NHL 2010 Off Season Thread

[El Fangel]

Yeah, Grats to the Hawks on their Cup, they deserve it.

Now Toronto is the longest without a cup :lol:

And props to Phillys unsung heros, Boucher and Leighton.

[Arashi Kage]

A bit premature for me to bring this up, but during the coming off-season months:

Is Price as good as gone from the Habs now? Halak demonstrated that he is a franchise goalie. Or do the Habs cash in on Halak's playoff value and attempt to gain some star power in the goal scoring department?

Hate to see Price traded away, he had a great "prologue" with his junior career, world junior performance, Caldar Cup performance in Hamilton, but he's hit some stubling blocks with the Habs and his development as a successor to Roy and Dryden.

Lecavalier? Could he return to being one of the league's elite with a move to his home in Montreal? Or would he cumble under the extreme attention and pressure with playing in Montreal with such high expectations?

edit added:

Do the leafs make a push for the playoffs? Do they still have a first round pick for next year's draft? Do they continue rebuilding in hopes of a high pick next year? Is Wilson gone if they leafs are out of the top 8 come November?

[OssMan]

Caps will drop Jose Theodore

[El Fangel]

A bit premature for me to bring this up, but during the coming off-season months:

Is Price as good as gone from the Habs now? Halak demonstrated that he is a franchise goalie. Or do the Habs cash in on Halak's playoff value and attempt to gain some star power in the goal scoring department?

There was rumors that they intend on keeping both.

Trade rumors with Philly for Halak if I remember correctly as well.

Hate to see Price traded away, he had a great "prologue" with his junior career, world junior performance, Caldar Cup performance in Hamilton, but he's hit some stubling blocks with the Habs and his development as a successor to Roy and Dryden.

Lecavalier? Could he return to being one of the league's elite with a move to his home in Montreal? Or would he cumble under the extreme attention and pressure with playing in Montreal with such high expectations?

That would be beyond awesome, but having three centers, Plekanec, MoneyWhore and Vinny may be clusterfucking it up.

edit added:

Do the leafs make a push for the playoffs?
Like the last 4 years...

Do they still have a first round pick for next year's draft?
No, they traded that as well. Everyone knows they cant draft for shit so why not trade the picks.

Do they continue rebuilding in hopes of a high pick next year?
They would have to start to continue.

Is Wilson gone if they leafs are out of the top 8 come November?
If they win 1/8 I would be surprised.

[RoXer]

This is just the 2010 offseason. 2011 is next year.

Or just call this the "NHL 2010 offseason thread for the 2010-2011 season"

[Londoner]

Laughing at toronto is pretty pointless tbh. Not like they ever had a chance!

[The Franchise]

Sharks are probably dying to get rid of Nabokov.

I'm hoping too see some changes to the Flames this off-season and I'm curious what happens with the Caps goal tending situation.

[LoDownM]

Kinda got lost on NHL.com with the Hawks winning last night.

Reports: Rob Blake to retire


Wednesday, 06.09.2010 / 4:53 PM / News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews&view=headline)
NHL.com
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According to an exclusive report on Comcast SportNet Bay Area, San Jose Sharks (http://sharks.nhl.com/) captain Rob Blake (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8445550) will announce his retirement in the coming days.

The report indicated Blake is waiting until the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final to make it official and an official announcement is expected early next week. The Sharks declined comment on the report.

Blake has played 1,270 regular games with the Los Angeles Kings (http://kings.nhl.com/), Colorado Avalanche (http://avalanche.nhl.com/) and Sharks. Blake was a member of Colorado's 2001 Stanley Cup championship team.

He was named Sharks' captain prior to the 2009-10 season, appearing in 70 games, scoring 7 goals and 23 assists. He had 1 goal and 1 assist in 15 playoff games this spring.

[El Fangel]

Damn, thanks for the good times Mr. Blake. you will be missed.

[El Fangel]

Also, have to say upon reading more into the Leafs history, I have come to the conclusion that they are the most insanely fucking stupid franchise in the world.

My reasons.

1) They had the territoral rights to the first and only defenseman to win the league scoring title, Bobby Orr. They took a pass and Boston got him, albeit not cheaply.

2) 1990 NHL Draft - They had 10th overall pick, Martin Brodeur was taken 20th.

3) A player who was offered 8 million for a one year deal in 1995 to sign with Vancouver, but turned it down because the Leafs made an offer although at a MUCH lower salary then backed out due to not wanting to spend so much on an older player.

That player then went to the Rangers. He retired April 19th/1999 as the current holder of 61 league records.

Wayne Gretzky.

4) Total points by the 9 players chosen by Toronto in the 1999 NHL Draft? 1


If anyone is a leafs fan, just try to argue, I dare you.

[LoDownM]

I really doubt back in 1990 anyone thought Brodeur would be where he was today.

[El Fangel]

I really doubt back in 1990 anyone thought Brodeur would be where he was today.

Except NJD.

[LoDownM]

I doubt it. He could've gone to the Leafs, and ended up a nobody because they didn't play the trap effectively.

[Gertner]

Toronto was an abysmal defensive team before Burns and Fletcher came aboard. They scored in bunches though.

Toronto's failure in the 70's and 80's had alot to do with Harold Ballard was is quite possibly the worst owner in the history of the NHL.

The Leafs were on the way down in 95 FA so I doubt Gretzky would have made any impact so that point is retarded.

[El Fangel]

Toronto was an abysmal defensive team before Burns and Fletcher came aboard. They scored in bunches though.

Toronto's failure in the 70's and 80's had alot to do with Harold Ballard was is quite possibly the worst owner in the history of the NHL.

The Leafs were on the way down in 95 FA so I doubt Gretzky would have made any impact so that point is retarded.

In its near 100 year history, they have had only 5 fifty goal scorers, 3 were the same guy.

Ballard hands down.

Sundin put up 90+ points the following season. Gretzky would have broken 100. Would have been only the 3rd leaf to do so.

[Gertner]

The leafs were horrible in th 95-96 season. Gretzky wouldn't have made the difference.

Who cares if they have only had 5 50 goal scorers. Kovalchuk scores 50 every year and can't get out of the first round.

[weather vane]

Who gives a fuck about the Leafs? They are garbage. Thank you for Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin...

Now lets move on.

[El Fangel]

Seguin, Read somewhere that oilers intend on Hall.

Still can't believe they traded all that for Kessel. Though they do have a nice defensive core in phaneuf, kaberle and schenn.

[Gertner]

Hoping the Leafs re-sign Kulemin, but Kulemin is holding out for alot of money. Really liked the chemistry shown by him, Kessel and Bozak.

One free agent that I'd like to see the Leafs take a run at is Colby Armstrong. Hard checker, scores between 18-20 goals, solid pk guy.

