NHL 2007 Offseason Thread

[YOUR Hero]

O
M
G

The NHL is thinking about expanding.

W
T
F


Talk is Vegas and Kansas... maybe Houston as a long shot.

This is ridiculous. The NHL doesn't know any other way to make money but by adding teams and get expansion fees.

I think hockey needs to get smaller, regroup. I'm hoping this is nothing more than talk.

Chris Chelios resigned with Detroit (1 year) Sundin resigned with Toronto (1 year)

[Blitz]

Like the Sundin signing, especially since it's only 1 year.

Toronto really needs some work in the summer. Would love to see us pick up say Smyth or Drury.

[mrslackalack]

Yeah I think the NHL needs to get smaller.

[YOUR Hero]

So the OIlers will have 3 #1 round draft picks this year, plus a high round 2 guy. Talk is they want to mov these for a top player. I wonder if that player might be... Ryan Smyth. There is also talk that Calgary might be going after Smyth.

The cap is supposed to go to 47 million. Some predict as high as 51 million, don't really see it going that high.

With it rising though, it'll mean the top franchises will have the chance to sign more FA's. The weaker teams, although they are playing in a cap won't be able to afford to max out. Which is ok, IMO. A team that can and a team that can't don't need to be tied to the ankles. Parity is one thing, but too much parity makes for boring hockey.

Later tonight or if someone else wants to, we'll post the list of FA's.

[Erebus]

Apparently Alexi Yashin is keen on coming back to the Senators.

[MVP]

That's a good possibility since the Islanders bought out the last 4 years of his contract. Must be saving that cap space for DiPietro's next 14 years.

[Erebus]

I still can't believe they signed Di Pietro for that long.

The only thing with Yashin comingback to the Sens though is will they have him considering the history that they have?

I read in the paper today that the other teams that he's interested in going to are Edmonton, Montreal, Philly and Jersey.

[Stickman]

When will the Leafs learn that Sundin isn't going to get them to the promise land. I think they highly over rate him. Good player and all but not a superstar.

The same can be said with Ryan Smyth. I'd love him on my team any day, but not at the price he asks for. He's not a top teir superstar so why does he deserve $5M plus?

It should be interesting to see what happens to Buffalo. Don't they have like their top lines all free agents?

[weather vane]

Cap should go over 50 million actually.

Leafs are retarded for signing Antripov for that much and Sundin for that much. The sooner JFJ is out the better for them.

NHL is NOT expanding anyime soon. Although Nashville could go to Hamilton.

Ryan Smyth will not go back to Edmonton. Toronto, Calgary or NYI are the places he is rumored to be going to.

Look for the Bruins to snag Drury if he doesn't go back to Buffalo. Also look for them to go after some gritt like Scott Hartnell or Scott Walker. The Oilers are also courting Hartnell so look for that.

[Adder]

I doubt the Sens would want Yashin. He's the type of soft player with talent they've been purging themselves of.

Drury will stay in Buffalo, at least that's my gut feeling.

[YOUR Hero]

Anaheim Ducks

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories//20020912/nhl_ducks_smllogo_46545.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: G Jean-Sebastien Giguere, RW Teemu Selanne, D Sean O'Donnell, D Ric Jackman, LW Brad May, D Joe DiPenta, F Trevor Gillies, F Shane Endicott, RW Shawn Thornton.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Atlanta Thrashers

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_thrashers_smllogo_47506.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: LW Keith Tkachuk, D Greg de Vries, F Slava Kozlov, D Andy Sutton, D Vitaly Vishnevski, RW Jon Sim, D Shane Hnidy, LW J.P. Vigier, LW Eric Boulton, RW Brad Larsen, LW Cory Larose, D Andy Delmore, LW Pascal Dupuis.
</TD><!-- <td align="left">
Off-Season Game Plan: The optimism generated by finally making the playoffs didn't last long as the Atlanta Thrashers were ejected quickly from the first round. More... (http://www.tpww.net/fantasy_news/columnists/scott_cullen/?ID=209927&hubname=fantasy_news)</td> --></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Boston Bruins

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_bruins_smllogo_46297.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: LW Petr Tenkrat, D Jason York, RW Brandon Bochenski, LW Jeff Hoggan, D Nathan Dempsey, G Joey MacDonald.
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Buffalo Sabres

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20060916/sabres_logo-sm_54746.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Daniel Briere, C Chris Drury, D Teppo Numminen, RW Adam Mair, RW Michael Ryan, G Ty Conklin, C Dainius Zubrus, D Timo Helbling, D Mikko Lehtonen, G Adam Berkhoel.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Calgary Flames

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_flames_smllogo_46692.gif Unrestricted Free Agents: D Roman Hamrlik, RW Tony Amonte, LW Jeff Friesen, RW Darren McCarty, G Jamie McLennan, C Byron Ritchie, D Brad Ference, D Brad Stuart, C Wayne Primeau.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Carolina Hurricanes

