.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68787
I'm not surprised. I wonder where he ends up and how much $ he gets.

[CanoForPresident]

I'm not surprised. I wonder where he ends up and how much $ he gets.

This is the kind of guy the Islanders should go after.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him in Orange and Blue next year.

[montrealer]

Vinnie and Kirk at a charity ball game here in Montreal,

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p149/montrealer07/kirkandvinnie.jpg

[YanksFan1992]

Edmonton has signed Ryan Potulny to a one year deal.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68796

[CanoForPresident]

Apparently, Pens #1 priority this offseason is re signing Marian Hossa.
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68796&id=723


If he doesn't take a discount, I hope the Pens have fun burning in Cap hell.

[njdhockey]

Apparently, Pens #1 priority this offseason is re signing Marian Hossa.
http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68796&id=723


If he doesn't take a discount, I hope the Pens have fun burning in Cap hell.
That should be their number 1 priority and I think he would be smart to stay for a discounted price. He fits in great there and they can do some damage if they keep him. Of course, I hope that if they are to keep him, he doesn't take a discount so they can burn in cap hell. (As a Devil fan I know that isn't a fun experience)

[CanoForPresident]

That should be their number 1 priority and I think he would be smart to stay for a discounted price. He fits in great there and they can do some damage if they keep him. Of course, I hope that if they are to keep him, he doesn't take a discount so they can burn in cap hell. (As a Devil fan I know that isn't a fun experience)

I'm far from Hossa's biggest fan but if there is one thing that I think he really has going for him, it's that he is one of the most adaptable players in the game. No matter what the system, he'd be effective in it. I do think that the Pens system is where he can be the most lethal though. A small part of me really wants to see a Gaborik-Gomez-Hossa line for the Rangers (Tell me that wouldn't be one of the three best top lines in the NHL.) Though the only way we'll ever see that is at the all star game if Gaborik is traded to an Eastern team. This is one of the things I'm really paying attention to this offseason along with what kind of money the Free Agent Defensemen get this off season, where Blake Wheeler goes and what the Islanders do - Yes I'm serious. I'm really interested to see what they do with what they got. Time for Garth Snow to show us what hes made of.

Call me crazy, but I think Malkin secretly aspires to play hockey outside of Pittsburgh and away from Crosby. If Malkin demands to be traded or signs a max contract offer when hes an RFA next year (very possible IMO) that would solve their cap problems right away.

[BroadwayBomber55]

This is the kind of guy the Islanders should go after.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him in Orange and Blue next year.
The Islanders do need more scoring. The Isles were dead last in the NHL in Goals For and Goals Per Game in 2007-08.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Markus Naslund goes to the Island in 2008-09.

[BroadwayBomber55]

I'm far from Hossa's biggest fan but if there is one thing that I think he really has going for him, it's that he is one of the most adaptable players in the game. No matter what the system, he'd be effective in it. I do think that the Pens system is where he can be the most lethal though. A small part of me really wants to see a Gaborik-Gomez-Hossa line for the Rangers (Tell me that wouldn't be one of the three best top lines in the NHL.) Though the only way we'll ever see that is at the all star game if Gaborik is traded to an Eastern team. This is one of the things I'm really paying attention to this offseason along with what kind of money the Free Agent Defensemen get this off season, where Blake Wheeler goes and what the Islanders do - Yes I'm serious. I'm really interested to see what they do with what they got. Time for Garth Snow to show us what hes made of.

Call me crazy, but I think Malkin secretly aspires to play hockey outside of Pittsburgh and away from Crosby. If Malkin demands to be traded or signs a max contract offer when hes an RFA next year (very possible IMO) that would solve their cap problems right away.
Speaking of Marian Hossa, here's a report on what Glen Sather should do this offseason...

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8222360/Rangers-will-hunt-for-Blue-chips-this-summer

[njdhockey]

I'm far from Hossa's biggest fan but if there is one thing that I think he really has going for him, it's that he is one of the most adaptable players in the game. No matter what the system, he'd be effective in it. I do think that the Pens system is where he can be the most lethal though. A small part of me really wants to see a Gaborik-Gomez-Hossa line for the Rangers (Tell me that wouldn't be one of the three best top lines in the NHL.) Though the only way we'll ever see that is at the all star game if Gaborik is traded to an Eastern team. This is one of the things I'm really paying attention to this offseason along with what kind of money the Free Agent Defensemen get this off season, where Blake Wheeler goes and what the Islanders do - Yes I'm serious. I'm really interested to see what they do with what they got. Time for Garth Snow to show us what hes made of.

Call me crazy, but I think Malkin secretly aspires to play hockey outside of Pittsburgh and away from Crosby. If Malkin demands to be traded or signs a max contract offer when hes an RFA next year (very possible IMO) that would solve their cap problems right away.
That line would be insanely good, almost like a fantasy line from a video game. Rumors have the Rangers and Devils as the front runners for Wheeler...the fact the Devils are in it is shocking to me. I'm not going to get my hopes up about the Devils actually signing him. I can't wait to see how much cash Campbell gets. He is good but like most cases of free agency, a team will have to overpay. I'm kinda hoping the Devils go a cheapier route after guys like Orpik, Liles, Hainsey, or even Redden (his game may have dropped off but I can see him fitting in with NJ). Damn, I can't wait for July 1, thats seriously like a second Christmas during the year with all the excitement. I read on newsdays site that Yashin has been in contact about returning to the Islanders on a one year deal, but so far they have made the right decision and said no because of his asking price. Seems like they may be taking a step in the right direction.

I'm feeling lazy right now but I think Malkin said something recently that he doesn't mind making less than Crosby, etc. and wants a deal with Pittsburgh. Who knows the truth though.

[njdhockey]

Here's a rumor to chew on...

http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2008/06/more_buggsy.shtml

It's all up to Pittsburgh Penguins winger Marian Hossa now. The Penguins have made Hossa a long-term contract offer -- believed to be seven years, $50 million -- and expect to hear back from him in a couple of days.

If Hossa accepts the contract -- and the Penguins expect he will -- Ryan Malone's days in the Steel City are finished.

At that point, it's believed the Blue Jackets will swoop in and trade for Malone's negotiating rights to get him signed before the July 1 free agency free-for-all. What will the Blue Jackets give up? I've heard Dan Fritsche, straight up, and I've heard a second- or third-round draft pick.

Doubt the Jackets would have to give up more than that, because the Penguins are going to lose Malone anyway. In a sense, this helps the Pens in that it allows them to control what team he goes to. They don't have to worry about him being in the Eastern Conference, or a rival club, say, Philadelphia.

This will all likely go down in the next 48 to 72 hours, after Hossa gets back to the Penguins.

I've been wondering if the Blue Jackets even need to give up something to get Malone's rights. I mean, if he wants to play in Columbus -- and all indications are he'd be happy to play here -- why not just wait until July 1 and get it done.

[CanoForPresident]

That line would be insanely good, almost like a fantasy line from a video game. Rumors have the Rangers and Devils as the front runners for Wheeler...the fact the Devils are in it is shocking to me. I'm not going to get my hopes up about the Devils actually signing him. I can't wait to see how much cash Campbell gets. He is good but like most cases of free agency, a team will have to overpay. I'm kinda hoping the Devils go a cheapier route after guys like Orpik, Liles, Hainsey, or even Redden (his game may have dropped off but I can see him fitting in with NJ). Damn, I can't wait for July 1, thats seriously like a second Christmas during the year with all the excitement. I read on newsdays site that Yashin has been in contact about returning to the Islanders on a one year deal, but so far they have made the right decision and said no because of his asking price. Seems like they may be taking a step in the right direction.

I'm feeling lazy right now but I think Malkin said something recently that he doesn't mind making less than Crosby, etc. and wants a deal with Pittsburgh. Who knows the truth though.

I heard Chicago was the team to beat for Wheeler. I think hes a great risk for any team to take but I think alot of people have unrealistic expectations for the guy. I rip on Kyle Okposo for being soft, this dude is 4 inches taller than Okposo and even softer.

