2009 Free Agent Frenzy

[nccanes]

Someone suggested and I figured it made more sense to have one as well. Hopefully no one minds.

So the "frenzy" can't start until Noon, right?

[SoCalcaniac]

You beat me to it.... :lol: I was just gonna come in and start a thread.

Yeah, the "frenzy" can't begin til Noon, IIRC, something in the CBA, I don't recall which page, says nothing can start before Noon EST, because in the past, there were things happening at like 3am and people were up in the wee hours, lol.

Happy Canada Day ya'll.

For those near radios and or TV's - XM 204 is broadcasting Hockey this AM til Noon, and then NHL Live will be on from Noon to 2pm. XM plans to be on all day with "live" broadcasts of the usual shows and to discuss all the action.

If you have NHL Network, you can watch the feed of "TSN Free Agent Frenzy" from 2pm to 6pm. It'll be a Blackberry Festival on TV.

Oh, and the clock is ticking on this Heatley thing-I went to bed believing he was going to the Oil...... and of course he nixed it so he's still a Sen.

[nccanes]

I presume the public leak of the Oilers deal was presumed to put some pressure on Heatley to waive the NTC and sign? Otherwise the poor dudes in EDM know they were about to be shipped off. Kinda sucks if it doesn't happen now.

I wonder what it's like to be Heatley. I wonder if he knows how big of a prick he is.

[livinthedream]

I wonder what it's like to be Heatley. I wonder if he knows how big of a prick he is.

I presume that to Edmontonians, he now ranks right up there with Chris Pronger. And we all know how big of a prick *he* is. Just sayin.

[KaniacFever]

I wonder what it's like to be Heatley. I wonder if he knows how big of a prick he is.

Seriously. The dude requested a trade out of Ottawa, he had the oppourtunity to get out of Ottawa and he nixed it. Choosers can't be too picky. I'll laugh if come Opening Night, he's still a Sen.

[ontheboards]

I presume the public leak of the Oilers deal was presumed to put some pressure on Heatley to waive the NTC and sign? Otherwise the poor dudes in EDM know they were about to be shipped off. Kinda sucks if it doesn't happen now.

I wonder what it's like to be Heatley. I wonder if he knows how big of a prick he is.
Size does matter...

[Captain Slack]

According to Bob McKenzie, the Heatley-to-the-Oilers deal isn't completely dead. He was asked to wavie his no-trade, but has not done so. The offer, however, is still on the table.

The Sens have until midnight tonight to unload Heatley before he gets his 4mil. That'll put the pressure on Bryan Murray to move him today. My guess is Heatley is hoping some other team will make offer for him *cough*Rangers*cough*.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283382

[SoCalcaniac]

Interesting the deal isn't "dead" especially with this splashed all over the OTT papers this morning. It kinda speaks to the whole Dany is a prick thing that E alluded to- and seriously, you're having your parents friends fight your battles in the media??? I liken this to your kid getting in some kinda scuffle at school and mom and dad jumping in to stop the madness--- HOWEVER, Heatley's a grown MAN, not a school aged child.

If I'm the Sens org, get him the hell outta there:

Everybody is crucifying Dany (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Sports/Everybody+crucifying+Dany/1746009/story.html)

Doozies all around including a letter written to the paper from the friends of his parents:


Tom Molloy, an international hockey coach and former neighbour of the Heatleys, says the one-sided Heatley bashing from fans and media has been difficult for the family.
"Dany's parents (Murray and Karin) dropped over to our place the other day," Molloy said by telephone from Calgary. "They said, 'Everyone is crucifying Dany.' His mother is very upset. And the attacks are all personal stuff, about his character. Nobody mentions that this is a guy who gives up a month of his summer every year to play for Team Canada."


Well if he's giving up a month of his summer every year to play for Team Canada dude, that means he's not in the mix for THE NHL PLAYOFFS.




Molloy's letter to the newspaper began this way:

"I can't express how disappointed I am in the press and hockey fans concerning Dany Heatley's request to be traded. I was talking with his parents ... and they can't believe the awful things that people are saying about Dany. He simply wants to play on a team that believes in his abilities.
"The new coach (Cory Clouston) has decided that Dany is a second- or third-line player, uses him on the second power play and plays him 14 minutes a game. Dany had many closed-door conversations with him and was told that the situation would improve, but it didn't in the two months they were together."
Though he was used on the second-unit power play, referring to Heatley as a "second- or third-line player" under Clouston is a stretch. Though his ice time did dip, Heatley usually played alongside Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson on the first line.
"I have been in this game for a long time and make my living coaching hockey," Molloy wrote. "I see Dany making the right plays and doing his job defensively. Dany isn't a hitter, but he wins his one-on-one battles using skill. I ask myself, 'How can a guy with the best one-timer in hockey, and great vision, be on the second power play?'"
Some other interesting tidbits from this Heatley family friend:
n Heatley was injured in Game 1 of the 2007 Stanley Cup final against the Anaheim Ducks when Chris Pronger "cross-checked Dany and then sat on him." After that chest injury, Heatley was not effective the rest of the series, Molloy said.
n The Senators' decline since '07 was a factor in Heatley wanting out.
"Two years ago, they looked like the old Montreal Canadiens," Molloy said, "but they haven't been able to right the ship since."

[nccanes]

WTHelllll. :lol:

That's the most hysterical thing I've read this week! (well other than Mark Sanford's love emails).

Seriously - some family friend decides to whine to the media. OMG - the reporter musta been peeing himself with glee to get to publish this drivel.

Is Heatley the ONLY guy who has ever played for Team Canada in the summer? Do they ALL get NTCs (that they break) and piles of money like him? Puh-LEEEEEEEASE give me a break.

What a complete joke.

Wake up Dany (and his family and friends network). There are 700 other NHL players that have to deal with coaching changes and clashes and ice time and PP designation. It's part of playing sports. You shoulda learned that when you were about 8 years old. And you've got the cushy NTC and bank to go along with that 'challenge'. You've out Prongered Pronger you dip****.

from the article:
Molloy spent last season as a development coach in Salzburg, Austria

Hmmm. You trip over a dozen hockey playing kids on your way to Tim Horton's in Canada, but the dude heads to Salzburg to coach?

Anyway - to say that the criticism has been one sided is stupid. Bryan Murray and the coaches in OTT have had their fair share of heat.

[Captain Slack]

The Sedins have resigned with Vancouver. Five years @ 6.1mil.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283415

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh: Howling at you E, I knew you'd likely get a kick out of it, but had no idea you'd be killing me this much! :lol:


Ok for two seconds, the Twins have been re-signed so all the suspense is for not:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283415

Back to Heatley and this one's for you E :-:

Heatley Deserves our Outrage (http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Sports/Heatley+deserves+outrage/1748678/story.html)

Talk about cheap and pathetic.
Snivelling comments in a letter from Tom Molloy, a friend of Dany Heatley's parents, have only served to fuel the outrage in the nation's capital. If that was the intent, it worked. If it was meant to garner sympathy, it backfired.
-snip

and this is what I was snooping for- some indication from the Snyder family on what their thoughts are. I personally think that family is gold- they are far more forgiving and really otherworldly to me, their grace and pure compassion for Heatley, made me believe in all that is good with the world lies with the family from Elmira, ONT. His comments are interesting:

Heatley's trade request confuses Graham Snyder, whose son, Dan, was killed in a single-car crash involving Heatley's Ferrari in 2003. The two were teammates on the Atlanta Thrashers, the club that drafted Heatley in 2000. According to Snyder's father, the Thrashers did everything they could to help Heatley get over the death of his teammate. Even the Snyders did their part, helping him avoid certain jail time for vehicular homicide. The family spoke glowingly of Heatley at the time, and told Atlanta prosecutors and the case judge that nothing would be gained by putting him behind bars. The case ended with a plea bargain. Months later, he asked Atlanta to trade him because of the psychological effects of Snyder's death. He landed in Ottawa for Marian Hossa in August 2005.

"I'm surprised (by the trade request) because he signed a long-term deal (with Ottawa) and was playing in a market that seemed to embrace him," Snyder said on Tuesday from his home in Elmira, Ont., near Kitchener-Waterloo.

"I was surprised (by his request from Atlanta, too, though) I could understand that one because I probably knew a few things that other people didn't that go on behind the scenes, and it was difficult for him.

"But on the other hand, the Atlanta Thrashers were very, very supportive of him. What (general manager) Don Waddell and the ownership did there for him -- it's a pretty tough thing to repay. And he put them in a tight situation as well.

"I was surprised at it, but I understood it. This one, I really don't understand.

"He asked to get out (of Atlanta) and he went to a team that he obviously approved of and had some success (with). They went to the (2007 Stanley Cup) finals. What I can see is that he got a lot of support in Ottawa.
"I don't think it says a lot of positive things on the surface ... it sure doesn't show a good team attitude."

Snyder said there would have been "a lot of ways" for Heatley to have dealt with the decision by Clouston to reduce his playing time and bump him down to the second power-play unit, rather than just demand to be traded. "Certainly, (dealing with Clouston) behind the scenes would be a lot more effective, and trying to work through it."