I'm guessing the Leafs are going to sign Aaron Asham since they want to fill the spot vacated by Jamal Mayers: someone to fight all the players that haven't been murdered by Colton Orr.

[OssMan]

Colby Armstrong is such a piece of shit

[El Fangel]

Hoping the Leafs re-sign Kulemin, but Kulemin is holding out for alot of money. Really liked the chemistry shown by him, Kessel and Bozak.

One free agent that I'd like to see the Leafs take a run at is Colby Armstrong. Hard checker, scores between 18-20 goals, solid pk guy.

I'm guessing the Leafs are going to sign Aaron Asham since they want to fill the spot vacated by Jamal Mayers: someone to fight all the players that haven't been murdered by Colton Orr.

And who can score more then 4 times in 82 games?

Calling it now, they sign Matt Cooke.

[LoDownM]

Dion Phaneuf named new Leafs captain


Monday, 06.14.2010 / 3:20 PM / News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews&view=headline)
NHL.com
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Dion Phaneuf (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470602) was introduced as the new captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs (http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/) at the Real Sports Bar & Grill at Maple Leaf Square on Monday. He becomes the 18th captain of the Maple Leafs and the 22nd in the long history of the Toronto franchise dating back to the roots of the Toronto Arenas and Toronto St. Patricks. On hand to assist with the special announcement were former team captains George Armstrong (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8444971), Wendel Clark (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8446085) and Darryl Sittler (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8451386).

Toronto Maple Leafs (http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/) President and General Manager Brian Burke (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8445782) said, "Today is a very important day for the Toronto Maple Leafs (http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/). The Leafs have had many great players fulfill this role in the long history of the franchise, and we wouldn't be taking this direction if we didn't think it was absolutely the right step. We liked the impact Dion made with players, coaches and fans alike since his arrival and we consider him a building block toward future team success."

Phaneuf, 25, was obtained by the Maple Leafs in a multi-player trade with the Calgary Flames (http://flames.nhl.com/) on January 31, 2010. He played in 26 games after his arrival and recorded two goals and eight assists while picking up 34 minutes in penalties. He averaged 26:21 in ice-time with the Maple Leafs. Overall in 2009-10, he collected 32 points (12g, 20a) in 81 contests.

The native of Edmonton, Alberta leads all NHL defencemen in goals (77), powerplay goals (48), game-winning goals (22) and shots (1237) since entering the league in 2005-06. He has played in at least 79 games in all of his five NHL seasons since entering the league in 2005-06.

He was runner-up for the James Norris Trophy as the NHL's most outstanding all-around defenceman in 2007-08 and was a nominee for the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie in 2005-06

[El Fangel]

Im guessing Mr. Kaberle will be out of town this summer.

[The Franchise]

lol Phaneuf being the captain of the laughs is fitting

[El Fangel]

Carey Price #31 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carey-Price-31/14996086810) RUMEUR (les chances sont vraiment mince que cet échange arrive) CAREY a philadephie pour C. GIROUX / RUMOUR (the chances of this trade happening are really small) CAREY to philadelphia for C. GIROUX

[El Fangel]

Carey Price #31 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carey-Price-31/14996086810) RUMEUR: Steve Yzerman aimerait bel et bien mettre la main sur Carey Price mais il trouve les demandes de Pierre Gauthier trop élevées. Et non… le nom de Lecavalier ne fait partie des demandes de Pierre Gauthier! / RUMOUR: Steve Yzerman would like to have Price on his team but he finds that Pierre Gauthier's demands are way too much. and no, Vincent lecavalier is not part of gauthier's demands.

[LoDownM]

After Halak's showing in the playoffs, I wouldn't be surprised.

[El Fangel]

ROFL

Habs are looking for Stamkos.

Reports are coming in that Yzerman is in the hospital with uncontrollable laughter.

[YOUR Hero]

The Bolts should go after Price, young and talented, he's got so much promise. I could see Lecavier going back to the Habs in the deal. There's more factor than the 1 to 1 deal here.
We'll see.

[LoDownM]

Blues acquire Halak from Montreal


Thursday, 06.17.2010 / 4:36 PM / News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/newsindex.htm?location=%2Fnews&view=headline)
By Dave Lozo (http://www.nhl.com/ice/newsindex.htm?author=2460&view=headline) - NHL.com Staff Writer
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Jaroslav Halak (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470860), who was being compared to Patrick Roy (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8451033) and Ken Dryden during this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, had his rights traded Thursday by the Montreal Canadiens (http://canadiens.nhl.com/) to the St. Louis Blues (http://blues.nhl.com/) in exchange for prospects Lars Eller (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474189) and Ian Schultz (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474647).

The 25-year-old goaltender is set to become a restricted free agent on July 1 after one of the more remarkable and unexpected runs in playoff history. If the Blues are unable to sign Halak, they will receive compensation depending on the size of the offer sheet.

Halak carried the eighth-seeded Canadiens past the top-seeded Washington Capitals (http://capitals.nhl.com/) and defending-champion Pittsburgh Penguins (http://penguins.nhl.com/) before running out of gas in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Philadelphia Flyers (http://flyers.nhl.com/). Halak finished the postseason with a 2.55 goals-against average and a League-leading .923 save percentage, but the Canadiens decided to hitch their future to Carey Price (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471679), the 22-year-old who became an afterthought once Halak got hot toward the end of the regular season.

Price has yet to build on his outstanding rookie season of 2007-08, but now there is no one in Montreal to stand in his way. Halak went 26-13-5 this past season with a 2.40 GAA and .924 save percentage. Price went 13-20-5 with a 2.77 GAA and .912 save percentage. Both Halak and Price entered the offseason as restricted free agents, but it was Halak who was shipped away despite an outstanding performance this spring.

The Canadiens trailed the Capitals 3-1 in their best-of-series, but Halak stepped in after being benched in Game 4 and stopped 131 of 134 shots over the final three games of the series to spark the upset. Halak continued his heroics in the second round against the Penguins, making 71 saves on 76 shots to help win Games 6 and 7 and overcome a 3-2 deficit in that series.

It's hard to find a comparable situation to Halak's, but goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8459140) backstopped the Tampa Bay Lightning (http://lightning.nhl.com/) to a Stanley Cup in 2003-04. He posted a 1.71 GAA and .933 save percentage that spring, but wasn't brought back when he became a free agent after the lockout and signed with the Chicago Blackhawks (http://blackhawks.nhl.com/).

The Blues were looking for an upgrade at goaltender with Chris Mason (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8462152) hitting the market as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Mason finished 2009-10 with a 30-22-8 record, a 2.53 GAA and .913 save percentage. Ty Conklin (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469152), who is signed through next season, will likely be Halak's backup.

