2006-07 Trade Rumors & Done Deals

[Captain Slack]

Time to start anew, I guess. :)

And what better team to start with than:

TORONTO STAR: Ken Campbell reports that the Leafs will have $26 million committed to 13 players assuming that Bryan McCabe's new contract averages out to $5.5 million per season. The Leafs are also believed ready to buy out the remainder of Ed Belfour's contract, which would cost them $750K over the next two seasons. There are also unconfirmed reports Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr has agreed to a one-year, $750K deal with Eric Lindros. Campbell also reports the Leafs will probably target Carolina Hurricanes goalie Martin Gerber and might make a pitch for Frantisek Kaberle, the brother of Leafs d-man Tomas.

[Captain Slack]

Time to start anew, I guess. :)

And what better team to start with than:

TORONTO STAR: Ken Campbell reports that the Leafs will have $26 million committed to 13 players assuming that Bryan McCabe's new contract averages out to $5.5 million per season. The Leafs are also believed ready to buy out the remainder of Ed Belfour's contract, which would cost them $750K over the next two seasons. There are also unconfirmed reports Leafs GM John Ferguson Jr has agreed to a one-year, $750K deal with Eric Lindros. Campbell also reports the Leafs will probably target Carolina Hurricanes goalie Martin Gerber and might make a pitch for Frantisek Kaberle, the brother of Leafs d-man Tomas.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You nasties keep your grubby talons off our Frankie. :mad:

Gerber....I have no idea what we'll do with the goalies. I hope if he leaves he ends up somewhere I like.

What is it with the Leafs wanting all our players!?!?! Next thing you know, they'll be signing C-Mac!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You nasties keep your grubby talons off our Frankie. :mad:

Gerber....I have no idea what we'll do with the goalies. I hope if he leaves he ends up somewhere I like.

What is it with the Leafs wanting all our players!?!?! Next thing you know, they'll be signing C-Mac!

[Alicia]

What is it with the Leafs wanting all our players!?!?!!

Who knows, 'cause they sure don't do any better with them than they do without them! :laugh:

[Alicia]

What is it with the Leafs wanting all our players!?!?!!

Who knows, 'cause they sure don't do any better with them than they do without them! :laugh:

[corylav]

The sad part about this is you know they'll play there for next to nothing. I mean, what Swiss or Czech player doesn't *dream* or playing in Toronto. :roll:

[corylav]

The sad part about this is you know they'll play there for next to nothing. I mean, what Swiss or Czech player doesn't *dream* or playing in Toronto. :roll:

[Turbulence]

Seems like Toronto is rumored to trade for every semi-decent player in the league...though I wouldn't be totally surprised to see Kaberle go there. He's a UFA, right?
Edit: Well this is a trade rumors thread...I don't think we'll trade him to the Leafs. Who would they give in return?

[Turbulence]

Seems like Toronto is rumored to trade for every semi-decent player in the league...though I wouldn't be totally surprised to see Kaberle go there. He's a UFA, right?
Edit: Well this is a trade rumors thread...I don't think we'll trade him to the Leafs. Who would they give in return?

[WillLikeWhoa091]

In all honesty, I don't see how anyone would want to leave Carolina (except Oleg... he's getting paid a lot of money to just sit on press-row).

We've got a great team, and the atmosphere created in the locker room is amazing from what I understand.

I AM curious about where Gerber will end up. I hope that we can hold on to him here for at least a year or two more. He's the one that got us to where we are, and aside from the sick games at the beginning of the playoffs, he's had an amazing stint, and a bad stint... so I think we need him to be our regular season starter and hopefully playoff guy next year.

On a sidenote, I cannot WAIT until we see a Babchuck / Johnson defensive pairing. :D

[WillLikeWhoa091]

In all honesty, I don't see how anyone would want to leave Carolina (except Oleg... he's getting paid a lot of money to just sit on press-row).

We've got a great team, and the atmosphere created in the locker room is amazing from what I understand.

I AM curious about where Gerber will end up. I hope that we can hold on to him here for at least a year or two more. He's the one that got us to where we are, and aside from the sick games at the beginning of the playoffs, he's had an amazing stint, and a bad stint... so I think we need him to be our regular season starter and hopefully playoff guy next year.

On a sidenote, I cannot WAIT until we see a Babchuck / Johnson defensive pairing. :D

[Turbulence]

On a sidenote, I cannot WAIT until we see a Babchuck / Johnson defensive pairing. :D

If Kaberle does end up going, and Wallin goes to Sweden as rumored, and if Wesley retires, we could see that next year! Could be interesting...I'd love to see a free-agent Dman signed though if there's money left in the budget, with the condition that Tverdovsky is somehow unloaded.

[Turbulence]

On a sidenote, I cannot WAIT until we see a Babchuck / Johnson defensive pairing. :D

If Kaberle does end up going, and Wallin goes to Sweden as rumored, and if Wesley retires, we could see that next year! Could be interesting...I'd love to see a free-agent Dman signed though if there's money left in the budget, with the condition that Tverdovsky is somehow unloaded.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

LOL all this Gerber chatter reminds me that Ken Holland wants Gerber too. OY....I'm just curious to see where everyone goes, but I hope we keep the guys we need to! :crazy:

[CANESFREAKinDET]

LOL all this Gerber chatter reminds me that Ken Holland wants Gerber too. OY....I'm just curious to see where everyone goes, but I hope we keep the guys we need to! :crazy:

[Captain Slack]

From Spector's with the usual grain of salt warning:

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch examines potential options for the Ottawa Senators to improve themselves in the off-season. He suggests goaltenders Evgeny Nabokov and J-S Giguere and Hurricanes forward Erik Cole might be available. Nabokov comes with a $3.3 million per season deal which could make him a risky acquisition and sources tell Garrioch Giguere would be interested in a trade to Ottawa if he's to be dealt. The reason for adding Cole to this list is the Sens nearly acquired him last summer for Martin Havlat and the Hurricanes strong post-season run without Cole might make their management decide they can live without him.:eek2: :laugh:

Put the crackpipe down, Bruce.

[Captain Slack]

From Spector's with the usual grain of salt warning:

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch examines potential options for the Ottawa Senators to improve themselves in the off-season. He suggests goaltenders Evgeny Nabokov and J-S Giguere and Hurricanes forward Erik Cole might be available. Nabokov comes with a $3.3 million per season deal which could make him a risky acquisition and sources tell Garrioch Giguere would be interested in a trade to Ottawa if he's to be dealt. The reason for adding Cole to this list is the Sens nearly acquired him last summer for Martin Havlat and the Hurricanes strong post-season run without Cole might make their management decide they can live without him.:eek2: :laugh:

Put the crackpipe down, Bruce.

[caveman]

On a sidenote, I cannot WAIT until we see a Babchuck / Johnson defensive pairing. :D

If Kaberle does end up going, and Wallin goes to Sweden as rumored, and if Wesley retires, we could see that next year! Could be interesting...I'd love to see a free-agent Dman signed though if there's money left in the budget, with the condition that Tverdovsky is somehow unloaded.

Don't forget Derrick Walser, playing in Europe this year, among others who are "in the system" somewhere.

[caveman]

On a sidenote, I cannot WAIT until we see a Babchuck / Johnson defensive pairing. :D

If Kaberle does end up going, and Wallin goes to Sweden as rumored, and if Wesley retires, we could see that next year! Could be interesting...I'd love to see a free-agent Dman signed though if there's money left in the budget, with the condition that Tverdovsky is somehow unloaded.

Don't forget Derrick Walser, playing in Europe this year, among others who are "in the system" somewhere.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

^^ Why can't I see Cole going anywhere? Or is it just me?

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

^^ Why can't I see Cole going anywhere? Or is it just me?

[Canesluver]

He's still RFA, isn't he?

[Canesluver]

He's still RFA, isn't he?

[nccanes]

Yes, RFA.

He'd get huge return in a trade, but I don't see it at all - period.

I have some thoughts on what might happen with our roster (I'm sure we all do), but I'm not gonna discuss it anytime soon - bigger things to talk about yo! :beatup:

[nccanes]

Yes, RFA.

He'd get huge return in a trade, but I don't see it at all - period.

I have some thoughts on what might happen with our roster (I'm sure we all do), but I'm not gonna discuss it anytime soon - bigger things to talk about yo! :beatup:

[Turbulence]

At the time he was injured, Cole was arguably the best player in the NHL...no way in the world that he'll be traded. Don't forget that playoff success that might "make...management decide they can live without him" came with 2 players who in all likelihood won't be here next year, Weight and Recchi. Cole won't be unloaded for anything more than the best players in the league, and it won't happen.

[Turbulence]

At the time he was injured, Cole was arguably the best player in the NHL...no way in the world that he'll be traded. Don't forget that playoff success that might "make...management decide they can live without him" came with 2 players who in all likelihood won't be here next year, Weight and Recchi. Cole won't be unloaded for anything more than the best players in the league, and it won't happen.

[puckin_A]

The reason for adding Cole to this list is the Sens nearly acquired him last summer for Martin Havlat and the Hurricanes strong post-season run without Cole might make their management decide they can live without him.

I don't think Cole would be traded now, because he really stepped up his game this year. But remember those meetings some of us had with Rutherford? I asked Jim about this rumour and he said *if Havlet was available, I would of done whatever to get him* without coming out and saying Cole.

How about lets get Havlet and keep Cole.

[puckin_A]

The reason for adding Cole to this list is the Sens nearly acquired him last summer for Martin Havlat and the Hurricanes strong post-season run without Cole might make their management decide they can live without him.

I don't think Cole would be traded now, because he really stepped up his game this year. But remember those meetings some of us had with Rutherford? I asked Jim about this rumour and he said *if Havlet was available, I would of done whatever to get him* without coming out and saying Cole.

How about lets get Havlet and keep Cole.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Yikes, off-season moves scare me...I don't want to see anyone leave really. But i agree...much bigger fish to fry right now, at least that's the subject I'll linger in now. :smoke: :D

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Yikes, off-season moves scare me...I don't want to see anyone leave really. But i agree...much bigger fish to fry right now, at least that's the subject I'll linger in now. :smoke: :D

[HF]

*sticks her fingers in her ears*
LALALALALALALALALALALALALA
Ican'thearyouIcan'thearyou

Season Isn't Over!
SHHHHHH!

[HF]

*sticks her fingers in her ears*
LALALALALALALALALALALALALA
Ican'thearyouIcan'thearyou

Season Isn't Over!
SHHHHHH!

[Captain Slack]

THE TENNESSEAN: John Glennon reports the agent for Nashville Predators captain Greg Johnson says his client is likely to test the UFA market, due to the club signing centres Vern Fiddler and Jerred Smithson to one-way contracts. Glennon also reports veteran defenceman Danny Markov is also likely to hit the market as the Preds look to give more responsibility to their young blueliners. It's also possible centre Yanic Perreault, a bargain signing for the Preds last season at $525k, could also become a UFA. Defenceman Mark Eaton and goalie Chris Mason "look like question marks" to return, but the club could be leaning toward re-signing defenceman Brendan Witt and centre Mike Sillinger.

Spector's Note: Poor Markov, he's a very good defenceman but just can't seem to stick with a team for any length of time. Perreault had a good season but Glennon suggests the Preds may have concern over his speed and defensive ability, something that resulted in the Canadiens cutting him from their roster two years ago.

OH! OH!! I know a team were he can play!!! :D

[Captain Slack]

THE TENNESSEAN: John Glennon reports the agent for Nashville Predators captain Greg Johnson says his client is likely to test the UFA market, due to the club signing centres Vern Fiddler and Jerred Smithson to one-way contracts. Glennon also reports veteran defenceman Danny Markov is also likely to hit the market as the Preds look to give more responsibility to their young blueliners. It's also possible centre Yanic Perreault, a bargain signing for the Preds last season at $525k, could also become a UFA. Defenceman Mark Eaton and goalie Chris Mason "look like question marks" to return, but the club could be leaning toward re-signing defenceman Brendan Witt and centre Mike Sillinger.

Spector's Note: Poor Markov, he's a very good defenceman but just can't seem to stick with a team for any length of time. Perreault had a good season but Glennon suggests the Preds may have concern over his speed and defensive ability, something that resulted in the Canadiens cutting him from their roster two years ago.

OH! OH!! I know a team were he can play!!! :D

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OH! OH!! I know a team were he can play!!! :D

Me too!!! And I'd already have the jersey and everything! :spin:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

OH! OH!! I know a team were he can play!!! :D

Me too!!! And I'd already have the jersey and everything! :spin:

[nccanes]

We've got one of those in our house too!!

And we don't like these things to be linked at lgc, but a quick check of the Wake County you-know-what indicates Mr Markov still owns a house here. :beatup:

[nccanes]

We've got one of those in our house too!!

And we don't like these things to be linked at lgc, but a quick check of the Wake County you-know-what indicates Mr Markov still owns a house here. :beatup:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^ It's PERFECT!!! :lol:

C'mon Danny....you KNOW you loved us!

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^ It's PERFECT!!! :lol:

C'mon Danny....you KNOW you loved us!

[Mona]

I would love to have Danny back but who would go?

[Mona]

I would love to have Danny back but who would go?

[Caniac]

No one! We'll put out penny jars all over town!

[Caniac]

No one! We'll put out penny jars all over town!

[puck_it]

I would love to have Danny back but who would go?

if the C word happens, we may see a retirement.

[puck_it]

I would love to have Danny back but who would go?

if the C word happens, we may see a retirement.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

I would love to have Danny back but who would go?

if the C word happens, we may see a retirement.

That took me a while :beatup: But i agree. :)

[CANESFREAKinDET]

I would love to have Danny back but who would go?

if the C word happens, we may see a retirement.

That took me a while :beatup: But i agree. :)

[caneshockeychick]

Wings let Legace hit free agent market
Manny Legace

TSN.ca Staff with files

6/10/2006 6:49:35 PM

The Red Wings will not offer netminder Manny Legace a new contract before July 1, leaving both parties free to explore other opportunities.

"I talked to Manny Legace and his agent and told them that we would not be making a contract offer prior to unrestricted free agency," general manager Ken Holland told the Detroit Free Press on Friday.