Campbell is gonna break 7 mill from someone this offseason. I love Orpik and Liles as 2nd tier options (along with Brad Stuart, but I doubt he sees Free Agency) but I'm not a big fan of Hainsey or Redden. Hainsey looked good because of the Montreal PP system (Sheldon Souray says hello) and Redden has just regressed too much in the last 2 years. I don't want to get into the rumors surrounding Redden but they are not good. July first is the 2nd of three Christmas' in the year for me along with National Signing Day in College Football and the real Christmas :lol:

If The Isles bring back Yashin Isles fans will never hear the end of it from me.

Malkin will be the center of every single trade rumor at the deadline next year and even more so in the off season. What Santana to the yankees was for baseball, Malkin to ? will be to hockey next year.

[BroadwayBomber55]

I heard Chicago was the team to beat for Wheeler. I think hes a great risk for any team to take but I think alot of people have unrealistic expectations for the guy. I rip on Kyle Okposo for being soft, this dude is 4 inches taller than Okposo and even softer.

Campbell is gonna break 7 mill from someone this offseason. I love Orpik and Liles as 2nd tier options (along with Brad Stuart, but I doubt he sees Free Agency) but I'm not a big fan of Hainsey or Redden. Hainsey looked good because of the Montreal PP system (Sheldon Souray says hello) and Redden has just regressed too much in the last 2 years. I don't want to get into the rumors surrounding Redden but they are not good. July first is the 2nd of three Christmas' in the year for me along with National Signing Day in College Football and the real Christmas :lol:

If The Isles bring back Yashin Isles fans will never hear the end of it from me.

Malkin will be the center of every single trade rumor at the deadline next year and even more so in the off season. What Santana to the yankees was for baseball, Malkin to ? will be to hockey next year.
I think Brian Campbell will be back with the San Jose Sharks, CFP.

Team Teal needs a quality quarterback on the power play and I really think all the Sharks can do is to re-sign Campbell. I don't think they really need much. They already gave Jeremy Roenick another one-year deal. And they have a new coach.

If Brian Campbell leaves Silicon Valley, I heard that the Dallas Stars have an interest in him.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Here are some off-season game plans for all 30 NHL clubs:

http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=scott_cullen

[sprucemoose]

The Islanders do need more scoring. The Isles were dead last in the NHL in Goals For and Goals Per Game in 2007-08.

I also wouldn't be surprised if Markus Naslund goes to the Island in 2008-09.

If the Isles are looking for scoring, Naslund is not the answer.

[Pinstripedbass]

I think the Yashin to the Isles stuff is coming straight from his agent, Marc Gandler. They're already paying for him NOT to play here.

I guess life in Russia isn't all it's cracked up to be. Yashin just wants his agent to get him back into the NHL. There's no other league like it.

[YanksFan1992]

Nashville has resigned defenceman Ryan Suter to a four year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240865&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main

[CanoForPresident]

Nashville has resigned defenceman Ryan Suter to a four year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=240865&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main


I guess that means Weber is on the way out?

Pretty nice deal for the Preds there though.

[YanksFan1992]

The Hall of Fame Class of 2008 has been revealed:

Igor Larionov (Red Wings), Glenn Anderson (Oilers), Ray Scapinello (linesman) and Ed Chynoweth.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8255482?MSNHPHMA

[YanksFan1992]

Philadelphia has traded winger Vaclav Prospal to Tampa Bay for a seventh round pick and a 2009 conditional pick.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16697-Flyers-send-rights-to-veteran-forward-Vaclav-Prospal-to-Lightning.html

[YanksFan1992]

The Tampa Bay Lightning and Edmonton Oilers have each officially been sold to new owners.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16699-NHL-owners-approve-sales-of-Edmonton-Oilers-and-Tampa-Bay-Lightning.html

[BroadwayBomber55]

The Hall of Fame Class of 2008 has been revealed:

Igor Larionov (Red Wings), Glenn Anderson (Oilers), Ray Scapinello (linesman) and Ed Chynoweth.

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8255482?MSNHPHMA
Congrats to the HHOF Class of 2008.

Glenn Anderson, the early 1990s Power Forward, won 6 Stanley Cups (5 EDM, 1 NYR). The Rangers sure miss his aggressive 'to the net' style.

Igor Larionov, one of the best Soviets/Russians to play hockey with 2 Olympic Gold Medals and 3 Stanley Cups.

[BroadwayBomber55]

List of NHL FAs

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11074

2008 NHL Entry Draft Coverage

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=11476

[BroadwayBomber55]

NHL wants to be rid of Rangers’ owners

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Al8AcOgqTZVdZNoSNgQLSEc5nYcB?slug=ap-rangerslawsuit&prov=ap&type=lgns

[CanoForPresident]

NHL wants to be rid of Rangers’ owners

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=Al8AcOgqTZVdZNoSNgQLSEc5nYcB?slug=ap-rangerslawsuit&prov=ap&type=lgns

No chance this happens.


Dolan is an idiot but it doesn't help that Bettman is one too.

[CanoForPresident]

Rumor: Bryan McCabe has waived his no trade clause to go to the Islanders

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15746

This rumor has some teeth. The Toronto Media has made it evident that the Leafs really want to draft Filatov.


Mccabe, Tor 1st (7th overall)

for

Isles 1st (5th overall)

This would be a terrible trade for the Isles. Even if the Leafs take one of the big 4 Defense men in this draft instead of Filatov, Columbus' pick (6th overall) is very available.

[sprucemoose]

Rumor: Bryan McCabe has waived his no trade clause to go to the Islanders

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15746

This rumor has some teeth. The Toronto Media has made it evident that the Leafs really want to draft Filatov.


Mccabe, Tor 1st (7th overall)

for

Isles 1st (5th overall)

This would be a terrible trade for the Isles. Even if the Leafs take one of the big 4 Defense men in this draft instead of Filatov, Columbus' pick (6th overall) is very available.

Please please please please let this happen. Please. Please.

[CanoForPresident]

Please please please please let this happen. Please. Please.


Would you rather have Filatov or one of the big 4?

[sprucemoose]

Would you rather have Filatov or one of the big 4?

Filatov. I'm a big believer in taking the best player available.

[CanoForPresident]

Filatov. I'm a big believer in taking the best player available.

I'm not so sure that he's better than any of the big four.

I guess the leafs need more help upfront than on the line.

[YanksFan1992]

Carolina has acquired winger Darcy Hordichuk from Nashville and signed defenceman Tim Gleason to a four-year, $11-million contract.

[Pinstripedbass]

No chance this happens.


Dolan is an idiot but it doesn't help that Bettman is one too.

I'll bet David Stern wishes he were Gary Bettman right now.;)

[Pinstripedbass]

Rumor: Bryan McCabe has waived his no trade clause to go to the Islanders

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15746

This rumor has some teeth. The Toronto Media has made it evident that the Leafs really want to draft Filatov.


Mccabe, Tor 1st (7th overall)

for

Isles 1st (5th overall)

This would be a terrible trade for the Isles. Even if the Leafs take one of the big 4 Defense men in this draft instead of Filatov, Columbus' pick (6th overall) is very available.

I can't see the Isles making this trade. Snow should not pass up a chance to draft Filatov. The Isles are desperate for scoring. He can provide some offense.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Carolina has acquired winger Darcy Hordichuk from Nashville and signed defenceman Tim Gleason to a four-year, $11-million contract.
The Hurricanes needed to add muscle to their lineup.

Darcy Hordichuk adds toughness that Carolina lacked last season.

Florida Panthers added Wade Belak at the end of the season, Tampa Bay has Shane O'Brien, Washington has Donald Brashear, Atlanta has Eric Boulton. This was a move to even stay with the SE enforcers.

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16719-Leafs-acquire-forward-Jamal-Mayers-from-St-Louis-for-draft-pick.html

The Leafs have acquired forward Jamal Mayers from St. Louis for the 70th pick in the draft.

Quality pickup in my opinion.