"Jaroslav's play in this year's regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs was remarkable," Blues president John Davidson (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8446323) said in a statement. "He has had very impressive numbers in the NHL and we are thrilled that he will be wearing the Bluenote for us."

The 21-year-old Eller is a native of Denmark who spent two seasons with Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League before playing for the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL this past season. In 70 games with Peoria, the center had 18 goals and 39 assists. Eller also had 2 goals in 7 games with the Blues in 2009-10.

Schultz, the younger brother of the Capitals' Jeff Schultz (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471240), is a more raw prospect who currently plays with the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL. The 20-year-old right wing had 24 goals and 31 assists in 70 games this past season.

[LoDownM]

Jaw meet Floor.

[IC Champion]

I hope Bob gainey, and Gautheir and who ever else all lose their heads for this. Seriously, fire them all. Montreal is making the playoffs this year, unless they sign another top 3 forward and and top 2 defence. Seriously if this is just to clear space to re-sign Plakanec than they are retarded, the guy was a non-factor in the playoffs. I expect big things to happen by way of trade, or signings or I am seriously question the sanity of Montreals managment.

[OssMan]

Halak traded WOW

[El Fangel]

Fucking retarded.

[McLegend]

He's just a goalie that got hot.

[LoDownM]

Oh you mean like Craig Anderson who got hot in Florida and stayed hot in Colorado? And Halak was better then Price all season long. Stupid choice to trade away the better of your two goalies.

[LoDownM]

Can't believe I just defended Halak, gotta shower now, feel dirty.

[IC Champion]

Tampa Bay needs a gaolie, your telling me they wouldnt move one of there over paid players, either Lacavilier or St Loius for halak? Come on. Detriot needs a goalie. Philly. No one was willing to give up more than 2 unproven minor leaguers? Like Come on now guys.

[McLegend]

It's all about the team around the Goaltender.

Blackhawks goaltender sucked, but yet they were the best team. In Salary Cap era why would I spend extra money on Halak who got outplayed by the medicore Michael Leighton?

[IC Champion]

You just finished stating it's all about the team around the goaltending in one sentence, and then ignore your statement in the next. Philly outplayed a tired and undermanned Montreal team. If it wasnt for Halak, they wouldn't have gotten out of the first round.

[El Fangel]

IC, Jimmy Howard would like to have a word with you.

[IC Champion]

Pffft, Jimmy Howard should shut his mouth, and watch some of the weak goals he gave up in round two.

[McLegend]

Right then Halak got cold and fell apart with the rest of the team. Why not use the money for other needs that a team has, and not something that can just come down to luck every year it seems?

The luck factor is the hot goaltender. Sell the guy while he is hot, becuase he will not be worth the price he is asking for. He'll never be that good again.

[IC Champion]

Umm you realize Price is going to cost something similar, maybe a bit less. How can you say he wont be that good again? The man has some ridiculously quick feet, and takes away the lower half of the net better than anyone. He controls rebounds, and has a good glove. But he just got hot, for the entire season, Olympics, and the playoffs. It was luck though.

[IC Champion]

You are just retarded for saying he won't be that good again, when he has proven that he can be. I mean come on and use your head. And they got NOTHING for him. They gave him away. Trading and getting nothing now, or trading and getting nothing later, is still nothing.

[McLegend]

In happens every year with some goalie it seems. They are good in the playoffs then next year they fall off the face of the Earth.


It will happen again next year to someone. I would be shocked if he remained the starting Goalie for the Blues next year.

[IC Champion]

Ty Conklin is going to step his game up and become a starter? I don't think so.

I'm sure someone said the same thing about Hasek and Roy, and every other goalie that has come from nowhere. Hell I remember Curtis Joseph wouldnt be good in Edmonton, and then he was done when he went to Toronto the first time. There are also plenty of cases of guys who have there coming out parties in the playoffs. But again, Halak was solid all year long, and has been the better of the two since Price showed up.

[McLegend]

Hasak and Roy are the two of the greatest goalies of all time. The chances of Halak being as good as them has to be pretty low?

Now the year before Price was good the entire year correct? I'm basing this off of that

I would just keep Price, and hoped he turned it back around or get someone cheaper build the team up, and see where the chips fall.

[IC Champion]

I'm not saying he's a hasek or Roy, I was using them as examples and for comparisons.

Of course you would keep Price, you don't watch the Habs, and probably haven't looked at his numbers from this past season, pretty mediocre. Price gives up softy's and isn't mentaly ready yet. You want to save some cash, thats great. In football you don't skimp on paying your quaterback, and in hockey you don't cheap out on a goalie. Now go watch the phillies play lol.

[YOUR Hero]

Great move by St. Louis and dare I say Montreal. I'm not sold on Price, he seems to have a head-case issue. BUT the Habs know him way better than we do, so if they think he's the one to get behind, then I'll go with the decision. I really liked Halak's game though. St. Louis just got a lot better. Let's see what the prospects MTL got in return can do.

[El Fangel]

The problem I have with the trade is, they could have gotten more I think and the fact I have almost no confidence in Price anymore.

I just don't think he is the right goalie to be starting 60 games.

[The Franchise]

Halak? The Blues indeed just got a lot better. I'd love to see St. Louis back in the playoffs.. always liked them and Kariya is one of my all time favs

[BollywoodSingh]

Considering that Halak is an RFA, the Habs got a pretty good return in my opinion. Lars Eller is a great prospect, I have heard him being compared to Anze Kopitar.

[El Fangel]

Eller is a great prospect, but him and a 4th liner for Halak just seems so cheap.

[El Fangel]

I can't find where I read it now, but Toronto intends to trade Kaberle when his trade window opens July 1st.

[El Fangel]

Souray wants a trade out of Edmonton as well.

[Adder]

Could the Habs have gotten more for Halak?
I don't think so. His value was at it's highest right now and Eller is a great prospect. I believe Price would have gotten them less. Price is young and has great upside. They're banking that he gets his form back. I think he needs to see a sports psychologist or something to that effect in order to get his MOJO back

[BollywoodSingh]

The Habs could have only got more for Halak if they signed him first then traded him. Remember, the Blues still have to sign Halak as he's an RFA.

[OssMan]

Schedules are out

[LoDownM]

Articles way to long, but Scott Niedermayer retired. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=532328&navid=DL|NHL|home

[LoDownM]

Annnnd the Sharks finally give up on Nabokov.

[El Fangel]

Hortan to Bruins for Wideman and 15th overall pick
Plekanec signed to 6 year contract

[Kapoutman]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuck.

Not a fan of Plekanec.

[weather vane]

Bruins just got so much better!!!! FINALLY we stole a trade...

[weather vane]

Lucic Savard Horton
Seguin/Hall Krejci Ryder
Sturm Bergeron Recchi/Wheeler
Thornton Sobotka Campbell

Chara Seidenberg
Boychuk Stuart
Ference Hunwick

Rask
Thomas


If we can somehow get ride of Thomas and get another good D man... wow.