"I feel I owe it to our team to explore all options - trades, what might be available in free agency, who we might be interested in."

Legace went 37-8 with a 2.19 goals-against average and .915 save percentage this season and finished the playoffs with a 2-4 record and an .884 save percentage.

[Captain Slack]

:eek2: I'd take this with an extra large grain of salt.

CAMDEN COURIER POST: Chuck Gormley reports the Flyers are still in need of a "puck-moving defenceman" and if the NY Rangers successfully sign away Kim Johnsson the club will need to "step up its search". The Flyers might bid for one of the top d-men, like Ottawa's Wade Redden, in the UFA market, but failing that head coach Ken Hitchcock might convert forward Sami Kapanen into a full-time defenceman.

Spector's Note: The Flyers probably won't have the cap space to sign one of the "top notch UFA defencemen" but might have serious interest in Tampa Bay's Pavel Kubina.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Aww...I'm kinda sad about Legace.

He made some comment, though, right after they got ousted out of the playoffs, something like "Well if I come back next season, I want to be #1." Apparently management didn't enjoy that comment, and there he goes.

I'm sick of the neverending goalie carousel up here, and I really thought if they would have given Legace more of a chance, maybe worked with him at the beginning of next season instead of only when it was convenienient for them to put him up, he would have been something special. i saw touches of greatness in him the time he was here. :sad:

Oh well. Good luck Manny, somewhere that appreciates you. :)

[IceSaber]

Anyone wanna bet TB on that one?

[puck_it]

Anyone wanna bet TB on that one?

allegedly TB is looking at the possibility of huet/aebeischer for lecavalier

[Captain Slack]

Anyone wanna bet TB on that one?

I don't think he's "name" enough for TB, although he'd be the perfect fit for them.

I pity anyone who's goalie for the Dead Things. It's a high pressure job already and add to that the knowledge that if you don't win it all for them, it's going to be your fault has got to ratchet it up another notch or two.

Wouldn't worry too much about Manny. He'll be an affordable pickup for someone who needs a good goalie.

[Captain Slack]

HURRICANES "PROBING" FOR PENGUINS PICK?

TORONTO STAR: Damien Cox yesterday reported speculation the Carolina Hurricanes are "probing trade possibilities" for the Pittsburgh Penguins first round pick (second overall) to secure Eric Staal's younger brother Jordan. Cox writes one rumour has the 'Canes offering up promising prospect d-man Jack Johnson for the pick. The Pens are believed very interested in US National Team blueliner Erik Johnson but he's expected to be selected by the St. Louis Blues, who have the first overall pick.

Spector's Note: Hat tip to "Word". If I'm Penguins GM Ray Shero I'd definitely be interested in that swap. The Pens have one superstar forward in Sidney Crosby and another on the way in Evgeny Malkin and their goaltending appears set with Marc-Andre Fleury, but they lack a true blueline "stud" , which Johnson gives every indication he could become at the NHL level.

:eek2:

While I would LOVE to see Jordan on our team, I'm not sure I'd want to part with Jack to get him!

[caveman]

^ word. I posted that in the "Prospect Combine" thread -- talk about your gambles. This franchise traded a young Chris Pronger away, hate to see us trade another young d-man whose future is very bright. But to get a lot, you've got to give a lot, and the "new NHL" is all about fast, skilled forwards. I could go either way with this, but the thing that tips me over the edge to getting Jordan if we can -- would it make Eric happy and want to re-sign when we're done being able to (ab)use his RFA rights?

A few things would still have to go right for this to happen even if we did want to. First, the Blues would have to draft someone else (or trade us for Jack themselves). Bucci predicts (http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/playoffs2006/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=2471509) the Blues new ownership will draft Staal themselves. Second, the Penguins would have to want in on the deal, or again draft someone else, and we'd be dealing with Chicago for the #3 pick, and so on with Washington and Boston, etc.

[AbNormal27]

Not a fan of Johnson and his attitude/discipline problems. I say do it.

Aaryn

[caveman]

The other thing is our log-jam at center (Jordan's listed position) -- Staal (RFA), Brindy, Kevyn, Cullen (if we re-sign the UFA), Big Joe (if he re-signs as an RFA). I don't really see us being able to re-sign Weight, but if for some reason he wanted to re-sign for less money (boggle) that would be another centerman.

Combined with the questions on defense -- is Wallin going home to Sweden? Is Wesley going to retire? Will Tverdovsky be back? Will Babchuk continue to grow into a top-4 defenseman?

Makes it a really hard thing to say whether we should go after it or not. All this is rumor anyway, for all we know the Blues will draft Jordan and the whole point will be moot, or the Penguins have absolutely no intention of parting with the #2 and they want Staal as well.

[Mona]

Combined with the questions on defense -- is Wallin going home to Sweden?

I haven't heard that before. Is he contemplating this?

[caveman]

^ you know, I've not actually read an actual article on it, just one of those things I've "heard" on and off for 3 years now, and a lot more this year.

[corylav]

SHOCKER! I thought for sure it would be Maclean.

Julien To Coach Devils
TSN.ca Staff
6/13/2006 1:14:14 PM

The New Jersey Devils on Tuesday hired Claude Julien as their head coach.

''Claude Julien brings experience, knowledge, enthusiasm, and discipline that will complement the players here in the New Jersey Devils organization,'' said Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello.

Julien was fired as the Montreal Canadiens head coach in January of this year after three years behind the bench. In the 2003-04 season he led the Canadiens to a 41-30-7-4 record and into the second round of the playoffs.

Julien replaces Lamoriello, who coached the Devils for much of the season after Larry Robinson stepped down in December. The Devils were 32-18 under Lamoriello and won the Atlantic Division title thanks to an 11-game winning streak to end the regular season.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Not a fan of Johnson and his attitude/discipline problems. I say do it.

Aaryn

w00t! Totally!

I read about this "Hurricanes for Jordan" rumour over on the Pittsburgh board and a few other places and mentioned it to ONeillsNo1. We were both shocked, but the more I think about I say let's do it!

Someone on another site made the comment "I don't think his reluctance to sign with the Canes for their playoff run sat well with management". To me that could be a factor, but they might be more interested with another talented Staal (with a better attitude) in the lineup, which I'm all for. I say go for it! We'll see what happens, but it's got me all geeked! :D

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Not a fan of Johnson and his attitude/discipline problems. I say do it.

Aaryn

w00t! Totally!

I read about this "Hurricanes for Jordan" rumour over on the Pittsburgh board and a few other places and mentioned it to ONeillsNo1. We were both shocked, but the more I think about I say let's do it!

Someone on another site made the comment "I don't think his reluctance to sign with the Canes for their playoff run sat well with management". To me that could be a factor, but they might be more interested with another talented Staal (with a better attitude) in the lineup, which I'm all for. I say go for it! We'll see what happens, but it's got me all geeked! :D

[caveman]

If JJ develops into the all-star defenseman, and Jordan doesn't develop like Eric has -- remember Eric didn't really "blow up" until his 3rd year at Peterborough, and Jordan has had only 2 years there. He's following almost the exact same progression but the 3rd step that Eric took was the biggest:

Jordan:
16. (OHL) 66-9-19-28
17. (OHL) 68-28-40-68
18. ?

Eric:
16. (OHL) 63-19-30-49
17. (OHL) 56-23-39-62
18. (OHL) 66-39-59-98
19. (NHL) 81-11-20-31
20. (AHL) 77-26-51-77
21. (NHL) 82-45-55-100

Obviously if Jordan turns a 100 point NHL season we'd come off looking pretty good. Always a gamble when you're talking about folks who haven't turned 20 or played a game against NHL competition!

(That said bring on the Staal family reunion in Raleigh, baby!)

[caveman]

If JJ develops into the all-star defenseman, and Jordan doesn't develop like Eric has -- remember Eric didn't really "blow up" until his 3rd year at Peterborough, and Jordan has had only 2 years there. He's following almost the exact same progression but the 3rd step that Eric took was the biggest:

Jordan:
16. (OHL) 66-9-19-28
17. (OHL) 68-28-40-68
18. ?

Eric:
16. (OHL) 63-19-30-49
17. (OHL) 56-23-39-62
18. (OHL) 66-39-59-98
19. (NHL) 81-11-20-31
20. (AHL) 77-26-51-77
21. (NHL) 82-45-55-100

Obviously if Jordan turns a 100 point NHL season we'd come off looking pretty good. Always a gamble when you're talking about folks who haven't turned 20 or played a game against NHL competition!

(That said bring on the Staal family reunion in Raleigh, baby!)

[caveman]

Kind of along the "Wallin to return to Sweden to raise his family" rumor:

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1149070209276940.xml&coll=1

Holmstrom's agent dismisses Sweden rumors
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
By Ansar Khan

DETROIT -- The agent for Tomas Holmstrom dismissed a Swedish newspaper report that claims the Detroit Red Wings forward is homesick and might return to Sweden after his contract expires.

"The Holmstroms are very happy here, very comfortable. He has every reason to want to continue playing here,'' agent Howard Gourwitz said. "If he had any misgivings about anything, I'm sure I would know.''

A recent report in Norra Vasterbotten said Holmstrom is likely to return to Sweden after next season, if not for the 2006-07 season, citing a desire to raise his children in his native country. The story cited an unnamed source and did not quote Holmstrom.

Holmstrom and Wallin are good friends. The article breaks down many of the Red Wings potential signings and re-signings.

[caveman]

Kind of along the "Wallin to return to Sweden to raise his family" rumor:

http://www.mlive.com/redwings/stories/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1149070209276940.xml&coll=1

Holmstrom's agent dismisses Sweden rumors
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
By Ansar Khan

DETROIT -- The agent for Tomas Holmstrom dismissed a Swedish newspaper report that claims the Detroit Red Wings forward is homesick and might return to Sweden after his contract expires.

"The Holmstroms are very happy here, very comfortable. He has every reason to want to continue playing here,'' agent Howard Gourwitz said. "If he had any misgivings about anything, I'm sure I would know.''

A recent report in Norra Vasterbotten said Holmstrom is likely to return to Sweden after next season, if not for the 2006-07 season, citing a desire to raise his children in his native country. The story cited an unnamed source and did not quote Holmstrom.

Holmstrom and Wallin are good friends. The article breaks down many of the Red Wings potential signings and re-signings.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Oh noes!! I hope Nic doesn't leave, he's great! But if he does... :sad: . BAH! Not going to think about it quite yet! :beatup:

[CANESFREAKinDET]

Oh noes!! I hope Nic doesn't leave, he's great! But if he does... :sad: . BAH! Not going to think about it quite yet! :beatup:

[Kristi]

I had read that at the Wings board I belong to. The general opinion there is.... "NO!!! Don't go!!"

[Kristi]

I had read that at the Wings board I belong to. The general opinion there is.... "NO!!! Don't go!!"

[aLADDin]

Not a fan of Johnson and his attitude/discipline problems. I say do it.

Aaryn

w00t! Totally!

I read about this "Hurricanes for Jordan" rumour over on the Pittsburgh board and a few other places and mentioned it to ONeillsNo1. We were both shocked, but the more I think about I say let's do it!

Someone on another site made the comment "I don't think his reluctance to sign with the Canes for their playoff run sat well with management". To me that could be a factor, but they might be more interested with another talented Staal (with a better attitude) in the lineup, which I'm all for. I say go for it! We'll see what happens, but it's got me all geeked! :D

OK, second try at this. Our power has been flashing off and on with our Tropical Storm coming thru. If we are going to move JJ for not showing signs of wanting to sign with the Canes, don't we need a backup plan? I have two other scenarios. See what you like and offer comments. And Mods, if you feel this needs to be somewhere else, feel free to move this.

Scenario 1- Instead of trading JJ to Pittsburgh, why not Broadway? The Rangers have a way of messing everything up internally, so it shouldn't be something that will come back to haunt us four times a year. My thought- if we are giving up a stud defenseman, why not get the guy we wanted in the first place, Marc Staal. We achieve the "get Staal" goal, we keep the Crosby-Johnson combination apart, and we keep Johnson and Orthug on different teams. My idea of value- Johnson for Staal + NY 1st round '06 + Prospect or NY 4th round "06.

Scenario 2- Straight up deal with Chicago- Johnson for Cam Barker. Swap of Pick 3- '04 Draft for Pick 3- '05 Draft. Stud D for Stud D.

What do you like as a backup plan? Are they feasable? Would either fly?
I seek your comments, board.

Warren

[aLADDin]

Not a fan of Johnson and his attitude/discipline problems. I say do it.

Aaryn

w00t! Totally!

I read about this "Hurricanes for Jordan" rumour over on the Pittsburgh board and a few other places and mentioned it to ONeillsNo1. We were both shocked, but the more I think about I say let's do it!

Someone on another site made the comment "I don't think his reluctance to sign with the Canes for their playoff run sat well with management". To me that could be a factor, but they might be more interested with another talented Staal (with a better attitude) in the lineup, which I'm all for. I say go for it! We'll see what happens, but it's got me all geeked! :D

OK, second try at this. Our power has been flashing off and on with our Tropical Storm coming thru. If we are going to move JJ for not showing signs of wanting to sign with the Canes, don't we need a backup plan? I have two other scenarios. See what you like and offer comments. And Mods, if you feel this needs to be somewhere else, feel free to move this.

Scenario 1- Instead of trading JJ to Pittsburgh, why not Broadway? The Rangers have a way of messing everything up internally, so it shouldn't be something that will come back to haunt us four times a year. My thought- if we are giving up a stud defenseman, why not get the guy we wanted in the first place, Marc Staal. We achieve the "get Staal" goal, we keep the Crosby-Johnson combination apart, and we keep Johnson and Orthug on different teams. My idea of value- Johnson for Staal + NY 1st round '06 + Prospect or NY 4th round "06.

Scenario 2- Straight up deal with Chicago- Johnson for Cam Barker. Swap of Pick 3- '04 Draft for Pick 3- '05 Draft. Stud D for Stud D.

What do you like as a backup plan? Are they feasable? Would either fly?
I seek your comments, board.