Atlanta's Waddell couldn't be reached for comment, but a team spokesman said: "We know Dany very well. There is always a reason why these things happen."

[nccanes]

I was wondering about the Snyders too. You have to think that they think of their lost son...how he had to scratch and claw his way into the NHL and to see Dany snub his nose at this situation.

And maybe I'm dumb, but I have no idea what ATL's team spokesman's comment means. :lol:

[Dammit100]

I don't really agree with the vilification of Heatley by EDM fans. He has a NTC, and has the right to stay with it if it's a team he doesn't want to go to. Sure, it's not the best PR move, but I'm sure there are companies/organIzations (in a field you'd work in) here that we all wouldn't go work for due to the area, the reputation, etc... Heatley simply exercised that right.

Now, OTT fans... hate on!

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283342

Bruins buy out former Senator Peter Schaeffer. He'll now be a free agent.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283415

Sedin twins re-signed in Vancouver before the deadline.

[caveman]

Don't see Guerin's re-signing (with a hefty pay cut) on this thread yet; not sure the NHLPA at large likes it and I don't like it as it gives the Pens more salary to throw around on other folks when I was hoping they'd have a hefty "Cup Tax" hitting them this summer. But good for Guerin; I'd guess it means his family is ready to move off the Island and to Pitt?

[caveman]

TSN's live tracker has promise; what other sources are people keeping tabs on (other than NHL Radio of course):

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283416

[SoCalcaniac]

^ NHL Network- TSNs show will be on from 2pm to 6pm and NHL Live is on now, and several people like Darren Dreger are on Twitter.

Guerin and Schaefer have already discussed in the Off Season thread since they already happened- I'm presuming that nccanes started this thread for the Free Agent Frenzy discussion for everything related to JULY 1 (and after). Or I'm completely completely off base.

E- I was confused on the spokeman's comments too. :lol:

Heatley needs to just disappear out of OTT. I don't think he needs to be all choosy at this point when it was he and his agent that started this mess.

TSN is also reporting that Yoga Boy (Komisarek) is close to signing with the Islanders. One first round pick and the Island is a destination.

[caveman]

Dang it somehow I was listening to the recorded 6/30 NHL Live show. Heh. Hence all the old news ROFL.

Report is Ohlund to Tampa as a mentor for Hedman.

[OswegoExpress]

apparently Ohlund signed with Tampa, don't know how nhl live got that out first but it's still a good pick up

[SoCalcaniac]

Kevin Allen @ USA Today confirms via Twitter that Tampa has signed Mattias Ohlund.

[nccanes]

And the "TBLightning" tweet says that Kevin Allen is reporting and no confirmation from the Lightning.

What? :lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

:lol: Oh crap I turned off the Tweets from TBL- WTH???

and Bob McK @ TSN says it 7 yrs for Ohlund. Ok, this sounds like TB!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283419

[caveman]

Per TSN: "TSN has confirmed Mattias Ohlund signing with Tampa Bay. It's seven years, and average of $3.75 million per year."

Wow - SEVEN YEARS. At first I saw just the salary and thought "wow, that's a great signing" and even though defensemen can play at age 40... that's how old he'll be in the last year of that deal. Probably front-loaded, though with the Lightning who the hell knows. ;] Decently structured that's still a pretty good signing IMHO.

[OswegoExpress]

TSN has confirmed Mattias Ohlund signing with Tampa Bay. It's seven years, and average of $3.75 million per year.

WOW 7 years!!

[KaniacFever]

And tampa doesn't fail.

A 7 YEAR deal for Ohlund at $3.75M. 7 years for a 32, 33 year old.

[BrooklynCaniac]

I think the money is in line but 7 years thats crazy talk

[nccanes]

:lol: Oh crap I turned off the Tweets from TBL- WTH???

and Bob McK @ TSN says it 7 yrs for Ohlund. Ok, this sounds like TB!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283419

It's the way Tampa rolls - all about the intrigue! :lol:

Either that or the intern that was sending the tweet about the Hedman Tshirt design winner got tweet happy! :lol:

[caveman]

If it's 5, 5, 5, 4, 3, 1, 1 then it's a decent deal really. Worst case they bleed a small bit of salary at the end. I like Ohlund a lot, still think such a deal would be a pretty good move for Tampa, even better if he can help Hedman along.

[SoCalcaniac]

And tampa doesn't fail.

A 7 YEAR deal for Ohlund at $3.75M. 7 years for a 32, 33 year old.

Not only that, Ohlund is a walking injury report. He has rarely stayed HEALTHY. You do a deal to help (using a dreaded Pierre Maguire word) "Insulate" a player in Hedman, with a fellow countryman and a revered player, but you don't think about Matty Ohlund's injury history? Good GRIEF.

^^ E, ROTFLMAO. The Hedman Tee for the Rookie Camp tweets were KILLING me, so I turned off my SMS and I'm only getting them via the site. was really hoping Lawton would continue to tweet for FAF.

[BrooklynCaniac]

Yeah if its a front loaded contract thats not so bad

[caveman]

DarrenDreger: Ohlund will get 22.5 of the 24.5 in the next 5 years.

So 1 mil per season the last two years (age 38-40).

[Dammit100]

crazy front-loading!

[Dammit100]

here's TSN streaming for those interested.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/TML-Live

[caveman]

I'm not sure what's going to eventually go down with the front loaded contracts:

1. buyouts of the last N years when it's cheap to do so if the player is sliding down?
2. players holding out for renegotiated deals once the front loaded part starts coming down?

[nccanes]

You can't renegotiate deals anymore.

[caveman]

Interesting... maybe then we'll see players who can leave $1M contracts going overseas then if there remains this lack of a real deal with the KHL? Say some of the rumours of a big Swedish team or two joining the KHL come to pass; Ohlund is 37 and set to make $1M but Frolunda (or whomever) can offer him $2M? Still I'm wondering about buyouts towards the end of these deals.

[SoCalcaniac]

Re-negotiation is not allowed in this CBA.

Darren Dreger tweeted and says Hossa is signing with CHI- deal is almost done.

[Captain Slack]

If that's true, adios Martin Havlat.

[caveman]

Per TSN, Florida re-signs Radek Dvorak, 2 years, 3.4M total.

[c-girl]

^^^Oh so I guess the Red Wings are a shoe-in to win the Cup next year.

:lol:

[WillLikeWhoa091]

Slow first 45 minutes.

Where's the eleven year fifty bajillion dollar contracts?

[caveman]

Re-negotiation is not allowed in this CBA.

Hm... maybe a "OK, buy me out, or I won't show up to camp."? That's probably something only an Alexi Yashin type player would pull I guess.

[OswegoExpress]

There's no way Chicago can afford Hossa!

[SoCalcaniac]

IF there's a brain in any of the heads of the GMs out there, they are paying attention to the economic situation the League is heading into and they're not doing a bazzillion dollar deal this season. Too much uncertainty with the cap to even do that going forward.

But Glen Sather & his Rangers have yet to be heard from today (especially given the Gomez trade) , nor have the Flyers so it's early.

[SoCalcaniac]

I've signed up for PHX tweets, and got this from Panger:

PhoenixCoyotes: The players I like that are under the radar: Beauchemin, Larose, Fiddler to name a few -pang

Kevin Allen from USA Today is on NHLN, he just said "Guys like Erik Cole, Brian Gionta and Steve Sullivan will have the interest of 10-12 teams......."

[Captain Slack]

Colton Orr to the Leafs. Four years at $1mil each.

[SoCalcaniac]

Was just gonna post it from DD-

Colton Orr is a BB kinda guy- he's got the truculance and pugilism down pat for any guy that will play on a Burke team. :lol:

[caveman]

Interesting mention here on NHL Live about the Islanders being well under the "floor" with most of the team signed already. Wasn't it the Kings last year in a similar situation?

[puck_it]

Ohlund contract is a good one. 7 years puts him at 40, but anything longer than 2 years, and his future contracts would become cap binding if he retires early, currently, not so much. the 1m/yr at the end brings his cap number down, and the length is within NHL insurance limits.

i like the contract. hate that it's tampa.

I'm expecting any contract signed when <35 that will expire when a guy is 35+ will automatically be extended a few years to serve as a retirement buffer.

[nccanes]

Ohlund contract is a good one. 7 years puts him at 40, but anything longer than 2 years, and his contracts become cap binding if he retires, currently, not so much.

I thought the cap issue only applied to players 35 older at the time the contract was signed, not when the player decided to retire.

[OswegoExpress]

Reports of a Kubina trade to Atlanta and possibly Hossa to Chicago is almost done

[puck_it]

I thought the cap issue only applied to players 35 older at the time the contract was signed, not when the player decided to retire.


it does... anything that expires two years from now, his next contract is binding. thus, 7 years affords them the luxury of reducing his cap number, and avoiding having to take a cap hit when a new contract would have been up.

i edited to change the wording. :)

Ohlund contract is a good one. 7 years puts him at 40, but anything longer than 2 years, and his future contracts would become cap binding if he retires early, currently, not so much. the 1m/yr at the end brings his cap number down, and the length is within NHL insurance limits.