[Emperor Smeat]

Tampa Bay is trying to create a deal to get Thomas which would explain why they didn't go after Halak.

Only issue I have with Bruins trying to get rid of Thomas is who would be Rask's backup in case he gets hurt or needs a game off.

[weather vane]

Well there is a few choices...

Johan Hedberg
Patrick Lalime
Vesa Toskala
Manny Legace
Wade Dubielewicz
Dan Ellis
Martin Biron
Alex Auld
Ray Emery
Chris Mason
Antero Nittymaki
Andrew Raycroft
Jose Theodore

Or we can make the trade with Tampa and get Mike Smith in the deal...

[El Fangel]

What spilly said.

Caron third line RW would be nice as well.

[LoDownM]

The Chicago Blackhawks (http://blackhawks.nhl.com/) reportedly have dealt playoff hero Dustin Byfuglien (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470834) to Atlanta as part of a multi-player deal.

ESPN.com and TSN report that the Hawks sent Byfuglien, Ben Eager (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470280), defenseman Brent Sopel (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8462176) and a prospect to the Thrashers for the first-round pick (No. 24) Atlanta acquired from New Jersey in the Ilya Kovalchuk (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8469454) trade, a second-round pick (No. 54) that also came from New Jersey, prospect Jeremy Morin (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8475214) and veteran forward Marty Reasoner (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8464967).

TSN reports that the prospect going from Chicago to Atlanta is Akim Aliu (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474049), a second-round choice by Chicago in 2007.

The Hawks and Thrashers have a connection -- Rick Dudley, the Thrashers' new general manager, worked for the Blackhawks for five years before joining Atlanta last summer and being promoted to GM this spring.

Byfuglien, a 25-year-old forward, had 17 goals and 17 assists in 82 games with the Hawks during the regular season, then added 11 goals – including five game-winners, during Chicago’s run to the Stanley Cup. Sopel, 33, had 1 goal and 7 assists in 73 regular-season games and was 1-5-6 in 22 playoff games. Eager had 7 goals and 9 assists with 120 PIM in 60 regular-season games. He played 18 playoff games with 1 goal, 2 assists and 20 PIM.

"It is what it is," Byfuglien said on "The Afternoon Saloon" on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. "It's part of the job. You're not going to stick in one spot the whole time, so I've got to go."

Reasoner, a 33-year-old who's played 11 NHL seasons, had 4 goals and 13 assists in 80 regular-season games. Morin was taken in the second round (No. 45) by the Thrashers last year. He had 47 goals and 36 assists for Kitchener of the Ontario Hockey League in 2009-10, and also scored 2 goals and 5 assists for Team USA’s gold medal-winning squad at the World Junior Championship.

"You can't beat going to a team that just won the Stanley Cup," Reasoner told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's website.

"It's always a little shocking to be traded, but we've all gone through it before," he said of being traded. "I would have liked to stay in Atlanta for another year and help that team build, but it's a new chapter. It will be exciting. You can tell from watching the playoffs that the Blackhawks have taken over the city."

[OssMan]

Bruins have the second pick? Damn

[El Fangel]

Wow, didnt expect the Byfuglien trade at all.

[LoDownM]

Myers wins Calder, Datsyuk wins the <s>Datsyuk</s>Selke.

[El Fangel]

Haha, both expected.

[El Fangel]

Ovy for Hart and Miller for Vezina

[LoDownM]

Don't know if anyone else is watching the awards show, but lol @ the Getzlaf/Ryan thing they just showed.

[LoDownM]

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What I was talking about.

[El Fangel]

I was half right, grats to Sedin for winning the Hart.

[El Fangel]

Rofl at that Ryan/Getzlaf bit.

[LoDownM]

http://www.sportscity.com/nhl/2010-nhl-unrestricted-free-agents-by-position/

Could be an interesting "free agent season" this year.

[Hanso Amore]

Calder and A Vezina is hotness. If only we could make a few moves maybe we could add a cup.

[LoDownM]

I know I'm in dreamland here, but I'd love to see Frolov or Kovalchuk take a pay cut and go to Pittsburgh.

[El Fangel]

Buffalo is a good team, Vanek and Roy just kinda had off years.

[XCaliber]

I'm really curious too see where Mary Turco ends up and I think Taylor Hall will be picked #1 by the Edmonton Oilers it's just a hunch I dunno why though.

[El Fangel]

They traded for a center, I dont think they are going to take another center myself. I see Hall, Seguin, Gublanson, Fowler, Niederreither in the top 5.

[El Fangel]

I'm really curious too see where Mary Turco ends up and I think Taylor Hall will be picked #1 by the Edmonton Oilers it's just a hunch I dunno why though.

I would guess, San Jose or Philly.

[The Fraze]

What!? Chicago traded Buff? That is completely unexpected. Especially after his performance in this year's playoffs. The Halak trade surprises me as well.

On an unrelated but also important note, The Sharks decided not to offer Evgeni Nabakov a contract. I know it's been mentioned already but I'd like to reiterate it seeing as I'm from San Jose. They did sign Marleau and Pavelski though for the next 4 years.

[YOUR Hero]

I love what Chicago has done. Good move by them to free cap money.

[Hanso Amore]

CHicago is in CAP HELL. They droped salary and got GREAT value in return. Buff is a man, but his value is inflated right now. Hes a hella good playoff player, but you still need players to get you there and he is only a 17 goal scorer. Great way for Chicago to stock the cupboards.

Buffalo is in the shit. THye are a good team, they are not built for a playoff run. THey are really soft.

Roy, Stafford, Connoly, Pomminville. You cant make a deep run with them as 4 of your top 6. They really need to just shake it up a little bit. Some of these guys are too cocky, they were on the Back to Back Conference finals teams, and still think they are elite.

It seemed like they realized this when halfway through the boston series they brought up prospects and put them on the ice.

I am excited for a Full year of Tyler Ennis. If he can improve his finishing he could be a game changer with his speed and skill.

Myers is my favorite player already. He is a premier talent.

At the end of the day, the Sabres have 14 million in cap space, and plenty of parts to swap, and I just don't see them pulling the trigger on anything.

We need a puck moving defenseman, and there are rumors we are interested in Kaberle, but there is no way Darcy Regier makes that trade.

I would shit my pants if they just throw 8 milion a year at Kovalchuk and put him on a line with Roy and Vanek.

[El Fangel]

Need another top Defense and a good young RW and I think Buffalo has it.

[Adder]

Kovalchuk seems like another soft playoff player.

[LoDownM]

Well in his defense, he's never been on a team that's gotten past the 1st round.