Warren

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Except, Marc Staal isn't the guy we wanted in the first place. He was available when we picked JJ. JJ went 4th, Staal went 12th (IIRC). We wanted JJ.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Except, Marc Staal isn't the guy we wanted in the first place. He was available when we picked JJ. JJ went 4th, Staal went 12th (IIRC). We wanted JJ.

[Mona]

caveman when I think of Holmstrom I think about how he parks his big caboose in front of our goalie. He has my permission to go back.. Nicky doesn't! ;)

[Mona]

caveman when I think of Holmstrom I think about how he parks his big caboose in front of our goalie. He has my permission to go back.. Nicky doesn't! ;)

[corylav]

This is a point where Aaryn and I disagree ... JJ's going to be an absolute monster. I'd love to get my mitts on any of the Staal brothers, but JJ, IMHO, is a once-in-a-generation type defensemen. I know a lot of you worry about his "edge," but let's not confuse that with attitude. He's a hard-worker, plays in every situation and his coaches and teammates like him. I think in this new NHL, it will *never* hurt to have a guy who's willing to knock over someone after the whistle if they take a whack at the goalie.

[corylav]

This is a point where Aaryn and I disagree ... JJ's going to be an absolute monster. I'd love to get my mitts on any of the Staal brothers, but JJ, IMHO, is a once-in-a-generation type defensemen. I know a lot of you worry about his "edge," but let's not confuse that with attitude. He's a hard-worker, plays in every situation and his coaches and teammates like him. I think in this new NHL, it will *never* hurt to have a guy who's willing to knock over someone after the whistle if they take a whack at the goalie.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^ As long as his decision not to come here this season was truely about what he wanted and not about him not wanting to be here, I agree completely cory.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

^ As long as his decision not to come here this season was truely about what he wanted and not about him not wanting to be here, I agree completely cory.

[corylav]

^ As long as his decision not to come here this season was truely about what he wanted and not about him not wanting to be here, I agree completely cory.

Based on everything I know (and I work for a U-M sports magazine) this was really about J.J. and U-M. His parents, grandparents, ect. were all Michigan fans and he grew up watching games at Yost.

[corylav]

^ As long as his decision not to come here this season was truely about what he wanted and not about him not wanting to be here, I agree completely cory.

Based on everything I know (and I work for a U-M sports magazine) this was really about J.J. and U-M. His parents, grandparents, ect. were all Michigan fans and he grew up watching games at Yost.

[Captain Slack]

Here we go!!! :roll:

SEVERAL HURRICANES POISED TO BE UFAs.

TORONTO SUN: Al Strachan reports several key Carolina Hurricanes players could become UFAs soon after the Stanley Cup Finals are over and they might interest the Maple Leafs . Among them are goalie Martin Gerber, defencemen Frantisek Kaberle, Niclas Wallin and Aaron Ward, and forward Matt Cullen. Strachan also suggests defenceman Oleg Tverdovsky could be available via trade. He also claims the Leafs would have no interest in impending veteran UFAs Doug Weight, Mark Recchi and Glen Wesley.

Spector's Note: The Leafs won't be the only club looking with interest at the Hurricanes free agent situation. The club will have less than two weeks to decide which of those aforementioned UFAs they'll retain.

Yes, Al, they're all going to be a path to Toronto's door as soon as the playoffs are over. Please! :sick:

[Captain Slack]

Here we go!!! :roll:

SEVERAL HURRICANES POISED TO BE UFAs.

TORONTO SUN: Al Strachan reports several key Carolina Hurricanes players could become UFAs soon after the Stanley Cup Finals are over and they might interest the Maple Leafs . Among them are goalie Martin Gerber, defencemen Frantisek Kaberle, Niclas Wallin and Aaron Ward, and forward Matt Cullen. Strachan also suggests defenceman Oleg Tverdovsky could be available via trade. He also claims the Leafs would have no interest in impending veteran UFAs Doug Weight, Mark Recchi and Glen Wesley.

Spector's Note: The Leafs won't be the only club looking with interest at the Hurricanes free agent situation. The club will have less than two weeks to decide which of those aforementioned UFAs they'll retain.

Yes, Al, they're all going to be a path to Toronto's door as soon as the playoffs are over. Please! :sick:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Sorry, Al! Cullen is American! I doubt he dreamed his whole life of playing for the Leafs!

As a matter of fact, Ward is the only Canadian in that bunch and he grew up just across the border.

And I'm SO sure they'll leave a SCFs team to play for loser Toronto for peanuts.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Sorry, Al! Cullen is American! I doubt he dreamed his whole life of playing for the Leafs!

As a matter of fact, Ward is the only Canadian in that bunch and he grew up just across the border.

And I'm SO sure they'll leave a SCFs team to play for loser Toronto for peanuts.

[Kristi]

http://www.charter.net/sports/read.php?id=12885790&ps=981%2C982&cat=&cps=&lang=en


The Avs decided to re-sign Sakic after all. I'd been hearing all season how they weren't going to offer him a contract.

[Kristi]

http://www.charter.net/sports/read.php?id=12885790&ps=981%2C982&cat=&cps=&lang=en


The Avs decided to re-sign Sakic after all. I'd been hearing all season how they weren't going to offer him a contract.

[caveman]

Open letter to Canes management as the free agency and summer trade season begins: Don't sign anyone for their name, what they have done in the past, or because you think they'll bring people into the stadium just to watch them. Bring me a dozen more Cullens and build another Team. We've no need for prima donna superstars, no need for immobile pilons at either end of the ice. Bring us no-name skaters to play with passion and join the family.

That said, where is a good list of upcoming UFAs, and potential UFAs if their teams don't qualify a few RFAs?

Here is analysis of our team's (and others) "draft needs":
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=7331&hubname=

Players already under contract for next year (11, but seems to include Recchi for some reason):
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=7994&hubname=

Player 2006-2007 Salary (US)
Rod Brind'Amour $3.99 million
Oleg Tverdovsky $2.5 million
Bret Hedican $2.432 million
Mark Recchi $1.995 million
Cory Stillman $1.75 million
Ray Whitney $1.5 million
Josef Vasicek $1.15 million
Kevyn Adams $725,000
Andrew Ladd $688,940
Cam Ward $684,000
Anton Babchuk $675,500

And can you believe the draft is THIS SATURDAY and free agency is the saturday after that!?

[caveman]

Open letter to Canes management as the free agency and summer trade season begins: Don't sign anyone for their name, what they have done in the past, or because you think they'll bring people into the stadium just to watch them. Bring me a dozen more Cullens and build another Team. We've no need for prima donna superstars, no need for immobile pilons at either end of the ice. Bring us no-name skaters to play with passion and join the family.

That said, where is a good list of upcoming UFAs, and potential UFAs if their teams don't qualify a few RFAs?

Here is analysis of our team's (and others) "draft needs":
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=7331&hubname=

Players already under contract for next year (11, but seems to include Recchi for some reason):
http://tsn.ca/nhl/feature/?fid=7994&hubname=

Player 2006-2007 Salary (US)
Rod Brind'Amour $3.99 million
Oleg Tverdovsky $2.5 million
Bret Hedican $2.432 million
Mark Recchi $1.995 million
Cory Stillman $1.75 million
Ray Whitney $1.5 million
Josef Vasicek $1.15 million
Kevyn Adams $725,000
Andrew Ladd $688,940
Cam Ward $684,000
Anton Babchuk $675,500

And can you believe the draft is THIS SATURDAY and free agency is the saturday after that!?

[corylav]

No story anywhere that I can find, but Evgeni Malkin signed his three-year entry deal with the Pens.

[corylav]

No story anywhere that I can find, but Evgeni Malkin signed his three-year entry deal with the Pens.

[puck_it]

Players already under contract for next year (11, but seems to include Recchi for some reason):

recchi can opt to stay. at 3/4 of a million or we can opt to make him stay at 2 million. or we and he can let him go else where, or he can retire.

[puck_it]

Players already under contract for next year (11, but seems to include Recchi for some reason):

recchi can opt to stay. at 3/4 of a million or we can opt to make him stay at 2 million. or we and he can let him go else where, or he can retire.

[Mona]

SEVERAL HURRICANES POISED TO BE UFAs.

TORONTO SUN: He also claims the Leafs would have no interest in impending veteran UFAs Doug Weight, Mark Recchi and Glen Wesley.



and I am sure they have no interest in playing for them as well.. Who wants to move from Shinola to Shi*??? :laugh:

[Mona]

SEVERAL HURRICANES POISED TO BE UFAs.

TORONTO SUN: He also claims the Leafs would have no interest in impending veteran UFAs Doug Weight, Mark Recchi and Glen Wesley.



and I am sure they have no interest in playing for them as well.. Who wants to move from Shinola to Shi*??? :laugh:

[caveman]

Really nice 2006 free agent compilation site:

http://www.geocities.com/floridapanthers2000/free2006.html

Lot of ex-Canes on there, and scarily a lot of current Canes. The list should change as any Group V folks declare (are there any eligible?) and as Group II are not tendered qualifying offers. And, of course, as rumors become "done deals"!

[caveman]

Really nice 2006 free agent compilation site:

http://www.geocities.com/floridapanthers2000/free2006.html

Lot of ex-Canes on there, and scarily a lot of current Canes. The list should change as any Group V folks declare (are there any eligible?) and as Group II are not tendered qualifying offers. And, of course, as rumors become "done deals"!

[Captain Slack]

Report: Kings interested in Luongo

TSN.ca Staff

6/21/2006 12:53:18 PM

According to reports, the Los Angeles Kings are pursuing Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo.

The L.A. Times reported on Wednesday that the Kings and Panthers are believed to be discussing a multi-player deal that would include Kings' forwards Alexander Frolov and Dustin Brown along with goaltender Mathieu Garon.

Kings' general manager Dean Lombardi declined comment when contacted by the paper.

Luongo is a restricted free agent, and the Panthers have been unable to work out a long-term deal. The Miami Herald reported on Tuesday that Panthers general manager Mike Keenan said that the team would explore all options when it came to Luongo.

The Kings reportedly attempted to land the All-Star goaltender before the trading deadline last season, but the Panthers held on to him.

Luongo had a 2.97 goals-against average and .914 save percentage last season. The Panthers finished 11th in the Eastern Conference and have not made the playoffs during Luongo's five seasons with the team.

Frolov scored 21 goals and had 33 assists in 69 games last season.

Brown, the 13th overall selection in the 2003 Entry Draft, notched 14 goals and 14 assists while playing on the wing last season.

Garon had 31 wins with a 3.22 goals-against average with a .894 save percentage.

With files from the L.A. Times

Will someone PLEASE acquire Luongo?!? I'm sick to death of hearing his in trade rumors!

[Captain Slack]

Report: Kings interested in Luongo

TSN.ca Staff

6/21/2006 12:53:18 PM

According to reports, the Los Angeles Kings are pursuing Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo.

The L.A. Times reported on Wednesday that the Kings and Panthers are believed to be discussing a multi-player deal that would include Kings' forwards Alexander Frolov and Dustin Brown along with goaltender Mathieu Garon.

Kings' general manager Dean Lombardi declined comment when contacted by the paper.

Luongo is a restricted free agent, and the Panthers have been unable to work out a long-term deal. The Miami Herald reported on Tuesday that Panthers general manager Mike Keenan said that the team would explore all options when it came to Luongo.

The Kings reportedly attempted to land the All-Star goaltender before the trading deadline last season, but the Panthers held on to him.

Luongo had a 2.97 goals-against average and .914 save percentage last season. The Panthers finished 11th in the Eastern Conference and have not made the playoffs during Luongo's five seasons with the team.

Frolov scored 21 goals and had 33 assists in 69 games last season.

Brown, the 13th overall selection in the 2003 Entry Draft, notched 14 goals and 14 assists while playing on the wing last season.

Garon had 31 wins with a 3.22 goals-against average with a .894 save percentage.

With files from the L.A. Times

Will someone PLEASE acquire Luongo?!? I'm sick to death of hearing his in trade rumors!

[caveman]

And preferably someone in the Western Conference. I'm tired of seeing pucks hit him right in the Panther logo. Year. After. Year.

[caveman]

And preferably someone in the Western Conference. I'm tired of seeing pucks hit him right in the Panther logo. Year. After. Year.

[caveman]

The rumor that just won't go away: Jack Johnson to the Penguins for the #2 pick, if the Blues draft Erik Johnson #1 (as expected):

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=2492201

Hey John,

I wondered if there's any truth to your rumor about my Penguins trading the No. 2 pick to Carolina for Jack Johnson? I know how you like it when things just fit perfectly, as this trade would (allowing good friends Crosby and Johnson to lead the Pens for the next decade plus, and obviously uniting the Staal boys in Carolina). So is this trade just your good imagination or is there some actual possibility to it? It's tough to stay current on local news when I'm sent out of the country for a while.

Mike
Rockhampton, Australia

The Penguins are a horrendous defensive team. They gave up more goals than any team in the NHL last year. They need a young, tough defenseman with personality. Erik Johnson and Jack Johnson fit that bill. St. Louis likely will take Erik Johnson. Jack Johnson is property of Carolina and will return to Michigan to at least start the season there in the fall. Considering Carolina's age on defense, I'm sure the Canes' first choice is to keep Jack Johnson unless having two Staals -- if the Penguins even make the offer -- is too good to pass up. If there is no trade made, and I would make that deal if I were both teams, I would take the best two-way centerman available, and that is probably Niklas Backstrom.

The plot remains thick.

[caveman]

The rumor that just won't go away: Jack Johnson to the Penguins for the #2 pick, if the Blues draft Erik Johnson #1 (as expected):

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=2492201

Hey John,

I wondered if there's any truth to your rumor about my Penguins trading the No. 2 pick to Carolina for Jack Johnson? I know how you like it when things just fit perfectly, as this trade would (allowing good friends Crosby and Johnson to lead the Pens for the next decade plus, and obviously uniting the Staal boys in Carolina). So is this trade just your good imagination or is there some actual possibility to it? It's tough to stay current on local news when I'm sent out of the country for a while.