[montrealer]

In short ...Gainey says there could be changes considering that Koivu ,Kovalev, Higgins and Komisarek are all in their last year of contracts.
http://www.rds.ca/canadien/chroniques/254078.html



Also...Max Pacioretty has told Gainey that he would not attend his last year of college so he could go ahead and turn pro. Gainey has asked him to reconsider.

[YanksFan1992]

St. Louis has acquired goalie Chris Mason from Nashville for a fourth round pick.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16728-St-Louis-Blues-acquire-goalie-Chris-Mason-from-Preds-for-fourthround-pick.html

[montrealer]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241165&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_nhl

[YanksFan1992]

Goalie Dan Ellis has agreed to a two year contract extension with Nashville.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68875

[YanksFan1992]

Apparently some teams in a new Russian league are willing to offer Malkin around the equivalent of 15 million dollars a year in the NHL to come to their league.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68875

[CanoForPresident]

Apparently some teams in a new Russian league are willing to offer Malkin around the equivalent of 15 million dollars a year in the NHL to come to their league.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68875

thats crazy.

Due to this, there is heavy speculation that Filatov will drop far in the draft. I'd still be surprised if he drops past the Islanders at #5 but if he does, I wouldn't be surprised to see him fall into the late teens and perhaps to the rangers at 20.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Goalie Dan Ellis has agreed to a two year contract extension with Nashville.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68875
Dan Ellis had a great season and did really well against the Detroit Red Wings in the playoffs.

Chris Mason was expandable and was traded.

Ellis is the #1 in net in the Music City.

[ymike673]

I can't see the Isles making this trade. Snow should not pass up a chance to draft Filatov. The Isles are desperate for scoring. He can provide some offense.

If Filatov is available and Snow passes that will be about the last straw. The Isles need offense!

It still pains me that Heatley could be skating for the Isles if Milbury had not decided he needed another goaltender instead.:eek:

[montrealer]

Maple Leafs have given permission to the Habs to talk to Mats Sundin.http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241233&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[BroadwayBomber55]

NHL Draft an 1 Hour and 20 minutes away.

[montrealer]

Mock draft now on TSN

[montrealer]

NHL Draft an 1 Hour and 20 minutes away.


WOO HOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[YanksFan1992]

The Atlanta Thrashers have hired John Anderson to be their new head coach.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16733-Atlanta-Thrashers-hire-John-Anderson-as-new-head-coach.html

[YanksFan1992]

So apparently the Habs have been given permission to talk to Sundin.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241233&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/20/sundin_canadiens/

The Leafs and Habs have agreed to a trade involving Mats Sundin. All that's left is for Sundin to agree to the deal. :(

We've truely hit a low point in Toronto, but hopefully this can help fast-track the rebuilding process a little bit.

[YanksFan1992]

Philadelphia has agreed to a 3 year deal with Jeff Carter.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/19/flyers_carter_three_year_deal/

[YanksFan1992]

Goalies Ray Emery and Dan Cloutier have both been waived.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241222&l...=topStory_main

[YanksFan1992]

Ottawa has signed forward Chris Kelly to a four year contract extension.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241222&l...=topStory_main

[YanksFan1992]

Hossa has cut ties with Pittsburgh.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68924

[BroadwayBomber55]

Hossa has cut ties with Pittsburgh.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68924
Looks like the Marian Hossa trade may not work out for Penguin GM Ray Shero.

Don Waddell fleeced him.

[BroadwayBomber55]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/20/sundin_canadiens/

The Leafs and Habs have agreed to a trade involving Mats Sundin. All that's left is for Sundin to agree to the deal. :(

We've truely hit a low point in Toronto, but hopefully this can help fast-track the rebuilding process a little bit.
Cliff Fletcher needs to get rid of more contracts, YF1992. The problem is: you have four other contracts that need to waive their no-trade clauses like Darcy Tucker, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe, and Pavel Kubina. The Maple Leafs also need to dump Andrew Raycroft, but who will take him?

[BroadwayBomber55]

Philadelphia has agreed to a 3 year deal with Jeff Carter.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/19/flyers_carter_three_year_deal/
I like that deal for Jeff Carter and the Flyers.

The Flyers have a lot of talent and Paul Holmgren has done a pretty good job revamping the Flyers. No more wheeling and dealing by Bobby Clarke.

[AMYanks]

Hossa has cut ties with Pittsburgh.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68924

With league revenue skyrocketing and the salary cap increasing at a faster rate than anyone could have dreamed, I could easily see the Rangers signing him even though they already have three large long-term contracts on the books.

[AMYanks]

Speaking of that salary cap, it's been all but confirmed that it will be at LEAST $56M for next season. Gord Miller said he heard rumors it's "north of $57M".

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06212008/sports/rangers/lets_make_a_del__rangers_pick_zotto_116473.htm

The NHLPA informed Bettman yesterday that the union would exercise its five-percent bump on the cap. Thus, the 2008-09 cap will be $56M, with the floor set at $40M.

If the cap is $56M, it means the league's total revenue increased by about 11% from last year. That is incredible. Love him or hate him, you have to give Bettman some credit.

[sprucemoose]

Cliff Fletcher needs to get rid of more contracts, YF1992. The problem is: you have four other contracts that need to waive their no-trade clauses like Darcy Tucker, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe, and Pavel Kubina. The Maple Leafs also need to dump Andrew Raycroft, but who will take him?

I don't think he actually does need to trade or buy anyone out. Trading is a moot point anyway, since Kubina is the only one of them that is really trade-able, and no one in their right mind would take Blake, McCabe or Tucker's contracts...and, if someone is crazy enough to take any of them (Islanders), the Leafs won't be getting much in return. Add to that , none of those guys are willing to leave, no matter how much Fletcher and the fans want them to go.

As for buyouts...considering the fact that the Leafs seem to have finally (and mercifully) entered a re-building phase, they may as well waste cap-space on those guys now while they aren't competing, rather than having the buyouts count against the cap when the Leafs are (hypothetically) competitive again in three or four years.

[sprucemoose]

Speaking of that salary cap, it's been all but confirmed that it will be at LEAST $56M for next season. Gord Miller said he heard rumors it's "north of $57M".

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06212008/sports/rangers/lets_make_a_del__rangers_pick_zotto_116473.htm



If the cap is $56M, it means the league's total revenue increased by about 11% from last year. That is incredible. Love him or hate him, you have to give Bettman some credit.

I think the credit goes to the six Canadian teams along with the Rangers, Flyers, Avs and Red Wings. Those teams are the reason why revenues are up. Bettman's plan, remember, was to lock out the players and impose a system where the small-market teams are on equal footing. Instead you have six teams accounting for more than 30 percent of ticket sales and driving up the salary floor to a point where many teams are going to struggle to meet it. Way to go, Bettman. Was it worth a year of no hockey?

[TheManKnownAsMecca]

I think the credit goes to the six Canadian teams along with the Rangers, Flyers, Avs and Red Wings. Those teams are the reason why revenues are up. Bettman's plan, remember, was to lock out the players and impose a system where the small-market teams are on equal footing. Instead you have six teams accounting for more than 30 percent of ticket sales and driving up the salary floor to a point where many teams are going to struggle to meet it. Way to go, Bettman. Was it worth a year of no hockey?

I'm thinking the Sabres should be on that list as well.

[AMYanks]

I think the credit goes to the six Canadian teams along with the Rangers, Flyers, Avs and Red Wings. Those teams are the reason why revenues are up. Bettman's plan, remember, was to lock out the players and impose a system where the small-market teams are on equal footing. Instead you have six teams accounting for more than 30 percent of ticket sales and driving up the salary floor to a point where many teams are going to struggle to meet it. Way to go, Bettman. Was it worth a year of no hockey?

Still, no one thought the NHL could even approach a double-digit growth in revenue, and they did. It's on Bettman's watch, so he's going to get credit.