[Hanso Amore]

Well Buffalo is most likely letting their 3rd and 4th bes defenders walk, so they need to make a splash. Craig Rivet is too old to be a top defender. THey got a kid named Webber who is ready to play next year, so they can park him on the 3rd pair with Steve Montador. Or maybe even on the 2nd line with Rivet, but they need to add someone to pair with Myers.

RW is the sabres weakest spot. Pommoniville is a good 2nd line skill player, but they need someone big on the front line. Stafford just never developed. They were interested in Horton, but of course that didnt happen.

[Penner]

Chicago IMO made some pretty smart moves, they had like 5 people with ridic salaries

I hope the Leafs trade Kaberle for a pick or a centre

[Adder]

Kaberle is such an asset, I don't quite get the overwhelming desire to part with him.

[weather vane]

Tyler Seguin motherfuckers!!!!

[El Fangel]

RW is the sabres weakest spot. Pommoniville is a good 2nd line skill player, but they need someone big on the front line. Stafford just never developed. They were interested in Horton, but of course that didnt happen.

Kassian? You know that guy they drafted in the first round not so long ago that would be a perfect fit.



I hope the Leafs trade Kaberle for a pick or a centre

That would be the smart thing to do, sadly it will likely be for a 2nd Rounder or Scott Gomez.

Kaberle is such an asset, I don't quite get the overwhelming desire to part with him.

He has to much talent to play for Toronto.

[LoDownM]

I know theres like 1.5 Flyers fans here, but Flyers apparently traded for Nabokov. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=533023

[Splaya]

Tampa Bay needs a gaolie, your telling me they wouldnt move one of there over paid players, either Lacavilier or St Loius for halak? Come on. Detriot needs a goalie. Philly. No one was willing to give up more than 2 unproven minor leaguers? Like Come on now guys.

Are you out of your mind. Detroit does not need a goalie

[Zen v.W.o.]

They need an enforcer.

[Hanso Amore]

Kassian? You know that guy they drafted in the first round not so long ago that would be a perfect fit.



That would be the smart thing to do, sadly it will likely be for a 2nd Rounder or Scott Gomez.



He has to much talent to play for Toronto.

Kassian got in trouble for getting into a bar fight in windsor. Now they have decided not to sign him this year. Kassian is going to be amazing when he finally makes it to the show next year though.

[El Fangel]

Lol, just read that online and was about to post it.

[XCaliber]

I know theres like 1.5 Flyers fans here, but Flyers apparently traded for Nabokov. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=533023

Now that's what I call a shitty deal.

[El Fangel]

a 7th Round Pick is a shitty deal?

[Gertner]

Loved the Leafs picking up Mike Brown. Aside from Orr their forwards were horribly soft. Brown can skate like the wind, is a solid checker and can fight a little. Also really liked the Leafs drafting Brad Ross in the 2nd. He's the next shit disturber in the NHL and can score. Reminds me of Darcy Tucker and Steve Downie.

[XCaliber]

a 7th Round Pick is a shitty deal?

Hell yeah this is not to be confused with the 7th overall pick.

[LoDownM]

How is it a bad deal when the Sharks weren't going to resign him in the first place?

[XCaliber]

Whoops i'd forgotten that little tidbit of info in that case that's not so bad Montreal got more for Halak though.

[XCaliber]

I'm really curious too see where Mary Turco ends up and I think Taylor Hall will be picked #1 by the Edmonton Oilers it's just a hunch I dunno why though.

THAT'S RIGHT I CALLED IT!

[weather vane]

Yeah that was a tough prediction

[Gertner]

I predict that Toronto will not have their first round pick in 2011

[El Fangel]

So, Montreal shows confidence in Price.

They acquired Dan Ellis' rights.

He will have the starting job by Oct 10th.

[LoDownM]

Hawks deal Versteeg to Leafs in 5-player trade


Wednesday, 06.30.2010 / 11:05 PM / 2010 Offseason News (http://www.nhl.com/ice/newsindex.htm?location=%2Foffseason%2F2010&view=headline)
NHL.com
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Kris Versteeg (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8471346) became the latest member of the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks (http://blackhawks.nhl.com/) to wind up with a new address just weeks after the team's six-game victory over the Flyers in the Final.

Versteeg and prospect Bill Sweatt (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474035) were traded Wednesday night to the Toronto Maple Leafs (http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/) in exchange for forwards Viktor Stalberg (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473537), Philippe Paradis (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8475152) and Christopher DiDomenico (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8474018), as the Blackhawks continued to shed salary in advance of the free-agent signing period that begins at noon ET Thursday.

Prior to last weekend's Entry Draft, the Blackhawks traded Stanley Cup Playoff hero Dustin Byfuglien (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470834) and two other members of their Cup-winning squad, Ben Eager (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8470280) and Brent Sopel (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8462176), to the Atlanta Thrashers (http://thrashers.nhl.com/).

The Maple Leafs, who surrendered their first-round picks in this year's and next year's drafts to the Boston Bruins (http://bruins.nhl.com/) in the Phil Kessel (http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8473548) trade, added some proven firepower to their attack, as well as a player who could factor in down the road.

Versteeg, 24, scored 20 goals and 44 points this past season, adding 6 goals and 14 points in 22 playoff games. Originally a fourth-round pick by the Bruins, he has career totals of 44 goals and 101 points in 170 NHL games, all for Chicago.

Sweatt, 21, was taken in the second round by the Blackhawks in the 2007 Entry Draft. An Illinois native, he has recorded 46 goals and 109 points in 143 games at Colorado College.

Meanwhile, the Blackhawks get some young talent of their own in return.

Stalberg showed promise during his rookie season, scoring 9 goals and 14 points in 40 NHL games. A sixth-round choice in 2006, the 24-year-old was a Hobey Baker finalist during his time at the University of Vermont.

The 19-year-old Paradis is a former first-round pick of the Hurricanes in the 2009 Entry Draft who was then dealt to the Leafs in December. He made the jump from Shawinigan of the QMJHL to the AHL Toronto Marlies and posted 2 assists in four AHL games.

DiDomenico, 21, was taken in the fifth-round in 2007. He has played the past four seasons in the QMJHL for Saint John and Drummondville, totaling 90 goals and 251 points in 203 games. DiDomenico led Drummondville during the last postseason with 14 assists and tied for the team lead with 21 points.

[LoDownM]

Ugh Rumor is Gonchar signed with the Senators.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Hey guys,

Just thought I would make a thread and let you guys know what is going on in the NHL today, as it is the first day of the free agent market.


The first BIG signing goes to the Ottawa Senators as they ink Sergie Gonchar to a 3 year 5.5 Million dollar contract which includes a no trade clause.