Mike
Rockhampton, Australia

The Penguins are a horrendous defensive team. They gave up more goals than any team in the NHL last year. They need a young, tough defenseman with personality. Erik Johnson and Jack Johnson fit that bill. St. Louis likely will take Erik Johnson. Jack Johnson is property of Carolina and will return to Michigan to at least start the season there in the fall. Considering Carolina's age on defense, I'm sure the Canes' first choice is to keep Jack Johnson unless having two Staals -- if the Penguins even make the offer -- is too good to pass up. If there is no trade made, and I would make that deal if I were both teams, I would take the best two-way centerman available, and that is probably Niklas Backstrom.

The plot remains thick.

[Turbulence]

What are the chancies of trading for that pick and then drafting Kessel? He was the front runner for the #1 pick up until just recently, and it may be the case that the novelty of a Staal brother combo isn't the aim of the organizaion with such a pick...instead the drafting of another very good American player.

[Turbulence]

What are the chancies of trading for that pick and then drafting Kessel? He was the front runner for the #1 pick up until just recently, and it may be the case that the novelty of a Staal brother combo isn't the aim of the organizaion with such a pick...instead the drafting of another very good American player.

[Captain Slack]

Someone one in the Blues management is smoking crack! :eek2:

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Jeremy Rutherford reports the Blues current management intends to re-sign goalie Curtis Sandford and go into next season with him as their starting goalie. Rutherford also notes the club would like to bring in an inexpensive veteran backup via trade or free agency. He cites Anaheim's J-S Giguere and San Jose's Evgeny Nabokov as possibilities but the return for them will be expensive, while Carolina's impending UFA goalie Martin Gerber likely wants to be a starter.

Spector's Note: My thanks to Dennis Seals, who also notes: "He played his heart out last season and he was the difference in a lot of games that the Blues ended up winning. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure without digging into the stats that he was in net for a good 50% of their wins if not more. No coincidence there either. In any case, Giguere and Nabakov are listed as “ideal” for the job of a “BACKUP” position behind Sanford. So that leaves the idea of trading the top pick to get a goalie as a bit of a joke, being that no PR team on the planet can spin a swap like that, #1 pick for a #2 goalie, into a “good” deal.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Giggy & Nabokov are both under contract to their current teams and to multi-million dollar contracts, so "inexpensive" they ain't! Also, not to knock Sanford, but no way either of three guys mentioned above is going to play backup to him.

[Captain Slack]

Someone one in the Blues management is smoking crack! :eek2:

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH: Jeremy Rutherford reports the Blues current management intends to re-sign goalie Curtis Sandford and go into next season with him as their starting goalie. Rutherford also notes the club would like to bring in an inexpensive veteran backup via trade or free agency. He cites Anaheim's J-S Giguere and San Jose's Evgeny Nabokov as possibilities but the return for them will be expensive, while Carolina's impending UFA goalie Martin Gerber likely wants to be a starter.

Spector's Note: My thanks to Dennis Seals, who also notes: "He played his heart out last season and he was the difference in a lot of games that the Blues ended up winning. As a matter of fact, I’m pretty sure without digging into the stats that he was in net for a good 50% of their wins if not more. No coincidence there either. In any case, Giguere and Nabakov are listed as “ideal” for the job of a “BACKUP” position behind Sanford. So that leaves the idea of trading the top pick to get a goalie as a bit of a joke, being that no PR team on the planet can spin a swap like that, #1 pick for a #2 goalie, into a “good” deal.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Giggy & Nabokov are both under contract to their current teams and to multi-million dollar contracts, so "inexpensive" they ain't! Also, not to knock Sanford, but no way either of three guys mentioned above is going to play backup to him.

[SoCalcaniac]

What are the chancies of trading for that pick and then drafting Kessel? He was the front runner for the #1 pick up until just recently, and it may be the case that the novelty of a Staal brother combo isn't the aim of the organizaion with such a pick...instead the drafting of another very good American player.

What would we trade for first of all? We don't even have a pick in the first round, which we gave to STL after we got Dougie....

Kessel's stock fell after the World Juniors- and then fell some more after Minnesota lost to Holy Cross in the NCAA tourney- he's now IIRC, the #5th ranked N.A. skater, behind Staal,(3) Toews (2) & Erik Johnson(1)..... Jordan Staal IMO would be a far better pick than Kessel, and personally I don't care if you're from Mars, the whole idea of taking an American, Canadian, Eurpean player, solely because of the country they're from is silly. You take the best available as they say on draft day.
I do thinik that the Pens would do a trade for that pick if they got a blue chip d-man; They're loaded with forwards- they need D. It's an interesting situation there.

The 'novelty' of a Staal combo would obviously be there-and I am sure JR isn't one to draft for the thought of novelty- I personally don't think it would be for "show". Jordan is much further ahead in his development as a player than Eric was at his age, and frankly that's scary. Not to mention he's bigger than his big bro at age 18. :eek2:

All of this is probably moot- I don't know how much juice there is to this story that the Canes were miffed about JJ deciding to stay at Michigan and re-buffing the Canes when they contacted him about coming out. Maybe they were a little irked- I just don't know that you're that irked about this kid deciding to stay at Michigan, and then you trade him away. Or perhaps I'm naive and not as business savvy as I think I am. LOL.

Saturday could be quite intriguing....... can't wait to see how it all plays out.

[SoCalcaniac]

What are the chancies of trading for that pick and then drafting Kessel? He was the front runner for the #1 pick up until just recently, and it may be the case that the novelty of a Staal brother combo isn't the aim of the organizaion with such a pick...instead the drafting of another very good American player.

What would we trade for first of all? We don't even have a pick in the first round, which we gave to STL after we got Dougie....

Kessel's stock fell after the World Juniors- and then fell some more after Minnesota lost to Holy Cross in the NCAA tourney- he's now IIRC, the #5th ranked N.A. skater, behind Staal,(3) Toews (2) & Erik Johnson(1)..... Jordan Staal IMO would be a far better pick than Kessel, and personally I don't care if you're from Mars, the whole idea of taking an American, Canadian, Eurpean player, solely because of the country they're from is silly. You take the best available as they say on draft day.
I do thinik that the Pens would do a trade for that pick if they got a blue chip d-man; They're loaded with forwards- they need D. It's an interesting situation there.

The 'novelty' of a Staal combo would obviously be there-and I am sure JR isn't one to draft for the thought of novelty- I personally don't think it would be for "show". Jordan is much further ahead in his development as a player than Eric was at his age, and frankly that's scary. Not to mention he's bigger than his big bro at age 18. :eek2:

All of this is probably moot- I don't know how much juice there is to this story that the Canes were miffed about JJ deciding to stay at Michigan and re-buffing the Canes when they contacted him about coming out. Maybe they were a little irked- I just don't know that you're that irked about this kid deciding to stay at Michigan, and then you trade him away. Or perhaps I'm naive and not as business savvy as I think I am. LOL.

Saturday could be quite intriguing....... can't wait to see how it all plays out.

[Captain Slack]

RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke Decock reported on potential moves by Hurricanes management. He noted the key players eligible for UFA and RFA status (see below in the first update for the list). Decock suggests Matt Cullen could be in line for $2 million per season and would attract interest from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota Wild. If the 'Canes re-sign Cullen it might consider trading centre Josef Vasicek and his $1.3 million contract. It's unknown if Glen Wesley will return, but with promising defenceman Anton Babchuk and Andrew Hutchinson waiting in the wings the Hurricanes can afford not to re-sign one of their UFA blueliners. Decock also suggests defenceman Mike Commodore might possibly get an offer sheet from a rival club. The 'Canes aren't expected to re-sign UFA goalie Martin Gerber but may look to bring in an experienced backup for Cam Ward.

Honestly can't see a situation where Cullen & Commodore aren't back on the team next year. IMHO, Big Joe's time with this franchise is done. Hopefully he can find is game again somewhere else.

[Captain Slack]

RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER: Luke Decock reported on potential moves by Hurricanes management. He noted the key players eligible for UFA and RFA status (see below in the first update for the list). Decock suggests Matt Cullen could be in line for $2 million per season and would attract interest from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Minnesota Wild. If the 'Canes re-sign Cullen it might consider trading centre Josef Vasicek and his $1.3 million contract. It's unknown if Glen Wesley will return, but with promising defenceman Anton Babchuk and Andrew Hutchinson waiting in the wings the Hurricanes can afford not to re-sign one of their UFA blueliners. Decock also suggests defenceman Mike Commodore might possibly get an offer sheet from a rival club. The 'Canes aren't expected to re-sign UFA goalie Martin Gerber but may look to bring in an experienced backup for Cam Ward.

Honestly can't see a situation where Cullen & Commodore aren't back on the team next year. IMHO, Big Joe's time with this franchise is done. Hopefully he can find is game again somewhere else.

[SoCalcaniac]

I agree CS- Cullen has plainly said he wants to stay here - said something like "I made alot of money in Florida & I was miserable" and Commodore, no way is he going anywhere.

[SoCalcaniac]

I agree CS- Cullen has plainly said he wants to stay here - said something like "I made alot of money in Florida & I was miserable" and Commodore, no way is he going anywhere.

[IceSaber]

I'd really like to see a situation where we trade Joe and Tvey to different teams and free up that salary to keep the players who have contributed a little more. That being said - Who could we get for them that would fit?

[IceSaber]

I'd really like to see a situation where we trade Joe and Tvey to different teams and free up that salary to keep the players who have contributed a little more. That being said - Who could we get for them that would fit?

[corylav]

Guess I'll kind of comment on all this above stuff, since I've really followed the draft.

I can't see Commodore getting an offer sheet that's going to cost a team a first rounder ... if the sheet's signed for more than around $1M/season, I think that translates to a No. 1, with it escalating thereafter.

As for Jordan Staal ... based on everything I've read (and that's been a lot on a lot of guys), Jordan's much further along than Eric (like SoCal said) at this stage. And he has a much different game ... Jordan's known for his defensive and faceoff prowess, two spots I think we can agree Eric needs to improve on (the D is close to good/average ... the faceoffs aren't).

The concern with Kessel is that teams figured out that if they neutralize his speed, he can be contained (to an extent ... he's going to get his points). Given that that has happened against junior players, I think the problem is what will he do to counter that at the NHL level.

FWIW, here's the ISS's blurbs on each player:

Jordan Staal
• ISS' No. 3 prospect
• ISS named him the top defensive forward in the draft
• ISS named him No. 1 in puck protection

Profile
3. JORDAN STAAL
Position: Center; Born: 09.10.88; Height: 6’4”; Weight: 215
ISS Ranking #03; ISS Oct. Ranking #05

Report Card
Size/Strength A+
Skating A
Shot/Scoring B+
Puckhandling A
Hockey
Sense A+
Leadership A
Poise A
Defense A

Skill: Tremendous skater that has long levers, excellent potential, works hard in all 3 zones, can carry guys to the net.
Scouting Report: Staal is the 3rd in the 4th of the Staal quartet of playing brothers and he may have the tools to become the best of the lot. He certainly has tremendous size and his strength is continuing to improve with his tremendous off ice work ethic. Although he may
never become as offensively productive as Eric, he is a tremendous 2 way player that is excellent in all 3 zones. He has developed into a very good faceoff guy and has the ability to elevate his play in important
situations and although his Memorial Cup was disappointing, it shouldn’t diminish the tremendous future that he possesses. The last asset that he
and all of his brothers have is their understanding of the game and progressive improvement through hard work that was in stilled in all of them by their parents.

NHL Potential: He will continue to improve and will become a superstar like his older brother.

Style Compares to: Trevor Linden

Phil Kessel
• ISS's No. 5 prospect
• ISS named him the best skater, puck-handler and scorer in the draft

Profile
5. PHIL KESSEL
Position: Center; Born: 10.02.87; Height: 6’0”; Weight: 189
ISS Ranking #05; ISS Oct. Ranking #01
Report Card
Size/Strength B
Skating A+
Shot/Scoring A
Puckhandling A
Hockey Sense B
Leadership B
Poise B
Defense C+

Skill: A dynamic player. Pure sniper. Has soft, quick hands and is good in tight space. Tremendous acceleration. Hard shot and quick release.
Scouting Report: Once projected to be a player in the same breathe as a Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin. Ranked higher by other scouting firms, here at ISS we feel strongly that as the season progressed Kessel displayed some traits that are slightly concerning. He creates so much offense by using his tremendous skating but will need more at the next level. Offensive capabilities were very impressive including a great shot and a quick stick but he stayed on the perimeter in physical games and needs to become more complete as a player. However you can't deny his offensive gifts though and he has the highest
offensive upside of anyone in this draft. Is incredibly explosive and is a threat every time he is on the ice. Doesn't need much room to operate. Has the kind of speed and moves that force defenders to back off the blue line.

NHL Potential: High risk-high reward type. He needs to grow and get stronger... but has a lot of potential.

Style compares to: Mike Modano.

[corylav]

Guess I'll kind of comment on all this above stuff, since I've really followed the draft.

I can't see Commodore getting an offer sheet that's going to cost a team a first rounder ... if the sheet's signed for more than around $1M/season, I think that translates to a No. 1, with it escalating thereafter.

As for Jordan Staal ... based on everything I've read (and that's been a lot on a lot of guys), Jordan's much further along than Eric (like SoCal said) at this stage. And he has a much different game ... Jordan's known for his defensive and faceoff prowess, two spots I think we can agree Eric needs to improve on (the D is close to good/average ... the faceoffs aren't).

The concern with Kessel is that teams figured out that if they neutralize his speed, he can be contained (to an extent ... he's going to get his points). Given that that has happened against junior players, I think the problem is what will he do to counter that at the NHL level.

FWIW, here's the ISS's blurbs on each player:

Jordan Staal
• ISS' No. 3 prospect
• ISS named him the top defensive forward in the draft
• ISS named him No. 1 in puck protection

Profile
3. JORDAN STAAL
Position: Center; Born: 09.10.88; Height: 6’4”; Weight: 215
ISS Ranking #03; ISS Oct. Ranking #05

Report Card
Size/Strength A+
Skating A
Shot/Scoring B+
Puckhandling A
Hockey
Sense A+
Leadership A
Poise A
Defense A

Skill: Tremendous skater that has long levers, excellent potential, works hard in all 3 zones, can carry guys to the net.
Scouting Report: Staal is the 3rd in the 4th of the Staal quartet of playing brothers and he may have the tools to become the best of the lot. He certainly has tremendous size and his strength is continuing to improve with his tremendous off ice work ethic. Although he may
never become as offensively productive as Eric, he is a tremendous 2 way player that is excellent in all 3 zones. He has developed into a very good faceoff guy and has the ability to elevate his play in important
situations and although his Memorial Cup was disappointing, it shouldn’t diminish the tremendous future that he possesses. The last asset that he
and all of his brothers have is their understanding of the game and progressive improvement through hard work that was in stilled in all of them by their parents.