[YanksFan1992]

Cliff Fletcher needs to get rid of more contracts, YF1992. The problem is: you have four other contracts that need to waive their no-trade clauses like Darcy Tucker, Tomas Kaberle, Bryan McCabe, and Pavel Kubina. The Maple Leafs also need to dump Andrew Raycroft, but who will take him?

Oh I completely agree, but it would be nice to have a fan favorite traded to someone other than Montreal if possible, in my opinion.

[sprucemoose]

I'm thinking the Sabres should be on that list as well.

Ooops. You're right.

[sprucemoose]

Still, no one thought the NHL could even approach a double-digit growth in revenue, and they did. It's on Bettman's watch, so he's going to get credit.

I guess...but I'd still argue that it happened despite him, not because of him. But you're probably right; like how Presidents get credit for economic conditions that they had little to do with.

[sprucemoose]

With league revenue skyrocketing and the salary cap increasing at a faster rate than anyone could have dreamed, I could easily see the Rangers signing him even though they already have three large long-term contracts on the books.

I've gone brain-dead and can't remember who that third big long-term contraact is: Gomez, Drury, and....

Also, I saw Nick Kypreos on TV this morning and he said that the Rangers will make a play for Sundin if he gets to July 1st without a contract. It is hard to imagine Mats in another uniform, but if it happens, I would rather it be the Rangers than the Habs.

[YanksFan1992]

Goalie Ray Emery has been bought out by Ottawa.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68938

[AMYanks]

I've gone brain-dead and can't remember who that third big long-term contraact is: Gomez, Drury, and....

Lundqvist.

[montrealer]

Looks like the Marian Hossa trade may not work out for Penguin GM Ray Shero.

Don Waddell fleeced him.

Not surprised..........Pens are going to have Cap issues. Malkin`s been offered $15 mil per to play in the Russian league.

[Pinstripedbass]

Goalie Ray Emery has been bought out by Ottawa.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/Headlines.aspx?sport=NHL&hl=68938
No surprise there. Goaltending has been their achillies heel.

[YanksFan1992]

Nashville has signed Shea Weber to a 3 year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241451&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

[CanoForPresident]

Nashville has signed Shea Weber to a 3 year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241451&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

More than fair price for Weber. Props to Nashville to getting both He and Suter signed reasonably. If they need to move these guys later, it won't be too hard since neither of them are making a ton of money.

[YanksFan1992]

Barry Melrose will be named new head coach of Tampa Bay at a press conference tomorrow.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3457480

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/

-Tampa Bay has signed forward Vaclav Prospal to a four year deal.
-Chicago has re-signed forward Andrew Ladd to a two year contract.

[RhodyYanksFan]

Barry Melrose will be named new head coach of Tampa Bay at a press conference tomorrow.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3457480

Best of luck to Barry. I wondered what took so long for him to get back behind the bench. I'll be rooting for Tampa this season.

What are the odds that Trevor Linden slips in as ESPN's go-to hockey guy now?

[YanksFan1992]

Sounds like Gary Roberts is leaving Pittsburgh as well.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241516&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main

[YanksFan1992]

The Leafs have placed goalie Andrew Raycroft and forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/24/raycroft_wellwood_waivers/


I'm not surprised by Raycroft but wasn't expecting Wellwood to be let go.

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.tsn.ca/

-Tampa Bay has waived goalie Marc Denis
-Forward Tuomo Ruutu has agreed to a 1 year deal with Carolina

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16794-Flyers-acquire-defenceman-Niskala-from-Nashville-for-Grant-pick.html

Philly has acquired defenceman Janne Niskala from Nashville for forward Triston Grant and a seventh-round pick in the 2009 draft.

[BroadwayBomber55]

The Leafs have placed goalie Andrew Raycroft and forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/24/raycroft_wellwood_waivers/


I'm not surprised by Raycroft but wasn't expecting Wellwood to be let go.
I also didn't expect Kyle Wellwood to be let go. Andrew Raycroft wasn't a surprise.

Sure, Raycroft had 37 wins in his first year as a Maple Leaf, but he was also shaky. His Bay Street days were numbered since the Leafs acquired Vesa Toskala and also Scott Clemmensen.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Sounds like Gary Roberts is leaving Pittsburgh as well.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241516&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main
As Montrealer pointed out, the Pens have salary cap issues.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Joe Sakic hasn't decided whether to return to Avalanche

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8269142/Sakic-hasn't-decided-whether-to-return-to-Avalanche

Joe Sakic is full of class and a future hall of famer. If he hangs up the skates, it will be a sad day for hockey.

[YanksFan1992]

Boston has signed defenceman Mark Stuart to a two year deal.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16800-Boston-Bruins-lock-up-defenceman-Mark-Stuart-to-twoyear-deal.html

[YanksFan1992]

Anaheim owner Henry Samueli has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16801-NHL-commissioner-Gary-Bettman-suspends-Anaheim-owner-indefinitely.html

[Pinstripedbass]

Barry Melrose will be named new head coach of Tampa Bay at a press conference tomorrow.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3457480

Mullets and grey goatees at the St. Pete Forum.;)

[Pinstripedbass]

Anaheim owner Henry Samueli has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16801-NHL-commissioner-Gary-Bettman-suspends-Anaheim-owner-indefinitely.html

First Bruce McNall, now Samueli. What's going on in SoCal?

Too bad the SEC never caught up to Charles Wang.

[YanksFan1992]

Boston has acquired defenseman Johnny Boychuk from Colorado in exchange for forward Matt Hendricks.

http://bruins.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=366895

[YanksFan1992]

The Leafs have placed goalie Andrew Raycroft and forward Kyle Wellwood on waivers.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/24/raycroft_wellwood_waivers/


I'm not surprised by Raycroft but wasn't expecting Wellwood to be let go.

The Leafs have bought out Darcy Tucker as well.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241569&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main


Good to see that we're really heading in a new direction. :gulp:

[YanksFan1992]

Coloardo has signed forward Scott Parker to a 1 year deal.

http://avalanche.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=366903

[BroadwayBomber55]

The Leafs have bought out Darcy Tucker as well.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241569&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main


Good to see that we're really heading in a new direction. :gulp:
Hopefully, Cliff Fletcher cans Bryan McCabe and Pavel Kubina as well.

Fletcher is cleaning up the Maple Leafs. Little by little, he's building the team the right way.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Which goalies will get the free-agent call?

http://msn.foxsports.com/nhl/story/8246620/Which-goalies-will-get-the-free-agent-call?

[YanksFan1992]

The Leafs have bought out Darcy Tucker as well.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241569&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main


Good to see that we're really heading in a new direction. :gulp:

And now a fourth Leaf is gone, as Fletcher says backup goalie Scott Clemmensen will not be brought back for next year.

http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080624.wfsptleaf24/GSStory/GlobeSports/home

[YanksFan1992]

Lecavalier has agreed to a 9 year deal with Tampa Bay.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241633&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[YanksFan1992]

Florida has placed center Jozef Stumpel on waivers.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241638&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl

[YanksFan1992]

Montreal has extended qualifying offers to six players schedule to be restricted free agents; forwards Mikhail Grabovski, Andrei Kostitsyn and Corey Locke, defencemen Josh Gorges and Ryan O'Byrne and goaltender Jaroslav Halak.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241639&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[YanksFan1992]

Kyle Wellwood has been claimed by the Canucks and Andrew Raycroft has cleared waivers.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241636&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

I liked Wellwood but he wasn't a necessity and right now I feel a lot of the Leafs from last year should be traded, waived, bought out or allowed to sign else where.

[montrealer]

Montreal has extended qualifying offers to six players schedule to be restricted free agents; forwards Mikhail Grabovski, Andrei Kostitsyn and Corey Locke, defencemen Josh Gorges and Ryan O'Byrne and goaltender Jaroslav Halak.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241639&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl
This is what I want to hear..........not signing some Maple Leaf reject who has some injury problems and wants a couple of wheelbarrels of money......just say NO to Sundin.:gulp:

[sprucemoose]

This is what I want to hear..........not signing some Maple Leaf reject who has some injury problems and wants a couple of wheelbarrels of money......just say NO to Sundin.:gulp:

Yeah, why would you want a guy who would step in and be easily the best player on the team. That would be crazy. :P

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coyotes/articles/2008/06/25/20080625coyotestradeON-CR.html

Phoenix has acquired right winger Brian McGrattan from Ottawa for a 2009 fifth round pick.