[LoDownM]

Keep it in the offseason thread

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Trade Rumor Alert:

Regher (CGY) for Savard (BOS)

Problem with this is both players have a no trade clause, but the teams are working hard to make it happen.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

The Calgary Flames have signed forward Alex Tanguay to a one year 1.7 Million Dollar Deal.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

The Carolina Hurricanes agree to terms with Anton Babchuk on a one-year deal. The contract will pay Babchuk $1.4 million in 2010-11.

[Kapoutman]

Not a rumour. Confirmed.

PLUS:

Biron with NYR
Tanguay back in Calgary
Meszaros with Phi

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Word out of Edmonton is that they are looking to pick up a third-line centre, a depth defenseman, and a tough guy.

[RoXer]

Fuck off

[SaskatchewanChamp]

The Ottawa Senators sign Jessie Winchester to a two years $750K per year deal

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Martin St. Louis has resigned with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Terms: 22.5 Million over the 4 years...

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Rumor:

Ryan Callahan (NYR) could be on his way to Calgary.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Zbynek Michalek has signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins or 5 years, 20 Million.

[LoDownM]

Yeah I know, that was posted before it was confirmed.

[LoDownM]

USE THE OFFSEASON THREAD. For one theres not a ton of Hockey fans here, and two you don't see this for the other sports people follow here.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

What the hell is your deal man? If you were a mod I would listen to you, but seeing as you are not, piss off. You don't have to read what I am posting.

[LoDownM]

I hope the Pens sign Hamhuis since Gonchar is gone now.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Alex Auld has signed with the Montreal Canadians 1 year, 1 Million.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Colby Armstrong has signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs 3 Years, 9 Million.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Antero Nittymaki has signed with the San Jose Sharks, 4 years, 2 Million.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Sean O'Donell signs with the Philly Flyers. 1 year.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Joel Perrault signs with the Vancouver Canucks, 1 year, $510,000

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Manny Malhotra to the Vancouver Canucks, 3 yrs / 7.5M

[Gertner]

Leafs sign Colby Armstrong. Called that signing a month ago.

Btw I hate the Leafs trade. Versteeg is not going to be better than Stahlberg.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Derek Morris signs a four years, $11M contract from the PHX Coyotes.

This amounts are outrageous. Kovalchuk is still on the market, and aftert seeing these amounts, I wouldn't be surprised to see a HUGE contract going his way

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Jody Shelley to PHI on a three year deal worth 3.3 Million.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Word out of Ottawa is that Jason Spezza is going no where.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Dan Ellis has signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning 2 years 3 Million.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Paul Martin

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Tony Lydman to Anaheim at 9 Million for 3 years

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Derek Boogaard is a New York Ranger

[IC Champion]

Gonchar has signed with ottawa for 3 years.

[Blitz]

Kaberle is such an asset, I don't quite get the overwhelming desire to part with him.
He's one of the few players the Leafs have who's worth anything in a trade.

[SaskatchewanChamp]

Ray Whitney has signed in PHX for two years at 6 Million

[The Fraze]

Malhotra leaving San Jose and heading to Vancouver. Probably not the biggest of news for anyone here, but he was a great asset for the Sharks last year in the faceoff circle and in the playoffs. He will be missed.

[Hanso Amore]

And the Sabres sit on their hands....

[LoDownM]

It's only the first day for FA signings. Calm down.

[Hanso Amore]

I dont really care that they havent signed anyone yet.

Lydman is a duck. Tallinder is in talks with other teams. Our GM has stated that he doesnt see them signing anyone.

[OssMan]

Gonchar is fucking terrible ... I don't know why you would want him

[XCaliber]

I'll gladly welcome Gonchar he's the kinda player the Senz need even though he comes with a steep price.

[CSL]

I just read Kovalchuk signed with the Maple Leafs. Is this true or is it a Leafs fan on Wikipedia thinking wishfully?

[Gertner]

tsn, sportsnet, and hockeyfights.com have nothing about this. Hell, even that retard Eklund isn't reporting it.

[LoDownM]

Nothing about it on nhl.com either.

[Blitz]

Damn my buddy was joking around tonight that the Leafs signed Kovalchuk. Thought he was just pulling it out of his ass, are there rumours or something?

[LoDownM]

I honestly think Kovalchuk might end up in the KHL for a few years.

[El Fangel]

Apparently now the Kings AND the Islanders both have shown interest in him.

Also, whoever had Niittymaki in their fantasy leagues just hit the f'n jackpot.

[LoDownM]

I'd hate for him to be in the same division as the Pens for an entire year, so, lets go kings.

[Gertner]

Kovy is not going to the KHL. I could possibly see Kovy re-uping with the Devils. He wants to play on a winner which counts up Toronto and the Isles. 2 years, 7 mill per is what I see with NJ. Brodeur probably has 2 years left in him so Kovy will probably sign for those 2 years.

[El Fangel]

Apparently there are reports of him wanting a 9.5-10 million a year deal for 10 years.

[Zen v.W.o.]

RIP champ..legends never die.

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[Gertner]

Kovy signs with the Devils as I called it, but for longer: 7 years 60 mill

[XCaliber]

Kovy signs with the Devils as I called it, but for longer: 7 years 60 mill

After playing with Atlanta for all those years I'm sure he doesn't mind taking the pay cut to play for a contender even he alone couldn't save the Isles.

[weather vane]

He hasn't signed shit yet...

[DAMN iNATOR]

Well, there'll be no joy in HockeyTown today...former Red Wings player Bob Probert died after collapsing while on his boat on Lake St. Clair yesterday around 3p.m. He was 45. :wavesad:

[El Fangel]

Damn, RIP Probby.

[Adder]

from a news article I was reading.

Sovetsky Sport is reporting that Evgeni Nabokov agreed on a four year contract with SKA of the KHL. Nabokov's Russian agent Isakov told Sovetsky Sport that "Nabokov will come over to Russia in the beginning of August with his entire family.

[El Fangel]

Yeah, apparently only problems and they are being worked out if living conditions for his wife and kids.

[Adder]

Same source says Modano and the Red wings are close to coming to terms on a 1 maybe 2 year deal.

[El Fangel]

Yep, It would be weird seeing Mike in a jersey without a Star on it :(

[OssMan]

Yeah, apparently only problems and they are being worked out if living conditions for his wife and kids.
what the fuck does this mean

[El Fangel]

Basically, terms of his contract and length are all settled.

I guess there is something in the contract regarding moving his wife and kids to russia or something.

Anyways, Zherdev to Flyers.

[Gertner]

Lebda to the Leafs. Two years 1.4 a season. Solid signing. Kaberle is as good as gone.

[El Fangel]

What the hell is with the leafs and defensemen?

They have a solid core already and several in the minors.

They need a setup man for Kessel and Versteeg and they sign a defensemen.

Also, hate to admit this but Toronto is looking like more of a contender then Montreal at the moment :(

[YOUR Hero]

LOL, why? Because they're signing F/As?