NHL Potential: He will continue to improve and will become a superstar like his older brother.

Style Compares to: Trevor Linden

Phil Kessel
• ISS's No. 5 prospect
• ISS named him the best skater, puck-handler and scorer in the draft

Profile
5. PHIL KESSEL
Position: Center; Born: 10.02.87; Height: 6’0”; Weight: 189
ISS Ranking #05; ISS Oct. Ranking #01
Report Card
Size/Strength B
Skating A+
Shot/Scoring A
Puckhandling A
Hockey Sense B
Leadership B
Poise B
Defense C+

Skill: A dynamic player. Pure sniper. Has soft, quick hands and is good in tight space. Tremendous acceleration. Hard shot and quick release.
Scouting Report: Once projected to be a player in the same breathe as a Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin. Ranked higher by other scouting firms, here at ISS we feel strongly that as the season progressed Kessel displayed some traits that are slightly concerning. He creates so much offense by using his tremendous skating but will need more at the next level. Offensive capabilities were very impressive including a great shot and a quick stick but he stayed on the perimeter in physical games and needs to become more complete as a player. However you can't deny his offensive gifts though and he has the highest
offensive upside of anyone in this draft. Is incredibly explosive and is a threat every time he is on the ice. Doesn't need much room to operate. Has the kind of speed and moves that force defenders to back off the blue line.

NHL Potential: High risk-high reward type. He needs to grow and get stronger... but has a lot of potential.

Style compares to: Mike Modano.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Do you know who I would like to see here and is a UFA? Fernando Pisani. He sold me in the playoffs this year. I don't think he is a flash in the pan. This was his coming out party. He could look good on a line with Cole.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Do you know who I would like to see here and is a UFA? Fernando Pisani. He sold me in the playoffs this year. I don't think he is a flash in the pan. This was his coming out party. He could look good on a line with Cole.

[corylav]

Do you know who I would like to see here and is a UFA? Fernando Pisani. He sold me in the playoffs this year. I don't think he is a flash in the pan. This was his coming out party. He could look good on a line with Cole.

Oil will get a hometown discount on him, for sure.

[corylav]

Do you know who I would like to see here and is a UFA? Fernando Pisani. He sold me in the playoffs this year. I don't think he is a flash in the pan. This was his coming out party. He could look good on a line with Cole.

Oil will get a hometown discount on him, for sure.

[Mona]

RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER: If the 'Canes re-sign Cullen it might consider trading centre Josef Vasicek and his $1.3 million contract. The 'Canes aren't expected to re-sign UFA goalie Martin Gerber but may look to bring in an experienced backup for Cam Ward.



Me and my damn "attachment" problem. :sad: :cry:

[Mona]

RALEIGH NEWS & OBSERVER: If the 'Canes re-sign Cullen it might consider trading centre Josef Vasicek and his $1.3 million contract. The 'Canes aren't expected to re-sign UFA goalie Martin Gerber but may look to bring in an experienced backup for Cam Ward.



Me and my damn "attachment" problem. :sad: :cry:

[caveman]

I always liked Big Joe, hope he stays with the club and takes that elusive "step forward" to play with fire all the time.

[caveman]

I always liked Big Joe, hope he stays with the club and takes that elusive "step forward" to play with fire all the time.

[Turbulence]

I always liked Joe too, but he didn't seem to do all that well in the beginning of the season, and after his injury and in the playoffs. His is a salary that a team like Chicago or St Louis would probably love to take...and that might be the amount of salary that makes resigning Recchi or securing Cullen/Commodore a possibility.


As far as the rumored Johnson trade...I had only wondered if it were possible that Staal wouldn't be the one drafted with Pittsburgh's high pick, instead Kessel or somebody else, though it seems like Staal would be the better pick.

[Mona]

Fox Sports

Prince of Pucks: Changes for 'Canes, Oilers

The Stanley Cup playoffs are finally over for the Carolina Hurricanes and Edmonton Oilers, but there will be little time for the general managers of both clubs to savor their teams' accomplishments.

Important roster decisions have to be made regarding their respective free-agent players in the upcoming days and weeks.

Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford has nine players — Doug Weight , Mark Recchi, Martin Gerber, Glen Wesley, Frantisek Kaberle, Niclas Wallin, Aaron Ward, Matt Cullen and Craig Adams — eligible for UFA status on July 1, almost all of whom played key roles in the club's march to the Stanley Cup.

Of these, Gerber is the least likely to return. While he was outstanding throughout most of the regular season, he lost his starter's job early in the postseason to Cam Ward, whose playoff-MVP performance makes him the 'Canes starting goalie next season.

Weight and Recchi probably won't return, while Cullen's improved performance both in the regular season and playoffs could make him tough to re-sign.

Defensemen Kaberle, Wallin and Ward will probably be re-signed, especially the latter because of his strong defensive play and leadership in this year's post-season. Adams should be an affordable re-signing, as should Wesley if he agrees to a one-year contract for the same money ($1 million) or slightly less than what he earned this season.

Rutherford's key restricted free agents include Eric Staal, Erik Cole, Justin Williams and Mike Commodore, and re-signing them could have a serious impact upon the rest of the roster.

The Hurricanes payroll currently sits at $18 million committed to 11 players, but the strong performances this season of Staal, Cole and Williams has them in line for big raises which could bite considerably into the payroll.

Of those three, Staal is headed towards the biggest new contract because of his breakout performance this season. The Hurricanes leading scorer this season, Staal placed seventh overall in regular season points, eighth overall in goals and tied for ninth overall in power-play goals. He led all postseason scorers in points, assists, power-play goals and shots on goal, an incredible effort for a player in only his second NHL season.

Staal earned a base salary of just over $942,000 this season, and given his strong performance this season could seek a substantial raise somewhere between $5-$6 million per season, perhaps even more.

Given Staal's value as the franchise player and a rising superstar, Rutherford will obviously re-sign him to a multi-year deal, but it'll be interesting to see how much the kid is worth to them, and how long it takes to get a deal hammered out.

It's also a safe bet the agents for NHL rookie stars Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby will be very interested in what Staal gets in his new contract, as it'll have a direct impact on what they'll seek for their clients in another two years when their current contracts expire.

Cole and Williams both earned a little over $1 million each for this past season, a bargain for two thirty-goal scorers. Cole could've flirted with fifty goals this season had he not been sidelined in early March with a broken neck.

Both players could seek raises between $2.5-$3.5 million each, and combined with Staal's potential new salary, that could result in up to $13 million tied up in three players.

Even though the salary cap is going up to around $44 million for next season, Rutherford is unlikely to spend that much and might try to bring his payroll in around $38 million, which wouldn't leave much room to flesh out the remainder of the roster.

Turning to the Edmonton Oilers, GM Kevin Lowe also has several important free agents to deal with, but unlike Rutherford, he doesn't have the potential salary-draining headache of a superstar like Staal to deal with.

His top UFA players include Sergei Samsonov, Dwayne Roloson, playoff hero Fernando Pisani, Mike Peca, Radek Dvorak, Dick Tarnstrom, Jaroslav Spacek and popular tough guy Georges Laraque.

It's believed Lowe's focus will be on Roloson, Pisani and Spacek, although their postseason heroics will considerably increase their respective asking prices. Of the three, Pisani should be the easiest to retain, having earned just over $600,000 last season.

Roloson's playoff performance boosted his free agent stock and he might try to double the $1.6 million he earned last season, which Lowe would probably pay but "Roli" might also sniff around the UFA market to see if he can boost his value.

Lowe would also like to retain Samsonov but at this point it's believed he'll test the UFA market. The jury is out on Peca, and Laraque may have likely played his final game as an Oiler. Dvorak and Tarnstrom are also likely not to return.

The Oilers GM also has three key RFA players — Jarrett Stoll, Ales Hemsky and Shawn Horcoff — to re-sign. They also had big seasons and will obviously seek substantial raises, but unlike the Hurricanes RFAs, these three should prove much easier to re-sign.

Horcoff earned $1 million, Hemsky just over $900,000 and Stoll over $500,000 last season, and while their statistics improved noticeably, it's possible Lowe could bring those three in for under $9 million in combined salary.

He'll need to, because he currently has $20 million tied up in 11 players, and like his peer in Carolina, Lowe might not spend beyond $38 million on payroll next season, which in turn could determine how much Roloson, Pisani, Horcoff, Stoll and Hemsky get.

Regardless of their decisions, the rosters of the Hurricanes and Oilers could be quite different next season from those that battled it out for the Stanley Cup.

[apolinar]

I personally think Jack Johnson is not canes material. He would not fit in the locker room. I just get that sense. The few articles I've read he's been more of a "me" than "we" teammate.

If I were one of the current canes, I'd be tempted to say, "you missed it. I can't believe you gave up the chance to be in the playoffs for college hockey." And that would make me question his motivation to be in the bigs with the canes every day. If he wants to be with his boyfriend Crosby? Let him. We don't need him holding back from hitting him hard in any way when we play Orpik and the Pens next season.

[raleighcanesfan]

And Roberto leaves the East for Vancouver--for Bert...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169536&hubname=

[JaroFan]

This is quite a surprise - Pronger wants out?

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169528&hubname=


Edited - sorry, didn't see you guys had this in the Game 7 thread. I'm late to the gossip. ;)

[Shell]

And Roberto leaves the East for Vancouver--for Bert...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169536&hubname=

Yikes!!! I was excited to see Luongo out of our conference until I saw Bertuzzi in our division.....

[Mona]

^ :sick:

[raleighcanesfan]

And Roberto leaves the East for Vancouver--for Bert...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169536&hubname=

Yikes!!! I was excited to see Luongo out of our conference until I saw Bertuzzi in our division.....

Ehhhh...they had McClennen and got Auld in the deal. Not much. Probably make a move, but I don't see too much out of them.

[SoCalcaniac]

Well, Nonis has been trying to get Luongo since the trade deadline, so I guess it's not all that shocking- and Bertuzzi in our division doesn't scare me, but I will say I'd prefer to see him on Center Ice, instead of 8 times a year, cause frankly I just don't want to look at the dude.

[Turbulence]

I don't see them going with Auld and McClennan full time...I'd expect another deal or signing for them.
And Bertuzzi 8 times a year... :sick:

[Alicia]

And Roberto leaves the East for Vancouver--for Bert...

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169536&hubname=

:eek2: *secretly pleased*

[corylav]

Well, that ought to end any talk of Florida joining the ranks of tough Southeast teams. With TB in a Knicks-like salary cap hell and Florida without Luongo, it looks like we'll have to deal with Atlanta (w/o Marc Savard??) as main competition.

A stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid move by Keenan.

[HF]

A stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid move by Keenan.
Uhh yeah, think it's actually part of his genetic makeup.

[CanesChic]

Is Noronen still tied up in Vancouver? Would make a nice backup elsewhere.

[Turbulence]

Found a site that indicated that Noronen's contract is up this year...though I believe he is a RFA. Don't quote me on that, though.
Also, as far as backup goalies go, I can't imagine that Edmonton would continue to hold onto Markannen, Conklin and Roloson. Is Roloson a UFA this year?

[sticker]

Bad move by Keenan but it was expected. As far as Noronen being tied up in VAN, not sure what his contract status is but he is a capable backup. As far as the tandem of Auld and McLennan, obviously it's no Lungo but Auld showed that he can be a solid starter as evidenced by last year. I'm not saying he'll be a star or can carry a team but he should be a solid starter.

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

Wow, I didn't hear anything about the Nuks' being in the running for Luongo. All I heard was Kings and Wings. I'm not worried about Bert in the SE division. Doesn't matter if they don't have a goalie.

As for tommorrow's draft, I really hope we pick up the #2. I'm starting to think down on JJ for reasons everyone else has said. But I am drooling over the possibility of another Staal. It's a good risk that I would take.

And I found this in a yahoo article about the draft.

"There are 4-5 teams that actively trying to move up," new Pens GM Ray Shero said after the GMs' meeting.

The Carolina Hurricanes have made a courtesy call to Pittsburgh. With Eric Staal already a star on their team, getting his brother Jordan would be a coup.

"Any time you have a chance to move up and draft a player like Jordan Staal you have to look into it, but honestly there isn't anything serious at this point," the GM of the Stanley Cup champions, Jim Rutherford, said Friday.


Interesting, to say the least.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

BLAH on seeing Bertuzzi more this coming season. :sick: Wasn't Luongo just saying how he was "hurt and disappointed" by all the trade rumours lately because he didn't wanna leave? :beatup: OOKay?

I was more interested by the Pronger story. They are peed off on the Oilers boards, blaming it all on his wife. :beatup: I never thought he'd wanna leave after the success they had this season/postseason but hmm...it makes you think. We'll see what happens!

I LOVE the offseason for all these reasons though, to see where everyone ends up, just as long as WE don't get the bad drama. ;)

*Drooling over the prospect of sending JJ away for Jordan though, can't wait to see what happens tomorrow* :D

[PennsylvaniaCanesFan]

^ Yeah, the Oil boards are interesting reading. Especially the Oil fan who states this is the second time this week he has been kicked in the !@#%. But honestly can you blame them?

[goalie33]

I knew Luongo would be going somewhere, but I didn't expect a one-sided deal like this. Bert is an impact player for sure (though who knows exactly how he'll work out without his precious Morrison and Naslund), but Luongo is a beast of epic proportion.

More than anything, I'm glad that the Canucks have finally given up on Dan Cloutier.

[CANESFREAKinDET]

^ Yeah, the Oil boards are interesting reading. Especially the Oil fan who states this is the second time this week he has been kicked in the !@#%. But honestly can you blame them?