I would not be surprised at all if the Coyotes made the playoffs next year.

[BroadwayBomber55]

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/coyotes/articles/2008/06/25/20080625coyotestradeON-CR.html

Phoenix has acquired right winger Brian McGrattan from Ottawa for a 2009 fifth round pick.

I would not be surprised at all if the Coyotes made the playoffs next year.
I also would not be surprised if the Phoenix Coyotes make the playoffs next year.

Don Maloney has done a pretty good job revamping the Coyotes.

Getting Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks stablized the Coyotes net. Acquiring Olli Jokinen from the Florida Panthers. They're building a team around the last remaining Winnipeg Jet, Shane Doan.

Watch out for Peter Mueller.

[BillBuckner]

With Melrose taking the Tampa Bay job, I wonder if ESPN will now actually dedicate more than 8 seconds a day to NHL highlights and news.

[YanksFan1992]

With Melrose taking the Tampa Bay job, I wonder if ESPN will now actually dedicate more than 8 seconds a day to NHL highlights and news.

The only NHL coverage they'll probably have from now on is anything Crosby related. :barf:

[BroadwayBomber55]

Kyle Wellwood has been claimed by the Canucks and Andrew Raycroft has cleared waivers.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241636&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

I liked Wellwood but he wasn't a necessity and right now I feel a lot of the Leafs from last year should be traded, waived, bought out or allowed to sign else where.
I was harping on the Canucks for not acquiring another scoring forward at last year's trade deadline.

They need more scoring forwards other than Wellwood and their defense needs to stay healthy.

[YanksFan1992]

The Florida Panthers place Jozef Stumpel on waivers.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241638&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_main

Beat ya. ;)

http://forums.nyyfans.com/showpost.php?p=5233836&postcount=116

[YanksFan1992]

-San Jose has resigned goalie Brian Boucher and forwards Joe Pavelski and Jeremy Roenick.
http://sharks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=366983

-Wade Dubielewicz has signed with a Russian team.
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sport-express.ru%2Fart.shtml%3F161516&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&sl=ru&tl=en

[BroadwayBomber55]

-San Jose has resigned goalie Brian Boucher and forwards Joe Pavelski and Jeremy Roenick.
http://sharks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=366983

-Wade Dubielewicz has signed with a Russian team.
http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sport-express.ru%2Fart.shtml%3F161516&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&sl=ru&tl=en
Good signings by Sharks GM Doug Wilson. Team Teal need a backup goalie so that Evgeni Nabakov get a lot of rest. Joe Pavelski is a stud. Jeremy Roenick gives the Sharks extra scoring punch.

With Wade Dubielewicz gone, the Islanders need a backup goalie. In fact, they need to revamp their farm system to breed goalies.

[YanksFan1992]

The Florida Panthers have made qualifying offers to seven of their restricted free agents; Jay Bouwmeester, Gregory Campbell, Drew Larman, Martin Lojek, Stefan Meyer, Rostislav Olesz and Anthony Stewart.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16825-Florida-Panthers-extend-qualifying-offers-to-seven-restricted-free-agents.html

[montrealer]

Yeah, why would you want a guy who would step in and be easily the best player on the team. That would be crazy. :P
Best player :lol: .........I doubt that today..............few years ago sure I`d take him. Got too many captains now.Hey........... he wants to play with the Rangers......let them have `m. Kovalev and Koivu will soon be off the books and give Bob some Cap space and then deal with FA in their prime.
Just say NO to Sundin........he`s in it for the payday. Not going to screw the Cap for a 37 year old has-been..

One year I would deal with it. Still in therapy over the "Caveman" signing. He want`s 2 years plus...................not here. He can pedal his sh*t in MSG with the other has-been.

[YanksFan1992]

The Washington Capitals Ben Clymer and Carolina Hurricanes' Jeff Hamilton and David Tanabe have been placed on waivers and will be bought out if they clear waivers.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241467

[CanoForPresident]

Best player :lol: .........I doubt that today..............few years ago sure I`d take him. Got too many captains now.Hey........... he wants to play with the Rangers......let them have `m. Kovalev and Koivu will soon be off the books and give Bob some Cap space and then deal with FA in their prime.
Just say NO to Sundin........he`s in it for the payday. Not going to screw the Cap for a 37 year old has-been..

One year I would deal with it. Still in therapy over the "Caveman" signing. He want`s 2 years plus...................not here. He can pedal his sh*t in MSG with the other has-been.

Who on the Habs isbetter than Sundin?

Kovalev? Nope

Higgins? Like him, but nope.

Kostitsyn? Just like Higgins, nope.

Price? :lol::lol::lol::lol:

[YanksFan1992]

Who on the Habs isbetter than Sundin?

Kovalev? Nope



He might not be better than Sundin, but at the very least Kovalev is close in my opinion.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Alex Auld returning to Canucks?

http://www.sportsnet.ca/thewire/hockey/2008/06/25/auld_s_return_a_possibilit/

[sprucemoose]

He might not be better than Sundin, but at the very least Kovalev is close in my opinion.

I'd say that Kovalev has more skill than Sundin, but Mats brings it every game. Kovalev, not so much.

[YanksFan1992]

I'd say that Kovalev has more skill than Sundin, but Mats brings it every game. Kovalev, not so much.

Very true, he seems to be much more motivated when the game actually means something (obviously this is true for all players but to a lesser extent). Kovalev was playing rather well at the end of the year in my opinion and if Montreal is as could as they could be next year I would expect him to bring his A game a little more often.

[AMYanks]

Best player :lol: .........I doubt that today..............few years ago sure I`d take him. Got too many captains now.Hey........... he wants to play with the Rangers......let them have `m. Kovalev and Koivu will soon be off the books and give Bob some Cap space and then deal with FA in their prime.
Just say NO to Sundin........he`s in it for the payday. Not going to screw the Cap for a 37 year old has-been..

One year I would deal with it. Still in therapy over the "Caveman" signing. He want`s 2 years plus...................not here. He can pedal his sh*t in MSG with the other has-been.

Good, the Habs can continue to build around one-dimensional hot and cold players so they can once again luck into a #1 seed and an early exit.

[CanoForPresident]

Good, the Habs can continue to build around one-dimensional hot and cold players so they can once again luck into a #1 seed and an early exit.

:lol: Carey Price FTW!

Anyone else think that Don Maloney is doing a kick ass job this off season?

[AMYanks]

:lol: Carey Price FTW!

Anyone else think that Don Maloney is doing a kick ass job this off season?

I miss having him in the organization. The Coyotes will be great in no time.

[CanoForPresident]

I miss having him in the organization. The Coyotes will be great in no time.

He should be the GM of the Rangers. ................ Sather.

Mueller, Turris and Joiknen will turn that franchise around really quick. I really like the off season they're having. They had arguably the best draft this year too.

[BroadwayBomber55]

:lol: Carey Price FTW!

Anyone else think that Don Maloney is doing a kick ass job this off season?
Don Maloney is doing a splendid job in the desert.

Getting Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers from the Ducks during last season was huge. Bryzgalov stablizes the #1 goalie slot for the Desert Dogs.

They also have up and coming talent like Peter Mueller, Kyle Turris, and Martin Hanzal.

Now, they have another scoring weapon and Olli Jokinen to compliment Mueller, Hanzal, Radim Vrbata, and Steve Reinprecht up front and blueliners Derek Morris and Ed Jovanovski.

They also added more toughness by acquiring Brian McGrattan from the Ottawa Senators.

The Coyotes are one of the teams to watch in the Western Conference in 2008-09.

The other? The Chicago Blackhawks with their two young guns, Jonathan Toews and Rookie of the Year winner Patrick Kane. Denis Savard is a solid coach. Their defense is solid. They also have Nikolai Khabibulin in net. They got to keep Martin Havlat healthy.