[SoCalcaniac]

I just got a tweet saying David Booth re-signed with the Panthers for 6 yrs 85 million? What in this life has David Booth ever done to get that??? :crazy:

[puck_it]

that's impossible socal. 20% of the cap of 56m is 11m-ish. 85m/6yrs is 14+m/yr

eta: tsn is saying 6yrs, 25.5m, 4.25m/yr cap hit

[LeslieK]

^Tsn tracker has 6 years, $25.5M

[nccanes]

I thought it was 6 years 24 or 25 mil?

[SoCalcaniac]

Yes blame it on NHL Home ice for the erroneous tweet on Booth.

Oh wow- Hossa is a Blackhawk. Reportedly for 12 years!

Feasty is on and freaking out on the term, and LORD Pierre Maguire is already on Red Bull.

[Captain Slack]

The Avs have signed goaltender Craig Anderson to a two year deal. (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283426)

[Captain Slack]

Tampa has signed Matt Walker to a four year deal at $1.7mil.

[puck_it]

****, i hate matt walker. he's tocchet's style player... with his fists.

[Captain Slack]

Ty Conklin to the Blues on a two year deal. Guess we won't be seeing him in the Winter Classic for a change. :D

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Who put what in the Blackhawks water? 12 years? That will take him to he is 41. How many players stats go down after age 30 or 31?

Since the Blues got Conklin, I'm betting the Blues representing the WC in the finals.

[SC06]

lol. I had just updated my FB to say Stacy thinks St. Louis will lose in the Stanley Cup finals sometime during the next 2 years.

[SoCalcaniac]

DD says the Hossa/CHI contract is heavily front loaded 53 million in the first 5 years of the contract.

This is must watch TV, Pierre is just killing MTL saying how shameful they have been in the way they've dumped S. Koivu (among others and they put up a list of the players MTL has run out of town) he's about to burst a blood vessel it's hilarious.

Ok, the Islanders just signed Roloson for 2 years 2.5 million per.

SO- this means now that EDM needs a goalie- which probably means, the Hossa deal makes sense- CHI can dumb Huet (please Hawks) and his big ass contract or unload Khabibulin. I don't know if that Gustavsson kid is in the mix with EDM. They need a goalie. Where's our buddy OilerFan?

[ButtersSaysNo]

12 yrs for Hossa? WTF?

Too bad we still have to see that douche Orr 4 times a yr.

[KaniacFever]

I'm a bit shocked that Tampa is able to sign free agents. Not sure Id want to sign with that circus :lol:

[Captain Slack]

Newsday is reporting the Islanders have signed Dwayne Roloson?! WTF??

[puck_it]

DD says the Hossa/CHI contract is heavily front loaded 53 million in the first 5 years of the contract.

This is must watch TV, Pierre is just killing MTL saying how shameful they have been in the way they've dumped S. Koivu (among others and they put up a list of the players MTL has run out of town) he's about to burst a blood vessel it's hilarious.

Ok, the Islanders just signed Roloson for 2 years 2.5 million per.

we can only hope...

and, i was going to suggest Rollie go to the isles to fill cap space... didnt think it would actually happen, considering he probably wants to both play and win.

[SoCalcaniac]

Clearly they don't have faith in the original 12 year contract boy, Rick DiPietro and his rehab if they got Roloson.

[nccanes]

This is a bit of an aside, but in reference to the Island and their goalies. This morning they were discussing the 3 goalies that are going to the USA orientation camp and how that Quick kid was going...presumably as a place warmer for DiPietro.

So - DiPietro hasn't played in a LONG time and he can't even go for 2 days to the camp in August (they framed it as "he's not ready yet")? Maybe I missed it, but I thought his issue when they shut him down was some additional swelling/fluid on his knee. Did have a 2nd surgery? Sounds like he is still a big question mark at this point. Odd.


edit: on the same wavelength with SoCal apparently, lol

[Captain Slack]

Makes you wonder where the Oil will find a goale. Biron, perhaps?

[puck_it]

Makes you wonder where the Oil will find a goale. Biron, perhaps?

Eddie the eagle if he indeed is geared up and ready to play, or Biron, possibly Khabby as well.

eta: or they could be giving that kid a shot, drouin-deslauriers. wasnt he doing ok last season? Also, Pascal Leclair should be healthy, i dont see cololmbus sitting on both Leclair and Mason.

[LeslieK]

^ Didn't the oil carry 3 goalies for a portion of the year? Wasn't part of that injuries, but also the fear that their AHL guy would have to clear waivers and they were concerned someone would claim him if they tried to send him back down?

ETA - I went to find his name Drouin-Deslauriers - maybe they think he's ready.

[puck_it]

there was some sort of waiver thing, i think, yes.

[Lainienc]

Blackhawks sign Hossa to a 12yr. contract !

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283428

[puck_it]

Kopecky to Chicago, 2yrs, 1.2m per.

interesting moves by chicago. They've got a little more work to do, like sign versteeg and barker. both will get a nice salary.

[Captain Slack]

Eddie the eagle if he indeed is geared up and ready to play, or Biron, possibly Khabby as well.

eta: or they could be giving that kid a shot, drouin-deslauriers. wasnt he doing ok last season? Also, Pascal Leclair should be healthy, i dont see cololmbus sitting on both Leclair and Mason.

Leclair is a Sen. He got traded at the deadline. Didn't play, though, as he was out for the year with an injury.

I'd forgotten about Belfour. That would be hysterical! :lol:

[puck_it]

thanks for reminding me cap. i totally forgot about that trade.

[puck_it]

Montador to buffalo 2yrs, 1.55m cap hit

If i had realized he was a free agent, i'd have said we should pursue him, especially for that money. good way to replace babsuck.

[KaniacFever]

That's a good deal for Montador. I would have taken him at that price, upgrade for sure over Spazzchuk.

[Captain Slack]

Good news: Donald Brashear is a Ranger
Bad news: Mike Knuble is a Cap.

[puck_it]

Knuble on the caps? F*CK

[nccanes]

I hope Cole/LaRose realize that JR is not (or at least not) has not raced out and signed their replacements while they are testing the market. JR pretty much said he was going to wait it out and not jump in quickly, which gives them some breathing room to come back if they don't like what they see.

[KaniacFever]

Knuble on the caps? F*CK

+1

[SoCalcaniac]

Drouin-Deslauriers yes, it was all about the re-entry waivers when they carried 3 dudes. I think DD is another season away from being "ready" having watched alot of late games, he had some good, but he also seemed to get a little frazzled, he's a young guy- he needs to play more, before they go ahead and let him go.

On Rick DP, it's telling to me like E mentioned, that he is still not ready to play and can't go to a camp for USA hockey.

Knuble to the Caps. 2yrs.

interesting moves by chicago. They've got a little more work to do, like sign versteeg and barker. both will get a nice salary.

Right, and this means, that Havlat is likely gone. especially since Towes & Kane will come off their ELC's next yr, and need to be re-signed. If ya'll recall, our GM and our Dir of Pro Scouting has had a thing for Havlat for awhile. If things don't work out with either #26 or 59, then, take that $$ and work it out with one of my favorite 'Hawks, and for stretches, easily their best player last season, and bring him to Raleighwood.

[puck_it]

oh jeebus. great point on havlat/rutherford/johnston

[puck_it]

conklin to blues. (old to thread, though)

Detroit needs a goalie.... bad.

[Captain Slack]

I think the Wings are gonna with Osgood & Jimmy Howard.

[puck_it]

did you see osgood during the regular season? he wasnt so sharp. Who's jimmy howard? i dont know... i think they need to move a piece and acquire someone. especially if they want to compete with chicago.

idunno, lids for babchuk and leighton ;) j/k

[caveman]

Hm... Blair Betts is likely not returning to the Rags after they've signed Brash...

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=420354

[Captain Slack]

Not disagreeing with you!! Osgood turned it on in the playoffs, but he wasn't very good during the regular season. Plus, he's getting old. They'll need someone else eventually.

[puck_it]

it's just very undetroit like to have an unknown guy playing in their nets. if osgood gets hurt...

[puck_it]

another UFA goalie... Manny Fernandez. doubt he'll be back in boston, considering they need some more defenseman, and need to sign Kessel. And they're at 51m.

[SoCalcaniac]

Hmmm, Bob McK says #26 is re-signing with us. Him and Dreger said "hey- he tried free agency for a couple of hours and didn't like it" :lol:

Waiting confirmation.

Pierre says "Erik Cole is lucky Jim Rutherford is a gentleman. Lots of GMs would have said buzz off". The first thing I've ever agreed with regarding Pierre.

Khabby to the Oil. Tentative.

[KaniacFever]

Hmmm, Bob McK says #26 is re-signing with us. Him and Dreger said "hey- he tried free agency for a couple of hours and didn't like it" :lol:

Waiting confirmation.

Pierre says "Erik Cole is lucky Jim Rutherford is a gentleman. Lots of GMs would have said buzz off". The first thing I've ever agreed with regarding Pierre.

Khabby to the Oil. Tentative.