I feel pretty bad for them. The loss, the news about Pronger "wanting out"....seems also that Roloson rejected an offer made to him. :eek2: Sucks to be a fan of the Oil right now apparently.

[goalie33]

I would expect that Roli knows there are teams that need starters and are willing to pay for them. I'd say the same situation is sitting in front of Gerber, too.

[caveman]

If the cap moves to $44M, if as a team you maxed out, and spread that across 25 players. That works out to an average $1.76M per player on your roster.

So, for every $6M player, you need to have not just 1, not just 2, but at least 3 players under $1M. So for teams with, say, 3 of these huge contracts (Tampa), they have to have close to 10 players well under the $1M mark.

And that's just to be at the cap, let alone have any flexibility during the season.

[Captain Slack]

Re: the goalie situation in Florida & Vancouver:

Was reading Spector just a bit ago and he mentioned that the Panthers had declined to renew McClennan's contract. Thus, they have Auld now and no backup (barring a callup from the minors). What is Keenan doing?? Trying to get fired? :crazy: I'd expect another trade or a free agent signing here.

The 'Nucks now have Luongo, Cloutier, & Noronen. One of them has got to go. My guess is Cloutier, unless Noronen is an RFA and they let him walk. Dumb move, if you ask me. Buying out or trading Cloutier would be the smart move. But don't the 'Nucks have a guy in the AHL who's ready to step up? Something tells me they do....

[goalie33]

The 'Nucks now have Luongo, Cloutier, & Noronen. One of them has got to go. My guess is Cloutier, unless Noronen is an RFA and they let him walk. Dumb move, if you ask me. Buying out or trading Cloutier would be the smart move. But don't the 'Nucks have a guy in the AHL who's ready to step up? Something tells me they do....

They did...his name was Alex Auld :eek2:. I would guess they'd hope to fast-track Cory Schneider into the AHL now just in case, but as I said, I'm glad that they've finally given up on Cloutier as a starter. I wouldn't be surprised if ol' Dan has realized that he doesn't have the goods, either.

[norcar187]

Gucci Store>Edmonton



...thats just what im inferring from this whole Pronger mess right now :beatup:

[nccanes]

^ Yeah, the Oil boards are interesting reading. Especially the Oil fan who states this is the second time this week he has been kicked in the !@#%. But honestly can you blame them?

Not at all. That's got to be devastating. The city went bonkers when they got Pronger and Peca and despite a long road to gain a playoff spot, they made it to the finals. To get the news that both would rather be somewhere else has got to suck.

I know Marty Gelinas left after '02 (and we may lose some still this go 'round), but totally different situation. To have someone making the kind of money that Pronger is, with many years left on his contract, in the hockey mad Canada - ouch. That sucks.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Devastating ceratinly seems to be the appropriate word. I feel just awful for the Oilers fans. This would be like if Stillman and Whitney suddeny came out and said they hope to leave because they never really liked it here anyway. It would rip your heart out (well, not Stiller since he never does anything :beatup: ).

I can't imagine what the problem would be, either. You're playing for some of the greatest fans in hockey, for one of the most storied franchises, on Wanyne Gretzky Prky, for Kevin Lowe and Craig MacTavish. What's the freakin' problem?

[alison]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169613&hubname=

The Thrashers traded Stefan and Modry to Dallas for Niko Kapanen and a 7th rd. draft pick.

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169619&hubname=nhl

Avalanche trade Tanguay to Calgary for Leopold, a 2nd round this year, and a conditional 2nd round next year.

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169634&hubname=nhl

Kings trade Demitra to Wild for O'Sullivan and the 17th overall pick.

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169638&hubname=nhl

Bruins trade Raycroft to Toronto for goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask.

[PennsyCanesFan]

Wow... Tanguay got dealt? The Avs are coming apart at the seams.

[raleighcanesfan]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169638&hubname=nhl

Bruins trade Raycroft to Toronto for goaltending prospect Tuukka Rask.

Is the Belfour buyout far behind? And to think I thought only Domi would get bought out...

And since this is rumors--lots of buzz about a deal to Ottawa. Pronger for Phillips, Havlat, and a pick. Can't see it though--it's still CA, and Mrs. Pronger doesn't sound like she likes Canada.

Anyone here either the Havlat to reunite with Elias in NJ or Ott? I guess they are good friends or something.

Just some more speculation...

[Alicia]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169634&hubname=nhl

Kings trade Demitra to Wild for O'Sullivan and the 17th overall pick.

Wha??? :crazy:

[SoCalcaniac]

I dunno about that Demitra to the Wild for O'Sullivan dealio- I get the whole Demitra-is-Slovakian and Gabby needs a pal and the Wild need to do something to appease him- but O'Sullivan is the real deal- he was in Staal's draft class in 2003, had that whole situation with his nut-job father, and dropped down in the draft, he's this year's AHL player of the year and he's got a nose for the net.

The Wild, are desperate for scoring- someone to add to the Gaborik dazzle, and that would be, to me, Patrick O'Sullivan. Demitra, as we all know, is a bit injury prone - and Gaborik isn't signed, so this is a crap shoot; I hope Riseborough knows what he's doing. He may regret giving up that much to get Demitra. On the other hand, the Kings are probably licking their chops- O'Sullivan won the Gold with Dustin Brown @ the World Jr's (along with former Cane, Danny Richmond) and they had a little something going there. I know some verrrrry happy L.A. Kings fans.

Oh the fun of drafts and trades and all this stuff................... ;)

[corylav]

I actually thought that maybe Pavol was set to be Gaborik's replacement in Minny.

[Alicia]

I actually thought that maybe Pavol was set to be Gaborik's replacement in Minny.

Interesting scenario...

[Captain Slack]

Was reading Spector just a bit ago and he mentioned that the Panthers had declined to renew McClennan's contract. Thus, they have Auld now and no backup (barring a callup from the minors). What is Keenan doing?? Trying to get fired? :crazy: I'd expect another trade or a free agent signing here.

An I clairvoyant for what? :D

Panthers acquire Anderson from Blackhawks

TSN.ca Staff

6/24/2006 11:09:59 PM

The Chicago Blackhawks have traded netminder Craig Anderson to the Florida Panthers for a sixth round pick in 2008.

Anderson was claimed off waivers by Boston on Jan. 19 and then claimed on Jan. 31 by St. Louis. He was eventually re-claimed off waivers by Chicago on Feb. 3.

Anderson appeared in 29 games last season for the Hawks, going 6-12-4 with 1 shutout. He posted a 3.32 GAA and save percentage of .886.

Anderson will probably never unpack his suitcase again. This must be a record for being moved in one season.

[raleighcanesfan]

I thought FLA might pick up Caron for their backup. The Pens bought out his contract. Might not be a bad pickup for us, if Gerber is on his way out. Might sign him for 650-750K.

[corylav]

LOL ... Craig Anderson wouldn't be the answer to anything for me. And their cupboards are pretty bare as far as prospects who are close to ready. I wonder if someone like Jani Hurme could make a comeback there.

[AbNormal27]

......... and didn't you just KNOW this rumour was going to be coming.......


Pronger to the Maple Leafs?

Toronto is the most intriguing option for the Oilers based on the package the Leafs may be offering.

Make no mistake, several NHL teams made a pitch for disgruntled Oiler Chris Pronger on Draft day.

However, Oiles GM Kevin Lowe wisely shelved his emotion, and trust me, he is still seething over the absurdity of his predicament. He’s decided to take a step back to see what the market delivers.

Toronto is the most intriguing option for the Oilers based on the package the Leafs may be offering, as Hockeycentral has learned.

The Oilers asked for Tomas Kaberle and budding star Alex Steen during the Draft mayhem.

No deal.

Steen is off limits.

Toronto countered with a package believed to include Kaberle and Matt Stajan.

Edmonton balked and talks have stalled ... at least for now.

In acquiring Andrew Raycroft and his contract triggered by a $1.35 million qualifying offer, the Leafs picked up a good young goaltender at a bargain price and in doing so have created some breathing room to shore up their blueline with a stud defenceman.

Pronger is the target.

Now here's where Toronto's options get real interesting.

The Bryan McCabe saga is getting old. Therefore, look for the Leafs to pull the five-year, once-in-a-lifetime offer off the table in favour of an entirely new direction.

But, Pronger is the key.

If Toronto can swing this trade, convince the Pronger camp the Maple Leafs and the city of Toronto are a good fit, then McCabe gets kicked aside in favour of a more affordable fit, such as Jay McKee or Aaron Ward.

Family issues not withstanding, Chris Pronger is the best defenceman in all of hockey.

If Florida, the New York Rangers, and every other tire-kicker can't match Toronto's package, then John Ferguson needs to find a way to make it happen.

Needless to say, this summer's hockey drama is far from over.

Aaryn

[WillLikeWhoa091]

I think it's funny that that article speaks about the Leafs going after A. Ward there at the end.

I think all the guys WANT to stay in Carolina.

Except Gerber

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Actually, Gerber has said he wants to stay here, too. He probably wants to be a #1 more, though.

[AbNormal27]

I've heard rumblings out of Buffalo that they want Aaron Ward, too. But after seeing THIS picture............

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.getty-71116006ps090_edmonton_oile_2_08_04_am.jpg

............ do you REALLY think he'd want to go? I don't think so.

Aaryn

[SoCalcaniac]

Aaryn, thanks for posting the Sportsnet stuff-

I was listening to XM this afternoon- and they were talking about how MacLean in CLB had been attempting to wheel and deal, and was talking to Ferguson Jr about a trade straight up for Darcy Tucker- for... Marc Denis- Ferguson Jr, thought that was 'too steep' for Denis and balked. WTF? So now Darcy is that sacred? I see MacLean working- he's lookin' for a little grit & sandpaper for his very skilled bunch with Nash, Zherdev, Brule, etc. he has Jody Shelley, but he's looking for that gritty guy, so he wanted Tucker. The Leafs, wanted a good goalie- which I think Denis is- and you'd have thought Jr. was being asked for Mats Sundin or one of their young up 'n comers like Steen or Stajan. Holy cow.

At least not alot has changed on the Leafs front- they're still legends in their own mind. :crazy:

[Canesluver]

I was listening to XM just now driving home. Something interesting that was mentioned: Yesterday, supposedly the reason a deal to trade with Carolina for the 2nd pick at the Draft was killed because the new GM at Pittsburgh wanted Andrew Ladd as part of the deal. JR said no to that.

[puck_it]

I was listening to XM just now driving home. Something interesting that was mentioned: Yesterday, supposedly the reason a deal to trade with Carolina for the 2nd pick at the Draft was killed because the new GM at Pittsburgh wanted Andrew Ladd as part of the deal. JR said no to that.

yeah, JJ + Ladd is WAY too steep.

[SoCalcaniac]

I was listening to XM just now driving home. Something interesting that was mentioned: Yesterday, supposedly the reason a deal to trade with Carolina for the 2nd pick at the Draft was killed because the new GM at Pittsburgh wanted Andrew Ladd as part of the deal. JR said no to that.


Woa.... HOLY COW, Ray Shero was tryin' to make a splash eh? He must've had a crack pipe or something thinking crazy like that. I'm sure that conversation ended quickly. Yikes.

I would've loved to have had Jordan Staal on this team, really I would have. But when the pick came and went and we still had JJ, and didn't have Jordan- I was fine with it. I have to think that JJ will want to prove he was 'worth the wait' when he finally does leave Michigan, or maybe I could be off the mark and JR winds up orchestrating a trade and we never see JJ in a Canes uniform- but I'm not looking to see us mortgage our future, especially someone like Ladder. His rookie season started slow, and with injury, but we all got to see why JR traded up to get him- and there is more to come and that's exciting. I'm glad JR used caution.....

[Kevs]

Wow... Tanguay got dealt? The Avs are coming apart at the seams.

That's what I thought too. Ever since they let Foote and Forsberg loose, they have not been a dominant team. The end of the Avalanche era...

[Flames]

Wow... Tanguay got dealt? The Avs are coming apart at the seams.

That's what I thought too. Ever since they let Foote and Forsberg loose, they have not been a dominant team. The end of the Avalanche era...

I can't believe we stole Tanguay, a really good player out of Colorado.

Leopold is a really nice defenseman, but he isn't Tanguay, not even close. Now we have a top line player to play with Iginla, hearing his post-trade interview, dude is pumped to be here too. Said all the right things.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Aaryn, thanks for posting the Sportsnet stuff-

I was listening to XM this afternoon- and they were talking about how MacLean in CLB had been attempting to wheel and deal, and was talking to Ferguson Jr about a trade straight up for Darcy Tucker- for... Marc Denis- Ferguson Jr, thought that was 'too steep' for Denis and balked. WTF? So now Darcy is that sacred? I see MacLean working- he's lookin' for a little grit & sandpaper for his very skilled bunch with Nash, Zherdev, Brule, etc. he has Jody Shelley, but he's looking for that gritty guy, so he wanted Tucker. The Leafs, wanted a good goalie- which I think Denis is- and you'd have thought Jr. was being asked for Mats Sundin or one of their young up 'n comers like Steen or Stajan. Holy cow.

At least not alot has changed on the Leafs front- they're still legends in their own mind. :crazy:

IMO, this past season the Leafs were a MUCH better team with Tucker on the ice than they were without him. He is much more than numbers to that team and I think taking Denis for him would have been shooting themselves in the foot. Wish the Leafs would have, though, lol.

[corylav]

Agreed on JJ + Ladd for No. 2 ... IMO, JJ's a better pro prospect than Erik Johnson at No. 1, and certainly more pro-ready.

XM also mentioned that Keenan inquired about Pronger and the asking price was Weiss and No. 10 overall. Oh ... and Nathan Horton. LMAO!

[ONeillsNo1Fan]

I was listening to XM just now driving home. Something interesting that was mentioned: Yesterday, supposedly the reason a deal to trade with Carolina for the 2nd pick at the Draft was killed because the new GM at Pittsburgh wanted Andrew Ladd as part of the deal. JR said no to that.

Remind me to give JR a big kiss next time I see him.
Yes, I'm biased. I love Ladd. But I think this kid has some major talent. And like SoCal said, his year did start out slow. But we finally found the guy that will go to the net. Trash goals are goals and I think we need him around for just that.