[CanoForPresident]

Don Maloney is doing a splendid job in the desert.

Getting Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers from the Ducks during last season was huge. Bryzgalov stablizes the #1 goalie slot for the Desert Dogs.

They also have up and coming talent like Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal.

Now, they have another scoring weapon and Olli Jokinen to compliment Mueller, Hanzal, Radim Vrbata, and Steve Reinprecht up front and blueliners Derek Morris and Ed Jovanovski.

They also added more toughness by acquiring Brian McGrattan from the Ottawa Senators.

The Coyotes are one of the teams to watch in the Western Conference in 2008-09.

The other? The Chicago Blackhawks with their two young guns, Jonathan Toews and Rookie of the Year winner Patrick Kane. Denis Savard is a solid coach. Their defense is solid. They also have Nikolai Khabibulin in net. They got to keep Martin Havlat healthy.

How can you write all that about the Coyotes with out mentioning Kyle Turris? He is going to be a terror to play against and I'm glad he is out west.

I like what the Blackhawks did in the draft. Beach is a tremendous fit for that team. Jonathan Towes and Patrick Kane are awesome.

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/

-Goalie Jose Theodore is reportedly headed to free agency
-Scott Nidermayer will return to Anaheim for another year.

[YanksFan1992]

Forward Marcus Nilson and defencemen Anders Eriksson and Rhett Warrener were put on NHL waivers by the Calgary Flames on Thursday.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16835-Flames-put-Nilson-Eriksson-and-Warrener-on-NHL-waivers-Thursday.html

[njdhockey]

Nice to see Niedermayer is honoring the final year of his contract. I wonder if he plans on signing another contract after this or if he will finally retire. Then again we won't know until way into the next offseason probably with how long he takes to make decisions. Would be nice to see him finish his career a Devil.

[BroadwayBomber55]

NHL salary cap tops $56.7 million

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=ArhkkZ8OTs6vqMTBtnM025F7vLYF?slug=ap-salarycap&prov=ap&type=lgns

[YanksFan1992]

Florida has signed center Greg Campbell to a two year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241745&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_nhl

[YanksFan1992]

The Islanders have bought out Shawn Bates' contract.

http://weblogs.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/blog/2008/06/buyout_for_shawn_bates.html

[YanksFan1992]

The Leafs are trying to bring back Curtis Joseph and Gary Roberts.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/thewire/hockey/2008/06/26/cujo_heading_back_to/

Cujo is my favorite athlete in any sport so I would be ecstatic if this happens. :gulp:

[montrealer]

Good, the Habs can continue to build around one-dimensional hot and cold players so they can once again luck into a #1 seed and an early exit.
:lol: :lol: :lol: And the Rangers went how far with a washed up one dimensional player.......

[montrealer]

http://www.oddschecker.com/ice-hockey/nhl/stanley-cup//detroit-red-wings

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.oddschecker.com/ice-hockey/nhl/stanley-cup//detroit-red-wings

We're not last. :eek:

50-1 odds is very decent for the Coyotes though.

[CanoForPresident]

:lol: :lol: :lol: And the Rangers went how far with a washed up one dimensional player.......

That washed up one dimensional player out performed anyone on your top seeded team in the post season.

Except Carey Price :lol:

[BroadwayBomber55]

The Leafs are trying to bring back Curtis Joseph and Gary Roberts.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/thewire/hockey/2008/06/26/cujo_heading_back_to/

Cujo is my favorite athlete in any sport so I would be ecstatic if this happens. :gulp:
As long as those two, Cujo and Gary Roberts, get $1 million contracts.

I still shake my head why Cujo left T.O. after the Leafs incredible run in the 2002 playoffs to join the Red Wings for a final shot at the Stanley Cup in 2003.

As for Roberts, he can serve as a mentor to the young leafs in the squad.

[YanksFan1992]

Todd Bertuzzi has been placed on waivers by Anaheim.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/27/bertuzzi_waivers/

[YanksFan1992]

Toronto has bought out the remainder of Andrew Raycroft's contract.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241817&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[wang+cano=future]

Looks like Orpik rejected the Penguins latest contract off:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3463852



I am not optimistic about this. I have a feeling that Hossa, Malone and Orpik will all leave.

[CanoForPresident]

Looks like Orpik rejected the Penguins latest contract off:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3463852



I am not optimistic about this. I have a feeling that Hossa, Malone and Orpik will all leave.

We'll take Orpik in NY.

[AMYanks]

:lol: :lol: :lol: And the Rangers went how far with a washed up one dimensional player.......

Except the Rangers aren't building around that style of hockey. The Canadiens are for some reason.

[YanksFan1992]

The Calgary Flames announced Friday that the team has re-signed centres Craig Conroy and Daymond Langkow, left wing Eric Nystrom and goaltender Curtis McElhinney.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241820&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

[montrealer]

Except the Rangers aren't building around that style of hockey. The Canadiens are for some reason.
Last time I checked ,Habs were moving up in the standings and the Rangers were spinning wheels. Call me Mad-Cap but I`m sure the Habs were predicted out of the Play-offs and the Rangers were favored to go all the way.........:D

[montrealer]

Good news ........Red Wings are said to be willing to pay Sundin Seven million per for two years. That should knock the Habs out and let them and the Rangers get the rim thru the Arse .

[montrealer]

:gulp: :gulp: :gulp: Ohh!!!!!!!!!...........and Bonne Fete "CanoForPresident"..........Hope you have a good one .........Geez.....only 22.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p149/montrealer07/Photo197.jpg

[sprucemoose]

Happy Birthday CFP. :gulp:

[CanoForPresident]

Last time I checked ,Habs were moving up in the standings and the Rangers were spinning wheels. Call me Mad-Cap but I`m sure the Habs were predicted out of the Play-offs and the Rangers were favored to go all the way.........:D

You can thank Kovalev for the Habs turn around... The Habs will go back to being a borderline playoff team next year once he decideds


And last I checked, Carey Price was supossed to be the second coming. Howd that work out for ya? :lol:

[BroadwayBomber55]

Good news ........Red Wings are said to be willing to pay Sundin Seven million per for two years. That should knock the Habs out and let them and the Rangers get the rim thru the Arse .
The Detroit Red Wings don't need to tinker much. Sign Mats Sundin with that offer and re-sign Brad Stuart? holy toledo!

[BroadwayBomber55]

And yeah CFP. Happy Birthday. :gulp:

[njdhockey]

Happy birthday CFP! Enjoy it!

[montrealer]

The Detroit Red Wings don't need to tinker much. Sign Mats Sundin with that offer and re-sign Brad Stuart? holy toledo!
Yeah.........Well it would be in Sundin`s best interest if he wants a serious run for the Cup...............Habs are still a couple years away and the Rangers are heading in the wrong direction.;)

[montrealer]

You can thank Kovalev for the Habs turn around... The Habs will go back to being a borderline playoff team next year once he decideds


And last I checked, Carey Price was supossed to be the second coming. Howd that work out for ya? :lol:
I not worried about a kid who`s only 19............we`ll be true contenders in a couple..........then we`ll talk, mon ami:gulp:

[montrealer]

Looks like Orpik rejected the Penguins latest contract off:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3463852



I am not optimistic about this. I have a feeling that Hossa, Malone and Orpik will all leave.
Malkin`s been offered a King`s Ransom to return home. I`d love for the Habs to go after Malone.

[CanoForPresident]

I not worried about a kid who`s only 19............we`ll be true contenders in a couple..........then we`ll talk, mon ami:gulp:

hes 21...

And I'm just busting your balls on Price dude.

Thanks for the birthday wishes guys.

[AMYanks]

Last time I checked ,Habs were moving up in the standings and the Rangers were spinning wheels. Call me Mad-Cap but I`m sure the Habs were predicted out of the Play-offs and the Rangers were favored to go all the way.........:D

Yeah, the Habs are moving up the standings. That's not the point. They're not building a team that can win post-season hockey. They'll just pile up the stats in the regular season, and then when they play a tough defense/trap in the playoffs, they'll look ordinary.