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_hurricanes_smllogo_46858.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: RW Anson Carter, RW Scott Walker, D David Tanabe, RW Shane Willis, RW Jesse Boulerice, C Josef Vasicek.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Chicago Blackhawks

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_hawks_smllogo_46790.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: RW Michal Handzus, C Denis Arkhipov, C Mikael Holmqvist, RW Peter Bondra, RW Jeff Hamilton, D Bruno St. Jacques, C Craig MacDonald, RW Reed Low.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Colorado Avalanche

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_avalanche_smllogo_46140.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Patrice Brisebois, C Pierre Turgeon, D Ossi Vaananen, C Tyler Arnason, C Brett McLean, D Ken Klee, LW Antti Laaksonen, C Mark Rycroft, F Ben Guite.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Columbus Blue Jackets

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20070519/bluejackets_40124.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Bryan Berard, D Anders Eriksson, G Brian Boucher, D Jamie Pushor.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Dallas Stars

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_stars_smllogo_47449.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Darryl Sydor, C Eric Lindros, D Jon Klemm, C Patrik Stefan, RW Matthew Barnaby, D Stephane Robidas, LW Ladislav Nagy.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Detroit Red Wings

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_redwings_smllogo_47275.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: LW Todd Bertuzzi, C Robert Lang, C Kyle Calder, D Mathieu Schneider, D Danny Markov, D Jiri Fischer, G Dominik Hasek.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Edmonton Oilers

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_oilers_smllogo_47151.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: RW Petr Sykora, C Petr Nedved, D Daniel Tjarnqvist, D Jan Hejda, G Jussi Markkanen, LW Toby Petersen.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Florida Panthers

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_panthers_smllogo_47192.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Jozef Stumpel, LW Martin Gelinas, G Ed Belfour, G Jean-Marc Pelletier.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Los Angeles Kings

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_kings_smllogo_46953.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Jaroslav Modry, D Aaron Miller, D Jamie Heward, G Sean Burke, G Mathieu Garon, F Tom Kostopoulos, D Mike Weaver, F Raitis Ivanans.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Minnesota Wild

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20021011/nhl_wild_smllogo_70440.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Martin Skoula, C Todd White, C Wes Walz, C Wyatt Smith, D Peter Ratchuk, C Jason Morgan.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Montreal Canadiens

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_canadiens_smllogo_46338.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Janne Niinimaa, D Sheldon Souray, C Radek Bonk, LW Mike Johnson, G David Aebischer, RW Aaron Downey.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Nashville Predators

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20021023/nhl_predators_smllogo_33062.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Peter Forsberg, LW Paul Kariya, D Kimmo Timonen, RW Scott Hartnell, C Scott Nichol, D Sheldon Brookbank, C Jerred Smithson, RW Patrick Leahy, G Karl Goehring, C Kim Staal, LW Eric Belanger.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

New Jersey Devils

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_devils_smllogo_46511.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Scott Gomez, D Brian Rafalski, RW Alexander Mogilny, D Dan McGillis, D Brad Lukowich, LW Jason Wiemer, LW Grant Marshall, D Jim Fahey, C Jim Dowd, RW Erik Rasmussen, G Scott Clemmensen, LW Dan LaCouture.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

New York Islanders

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_islanders_smllogo_46902.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Alexei Yashin, LW Ryan Smyth, LW Richard Zednik, D Tom Poti, RW Jason Blake, LW Chris Simon, LW Arron Asham, C Viktor Kozlov, D Sean Hill, RW Eric Boguniecki, G Mike Dunham, D Joel Bouchard, D Tomas Malec, C Peter Ferraro.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

New York Rangers

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_rangers_smllogo_47236.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: LW Brendan Shanahan, D Sandis Ozolinsh, G Kevin Weekes, LW Brad Isbister, RW Jed Ortmeyer, D Martin Richter.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Ottawa Senators

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_senators_smllogo_47371.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Mike Comrie, LW Dean McAmmond, D Tom Preissing, D Jamie Allison, C Serge Payer.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Philadelphia Flyers

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_flyers_smllogo_46736.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Mike York, G Robert Esche, LW Niko Dimitrakos, LW Todd Fedoruk, RW Denis Hamel, C Mark Cullen.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Phoenix Coyotes

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20070127/yotes_62822.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: G Curtis Joseph, C Mike Ricci, LW Owen Nolan, C Jeremy Roenick, LW Pascal Rheaume.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Pittsburgh Penguins

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20021030/nhl_penguins_smllogo_34388.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: LW Gary Roberts, RW Mark Recchi, G Jocelyn Thibault, LW Nils Ekman, D Josef Melichar, D Eric Cairns, D Robert Scuderi, LW Ronald Petrovicky, D Alain Nasreddine, D Wade Brookbank.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

San Jose Sharks

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_sharks_smllogo_47411.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Craig Rivet, RW Bill Guerin, D Scott Hannan, C Mark Smith, RW Scott Parker, D Patrick Traverse, D Vladimir Malakhov.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