Wow, for once I agree with Pierre :lol:

[puck_it]

Boucher to Philly,

and here's both good and bad: Spacek to Montreal. Good because it means buffalo is ****ed. Bad because Montreal jsut got better.

[LeslieK]

got the tweet and created the thread, Cole 2 years, @$2.8M & $3.0m

[car3hur]

Good news: Donald Brashear is a Ranger
Bad news: Mike Knuble is a Cap.

Good news - He's 37 years old, and won't be that good in the next few years, so...its OK! :D

[toastmasterbone]

If you have a desire to see a Q-Tip named Pierre in an ill-fitting shiny suit, the stream for TSN2 is HERE (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/TML-Live).

[SoCalcaniac]

How about the QTip in HD on NHL Network? :lol:

[ButtersSaysNo]

clemmensen to Fla

[OswegoExpress]

I'm astonished that Komisarek, Scuderi, and Beauchemin are still available. They're not extremely high priced and I thought solid defensemen were at a premium in the league.

[puck_it]

if they werent high priced, i'd imagine they'd be signed by now. what makes you think they arent?

[SoCalcaniac]

Komisarek is going to get paid, sounds like it's one of the NY teams. Scuderi got the 'ok' from PIT to look around and find out his value, on FSN PIT last night they were saying the Pens mgmt said "when you find out the numbers we'll figure it out" Beauchemin - I'd take him, especially if Babs is going back to Russia and seriously, someone is trying to work it out. There are only so many teams who can afford them.

[car3hur]

Gill to Montreal now too...goodness. So now that they have guys, and maybe its time to BEAT the Bruins finally, eh?! lol

[OswegoExpress]

Well they are certainly a lot less than what Bouwmeester was worth so I can't imagine one team doesn't want to step up and pay Beauchemin or Komisarek 4 million per

[Lainienc]

Khabibulen to the Oilers for 4yrs/ $15M.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283439

[puck_it]

Well they are certainly a lot less than what Bouwmeester was worth so I can't imagine one team doesn't want to step up and pay Beauchemin or Komisarek 4 million per

some clown paid Jeff Finger that much. I'd bet they go in the 3.8m-4.2m range,

[SoCalcaniac]

Well they are certainly a lot less than what Bouwmeester was worth so I can't imagine one team doesn't want to step up and pay Beauchemin or Komisarek 4 million per

and who says Bouwmeester is worth what he got?

Once again with feeling ya'll---- Jaybo has done absolutely NOTHING to merit the attention and drooling he has received he has not even played in a single playoff game. That's the gig of course, and you can't blame him for going for the $$ however, he's working on goodwill and the oh-so-tantilizing POTENTIAL. When he helps CGY get out of the first round then I'll say wooohoo Jaybo.....

LOL puck_it, yeah, someone paid Finger bigtime. :lol:

[nccanes]

So Dreger says Oil are still pushing for Heatley and he hasn't waived yet. I'd love to know WTF Heatley will say about becoming an Oiler (until he wants to leave) after delaying this trade for 24+ hours hoping for another destination.....IF this deal goes thru.

[toastmasterbone]

I'd love to know WTF Heatley will say about becoming an Oiler (until he wants to leave) after delaying this trade for 24+ hours hoping for another destination.....IF this deal goes thru.

"My spiritual advisor, Madame Lauren Pronger, suggested that this would not be a good fit for me." :huh:

[SoCalcaniac]

So Dreger says Oil are still pushing for Heatley and he hasn't waived yet. I'd love to know WTF Heatley will say about becoming an Oiler (until he wants to leave) after delaying this trade for 24+ hours hoping for another destination.....IF this deal goes thru.

I don't know if you saw earlier when Feastie and Panger were saying that Heatley could plead "I needed time to really think about it" and smooth it over by being humble.

I doubt that Heatley even knows how to do that.

Toast- you're killing me. My spiritual advisor Lauren Pronger................:lol:

[SoCalcaniac]

Wow, Cammalleri to the Habs.... 5 yrs 6million per avg of the contract.

[puck_it]

habs are makin waves, eh?

in other news, I guess Vinny's NTC is in effect, now?

[nccanes]

Yes, Vinny has the control now.

The HB Lightning Blogger suggested that it doesn't mean that he's a Lightning for life - sort of suggesting that in the right circumstance he might waive it and get the heck out of there. I imagine there are/were times that he had those thoughts, but I suspect that wouldn't happen unless they flat out stink again this year.

[puck_it]

obviously he's got that opportunity. I mean, it's working so well for Heatly.

:lol::evil:

[SoCalcaniac]

Komisarek to the Leafs, Done.

[nccanes]

^^I see that you have the same affliction that I do in spelling Heatley's last name. If he frickin' spelled his first name like a normal Danny I wouldn't have to worry about what letter is missing from his last name. Of course, there IS no letter missing from his last name, but I always think there is. I've spelled it Heatly, Heately, and Heatly. Pain in the ass I tell ya! :lol:

[c-girl]

All of this we already know. HOWEVER - look at the last sentence:


Cole to Return
Paul Branecky
Jul 1, 2009, 4:00 PM EDT

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width=86 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></TD></TR><TR><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></TD></TR><TR><TD style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"> (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&bcid=radB38B2)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Bob McKenzie of TSN is reporting that Erik Cole has decided to an accept a two-year offer with the Hurricanes. He's usually right on when it comes to breaking news with Carolina, so I'd consider this to be pretty reliable.

No word on dollar figures yet. I'll update this space as more info becomes available.

UPDATE: Already official (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?servic...rticleid=433048). 2.8 next season, 3 after that.

More is coming, so stay tuned.

(5:00): Whilst we wait for more news...

Cole can be a polarizing figure for Hurricanes fans, but there's no doubt that having him signed at a reasonable price makes things much simpler for the team going forward. Now they don't need to enter a bidding war for a player they don't know as well, and they don't need to surrender more assets via trade.

Ideally the same occurs with LaRose, which is still a possibility. Like Cole, he was not immediately snapped up by another team and remains on the market.

(5:21): Patrick Dwyer and Michael Ryan signed (http://hurricanes.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=433078). Still expecting another release at some point.

[Lainienc]

Mike Komissarek to the Leafs no details yet, Pavel Kubina traded to Thrashers.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283448

"The trade with will save Toronto roughly $2 mil in cap space for future moves, including a strong offer that the Maple Leafs have made to sign unrestricted free agent Mike Komisarek."


Oops... SoCal posted first ;-)

[SoCalcaniac]

Yep I saw that c-girl. I'm hoping it's what I think it is.

Cole can be a polarizing figure for Hurricanes fans,

Really????? ya don't say......;):lol:

[nccanes]

I think Cole and Pitkanen should start a club. The slogan could be "We don't suck as bad as you say we do. We're just misunderstood."

[toastmasterbone]

I'm hoping it's what I think it is.

That Havlat needs a southern home?

[caneshockeychick]

:laugh:

[puck_it]

I think Cole and Pitkanen should start a club. The slogan could be "We don't suck as bad as you say we do. We're just misunderstood."
the "i wear my socks funny" club

[nccanes]

the "i wear my socks funny" club


SO true! :lol:

[c-girl]

Branecky just added this to his article I posted above:

6:35): Calling it a night - no news to come for now. Look for something as the Canes front office picks it back up tomorrow.

[KaniacFever]

Chris Neil deciding between Rangers, Leafs and Oilers

And apparently Antropov has narrowed it down to 3 teams.

[c-girl]

Update from Chip:



7:15 UPDATE: General manager Jim Rutherford said he has been in discussions today with Chad LaRose's agent, Pat Morris, and it was possible a decision could be reached. Now it appears it will go at least another day.

[c-girl]

Oh crap.


Rutherford: 'Time to move on'

Submitted by chipalexander on 07/01/2009 - 19:43 <!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript>var addthis_pub="nando";</SCRIPT>
<SCRIPT src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/200/addthis_widget.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><!-- AddThis Button END --><!-- BEGIN tags -->Tags: Canes Now (http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/home)

<!-- END tags --><!-- BEGIN content -->Canes general manager Jim Rutherford said Wednesday night that it now appears unlikely free agent forward Chad LaRose would be signed to a new contract.

Rutherford said he had been in discussions with LaRose's agent, Patrick Morris of Newport Sports Management, throughout the day. There were hopes LaRose would accept a three-year contract being offered.

"It's not going to happen," Rutherford said Wednesday night. "I informed (Morris) that we had another deal we were working on, that I was giving him a courtesy call. He said he would run everything by Chad and call back in an hour. I waited but they never called back.

"Obviously they have a deal somewhere else. So we're working on signing another free agent. It's time to move on."

Rutherford did not say which player the Canes might be talking to.

LaRose earned $875,000 last season, scoring a career-high 19 goals.

<!-- END content --><!-- BEGIN audio(s) --><!-- END audio(s) --><!-- BEGIN document(s) -->

ETA: Heh. I just figured out y'all are talking about this in the Off Season Improvement thread. I thought THIS thread was for today's actions. No wonder I've been talking to myself. :)

[SoCalcaniac]

:lol: HEE HEE C-girl, it gets crazy in here on days like today.;)

Uh, Darren Dreger just tweeted--- Marian Gaborik- 5 yrs @5.75. Details to be confirmed................