[apolinar]

Bottom line, now that JJ KNOWS we were talking trade to the Penguins, we are almost obligated to get rid of 'im.

[corylav]

Agreed on JJ + Ladd for No. 2 ... IMO, JJ's a better pro prospect than Erik Johnson at No. 1, and certainly more pro-ready.

XM also mentioned that Keenan inquired about Pronger and the asking price was Weiss and No. 10 overall. Oh ... and Nathan Horton. LMAO!

my own mistake ... don't know what I was thinking. It wasn't Weiss, it was Bouwmeester in the asking price.

[corylav]

Bottom line, now that JJ KNOWS we were talking trade to the Penguins, we are almost obligated to get rid of 'im.

I don't know that that's true. It's not like we offered up JJ for the No. 2 pick. JR said that when a pick that high is available you owe i to your team to inquire. They did, and the Pens asked for JJ and Ladd. Nowhere does he say, "We told them we'd do it for JJ." Under the above assumption, we have to deal Ladd now, too. *shrug*

[Captain Slack]

Canadiens re-sign Huet to a 2-year deal

TSN.ca Staff

6/26/2006 9:05:29 AM

The Montreal Canadiens have re-signed goaltender Cristobal Huet to a two-year contract. As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Cristobal Huet is a very valuable member of the Canadiens’ organization who helped our team to clinch a playoff berth last season," said general manager Bob Gainey. "Cristobal likes the city of Montreal, we know he wanted to remain with the Canadiens, and we are pleased to have him under contract for the next two seasons."

Huet, 30, was 18-11-4 last season with Montreal. The win total was a career-best, as were his 7 shutouts.

A native of St-Martin d’Heres, France, Huet won the 2005-06 Roger Crozier Saving Grace Award for the NHL’s best save percentage (.929). He ranked fourth in the league with a 2.20 goals against average, and second in shutouts.

Huet was named the Canadiens’ candidate for the Bill-Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

Huet was acquired by the Canadiens on June 26, 2004 from the Los Angeles Kings with forward Radek Bonk, in return for goaltender Mathieu Garon and a 3rd round selection in 2004.

[Fghtr4jc]

man, and i was hoping for a rumor that huet would be going to toronto!

[puck_it]

man, and i was hoping for a rumor that huet would be going to toronto!

just cause they signed him doesnt mean they cant trade him... which means he will be associated with a Leafs rumor in the next coming days

[Captain Slack]

Senators let Arnason go without offer

Canadian Press

6/26/2006 2:15:53 PM

OTTAWA (CP) - The Ottawa Senators declined to make a contract qualifying offer to Tyler Arnason before the Monday deadline, making the veteran centre an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Arnason was a flop after being acquired from Chicago for forward Brandon Bochenski last winter. In 19 games, Arnason had no goals and four assists. He was a healthy scratch during the playoffs.

He was being paid $1.2 million US last season, and GM John Muckler said Monday that he couldn't work the American into his budget for next season.

"I still think he's going to play in the NHL and probably get a contract somewhere else," said Muckler. "We asked him if he'd take a reduction in pay and he refused to do that.

"Our assessment was that we could do better in the free agency or trade markets."



Arnason "wasn't in good shape at all" when he reported from the Blackhawks, said Muckler.

Meanwhile, talks continue to retain the services of defencemen Zdeno Chara and Wade Redden, both of whom can become unrestricted free agents July 1.

The Senators' goaltending situation remains unclear. Ray Emery and Dominik Hasek might both be back, said Muckler. Or maybe not.

"I wish I could but it's still not clear," Muckler said when asked if he could clarify things. "We're still exploring all our options."

He was in the Roberto Luongo sweepstakes last weekend.

"I'm not going to comment on the players were offered but we felt it was fair and it was rejected," said Muckler.

Dead weight, anyone?

Lot of potential going unused here. Reminds of someone we used to lug around who had a fondness for donuts. ;)

[Caniac]

puck_it? :beatup:

[Alicia]

:laugh: :laugh:

[puck_it]

nah, see it says "used too lug around", you still lug me around... oh. wait. i get it :sad:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Bottom line, now that JJ KNOWS we were talking trade to the Penguins, we are almost obligated to get rid of 'im.

I don't know that that's true. It's not like we offered up JJ for the No. 2 pick. JR said that when a pick that high is available you owe i to your team to inquire. They did, and the Pens asked for JJ and Ladd. Nowhere does he say, "We told them we'd do it for JJ." Under the above assumption, we have to deal Ladd now, too. *shrug*

Enh, I don't know. I tend to think where there is smoke, there is fire. And there was TONS of smoke around us shopping JJ for that pick in the past few weeks.

[AbNormal27]

Biron signs qualifier; wants a trade

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - Goaltender Martin Biron received the Buffalo Sabres one-year qualifying offer and expects to sign it but only in hopes the team grants his wish to be traded.

"We would like for him to be traded as fast as possible," Biron's agent, Gilles Lupien said Monday.

Lupien said he will recommend his client accept the $2.1-million US offer by the NHL's mid-July deadline because it would potentially make a trade easier. By matching his salary last year, the Sabres retained rights to Biron.

A seven-year NHL veteran, Biron wants a shot at starting for another team after losing the No. 1 job in Buffalo to rookie Ryan Miller last season.

Lupien said Sabres general manager Darcy Regier assured him the team is attempting to make a trade.

"I think Darcy is really trying and that's the important part," Lupien said. "If he said, `No, we won't trade him,' then we would have a problem.

"But he said, `We're going to look into it,' and that's good enough for me."

Regier, who was not immediately available for comment, has previously said he is prepared to trade Biron but wants to ensure the Sabres have a capable and experienced backup in place first.

The Sabres, who traded former backup Mika Noronen to Vancouver in March, lack experienced goalie depth in their system, meaning the team would have to fill the backup job through free agency or a trade.

The Sabres also issued a one-year, $1.04-million qualifying offer to retain centre Tim Connolly, according to the player's agent, J.P. Barry. Connolly's status in Buffalo was a question mark because he is still recovering after missing the final 10 playoff games with a concussion.

Connolly missed the entire 2003-'04 season because of post-concussion symptoms. Coach Lindy Ruff said earlier in the day Connolly was gradually improving.

All NHL teams had until Monday to qualify their respective restricted free agents. The Sabres, who qualified co-captain Daniel Briere last week, did not announce whether they issued offers to all 15 regulars eligible to receive offers.

Biron is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, so it would be to the Sabres advantage to trade him now and get something in return.

Biron had a 21-8-0 record and 2.98 goals-against average with one shutout in 36 appearances last season. He also set a franchise record by winning 13 consecutive starts from Nov. 15 to Dec. 15, filling in while Miller recovered from a broken thumb.

Biron's playing time diminished down the stretch and he made no appearances during the team's extended playoff run, which ended with Buffalo losing Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final to eventual Stanley Cup-champion Carolina.

Both Lupien and Biron declined to speculate about whether Biron would consider not playing for the Sabres if a trade didn't materialize by the start of next season.

"It's really a fine line," Lupien said.

Added Biron: "I'm just hoping that I get to be a starter on opening night somewhere."

Although happy with the time he spent in Buffalo, Biron said he is eager for a fresh start.

"I love being here," Biron said. "But I want to play.

"I don't think that's being selfish. It's wanting to fulfill everything that you think you can do."

Buffalo's first-round pick in the 1995 draft, Biron has a career 122-111-25 record but was inconsistent after taking over the starting duties after Dominik Hasek forced his trade to Detroit in July 2001.

Biron was disappointed a trade didn't materialize during the NHL draft last weekend in Vancouver, which would have given him and his family time to get accustomed to a new city.

"I don't think that's unreasonable," Biron said. "But now that it didn't happen, hopefully things will happen quickly in the next few weeks."

Aaryn

[SoCalcaniac]

Not to be a kook or anything- but does Gilles Lupien represent all the french goalies? :crazy: his name just seems to be out there alot- I guess with all this Luongo stuff, now Biron wants a trade, and it just seems his name is all over the place.

Ok, as you were......... I'm probably over anyalyzing. ;)

[corylav]

Bruins deal Boynton to Coyotes for Mara

TSN.ca Staff

GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- The Boston Bruins have traded defenceman Nick Boynton and a 4th round draft choice in 2007 to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defenceman Paul Mara and a 3rd round draft choice in either the 2007 or 2008.

"You need only look at the physical components of the elite teams in the Western Conference to know that the addition of a young, hard-nosed two-way defenseman is a plus for our hockey club," said Coyotes general manager Michael Barnett.

Last season, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Boynton played 54 games with Boston, collecting 12 points. Boynton also ranked second on the team with 93 penalty minutes and averaged 20:38 minutes of ice time per game which ranked third among all Bruins.

The 27-year-old native of Nobleton, Ontario had his best season in 2003-04, when he recorded 30 points and 98 penalty minutes in 81 games with Boston. Boynton represented the Bruins at the 2004 NHL All-Star Game.

The 26-year-old Mara played 78 games with the Coyotes last season, recording 47 points and 70 penalty minutes.

In five seasons with Phoenix, the 6-foot-4, 219-pound blueliner, registered 142 points and 268 penalty minutes in 323 games.

Mara was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning, seventh overall in the 1997 draft.

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169808&hubname=nhl

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon announced Monday that the club has bought out the contracts of forwards Matthew Barnaby and Curtis Brown.

[raleighcanesfan]

The Sens want to trade Havlat to SJ for Toskala. I guess though the Sharks want Havlat signed to a multi-year contract first (UFA after next year) and Havlat wants one year, then test free agent markets. What a greedy #*(@#. Yes, I can understand his point, to an extent, but he is bordering on damaged merchandise with his antics on the ice and from stories in the locker room.
---
Can't understand why Muckler would want Toskala, unless there is no chance to resign Hasek (hopefully the man retires...)

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2006/06/27/havlat_making_things_difficult/

[raleighcanesfan]

Just some random rumors with no substantial proof:

-Barnaby and Brown may team up with Teddy on the Island, going back to their Sabres magic. Plus the Isles have some cap room. Look for a move or two by them

-Pronger to Pittsburgh? Many reported Shero tried to swing Gonchar and Caron for Pronger when the Staal--JJ fell through. Don't think it will happen, as it seems Shero is really into building for 3-4 years from now.

[apolinar]

Pronger to Pittsburgh?

I didn't know Pittsburgh had a Gucci store!

[raleighcanesfan]

Pronger to Pittsburgh?

I didn't know Pittsburgh had a Gucci store!

Heehee!! I wrote this in another thread, but I guess someone didn't tell Mrs. Pronger Kaufmann's and Lazarus went out of business in the 'Burgh (a little higher than our Hecht's type store)

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169890&hubname=nhl

The Year of the Free Agent Defenseman

Canadian Press

6/27/2006 8:57:55 PM

With so much media attention paid to Nicklas Lidstrom, Zdeno Chara, Wade Redden, Rob Blake and Ed Jovanovski, it's easy to forget there are other talented NHL defencemen slated for unrestricted free agency when the market opens Saturday.

"For free agency, this is the year of the defenceman," Nashville Predators GM David Poile said Tuesday.

"We don't know what's going to happen between now and July 1, but if there's not too many signings this week, there's going to be a lot of quality defencemen available."

Lidstrom, Redden and Blake are expected to stay put with their respective teams, leaving Chara and Jovanovski as the free-agent headliners. But don't forget the likes of Pavel Kubina, Willie Mitchell, Brendan Witt or Jay McKee.

"There's quantity and quality and there's some value out there," said Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke, whose team is on the lookout for defensive help.

If a team strikes out on the headliners, there's much more available: Hal Gill, Danny Markov, Kim Johnsson, Teppo Numminen, Francis Bouillon, Jaroslav Spacek, Niclas Wallin, Aaron Ward, Ruslan Salei, Brian Leetch, Brett Clark, Karlis Skrastins, Jason Woolley, Dick Tarnstrom, Joe Corvo, Filip Kuba, Daniel Tjarnqvist, Andrei Zyuzin, Ken Klee, Kenny Jonsson, Tom Poti, Jason Strudwick, Brian Pothier, Aki Berg, Alexander Khavanov, Mark Eaton, Luke Richardson, Nolan Baumgartner, Sean Brown, Keith Carney, Eric Weinrich.

"Yes, there's some good ones," Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon said from Chicago.

...

[AbNormal27]

Report: Desjardins to retire

Veteran defenseman Eric Desjardins will most likely retire after 17 years in the NHL, Flyers GM Bob Clark told the Philadelphia Daily News.
"Desjardins said he is feeling like he wants to retire," Clarke told the paper. "I met with him and we talked and he told me that he's thinking that that's what he will do."

Desjardins, 37, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and the paper claims the Flyers will not only balk at bringing him back, but they also will not re-sign Kim Johnsson, Donald Brashear, Brian Savage and Chris Therrien.

In 1,143 career NHL games with the Flyers and Montreal Canadiens, where he won a Stanley Cup (1992-93), Desjardins has accumulated 136 goals and 439 assists for 575 points, along with 757 penalty minutes.
The three-time All-Star was traded from Montreal to Philadelphia, along with Gilbert Dionne and John LeClair, on Feb. 9, 1995 in exchange for Mark Recchi and a third-round draft choice.

The Canadiens originally drafted Desjardins in the second-round, 38th overall, of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft.

Aaryn

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169921&hubname=nhl

Avalanche ink Laaksonen, Vaananen

Sports Ticker

6/28/2006 1:59:04 AM

DENVER, Colorado (Ticker) - The Colorado Avalanche retained a pair of key role players Tuesday, picking up the option on left wing Antti Laaksonen's deal for the 2006-07 season and signing defenseman Ossi Vaananen to a one-year contract.

"Both of these players had a strong season and were two of the many reasons why this club was successful in a very competitive division and conference," Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere said. "We look forward to solid performances from both of them again this upcoming year."

...

And from the TSN NHL Transactions (http://tsn.ca/nhl/transactions/) page:

Philadelphia signed forward Brad Tapper to a one-year contract.

[AbNormal27]

Leafs give McCabe deadline

The long drawn-out Bryan McCabe saga could be over by Thursday night.