[montrealer]

Yeah, the Habs are moving up the standings. That's not the point. They're not building a team that can win post-season hockey. They'll just pile up the stats in the regular season, and then when they play a tough defense/trap in the playoffs, they'll look ordinary.
Gainey`s still got a couple of years in his 5 year plan...........patience "Ma petite chou" patience.......Rome wasn`t built in overnite.

[AMYanks]

Gainey`s still got a couple of years in his 5 year plan...........patience "Ma petite chou" patience.......Rome wasn`t built in overnite.

It's not often a GM completely changes his plan right in the middle, which is what Gainey would have to do. Tanguay is just another example of going in the wrong direction. He better hope all these young players develop an all-around game, or they're in trouble.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Yeah, the Habs are moving up the standings. That's not the point. They're not building a team that can win post-season hockey. They'll just pile up the stats in the regular season, and then when they play a tough defense/trap in the playoffs, they'll look ordinary.
And also a team who can skate with them and have a lot of grit like the Philadelphia Flyers did.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Dallas Stars sign Loui Eriksson to a 2-year deal

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241813&lid=sublink04&lpos=headlines_nhl

[YanksFan1992]

Tampa Bay has acquired the rights to Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts in exchange for a 2009 conditional draft pick.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16862-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-acquires-rights-to-forwards-Malone-Roberts.html

[BroadwayBomber55]

Tampa Bay has acquired the rights to Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts in exchange for a 2009 conditional draft pick.

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/16862-Tampa-Bay-Lightning-acquires-rights-to-forwards-Malone-Roberts.html
Bad trade from Tampa Bay Lightning GM Jay Feaster.

The Lightning should have just waited till july 1st to talk. Ryan Malone is gonna wait to hear other offers anyway so why not wait without giving up a draft pick?

Sure, Malone and Gary Roberts give them grit and toughness if they re-sign both of them, but they also need defensemen. Otherwise, Mike Smith and Karri Ramo will get bombarded.

[njdhockey]

Tampa Bay may have a chance to sign Malone before July 1. Brian Lawton was hired a couple of days ago as a VP in Tampa Bay. Before that, he was Ryan Malone's agent. TB would actually be a decent fit for Malone.

[njdhockey]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/06/29/lightning_signings/

A day after trading for their rights, The Tampa Bay Lightning are close to signing Ryan Malone to a long-term year deal that will exceed $30 million and Gary Roberts to a one-year year deal that has the potential to reach $2 million, Sportsnet has learned.

An announcement could come as early as Monday.

[njdhockey]

It's official now...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242037&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

Ryan Malone has agreed to a seven year, $31.5 million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Malone, who would have drawn considerable interest from around the NHL as an unrestricted free agent, will earn between $7 and $8 million in each of the first two years of the deal.
I'm not surprised that he got this deal at all, but damn, that is a lot of years to give to a guy like Malone.

[njdhockey]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242041&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

Scratch defencemen John-Michael Liles and Adam Foote from the list of available free agents.

Sources tell TSN that Liles and the Colorado Avalanche have agreed to terms on a four-year contract worth an average of slightly more than $4 million per year.

Liles was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday. The deal is likely to be formally announced Monday.
It's also expected the Avalanche will announce then that they have also re-signed Foote.

Sources tell TSN Foote's deal is believed to be for two years and a total of $6 million, or $3 million per year.
I would've liked to see Liles in NJ, oh well.

[njdhockey]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242046&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main

The Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for forward Jarret Stoll and defenceman Matt Greene.

Also, a rumor that TB may be in the process of acquiring Rolston's rights.

[CanoForPresident]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242046&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main



Also, a rumor that TB may be in the process of acquiring Rolston's rights.

Atleast they aint following the "lets suck for 6 years and rebuild!" method the Penguins have made so famous.

[AMYanks]

Also, a rumor that TB may be in the process of acquiring Rolston's rights.

Ugh. I wanted Rolston.

[YanksFan1992]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242046&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_main



Also, a rumor that TB may be in the process of acquiring Rolston's rights.

The move's official according to TSN, and Minnesota will receive a conditional pick for either 2009 or 2010.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242048&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_main

[YanksFan1992]

Philadelphia has signed defenceman Steve Eminger to a one-year deal.

http://thehockeynews.com/articles/16867-Flyers-sign-defenceman-Steve-Eminger-to-oneyear-contract.html

[montrealer]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242072&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl
Not surprising

[wang+cano=future]

It's official now...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242037&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main


I'm not surprised that he got this deal at all, but damn, that is a lot of years to give to a guy like Malone.

Jeez that is a lot of years........Goodbye Malone.

[YanksFan1992]

Florida has signed forward Rostislav Olesz to a six-year, $18.75 million deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242074&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

[BroadwayBomber55]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242072&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl
Not surprising
Denis Gauthier just went on a downward spiral in salary cap hell called the minors after leading the league in hits 3 years ago.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Florida has signed forward Rostislav Olesz to a six-year, $18.75 million deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242074&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main
That's a lot of years and money for an unproven player. What is Jacques Martin doing in Florida?

[BroadwayBomber55]

Philadelphia has signed defenceman Steve Eminger to a one-year deal.

http://thehockeynews.com/articles/16867-Flyers-sign-defenceman-Steve-Eminger-to-oneyear-contract.html
Nice fit for Paul Holmgren and the Flyers getting Steve Eminger.

Another Braydon Coburn in the blueline.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Alexei Zhitnik and Duvie Westcott bought out

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242073&lid=sublink02&lpos=headlines_nhl

[BroadwayBomber55]

Calgary Flames re-sign Craig Conroy, Daymond Langkow, Eric Nystrom, and Curtis McElhinney

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=241820&lid=sublink011&lpos=headlines_nhl

[BroadwayBomber55]

Can't wait for tomorrow. The NHL Offseason really starts on July 1.

[montrealer]

:gulp: .......Hope you get Sundin;)

[YanksFan1992]

Anaheim is close to signing Corey Perry to a 5 year deal.

http://thehockeynews.com/articles/16891-Ducks-on-verge-of-signing-Perry-to-fiveyear-deal-Leafs-may-make-pitch-for-Huselius.html

[YanksFan1992]

http://thehockeynews.com/listings/9-Headlines.html

-San Jose has re-signed Jody Shelley to a two year deal.
-Buffalo re-signed Paul Gaustad to a four year deal.
-Detroit re-sigend Andreas Lilja to a two year deal.

[YanksFan1992]

Tampa Bay has signed forward Vaclav Prospal to a multi-year contract.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242083&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main

[montrealer]

Woo Hoo..................What to do today...........Wifey won`t be happy.......I`ll stuck to the MacBook today sitting close to the Kegger no doubt.

[montrealer]

:gulp: http://www.sportsnet.ca/thewire/hockey/rumours/

Let the rumours begin.......

[montrealer]

:gulp: 720AM French sports Media reporting that Sundin will retire or play closer to home in Europe........Gainey has not talk to Sundin since Saturday.

[AMYanks]

Rolston tells Tampa Bay he's going to test the market.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242117&lid=headline&lpos=secStory_nhl

Note to TSN: he's 35, not 25.

[montrealer]

HFBoards have sooooooo many rumours going on ....................one reports that Sundin is shopping around NY today for a new home.

[CanoForPresident]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/


Salvador re ups with the devs. I know Eklund gets a lot of ................ from people but he was money during This day last year.

[njdhockey]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/


Salvador re ups with the devs. I know Eklund gets a lot of ................ from people but he was money during This day last year.
I can't stand Eklund, but Strickland always seems to be reliable. I actually think he was the one who broke the Salvador trade at the deadline last year. As I said in the Devil thread...

I am happy Salvador is back, he played very well, and his style fits in great in NJ. I do worry about him staying healthy for the four years, seems like the deal is a year too long, but I can't complain, I think 2.9 isn't that much of a cap hit with the way the cap keeps going up and up. As long as there isn't a NMC or NTC I will be very happy with this deal.