I know he asked for 10yrs at $75Mil, and I said then good luck to him- but daaaaang...... 5.75 isn't outrageous. This just irks me, cause Glen Sather is the most pompass cigar smokin' dude around.

ETA- OK DD has been on Twitter and that BB for too dang long today- he sent out a correction tweet- 5 years, 7.5 million per.

So the reasonable contract thing is back out of order as it should be- but again, it's Sather.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283470

[KaniacFever]

Gionta to Montreal is the new word

Those habs fans are gonna be pissed. If you go over on that board they don't want no midget :lol:

[KaniacFever]

Damn Chris Neil stays in Ottawa, 4years 8M.

Wouldn't have minded him as a possible replacement for LaRose.

[SoCalcaniac]

Confirmed Gionta reunites with Gomez and stay small :lol::

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283471

[nccanes]

What a load of shrimps up in MTL.

[caveman]

HockeyBuzz (Eklund...) reports that Heatley has accepted the trade to Edmonton. (Now that Gaborik's gonna be in re$idence for the Rangers, that ship has sailed.)

Also that Gionta has joined Gomez (and Cammalleri) in Montreal. (Confirmed on TSN: 5 years, $25M).

Also on TSN: Chris Neil re-signs with Ottawa, 4 years, $8M.

[SoCalcaniac]

So that first line will be Gomez centering Cammalleri and Gionta. I'm pretty sure none of the 3 are over 5'9- and that's being generous. :lol:

Oh my if Ecklund is reporting Heatley, it must be true...... or he's getting Tweets from Darren Dreger....... :-0

[caveman]

Heh... I was going to add up their salaries as a line, but I think maybe it's more fun to simply say that, per inch of height, that will be the highest paid line in the history of the NHL. ;]

[puck_it]

What a load of shrimps up in MTL.
maybe MTL is trying to sign chad.

we go bigger, they go smaller.

[caveman]

ROFL. Eric Perrin is still available, too. Also ex-Cane David Gove at 5-9 is a UFA.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh and looky here- (where are you E? :lol:) They're going to Heatley's house in B.C. to "meet face to face". Oh good LORD.

The Oilers Working OT to Sell Heatley on Trade (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283472)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Komisarek to the Leafs, Done.


NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :( Dammit, Mike.

What a load of shrimps up in MTL.

So that first line will be Gomez centering Cammalleri and Gionta. I'm pretty sure none of the 3 are over 5'9- and that's being generous. :lol:


WTH are they thinking? They got ridden out of the playoffs on a rail by Boston because they were too little and frail.....so they're getting smaller? WTH?:crazy:

[puck_it]

Theoren Fleury is a free agent.

puck_it is also available and I will take back all those things i ever said about the quebecois. I can bring that average height down nice and low.

[caveman]

At this point if they re-sign captain Koivu at 5-10 he'll bring the average height UP.

[SoCalcaniac]

Koivu's done in MTL; MN wants him to play with his "little" (6'3) brother Mikko.

and this is how you know Darren Dreger is wiped out from FAF-- via Twitter:

Good scoop by Eklund. Madden agrees to 1 year, $2.75 mil deal with Blackhawks.WTH? :lol: DD- you're the hockey source, NOT Ek.

[nccanes]

Oh and looky here- (where are you E? :lol:) They're going to Heatley's house in B.C. to "meet face to face". Oh good LORD.

The Oilers Working OT to Sell Heatley on Trade (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283472)

So what's the applicable etiquette in this situation. Do you show up with a hostess gift? A bottle of wine? Petit Fours? A DVD from Industrial Light and Magic that has Heatley in an Oil sweater (the old style ones, natch) scoring the game winning goal in Game 7 of a SCF and hoisting the cup?

I hope they brought a big ass clock that is counting down to midnight (or did OTT get special dispensation to use the Western Time Zone midnight)?

[SoCalcaniac]

So what's the applicable etiquette in this situation. Do you show up with a hostess gift? A bottle of wine? Petit Fours? A DVD from Industrial Light and Magic that has Heatley in an Oil sweater (the old style ones, natch) scoring the game winning goal in Game 7 of a SCF and hoisting the cup?

I hope they brought a big ass clock that is counting down to midnight :lol::lol:(or did OTT get special dispensation to use the Western Time Zone midnight)?

I'm resisting the urge to put in a Flava Flav reference with that clock thing so I'll stop. :lol: Could you see Flav at the door "Hey boyyyyy- you need to accept the Trade!" with that stupid clock around his neck? ok, digressing.....


Back to the original question. I believe the proper etiquette would be a hostess gift. Something simple and understated. ;)

[puck_it]

great signing by chicago to pick up madden

[nccanes]

TBL tweets that mgmt and scouts are still at the office... Saying "are they done?"

[puck_it]

done as in the franchise is down the ****ter done?

[nccanes]

done as in the franchise is down the ****ter done?

:lol:

[NCCaniac42]

Who put what in the Blackhawks water? 12 years? That will take him to he is 41. How many players stats go down after age 30 or 31?

Since the Blues got Conklin, I'm betting the Blues representing the WC in the finals.

My first comment as well!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: and they will lose!!!

[puck_it]

I dont know, i like the look of the Hawks. Madden was a huge pickup, he's one of the best defensive forwards in the league, is quiet, humble, and has rings. He may be the veteran that the Hawks need in that locker room.

Hossa, Kane, Towes, Sharp, Byfuglien, Ladd, Madden, and Versteeg? ouuuuch.

Campbell, Seabrook, Sopel, Keith, and Barker? not too shabby

nets are their weak link, if the back Huet up with someone like Manny Legace on the cheap, they'll be set.

[ontheboards]

So what's the applicable etiquette in this situation. Do you show up with a hostess gift? A bottle of wine? Petit Fours? A DVD from Industrial Light and Magic that has Heatley in an Oil sweater (the old style ones, natch) scoring the game winning goal in Game 7 of a SCF and hoisting the cup?

Without a doubt, this is the funniest thing I read today-- I actually snorted! :D

[BrooklynCaniac]

Yeah the hawks are looking nasty I don't think Huet is the type of guy you win a championship with. Montreal really beefed it up a 12 year deal for Hossa is crazy though he'll be 42 by the end.

[Lainienc]

Havlat signs 6 year $30M deal w/ Wild. So much for seeing him in a Canes jersey, though it was a nice dream.
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283486

The Hawks are definitely going to be lethal.

[Lainienc]

Found this handy free agent tracker that summarizes who went where, whose still available, on THN. http://forecaster.thehockeynews.com/hockeynews/hockey/ufa.cgi
I'm curious who from the list might replace our guys on D, some of the better known ones (to me anyway) seem beyond what the Canes would be willing to pay.

[livinthedream]

Man, what a crappy day to have been without a laptop.

My head is still spinning this morning, and I'm still a little, no make that a lot, stunned at the length of some of these deals.

[caveman]

Oh my if Ecklund is reporting Heatley, it must be true...... or he's getting Tweets from Darren Dreger....... :-0

Per TSN he didn't waive the no movement yet again, even Eklund is calling it "BIZARRE" (and I think his dial on that goes way, WAY past 11) with: Source: "Heatley willing to go but doesn't feel right making Oilers pay for a $4 M bonus he earned in Ottawa." Source: "Heatley also doesnt feel Murray worked hard enough to get him dealt. Waited for offers."

Dreger's take on the ongoing mess: http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283501

Anyway, some other minor deals: Freddy Sjostrom from Rangers to Calgary; LaBarbera from Vancouver to Phoenix.

Also: condolences to the folks who found ways to hope for Havlat; $5M/year isn't bad IMHO.

Crazy is that 3 Montreal UFAs are still out there: Koivu, Kovalev, and Tanguay. Along with Nik Antropov and I think that's the last of the "upper eschelon" left? Or do you include Fedotenko? I don't. ;] Comrie is out there, too; 2 time 30 goal scorer but hasn't played many games the last couple. I haven't heard anything about Recchi going anywhere, either. Sundin?

Also just browsing the UFA list; puck_it's favorite giraffe, Joey Mormina, is a UFA, along with a veritable horde of ex-canes: Battaglia, Zigomanis, Jeff Hamilton, Walser, Brookbank, Malik, Melichar, Hedican, C-Mac, Kolanos, ...

[puck_it]

oh, now heatley is principled.

[nccanes]

The stupidity is that the Oilers flew their asses out there in a private jet TRYING to get him to agree to the deal....I think they probably considered the cost to the club before they did all that no?

There's an article in the OTT Citizen (same guy that wrote the one SoCal posted) and he talked about how Murray can try to offset the $4 mil cost by sending more player to EDM (or wherever) if he gets a deal. The article also goes on to talk about how Heatley, as attractive as he is, can't really "compete" with UFAs on the market because a team doesn't have to give up assets to sign a UFA. Gaborik to NYR didn't cost them a roster player, only money. Suggests that Heatley overestimated just how 'easy' this would be.

[puck_it]

yep. it's a little ridiculous, and Heatley has made my douchebag list.