I just learned (must have happened when I was off camping) that the Canucks signed Hamhuis. Holy Shit, I'm excited about that signing. He's no Denis Potvin from the blue line but he's a solid 2 way Dman with the ability to get 35+ points.

[El Fangel]

LOL, why? Because they're signing F/As?





They have a goalie, a player over 6 feet.

And dont have Scott Gomez.

[El Fangel]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/290691/58398_Canadiens_Gainey_Hockey.jpg


Resignation
Trading to St. Louis when you were to told to trade for.

[Gertner]

What the hell is with the leafs and defensemen?

They have a solid core already and several in the minors.

They need a setup man for Kessel and Versteeg and they sign a defensemen.

Also, hate to admit this but Toronto is looking like more of a contender then Montreal at the moment :(

This sets up a Kaberle deal. Aulie, Holzer and company aren't ready yet, so Lebda is needed as a 6th-7th.

Phaneuf-Gunnerson
Beauchemin-Komisarek
Schenn-Lebda
Finger

[Gertner]

LOL, why? Because they're signing F/As?

I just learned (must have happened when I was off camping) that the Canucks signed Hamhuis. Holy Shit, I'm excited about that signing. He's no Denis Potvin from the blue line but he's a solid 2 way Dman with the ability to get 35+ points.

Hamhuis is a fantastic signing.

[LoDownM]

I don't know why FA hate's Scott Gomez so much, solid player.

[Gertner]

His salary I'm guessing.

[El Fangel]

Yeah, he is a decent player.

For 4-5 Million and because of his salary we cant afford nice things.

[Splaya]

Lebda to the Leafs. Two years 1.4 a season. Solid signing. Kaberle is as good as gone.


GODDDDDDDD DAMN IT

[El Fangel]

Wish Kovalchuk would just fucking sign already, I stopped caring about 6 hours after Free Agency started.

[The Fraze]

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs557.snc3/30475_403719207668_61490642668_4470716_666405_n.jpg

[El Fangel]

Thats pretty sick, also was thinking today and want your peoples opinions.

Basically the stars would have to align, but do you think anyone will break 200 points or somehow someway break Gretzkys 215 point season?

The closest anyone has ever got and I legit feel bad for the guy was Lemeiux with 199 points.

The closest we have had (in my memory) for recent years was Thorntons 120 in 2005-2006

[LoDownM]

Crosby or Ovechkin probably have the best chance of current players. I don't see it happening tho.

[Emperor Smeat]

A player would need to average a good 2-3 points per game to just have the chance to come close to Gretzky's single season record.

1985-86 Oilers ended up scoring 426 goals or about 5-6 per game to provide enough chances for Gretzky to get his 2.5+ points needed per game.

[El Fangel]

Kovalchuk wants to make 10 mill next year just so he can say he makes more then Ovy.

Real mature.

[Gertner]

It was a different era back then. Heck, a lot of players smoked cigarettes back then. There weren't systems set in place, the technology to break down games wasn't as good as it was today and the level of competition isn't as good. Plus, the influx of europeans and the salary cap makes the playing field level. Gretzky's records will never fall. Goalteners would be lucky to get 2 shutouts a year, and you would be considered an all star to have a save percentage above .900. Today that lands you in the minors.

[Gimmick]

There weren't trap systems, but the league style was wide on offense. The emphasis was on scoring. You're right about goalie stats, but comparring them to today's stats aren't as cut and dry as you make it seem. That era had some really good goalies, but they had no support.

[El Fangel]

I have always wondered if Brodeur would be nearly as good as people think if he never played in a trap system.

[XCaliber]

Yeah and the fact the the goalies are twice as big due to all the protective equipment helps too.

[Gertner]

When do u need a winger fly down the qing and beat a goaltender short side anymore? Goaltenders today are MUCH better than they were in the 80's. I grew up watching Ken Wregget and Allan Bester let in everything.

Also, FA, I'm so sick and tired of people using that stupid arguement about Brodeur because you could use that on anything player "Would Gretzky have scored 92 goals if he were on the Hartford Whalers?" Brodeur has watched Scott Stevens, Scott Nidermayer, Brian Rafalski all leave and still be successful. Every year analysts say before the year that this is the year that the Devils suck and it never happens.

[YOUR Hero]

Bester and Wregget shouldn't be your touchstones.

[LoDownM]

All that a Kovy stays with the Devils.

[Gertner]

Gagen dealt to Tampa for Matt Walker and a 4th

[Gertner]

Bester and Wregget shouldn't be your touchstones.

Aside from Roy, Liut, Smith, Fuhr, Moog, Lindburgh, Hextall there weren't many great goaltenders in that era

[Emperor Smeat]

:| Devils resigning Kovalchuk to a 17 year deal which means Devils won't stop paying him until he's around 44-45 years old.

I think Islanders and another 1-2 teams have these long contracts as well but they did it when their players had less NHL years played than Kovalchuk.

[El Fangel]

Also, FA, I'm so sick and tired of people using that stupid arguement about Brodeur because you could use that on anything player "Would Gretzky have scored 92 goals if he were on the Hartford Whalers?" Brodeur has watched Scott Stevens, Scott Nidermayer, Brian Rafalski all leave and still be successful. Every year analysts say before the year that this is the year that the Devils suck and it never happens.

He hasnt seen the trap system leave is my argument, I am not denouncing any of his accomplishments, he is an amazing goalie

But...

Can you say Niklas Backstrom strived when the trap system was removed in Minny? Thats all I am saying.

All that a Kovy stays with the Devils.

:| Devils resigning Kovalchuk to a 17 year deal which means Devils won't stop paying him until he's around 44-45 years old.

I think Islanders and another 1-2 teams have these long contracts as well but they did it when their players had less NHL years played than Kovalchuk.

Lou lost his fucking mind.

[YOUR Hero]

Aside from Roy, Liut, Smith, Fuhr, Moog, Lindburgh, Hextall there weren't many great goaltenders in that era

The emphasis was on scoring, they didn't get much attention. I seen tons of some solid performances in 8-5 games.

[Gertner]

The goals scored in 80's would never happen in today's NHL. There were some horrible goaltenders in that era.

[El Fangel]

Which is strange considering back in the 20s, 30s and 40s there were goalies without facemasks and huge equipment putting up better numbers.

[Hanso Amore]

It goes in waves. Goalies were putting up huge numbers, which led to improved sticks and forwards, which caused a huge spike in scoring, until the goalies increased their equipment size to cut that down.

[El Fangel]

I remember reading in an issue of the THN recently that goalie equipemnt will be proportionate to their body. Will make some goalies have alot smaller pads.

If this goes the way I think it will, we could possibly see a 76+ goal scorer again.