[montrealer]

Sportsnet is reporting the Gainey has interest in Jagr......2 years 15 mil...........:uhh: I find this hard to believe.

[CanoForPresident]

I can't stand Eklund, but Strickland always seems to be reliable. I actually think he was the one who broke the Salvador trade at the deadline last year. As I said in the Devil thread...

I am happy Salvador is back, he played very well, and his style fits in great in NJ. I do worry about him staying healthy for the four years, seems like the deal is a year too long, but I can't complain, I think 2.9 isn't that much of a cap hit with the way the cap keeps going up and up. As long as there isn't a NMC or NTC I will be very happy with this deal.

I can promise you that it will level off real soon. Teams got to be careful with what they're offering players.

that said, 2.9 isn't terrible for Salvador, considering Andy Sutton makes more than he does.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Mike Green re-signs with the Washington Capitals: 4-years, $21 million

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=ApgAu3e3rEEn_2dhWxWP_pN7vLYF?slug=ap-capitals-green&prov=ap&type=lgns

[BroadwayBomber55]

Follow all the FA signings on TSN.ca

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11353

I also recommend Sportsnet.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Edmonton Oilers trade Raffi Torres to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Gilbert Brule.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242167&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

[CanoForPresident]

Brad "I Killed Crosby" Stuart stays in Detroit.

3.75 per year, per TSN.

Nice deal on both ends.

[AMYanks]

Sad about Stuart. Even though I didn't expect it, would've loved to see him play for the Rangers.

[AMYanks]

Pitkanen to Carolina for Cole, per Hradek on NHL Network.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Brad "I Killed Crosby" Stuart stays in Detroit.

3.75 per year, per TSN.

Nice deal on both ends.
Nice deal for the Red Wings. They don't need to tinker much.

Ken Holland is a great GM.

[CanoForPresident]

Pitkanen to Carolina for Cole, per Hradek on NHL Network.

Oilers are pwning already.

Eklund just posted that the Isles are gonna put together a mega offer for Hossa. I doubt its true after the whole Yashin fiasco.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Pitkanen to Carolina for Cole, per Hradek on NHL Network.
Edge: Oilers.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Via TSN tracker

Pittsburgh Penguins sign forward Pascal Dupuis to a three-year deal which will average $1.4-million per year.

[AMYanks]

Oilers are pwning already.

Eklund just posted that the Isles are gonna put together a mega offer for Hossa. I doubt its true after the whole Yashin fiasco.

Probably just Eklund trying to create a buzz, as usual.

[CanoForPresident]

The Oilers needed scoring. The Carolina Hurricanes need another skating defenseman.

Good deal for both sides in my mind.

No way. Pittkanen is good, probably a little under valued but Cole is leaps and bounds a better player and gives the oil some much needed grit.

Edmonton made out like bandits IMO.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Sean Avery On The Move Again?

Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks are interested...

http://www.sportsnet.ca/thewire/hockey/2008/07/01/avery_on_the_move_agai/

[CanoForPresident]

http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=616

dont kno who these guys are but it beats waiting around for written news

[AMYanks]

I'm watching NHL Live on NHL Network, and Mike Green has to be the most boring interview ever.

[CanoForPresident]

I'm watching NHL Live on NHL Network, and Mike Green has to be the most boring interview ever.

Chris Drury is worse.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Calgary Flames send a draft pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for Rene Bourque.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242171&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl

[montrealer]

http://www.rds.ca/hockey/chroniques/254814.html
PJ Stock of Montreal 990AM Sports reports Malkin set to ink an extention with the Pens.....

[BroadwayBomber55]

Welcome back to T.O.: Cujo returns to Bay Street as Curtis Joseph signs a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/01/leafs_joseph/

[BroadwayBomber55]

Radim Vrbata signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning: 3-years, $9 million

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/01/vrbata_lightning/

[montrealer]

Welcome back to T.O.: Cujo returns to Bay Street as Curtis Joseph signs a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/01/leafs_joseph/
I`m still scratching my head:lol: PJ Stock announced that last nite.

[montrealer]

http://www.team990.com/section/view/?fnode=11

Anybody wish to listen live signings with PJ Stock.

[AMYanks]

Hradek says Kolzig to Tampa Bay.

They're going to sign everyone, I think.

[BroadwayBomber55]

Hradek says Kolzig to Tampa Bay.

They're going to sign everyone, I think.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are the most aggressive team so far.

Who's next?

[Mark19]

Hradek says Kolzig to Tampa Bay.

They're going to sign everyone, I think.

Oli Kolzig?

What a shame, I really thought he'd get a chance to finish his career with the Caps

I suppose Huet had no interest in splitting time, can't blame him

[DaPip1998]

http://www.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=616

dont kno who these guys are but it beats waiting around for written news

Isn't that Don LoGrecca from TMKS?

[BroadwayBomber55]

The Minnesota Wild acquired Marek Zidlicky from the Nashville Predators for a prospect and draft pick.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242174&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_main

[montrealer]

:snooze: ...Time to lite up a bat.

[AMYanks]

Some team offered Sundin $10M per year on a multi-year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242175&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

[AMYanks]

Some team offered Sundin $10M per year on a multi-year deal.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242175&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_main

Canucks offered him 2 yr. $20M, per Fan 590 in Toronto.

[montrealer]

Canucks offered him 2 yr. $20M, per Fan 590 in Toronto.
:roflmao: :roflmao: too funny......

[YanksFan1992]

All per TSN:

-Anaheim has signed Corey Perry to a multi-year deal.

-Pittsburgh has signed Mark Eaton to a two year deal.

-Vancouver has signed Kyle Wellwood to a one year contract.

-New Jersey has signed forwards Jay Pandolfo (3 years, $7.5-million) David Calrkson (undisclosed), Barry Tallackson (undisclosed) and defenceman Bryce Salvador to a four-year deal worth $11.6 million (average of $2.9 million per season).

[YanksFan1992]

Sorry if some of these have been posted already:

-Edmonton traded Joni Pitkanen to Carolina for Erik Cole.
-Malkin is close to a huge deal with Pittsburgh.

[YanksFan1992]

Welcome back to T.O.: Cujo returns to Bay Street as Curtis Joseph signs a 1-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/01/leafs_joseph/

Awesome news, he's one of my favorite hockey players of all time. :gulp:

[montrealer]

:clap: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242182&lid=sublink01&lpos=headlines_nhl

[Pinstripedbass]

Oilers are pwning already.

Eklund just posted that the Isles are gonna put together a mega offer for Hossa. I doubt its true after the whole Yashin fiasco.

What constitues a "massive deal" for the Isles? A 20year contract and part ownership in the team?

[Pinstripedbass]

The deal that has me scratching my head is Andrew Raycroft to Colorado. Wouldn't they have been better off keeping Theodore?

Funny. Now Jose Theodore and Cristobal Huet are both on the Caps. That would have been quite a tandem in Montreal.

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.tsn.ca/

-Jose Theodore has signed a two year deal with Washington
-Coloardo has signed Andrew Raycroft to a 1 year deal
-Cristobal Huet has signed with Chicago
-Cory Stillman has signed a 3 year deal with Florida
-Toronto has signed Jeff Finger to a four year deal

[YanksFan1992]

The deal that has me scratching my head is Andrew Raycroft to Colorado. Wouldn't they have been better off keeping Theodore?

Funny. Now Jose Theodore and Cristobal Huet are both on the Caps. That would have been quite a tandem in Montreal.

Well that tandem didn't last long. :lol:

Huet just signed with Chicago.

[YanksFan1992]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?id=11353&lid=sublink03&lpos=topRelated_main

-Detroit has signed Ty Conklin to a 1 year deal.
-Phoenix has signed Todd Fedoruk to a 3 year deal.
-Tampa Bay has signed Adam Hall to a 3 year deal.
-Pittsburgh has signed Eric Godard.
-The Rangers have signed Aaron Voros.