[Lainienc]

oh, now heatley is principled.

Thanks Puck It, now there's tea sprayed on my pc screen :laugh:

Heatley is a piece of work.

[puck_it]

Also just browsing the UFA list; puck_it's favorite giraffe, Joey Mormina, is a UFA, along with a veritable horde of ex-canes: Battaglia, Zigomanis, Jeff Hamilton, Walser, Brookbank, Malik, Melichar, Hedican, C-Mac, Kolanos, ...

Hedican retired... unofficially, but he said his body couldnt do it anymore.

[ButtersSaysNo]

I know it won't happen and we don't have the room or $, but I would not mind Recchi back in a Canes sweater for a yr or two. Hell he had 61 pts last yr.

[puck_it]

****, that'd be awesome.

[caveman]

Yeah that would be awesome. Guy still finds ways to make big plays, Stillman style.

[SoCalcaniac]

I dont know, i like the look of the Hawks. Madden was a huge pickup, he's one of the best defensive forwards in the league, is quiet, humble, and has rings. He may be the veteran that the Hawks need in that locker room.

Hossa, Kane, Towes, Sharp, Byfuglien, Ladd, Madden, and Versteeg? ouuuuch.

Campbell (please trade him NOW), Seabrook, Sopel, Keith, and Barker? not too shabby

nets are their weak link, if the back Huet up with someone like Manny Legace on the cheap, they'll be set.

I completely agree however, Campbell was a huge, ginormous mistake. He was brutal for them all season- so much so, that two kids- Barker and Seabrook surpassed him on the chart, and I blame him for the blunder in the Conference finals versus DET when CHI could have won that game in OT. They wayyy overpaid for Campbell.

Huet I'm not sold on at all and I've said it a billion times, so I better shut up.:lol: All this said, I think the Hawks are still going to be a contender. I'll definitely enjoy watching them on CI!

I was so disppointed to find out that Marty Havlat signed with the Wild. I knew it was a pipe dream, but it was a good dream!

On Recchi- I heard him on an interview over the draft weekend, he said something about the B's contacting him, telling him he was 'on their list' and that 'it might not happen on Jul 1 exactly, but they want me back'. I'd love the Recchin' Ball back here, but I think he has a gentleman's agreement with the B's unless they just can't make the $$ work.

I've not delved deep enough to comment intelligently on who's out there for the ol' Plan B if it as it appears, we lose Chad. Off the top of my head:

Petr Sykora & Taylor Pyatt are two players I know who are UFA's. Two completely different players, Sykora, I have no idea why, kind of fell out of favor with Bylsma in PIT, and Pyatt I've always liked in VAN. I'll have to look at the list of who's left.

[puck_it]

oh, i hate campbell, but he's better than, say, babsuck.

Recchi re-signs for $1m/1yr

[nccanes]

I thought ATL needed a center for Kovy.

Dreger says Antropov now a Thrasher, 4 year @ 4 mil each.

[Lainienc]

Bummer missed out on Recchi - re-signed w/ Boston 1 year $1M http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283525

[caveman]

Recchi re-signs for $1m/1yr

Any bets as to who has more points, Rex or Cole... OK I won't go there.

Tanguay is the main high-end forward out there I'd like to see. We don't have a player like that to play on the LW. Kovelev and Sundin... no thanks.

Though I do like Comrie if he can stay healthy, too. Another "versatile" guy, gritty, etc. Though if we want to go "big" on the LW Brad Winchester could be fun. I'd rather one of our young guys though than such a deal.

[OswegoExpress]

Travis Moen is still out there

tough, big guy...can kill penalties when needed
probably cheaper than LaRose

[caveman]

Going by salary, the unsigned big names:

C: Sundin, Koivu, Comrie, Lang, Morrison, Marchant, Sillinger, Jason Williams, Bonk, Malhotra, Peca, Novotny.

RW: Kovalev, Afinogenov, Satan, Kotalik, Sykora, Bertuzzi, Grier, Oullet, Mikael Samuelsson, Hinote, LaRose, ... Lukas Kaspar (listed some places as RW, some places as LW, shoots L)

LW: Tanguay, Kyle Calder, Mark Bell, Fedotenko, Axelsson, Pyatt, Peltonen, Pettinger, Nilson, Moen

D: Schneider, Zubov, Aucoin (just signed), McKee, Morris, Backman, Kuba, Boynton, Havelid, de Vries, Boucher, ...

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

I'm really shocked to see Saku Koivu up there yet. I thought for sure the longest tenured captain of the Habs would be resigned. He seems he would be a Hab for life.

[DSCanesfan]

I'm really shocked to see Saku Koivu up there yet. I thought for sure the longest tenured captain of the Habs would be resigned. He seems he would be a Hab for life.



Well if he'd of learned French he'd still be there.:laugh:

[NCCaniac42]

Any bets as to who has more points, Rex or Cole... OK I won't go there.

Tanguay is the main high-end forward out there I'd like to see. We don't have a player like that to play on the LW. Kovelev and Sundin... no thanks.

Though I do like Comrie if he can stay healthy, too. Another "versatile" guy, gritty, etc. Though if we want to go "big" on the LW Brad Winchester could be fun. I'd rather one of our young guys though than such a deal.

Comrie would be a good fit.. but then we would have Hillary Duff in the building.. causing all kinds of 14 year old girl Frenzy......

[LeslieK]

Scuderi went to LA - 4 yrs, $13.6M

[Alicia]

Dang it.

[caveman]

interesting news from Chicago. in the end it could be nothing but:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283634

looks like the hawks did not cross a t or something with their rfa's: barker, versteeg, etc could become unrestricted if it turns bizarre.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I'll take one Cam Barker and one Troy Brouwer, please! :D

[SoCalcaniac]

Please add Kris Versteeg to the list! ;)

Darren Dreger Tweeted:

Based on reaction following my original post on tsn.ca, this Chicago story could be a huge story!! The investigation will determine how huge

How could Tallon err this badly? Teams have lawyers and people to manage this no?

[apolinar]

Free for all frenzy here we come. I'm teeming with anticipation on how this pans out.

[nccanes]

And you just PRAY this wasn't some intern/admin person that stuck that stuff in the postal service?

[NCCaniac42]

a BIG OOPS.. :D in Chicago.. will be interesting to see how all this plays out. Guess they forgot Canada Day or something!!! :lol:

[Lainienc]

interesting news from Chicago. in the end it could be nothing but:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283634

looks like the hawks did not cross a t or something with their rfa's: barker, versteeg, etc could become unrestricted if it turns bizarre.

Wow, I'd like to see Versteeg in a 'Canes sweater!

Ryan Smyth to the Kings in exchange for Kyle Quincey, Tom Preissing and a fifth-round pick. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283667

Hope everyone as a safe, Happy 4th of July!

[caveman]

hm. I guess you take the kings out of likely new homes for tanguay. wonder where he is going...

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283794

NHL concluded its investigation into the Blackhawks RFA fiasco; awaiting NHLPA response. Per TSN: "Unless the NHLPA chooses to grieve the situation, the issue could be dead."

On the one hand, this could be a huge boon to the players involved salary-wise; but on the other hand it might set a precedent that if a player fouls up a bit of their paperwork (say, filing for arbitration, opting in on another year, whatever) then their rights are voided, too.

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283882

Raycroft to Canucks.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283878

Rangers agree to terms with Higgins.

[caveman]

RFA Shane O'Brien to stay with the Canucks:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283888

Restricted free agent Shane O'Brien has agreed to terms with the Vancouver Canucks on a one-year, $1.6 million contract.

[CajunCaniac]

Kovalev to Ottawa:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283891

Who's left in Montreal???

[SoCalcaniac]

^ You did see all the guys they signed on July 1 right? :lol:

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283892

Beauchemin to the Leafs.

After four years in Anaheim, it appears Francois Beauchemin is on the move again as the Sorel, Quebec native has agreed a three-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth an average of $3.8 million per season.

[puck_it]

So, from multiple sources (nhlnumbers.com, nhlscap.com), giving kovalev 5m per would put the senators at 59m. how did this contract even get approved?

... maybe the paperwork for a heatley trade was accepted shortly before??

[LeslieK]

Just saw a tweet from DD re: Chi
NHLPA has filed a grievance. Versteeg and Barker could become ufa's, pending a hearing.

[Lainienc]

Just saw a tweet from DD re: Chi

Wonder if the 'Canes would make Versteeg an offer if that was the case and walk away from Ruutu ? Doesn't seem too likely, but if JR was going to overpay for someone, he might pick Versteeg given he'd complement Staal nicely. If Versteeg became a UFA, would his status revert to RFA for a new team if he went to one? This contract stuff makes my hair hurt. ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Kovalev to Ottawa:

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283891

Who's left in Montreal???

A buncha shorties.

[SoCalcaniac]

So, from multiple sources (nhlnumbers.com, nhlscap.com), giving kovalev 5m per would put the senators at 59m. how did this contract even get approved?

... maybe the paperwork for a heatley trade was accepted shortly before??

They can be over the cap "in the off season" remember? They have to be under by the team the season starts (ref: Lamarello in 2005 when he was wayyyy over the cap and had to do that trade with the Sharks to get Malakhov off the books and then they hid someone down in Lowell?)