According to the Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs have given the defenceman until 6 p.m. Thursday to decided whether to accept their contract offer or it will be pulled off the table.

The Leafs and McCabe agreed on terms a few weeks ago on a five-year $28.75 million deal, but McCabe has yet to sign it, leading to speculation that McCabe does not want to stay in Toronto because his wife wants to move back to Long Island, where her family resides.

With free agency set to begin Saturday, the Leafs do not want to be stuck without the freedom to pursue other options, such as trading for Edmonton's Chris Pronger.

Aaryn

[caveman]

ESPN put together a "top free agent" list, and even their "notable" list doesn't include Danny Markov (although it does include Wesley, Ward, and Wallin, and Gerber). If we end up needing another defenseman, let's hope ESPN's radar is shared by the other 29 NHL teams.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?id=2502306

On the "top" list, Recchi, Cullen, and Weight appear:

Doug Weight: The classy veteran, who earned his first Stanley Cup ring in Carolina, is likely headed back to St. Louis.

Mark Recchi: Carolina is unlikely to exercise its club option, making Recchi a free agent. He will likely return to Pittsburgh to play out the string on a long and admirable career.

Matt Cullen: Cullen, who turned in a wonderful performance in Game 7 of the finals and was terrific all season, will be an attractive second-line center because of his speed, skill and character. Carolina GM Jim Rutherford will try to keep him in the fold and it will be a surprise if he moves, given what seems to be a natural fit for both player and team.

[Alicia]

Leafs give McCabe deadline

The long drawn-out Bryan McCabe saga could be over by Thursday night.

According to the Toronto Star, the Maple Leafs have given the defenceman until 6 p.m. Thursday to decided whether to accept their contract offer or it will be pulled off the table.

The Leafs and McCabe agreed on terms a few weeks ago on a five-year $28.75 million deal, but McCabe has yet to sign it, leading to speculation that McCabe does not want to stay in Toronto because his wife wants to move back to Long Island, where her family resides.

With free agency set to begin Saturday, the Leafs do not want to be stuck without the freedom to pursue other options, such as trading for Edmonton's Chris Pronger.

Aaryn

Sure are throwing a LOT of $$$ his way. :crazy:

[AbNormal27]

Sure are throwing a LOT of $$$ his way. :crazy:

True, but he worked quite well with one Kaberle in Toronto. Anyone wish to see if he works as well with another one with the Hurricanes?

Aaryn

[aldamon]

but McCabe has yet to sign it, leading to speculation that McCabe does not want to stay in Toronto because his wife wants to move back to Long Island, where her family resides.

The wives of the NHL are not showing Canada much love lately. I don't hear too many complaints about Mayberry though. Go figure :laugh:

[ssangste]

Sure are throwing a LOT of $$$ his way. :crazy:

True, but he worked quite well with one Kaberle in Toronto. Anyone wish to see if he works as well with another one with the Hurricanes?

Aaryn

not a chance..... especially for that stupid money.... a defenseman who's a defensive liability.... not what I want.... what I saw of him in games last year, combined with Olympic play means I wouldn't touch him... I certainly wouldn't give him the kind of money he is getting.... just my not so humble opinion though :)

[caveman]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2503138

Dallas picks up their option on Klemm, who led the Stars with 161 blocked shots last season. In 713 NHL games, Klemm has 41 goals and 98 assists with 402 penalty minutes.

[caveman]

Colorado has got some big-time cap issues due to bonuses...

http://hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=2208

However, the Avalanche just disclosed that the bonuses exist and that they would count against the team's 2006-07 salary cap. It was quite a revelation, considering the Avalanche has signed 13 players for next season totaling about $27 million. Tack on the bonuses and the number for cap purposes reaches close to $32 million, with at least nine more players to be signed -- including potential unrestricted free agents Rob Blake, Brett Clark, Dan Hinote and Karlis Skrastins, along with seven potential restricted free agents that include Peter Budaj, John-Michael Liles, Brett McLean and Marek Svatos.

I can feel the drool forming at the thought of a few of those guys. Svatos can score goals, Budaj could be a quite serviceable backup, and we could do much worse than J-M Liles. Of course those are all RFAs, but how in the world are they going to get at least 9 more quality NHL players to fit under the $8M cap -- and that would leave them with zero flexibility at all during the season.

Svatos has had some shoulder issues and missed a lot of games. Carolina is a good place to rehab, I hear! Since he's coming back from an injury, a nice CBA-friendly offer sheet of a couple years at a couple million each, with a nice incentive package... but I guess we shouldn't play that game since we have our own RFA coming off of injury in Cole.

That Theodore trade sure looks rosy for them, uh-huh.

Yup.

[AbNormal27]

Sure are throwing a LOT of $$$ his way. :crazy:

True, but he worked quite well with one Kaberle in Toronto. Anyone wish to see if he works as well with another one with the Hurricanes?

Aaryn

not a chance..... especially for that stupid money.... a defenseman who's a defensive liability.... not what I want.... what I saw of him in games last year, combined with Olympic play means I wouldn't touch him... I certainly wouldn't give him the kind of money he is getting.... just my not so humble opinion though :)

Apparently a moot point now......

Maple Leafs' McCabe to accept deal

The waiting is over for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sources say defenceman Bryan McCabe, who is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on Saturday, has informed the NHL club he is accepting the five-year deal worh $5.75 million a year that was essentially negotiated a few weeks ago.

McCabe had told the Leafs he needed some more time to settle some personal matters before making the commitment. The Leafs gave McCabe a deadline of Thursday to let them know whether he would accept the offer or not and sources says the Leafs received that commitment today.

A formal announcement is expected in the next day or two.

McCabe earned $3.458 million US last season when he was third among all NHL defencemen in goals (19) and points (68). Both were career highs.

McCabe has 95 goals and 243 assists in 781 NHL games. He previously played for the New York Islanders, who drafted him 40th overall in 1993, the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks.

Chicago traded him to Toronto in October 2000 for Alexander Karpovtsev and Toronto's fourth-round choice (Vladimir Gusev) in the 2001 entry draft.

Aaryn

[nccanes]

And now Roberts wants to return to TO. :crazy:



http://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/content/sports/epaper/2006/06/29/a2c_nhl_0629.html

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Veteran left winger Gary Roberts has asked the Panthers for a trade back to Toronto this off-season so he can be closer to his teenage daughter, Florida General Manager Mike Keenan confirmed Wednesday.

Keenan said Roberts is concerned that his daughter Jordan, 16, who attends boarding school in Toronto, would be without supervision if he remains in Florida after Roberts' ex-wife Tammy recently moved to Calgary, where Roberts played for the Flames from 1986-96.

[Turbulence]

Sounds like he was a bit forced into that decision, though...

[caneshockeychick]

Okay, why wouldn't a mother (assuming she has custody) take her daughter with her? This is weird. Saw this in the news here this morning.

[nccanes]

Also returning to the fold is Bates Battaglia, who signed a one-year contract. The two-way deal pays him $500,000 if he plays for the Leafs and $95,000 if he spends the season with the Marlies.

[corylav]

Also returning to the fold is Bates Battaglia, who signed a one-year contract. The two-way deal pays him $500,000 if he plays for the Leafs and $95,000 if he spends the season with the Marlies.

^^^^^
good news!

[caneshockeychick]

Good for Bates...guess the "mayor of Glenwood South" will be residing elsewhere once the season starts ;)

[caveman]

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nhl&id=2503421

"Maple Leafs re-sign C Pohl"

[caveman]

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=169956&hubname=nhl

"Jeremy Roenick wants to play in Canada -- for Cheap"

[Alicia]

Good for Bates...guess the "mayor of Glenwood South" will be residing elsewhere once the season starts ;)

:sad: :)

[corylav]

Well, here it is:

Luongo agrees to terms with Canucks

TSN.ca Staff
6/29/2006 12:02:54 PM

TSN's sister station in Quebec RDS reports that goaltender Roberto Luongo has agreed to a four-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks worth $6.8 million US a season.

The Canucks will reportedly hold a news conference this afternoon to announce the deal.

Sources close to the recently traded netminder suggested on Wednesday that Luongo was close to finalizing a long-term agreement, but Canucks General Manager Dave Nonis said reports of a new contract for Luongo are premature.

The Canucks and Florida Panthers completed a multi-player trade involving Luongo last week, with Vancouver sending Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan Allen and Alexander Auld to Florida for Luongo, Lukas Krajicek and a 2006 sixth round pick.

[AbNormal27]

Arnott to test free agency

According to his agent, Dallas Stars’ Jason Arnott will test the free agent market starting Saturday, writes Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.

Unable to agree on the length of a contract, Arnott broke off talks with the team. "We've had our discussions, and it's clear that it won't get done now, so Jason will look at the marketplace," said his agent and brother Wade Arnott.

Dallas GM Doug Armstrong said has said the Stars are only considering long-term contracts for younger players. Arnott is 31.

Aaryn

[SoCalcaniac]

Luongo agrees to terms with Canucks

TSN.ca Staff
6/29/2006 12:02:54 PM

TSN's sister station in Quebec RDS reports that goaltender Roberto Luongo has agreed to a four-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks worth $6.8 million US a season.



This just proves all along, that it was all about the dicey relationship with Keenan and Luongo- Keenan offered Luongo 5 yrs @ 35 Million U.S. and that was right after the we got back from the Olympic break- Luongo wanted out of Florida, and he can plead that he didn't, that his wife's family is there, he loves the Panthers, etc., but truth is- he really didn't.

Keenan better hope Bertuzzi comes up big. Cause I think he's about to wear out his welcome in FLA.

[corylav]

nm

[puck_it]

Dave Lewis to coach Bruins
New Boston Bruins introduce Dave Lewis as coach

BOSTON (AP) - The last time Dave Lewis took over an NHL franchise, it was the defending Stanley Cup champion.

This time, Lewis will head up a team of young players who finished last in the Northeast Division.

Lewis was introduced Thursday as the new head coach of the Boston Bruins, succeeding Mike Sullivan, who was fired earlier this week. Lewis has a reputation for being a motivator, a skill that could help the young team.

"Once you put the jersey on, there's no place to hide. Everybody watches you once you step on the ice. That's the one great thing about this sport," Lewis said.

"If you say you're a great skill player, show me. If you're a character guy, show me. If you're a tough guy, show me," Lewis said.

Lewis spent 15 seasons as an assistant coach for the Red Wings before succeeding Scotty Bowman as head coach after they won their third Stanley Cup in six years in 2001-2002. He held the job for two seasons, but his contract wasn't renewed in June 2005 and stayed with Detroit as a scout.

In 17 seasons, Lewis helped coach two of the top goal scorers in NHL history: Steve Yzerman, ranked seventh with 692 goals, and Brendan Shanahan, ranked 15th with 598 goals.

With the Bruins, Lewis' top career goal scorer is Glen Murray, with 292. And Boston hasn't won the Stanley Cup since 1972.

Lewis signed a four-year deal with the Bruins. Terms weren't disclosed.

He was introduced by Peter Chiarelli, who is scheduled to officially take over as general manager July 15 after completing his duties as assistant GM of the Ottawa Senators.

Chiarelli touted the decades of experience Lewis brings to the job.

"We shared many common objectives with the ultimate goal of having this team return to its winning tradition," he said.

[caveman]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=2504384

Blues sign center Ryan Johnson, defenseman Matt Walker.

[ssangste]

This just proves all along, that it was all about the dicey relationship with Keenan and Luongo- Keenan offered Luongo 5 yrs @ 35 Million U.S. and that was right after the we got back from the Olympic break- Luongo wanted out of Florida, and he can plead that he didn't, that his wife's family is there, he loves the Panthers, etc., but truth is- he really didn't.

Keenan better hope Bertuzzi comes up big. Cause I think he's about to wear out his welcome in FLA.

was it 5 @ $35 or 5 @ $30? I remember the 5 @ $30 being the last I heard back in January.... not that I doubt there were a multitude of issues in Florida for Luongo and he wanted out.... but another $750K per year for one less year, on a winning team, if I remember the numbers correctly, is incentive.....

keenan has been on the hot seat for a while I think... it certainly appeared earlier in the season that he was well past wearing out his welcome... I think the fact that he got Olli signed helped ease things for a while... but if Bert is a flop and FLA essentially gives up Luongo for nothing, he'll likely get the boot....

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[nccanes]

According to the AP article about the Van signing

The Panthers said Luongo had declined four- and five-year offers. The last Florida offer to Luongo was for four seasons at $6.25 million.

[kpmnc24]

The rumor that Pronger wants to leave Edmonton because of family issues is getting more details. The new story is that he is going to be adding to his family, but his wife is not involved - he got a local TV reporter pregnant. Her name is Christie Chorley and it sounds like she is pretty far along in her pregnancy so she might even be showing now.

[kpmnc24]

The rumor that Pronger wants to leave Edmonton because of family issues is getting more details. The new story is that he is going to be adding to his family, but his wife is not involved - he got a local TV reporter pregnant. Her name is Christie Chorley and it sounds like she is pretty far along in her pregnancy so she might even be showing now.

[kpmnc24]

The rumor that Pronger wants to leave Edmonton because of family issues is getting more details. The new story is that he is going to be adding to his family, but his wife is not involved - he got a local TV reporter pregnant. Her name is Christie Chorley and it sounds like she is pretty far along in her pregnancy so she might even be showing now.

[kpmnc24]

The rumor that Pronger wants to leave Edmonton because of family issues is getting more details. The new story is that he is going to be adding to his family, but his wife is not involved - he got a local TV reporter pregnant. Her name is Christie Chorley and it sounds like she is pretty far along in her pregnancy so she might even be showing now.

[kpmnc24]

The rumor that Pronger wants to leave Edmonton because of family issues is getting more details. The new story is that he is going to be adding to his family, but his wife is not involved - he got a local TV reporter pregnant. Her name is Christie Chorley and it sounds like she is pretty far along in her pregnancy so she might even be showing now.

[kpmnc24]

The rumor that Pronger wants to leave Edmonton because of family issues is getting more details. The new story is that he is going to be adding to his family, but his wife is not involved - he got a local TV reporter pregnant. Her name is Christie Chorley and it sounds like she is pretty far along in her pregnancy so she might even be showing now.