[Gertner]

Teams systems will prevent that. It'll never happen. Goalies are better these days as well.

[Hanso Amore]

While I kind of agree with FA, I more lean in gerts way.

Mika, Miller, Tuuka, Bryzgalov, Vakoun, Backstrom, Halak, brodeur etc would be all time greats in the 80s...todays goalies have arguably never been better in history.

hasek is the still the greatest all time (just had to add that in gerts :) )

[Kapoutman]

Roy is the greatest of all-time. Him or Brodeur.

[McLegend]

Shit is about to hit the fan again.

[El Fangel]

I am a Canadiens fan and even I would say that Hasek is the best in NHL History. Roy is a very very close second and Brodeur is a goal line behind Roy.

My reasoning is

Hasek played on a mediocre team at best and put up amazing consistent numbers over years.

Roy could hav had top spot had he continued in Montreal instead of playing on a stacked team in Colorado, like I said though the top 3 goalies are very interchangable.

Brodeur, while an amazing goalie has always played in a trap system, its hard to judge him because of that. Put him where Roy was in 1993 and see if he could pull it off. If he could, Ill shut up.

Again, the difference is so little between the three that there isnt much to debate anyways.

[Arashi Kage]

Kovalchuk contract rejected by NHL!!!!

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2010/07/20/sp-kovolchuk-deal-rejected.html


The National Hockey League has rejected Ilya Kovalchuk's 17-year, $102-million US contract with the New Jersey Devils.

A source told The Canadian Press late Tuesday that the contract was rejected because it circumvents the league's salary cap.

The deal, which was made official by both sides Tuesday, would pay the Russian sniper $95 million in the first 10 years with the final $7 million to be paid during the last seven years.

More to come


Buttman is finally doing something right for once.

[El Fangel]

:rofl:

[El Fangel]

I would love a job where I did one thing right in 17 years and never got fired.

[LoDownM]

Well now he might just end up in LA, or Russia if he doesn't get more then Ovechkin

[YOUR Hero]

I imagine New Jersey will re-work the deal.

[LoDownM]

I know. Was joking.

[El Fangel]

If he ends up in Russia, it will be beyond funny.

[LoDownM]

I know no one here probably gives a damn, but the US Hockey Hall of Fame announced its inductee's http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=534794

[El Fangel]

Nice, Roenick and the Hatchers :)

[Adder]

AS soon as the NHL started penalizing the clutch and grab stuff, Hatcher was done. He was only as good as he was because of the type of hockey the NHL started to allow.

[El Fangel]

Frolov to NYR and Poni to LA for the same amount as Frolov is getting in New York.

What the fuck...

[LoDownM]

Glad the Pens didn't keep Poni, probably the worst trade deadline pick up for any team this year.

[El Fangel]

Just trade Jordan Staal for a good top 6 winger.

I dont know how they havent done that already.

[LoDownM]

While it is the smart thing to do, I'd hate to see Staal in any other jersey :(

[Droford]

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I honestly can't wait for that game.

[OssMan]

I hate the winter classic

[El Fangel]

At LodownM - Staal would get an immense return, the guy puts up 50 points on the fucking third line. On any other team he would at absolute worst be a second line center. I could easily see him at 85 points on another team with proper wingers for skillset.

Winter Classic - Pens again? Crosby vs Ovy showdown # 393859382, won't bother watching this one.

[YOUR Hero]

Catering to the bandwagon fans. The game in Calgary should be good.

[LoDownM]

At LodownM - Staal would get an immense return, the guy puts up 50 points on the fucking third line. On any other team he would at absolute worst be a second line center. I could easily see him at 85 points on another team with proper wingers for skillset.


Well he's never actually broke 50 points, 49 two years in a row, but I get what you're saying. I just don't see him getting that huge of a return in the salary cap era. Maybe 1 winger and a rookie and draft pick. But then again if it wasn't the salary cap era, the Pens would be broke from stacking the team.

[El Fangel]

49 or 50, you are splitting hairs bud. A good winger to play with Crosby or Malkin, a decent winger rookie and a 2nd-4th round pick.

That would be an excellent trade.

The way I see Staals current situation is like eric staal being moved to the third line on Detroit with Datsyuk and Zberg ahead of him. He would put up alot less points for his skill level.

[Droford]

Why would the Blackhawks not pay Niemi $2.75 million and then pay Marty Turco $1.5 million?

I guess the good news for Niemi is he's gonna make a hell of a lot more than $2.75 as a free agent.

[El Fangel]

Holy fucking shit.

Wow.

[LoDownM]

Guess the Blackhawks don't want to repeat.

[El Fangel]

You think they would of with all the trades and stuff they did so far?

[weather vane]

Niemi is a joke. I could play goalie on the Hawks and win fuck.

[El Fangel]

JDD is a joke, I could play on the Oilers and get 20+ wins.

[Skippord]

aren't the Blackhawks trying to get under the cap?

[El Fangel]

Yeah, basically I think if Niemi was over 2.5 Million they woudlnt be able to keep him.

They were hoping for 2.0M and Niemi got 2.75M, they couldnt afford to keep him.

[LoDownM]

They should've traded away that back up that gets more then the guy they just signed. Or stuck him in the AHL all year to get rid of the cap hit.

[Hanso Amore]

I hate the Black Cunts and their irresponsible spending.

Like their players though.

[RP]

wtf chicago?

[El Fangel]

Lol, NYR Trade Brashear and someone for Todd White

Atlanta then buys out Brashears contract.

[YOUR Hero]

Turco is a good idea. Crazy to have to walk away from Niemi, but the Hawks still need to trim salary.

[Hanso Amore]

Hawks needed to trade a ton of players and downgrade to get near the cap.

Sabres have 8 Million in space and they are buying out contracts to get under their self imposed cap,

How do you win when you handicap yourself? UGH

[El Fangel]

Toronto does that all the time.

Anywho, its funny teams like NYI, Blues and Nashville arent spending more as they are all near the salary floor.

[LoDownM]

Well, there wasn't really to many big names this year for them to blow money on. I think the Islanders were in the Kovy running at first tho but dropped out.

[El Fangel]

These are not big big names but here is the ones I would expect to be signed by now.

Jason Williams
Comrie
Wellwood
Belanger
Morrison
Kozlov
Torres
Kovalchuk (technically still a Free Agent)
Kariya
Selanne (possibly in junction with the above player)
Sykora
Stempniak
Lilja
Randy Jones
Mara
Mitchell
Toskala
Emery
Theodore

[LoDownM]

Nah, Selanne is gonna re-sign with the Ducks or retire I think.

[El Fangel]

Yeah, agreed. It would be epically awesome if Karita signed with them as well for one final hoorah.

Biggest surprise in that list is how Stempniak hasnt been signed by Phoenix yet.