I'm not sure how they're gonna slide on this in OTT, considering the Heatley situation is not looking good.

[c-girl]

Per TSN, Cam Barker has signed a 3 year $9.25M contract with Chicago in spite of the grievance.

[puck_it]

thats, right, true enough socal.

well, good on barker to get the contract signed when he could have waited and gotten paaaaaaaid

[Lainienc]

Per TSN the NHL is investigating the Leafs for tampering w/ the Sedins prior to July 1. It'll be interesting to see what penalty the Leafs pay if any.

[puck_it]

oh i ****ing hope so.

[caveman]

looks like Swedish "Monster" goaltender Gustafsson is going to... Toronto.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283954

Swedish free agent goaltender Jonas Gustavsson has decided to call Toronto home.

Gustavsson, who is nicknamed "The Monster," is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Leafs worth $810,000, including a signing bonus of $90,000, to back up current starter Vesa Toskala.

The 24-year-old Gustavsson, visited several NHL clubs before choosing the Maple Leafs; Colorado, San Jose and Dallas being the others interested in signing him.

Labeled the best goaltender outside of the NHL last season, the 6'3", 181 lb backstop was the top goalie in the Swedish Elite League last season while playing for Farjestad. He posted a 1.96 goals against average and a save percentage of .932 in the regular season, and led the team to the league championship this spring.

[SoCalcaniac]

I'm hoping this isn't like the whole Fabian Brunnstrom thing with Gustavsson. Burke flew all the way over to SWE for him, so I guess he better be worth it for all those Passion that Unites Us All peeps. :lol:

The Cam Barker signing- seriously bargain, hometown discount all the way. I'm sure the PA and the oh so "charming" player liason or whatever his title is, Glenn Healy are thrilled. Wonder what happens with my guy Kris Versteeg.

[caveman]

Barker's now making over $3M from his previous salary of $1M so I'd say he's pretty much getting paid. I don't see it as a hometown discount of very much considering there's still no sure bet that he'd even become unrestricted at all. Open market had him around $3.5M/yr (per TSN) so about $3.1M/yr (as currently a restricted free agent) is getting paid *more* than Chicago would have to IMHO unless they were matching an offer sheet; the Blackhawks could even have opted for arbitration and probably gotten a 2-year $3M/yr deal at the end. Without the tender offer mishap my guess is Barker would have signed $2M to $2.5M range or possibly filed arbitration himself, and at the low end of that would have been a big hometown discount, this is Barker getting paid pretty darned well IMHO.

And he'll still be an RFA after this deal is done (per nhlnumbers.com).

I'm still curious as hell to see what ends up going down with Versteeg...

[puck_it]

trust me, had barker gone UFA, he'd be pulling close to 5m... on something like a 4 year deal. Barker's certainly getting paid, but he made the right decision given the make up of Chicago's D. He'll be seeing minutes he very much has earned.

If i were Versteeg, I'd be willing to consider the UFA market, only because chicago has a log jam of very very talented forwards, he may be relegated to a third line, but worthy of playing higher. Plus, so much money has been dished or will be dished to Kane, Toews, Barker, Campbell, Huet... then there's Byfuglien... something's going to have to give. for him, it would be an opportunity to go where he wants, versus facing a trade to somewhere he may not like.

[SoCalcaniac]

My point on Barker was that the "discount" averted a potential UFA offer of more money from teams like the Rangers, Flyers, Toronto -- the usual suspect and those types who would move some things around to try and sign a kid like Barker. Coming into his own, proving he is that upper echelon player from the '04 draft. Barker isn't arbitration eligible yet- that contract he just finished is his ELC, he didn't play regularly for the Hawks after he played his final year of junior for Medicine Hat, and even then, he was in Norfolk and Rockford in 06 and 07. Heck there were concerns he wasn't developing the way they hoped. I think those concerns are gonzo.

I'm not saying he's not "getting paid". Clearly he is. My point speaks to the if-he-was-a-UFA, he'd have suitors willing to pay him more,like crazy ass money more; the stuff that happens in July more; thus my comment on the hometown discount.

The Versteeg situation is very interesting indeed and WHOLE other ball of wax when you look at all the forwards in CHI.

[caveman]

Hm... per TSN they did some open market research for Barker and it was $3M to $4M range. On the high end of that it's more money but it wasn't guaranteed that the NHLPA grievance will make Barker a UFA at all. IMHO this is more a panic move by the Blackhawks than a serious hometown Barker discount; if they'd filed things right he'd be getting $2M to $2.5M for 3 years. If Barker were a UFA the deal is only about 10% less than the middle of the range TSN came up with.

The most interesting thing to me is that the deal ends with Barker still a RFA at the end of it. Having the Blackhawks almost over a barrel here I'd have thought he'd try to push the deal one more year and into UFA status at the end of it.

I didn't know he didn't have arbitration rights; so similar to Babchuck then on that front, then. Would the Blackhawks have been able to take him to arbitration?

[SoCalcaniac]

He's coming off an ELC, so the Group II restricted FA contract is in play here. As the player would not have rights to arbitration, neither would the club. He'd have those rights if he played as an 18 or 19 year old in the NHL.

Regarding market value or TSN's survey about value- it's all well and good that TSN has done a survey among the clubs on Barker's value, however, there's no accounting for what whacko GM's will do to land a dude, IMO.

[puck_it]

Hm... per TSN they did some open market research for Barker and it was $3M to $4M range. On the high end of that it's more money but it wasn't guaranteed that the NHLPA grievance will make Barker a UFA at all. IMHO this is more a panic move by the Blackhawks than a serious hometown Barker discount; if they'd filed things right he'd be getting $2M to $2.5M for 3 years. If Barker were a UFA the deal is only about 10% less than the middle of the range TSN came up with.


Jeff F*cking Finger :lol::lol:

that's all i have to say ;)

[caveman]

I will note that we haven't seen a Finger-esque deal "yet" this year. Though since we're on day 7 of free agency my guess is we won't see it this year.

Other news: Lundmark re-signs in Calgary.

[caveman]

Meh. We might not get to see how this plays out with Versteeg:

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=4311309

"The agent for Kris Versteeg said he is in ongoing negotiations with the Chicago Blackhawks and hopes to get a deal done soon."

[caveman]

Marchant re-signs with Anaheim:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283994

2 years, no terms yet announced.

[KaniacFever]

Heard on XM that the flyers signed Pronger to an extension, 7 years. WTH that prick in the EC for 7 years. Not to mention on my 2nd team for 7 years. Think I need to find a new 2nd team for those years.

[ontheboards]

Philly better hope that Pronger pays off given the players and picks that went to Anaheim. That's one mortgage they've encumbered.

[Lainienc]

Well, as Caveman said, looks like a Versteeg signing is imminent, similar to Barker's deal. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284052 So much for my pipe-dream of seeing him in a Canes jersey on the Staal line.

On Pronger, Mr. Lainie's cousins are SO delighted with the deal and I've been biting my tongue to avert a family feud ;-)

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284001

Defenseman Woywitka signs with the Stars (from Blues). "The Dallas Stars have signed defenceman Jeff Woywitka to a two-year contract worth $1.3 million ($600,000 for the 2009-10 season, and $700,000 for 2010-11)."

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284000

Lightning (keep signing and signing!) forward Veilleux (from the Wild). "The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Stephane Veilleux to a one-year, $750,000 contract on Tuesday. In the 2008-09 campaign, the Quebec native had 13 goals and 10 assists in 81 games for the Minnesota Wild."

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284005

"The Boston Bruins on Tuesday signed backup goaltender Dany Sabourin to a one-year contract. Sabourin went 6-8-2 with a 2.85 goals-against average with the Penguins until he was dealt to Edmonton on January 19. He was waived by the Oilers the next day without having appeared in a game for the club."

Also, REAL early this morning, Jeff Taffe signed with Florida. Former Minnesota HS player of the year, was with the Pens as an AHL/bench player.

[caveman]

Well, as Caveman said, looks like a Versteeg signing is imminent, similar to Barker's deal. http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284052 So much for my pipe-dream of seeing him in a Canes jersey on the Staal line.


http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/07/08/versteeg_kris/

Length of contract: 3 years
Average annual value: $3.08 million

IMHO: more money than he was going to get as an RFA had the club not borked up their qualifying offers so it seems to hold that the Hawks did NOT want to see this go to UFA.

[caveman]

WOW. The exodus in Detroit continues:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284076

Hudler signs with the KHL. "The offseason became a lot more challenging for the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday, as reports out the Czech Republic indicate that restricted free agent forward Jiri Hudler has agreed to a one-year, $2 million contract with Dynamo Moscow of the Kontinental Hockey League."

[caveman]

The more I think about that Hudler story... Hm... I'm thinking maybe it's a good thing Fraser, MI native LaRose is already signed, because $2M or so just opened up in Detroit.

[caveman]

Saku Koivu to sign with the Anaheim Ducks.

http://ducks.freedomblogging.com/2009/07/08/ducks-land-free-agent-center-koivu/15975/

"The Ducks are set to announce shortly the signing of unrestricted free-agent center Saku Koivu to a one-year, $3.25 million contract."

[OswegoExpress]

Whats the deal with Gustavsson just being able to sign with the Leafs? Why didn't he go through the draft? Is there some way around this or was he drafted a couple years ago but never signed?

[KaniacFever]

^I don't think he ever entered a draft.

Guys don't have to be drafted in order to be signed, see Chad LaRose :)
They would be signed as Free Agents.

Atleast that's my understanding.

[OswegoExpress]

I find it hard to believe that he wouldn't be drafted since the hockey media is pretty much making this guy sound like the next big thing. Basically, I'm just shocked at why more teams weren't after this guy if he's that good.

[c-girl]

They were. Toronto, San Jose, Colorado and Dallas were all in a hotly contested fight for him. I heard Burke on XM this morning saying that he had never worked so hard to land a player.

[OswegoExpress]

ok but still doesn't answer why he was never drafted... he must have been drafted and let go because foreign stars just can't come and sign with whoever they wish...

[c-girl]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=09cupplayoffsblog&entryID=4205377

Scott Burnside


Gustavsson is attractive to teams on a host of levels, not just because he is considered one of the top goaltenders not playing in the NHL right now and led his Swedish Elite League team to a championship. Because he is undrafted, he can sign with any team at any time. Because he is still subject to an entry-level deal, his salary will be capped next season and he will also be subject to being sent to the minors. Stay tuned.

[puck_it]

ok but still doesn't answer why he was never drafted... he must have been drafted and let go because foreign stars just can't come and sign with whoever they wish...
it's an age thing. he's 24. you're draft eligible when you're 18, you have two drafts of eligibility and then you're a free agent. the draft encompasses anyone in the world, it's not like you have to sign up.

[OswegoExpress]

Ok that's all I needed to know, I figured it was something like that.

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284097

RFA forward Jim Slater re-signs with Atlanta: "Slater posted eight goals and 18 points over 60 games for Atlanta a season ago. Over 274 career games, all with the Thrashers, the 26-year-old has recorded 31 goals and 70 points."

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284089

"The Detroit Red Wings signed veteran defenceman Doug Janik to a one-year, two-way contract on Wednesday, the team announced.

The 29-year-old played 13 games for the Dallas Stars and two games for the Montreal Canadiens last season, finishing with one assist and four penalty minutes."

Question: as a 29-year-old with 160+ games played wouldn't he be subject to waiver claims?

[caveman]

Lightning just keep signing people:

http://lightning.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=436589

The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed free agent defenseman Kurtis Foster today, Executive Vice President and General Manager Brian Lawton announced.

“We are extremely excited about adding Kurtis as we continue to strengthen our blue line,” Lawton said. “He is a big, mobile defenseman that gives us a heavy shot for the power play.”

Foster, 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, has played in 186 career NHL games with the Minnesota Wild and Atlanta Thrashers. He has amassed 21 career goals, 77 points and nine power play goals. In 2006-07 he led all Wild defensemen with 20 assists, was second in points with 23 and tied a franchise record with 13 power play assists. In 2005-06 he led all Minnesota defensemen in points with 28 and goals with 10 as a rookie. That season he ranked eighth in the NHL in points among rookie defensemen and was tied for second in goals. He has played in three career Stanley Cup Playoff games, all in 2007, recording two assists.

Don't look now but the Tampa blueline might have its SMALLEST guy as 6-3 bruiser Matt Walker...

[SoCalcaniac]

Crap.

I was hoping Foster would be one of the guys we might go after to replace Babs. Foster had that horrific injury, and rehabbed himself back into the lineup and was a good player for the Wild. His story about learning to walk again so he could walk down the aisle for his wedding, and the whole struggle was part of a 'day in the life' type show on FSN-North last season. He seemed to me like a character guy too, and the Lightning got him. Argh.

[caveman]

If the Lightning get a real goalie... they might not suck. We got 12 points from our 6 games with them last year vs. just 6 points vs. Florida and Atlanta and 7 points vs. Washington. On the plus side, maybe Tampa can keep the Caps from also getting 12 points (which the Caps got all 12 last year) but I think those games are not going to be nearly as easy physically for us, that's for sure.

ETA: my 'electoral college calculus' style roundup from last year so I can make some guesses as to where our points are going to come from:

Tampa 12/12
Islanders 8/8
Montreal 7/8
Washington 7/12
Toronto 6/8
New Jersey 6/8
Atlanta 6/12
Florida 6/12
Rangers 5/8
Buffalo 4/8
Pittsburgh 4/8
Ottawa 4/8
Philadelphia 4/8
Boston 0/8

Tampa, Montreal, and Toronto, which were 3 of our real money-makers as far as points went last year, all look significantly better this year.

[nccanes]

Mike Smith wasn't actually bad for them last year. IIRC, his stats weren't bad - > .900 save %, < 3 GAA.

I think he probably suffered from "awful defense in front of him" syndrome. Didn't the lightning use something like 28 different dmen over the course of the season?

He had the strange post-concussion thing that shut him down at the end, so I guess there's a concern there (haven't heard if he's recovered completely), but as much as he can be entertaining to watch as he moves around a lot, I don't think that's their weak link.

[puck_it]

pcs has the same symptoms of "**** i hate this team, they're a total headache"

[caveman]

Nick Boynton signed with Anaheim.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

^ I really wanted the Canes to pursue him...

[puck_it]

secretly i was hoping we'd nab him as well, as a solution to the spazzchuk situation. he's not exactly shy with his fists, either.

[KaniacFever]

I was hoping for Boynton as well. I think it was 1 year, $1.5M. Wish we could have jumped on that.

[livinthedream]

Rumors floating around that the Pens have signed Jay McKee. Nothing official yet though, at least nothing I've seen. Terms said to be 1 year for under a mil.

[nickgregory]

Rumors floating around that the Pens have signed Jay McKee. Nothing official yet though, at least nothing I've seen. Terms said to be 1 year for under a mil.

rumor is $800k...would have been a nice deal for the canes if they could have pulled it off for a defensive defenseman who blocks shots...

[ontheboards]

Mc Kee is someone I wish we had-- he got caught in a youth movement and injuries in St.Louis and with Erik Johnson's rehab, McKee was bought out.

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284213

The New York Rangers signed forward Ales Kotalik to a three-year, $9 million contract on Thursday.

The 30-year old split last season between the Buffalo Sabres and the Edmonton Oilers, putting up 20 goals and 23 assists.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284279

Forward Rickard Wallin has apparently followed Jonas Gustavsson to the Toronto.

According to a report in the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, Wallin has signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs.

Contract details were not disclosed.

Last season, Wallin was the captain with league champion Farjestads where he recorded 18 goals and 27 assists in 55 games.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=284238

The Buffalo Sabres signed unrestricted free agent forward Matt Ellis to a one-year contract on Thursday.

The 6-foot-1, 210-pound left winger set career highs in goals (7), assists (5), and points (12) in 45 games with the Sabres last season.

Also per TSN: Tampa Bay signed goaltender Antero Niittymaki.

[caveman]

Also, the Hudler-KHL deal is being contested:

http://tsn.ca/columnists/darren_dreger/?id=284300

[caveman]

Per TSN, defeseman Paul Mara to Montreal.

ETA: interesting site in French here; has estimated salary for 09-10 for the available FAs:

http://www.rds.ca/hockey/ete/2009/

On the one hand, they have Seids for 1.8M; on the other hand, they list Tanabe and LaCouture, so...

[Lainienc]

Also, the Hudler-KHL deal is being contested:

http://tsn.ca/columnists/darren_dreger/?id=284300

So even though Hudler was a free agent the NHL can contest on the basis that he signed up for salary arbitration? I didn't understand why NHL could contest?

[caveman]

rumor is $800k...would have been a nice deal for the canes if they could have pulled it off for a defensive defenseman who blocks shots...

$800K would be a STEAL for McKee; still "just" a rumor from what I've looked at and at that number I find it hard to believe... but ESPN is now reporting it:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4319254

The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins signed veteran defenseman Jay McKee on Friday.

It's a one-year deal worth just under $1 million, a source told ESPN.com. McKee was paid $2.7 million in a buyout from the St. Louis Blues.

[Captain Slack]

Is that Wallin guy that the Laffs signed any relation to The Secret Weapon?

[Jay]

Is that Wallin guy that the Laffs signed any relation to The Secret Weapon?

I'm pretty sure his name isn't even pronounced the same. He's actually pronounced "Wall-in" not "Valeen"

[SoCalcaniac]

So even though Hudler was a free agent the NHL can contest on the basis that he signed up for salary arbitration? I didn't understand why NHL could contest?

Hudler was a RFA not a UFA. It's all semantics since last I checked, we have no 'agreement' with the KHL. DET will still hold Hudler's rights, just like NSH holds Radulov's rights, we held Spazz's rights when he bailed etc.etc. I am sure the Wings can contest this, but NSH filed a complaint when Radulov bolted, I just don't imagine DET, even with Hudler filing arbitration, having much to stand to go with here.