St. Louis Blues

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_blues_smllogo_46244.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Glen Metropolit, LW Ville Nieminen, LW Radek Dvorak, LW Vladimir Orszagh, D Jamie Rivers, C Trent Whitfield, C Denis Pederson.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Tampa Bay Lightning

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_lightning_smllogo_47001.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Cory Sarich, LW Ruslan Fedotenko, D Nolan Pratt, D Luke Richardson, LW Rob DiMaio, LW Eric Perrin, LW Eric Healey.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Toronto Maple Leafs

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_mapleleafs_smllogo_47073.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: C Michael Peca, C Jeff O'Neill, C Yanic Perreault, G Jean-Sebastien Aubin, C Travis Green, LW Bates Battaglia.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Vancouver Canucks

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_canucks_smllogo_46385.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Brent Sopel, C Bryan Smolinski, C Jan Bulis, LW Trevor Linden, C Jeff Cowan, D Rory Fitzpatrick, C Brad Moran, G Dany Sabourin, D Yannick Tremblay, C Tommi Santala, RW Josh Green, D Lee Goren, G Wade Flaherty.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Washington Capitals

<TABLE class=one width=627><TBODY><TR><TD align=left>http://www.tsn.ca/images/stories/20020912/nhl_capitals_smllogo_46424.gifUnrestricted Free Agents: D Bryan Muir.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Blitz]

Drury will stay in Buffalo, at least that's my gut feeling.
I think they'll try to keep Briere before Drury.

[Blitz]

Toronto most likely won't sign any of their UFAs. Which is good.

Godddd if Toronto picked up Kariya I'd mark out so badly.

[Linkbowler]

The Blues need a top tier forward to make the jump back into the playoffs.

I'm seriously hoping for Gomez.

Either way though, Erik Johnson is a freaking stud.

[YOUR Hero]

The Blues need a top tier forward to make the jump back into the playoffs.

I'm seriously hoping for Gomez.

Either way though, Erik Johnson is a freaking stud.

Like Tkachuk, Weight, Guerin?

[YOUR Hero]

Hopefully the CAnucks can get stingier on the back end. Maybe pick up a steady D man like Sydor.

[Linkbowler]

Like Tkachuk, Weight, Guerin?

Let me rephrase that. A top-tier center that can score.

[Erebus]

The Canadiens need to re sign Souray, but anyone else shoudl be let go. Especially Aebischer.

[Stickman]

Mike Keenan is in Calgary. Terrible.

All the talk in Vancouver yesterday was the canucks will be waiting until next years free agency to make a splash. Naslund and Morrison's contracts are up and Danny Heatly will be available.

[YOUR Hero]

I believe this makes 8 teams Keenan has coached or managed. I don't see the allure of the guy, esp. on this Calgary team that is an older team. Keenan's style is more in tune with younger teams that need a lot of hands on and/or yelling at. Keenan's not even that successful in the NHL. I believe the Flames players will tune him out. IMO, Keenan's time has past.

[Stickman]

I believe this makes 8 teams Keenan has coached or managed. I don't see the allure of the guy, esp. on this Calgary team that is an older team. Keenan's style is more in tune with younger teams that need a lot of hands on and/or yelling at. Keenan's not even that successful in the NHL. I believe the Flames players will tune him out. IMO, Keenan's time has past.

500+ wins 400ish losses
1 Stanley Cup
2 or 3 Stanley Cup finals losses
1 Canada Cup

Not successful?

I do hate the guy but numbers don't lie.

[weather vane]

http://cache.deadspin.com/images/2006/04/colemanmessier.jpg

[Stickman]

http://cache.deadspin.com/images/2006/04/colemanmessier.jpg

Holy crap, he has hair.

[weather vane]

prob best picture of all time

[weather vane]

WOW

Bruins relieve Lewis and Habscheid of thier coaching duties.

I am so shocked right now. Don't even know what to think.

[Zen v.W.o.]

Bruins will be better for it.


And goodbye Samsonov....we hardly knew ya....and we dont wanna get to know ya.

Hawks, good luck.

[weather vane]

Word is Montreal are just going to buy out Cullimore and Salmelainen contracts. Just used them to get rid of Samsonov.

Looks like Pat Quinn will be coaching Boston and I have to say i'm pumped. I always liked him in Toronto. If not Quinn it's Pat Burns or Claude Julian.

In some shocking news it looks like Scott Niedermayer is going to retire.

[weather vane]

Mike Milbury to coach the Bruins again?

[YOUR Hero]

500+ wins 400ish losses
1 Stanley Cup
2 or 3 Stanley Cup finals losses
1 Canada Cup

Not successful?

I do hate the guy but numbers don't lie.

Canada Cup? So what.

2-3 losses in the Finals is not a success. Also, the losses he had were early in his career, that's what gave him the mystique of being a great coach. As time went on however, his shtick got very tired with the teams he coached.

He's done 1 really good thing, IMO. Traded Luongo to the Canucks.

His time has passed.

[YOUR Hero]

Has Ottawa fired Muckler?

[weather vane]

Not yet but it is imminent.

[YOUR Hero]

wonder what's going on?

[Erebus]

All the news papers are reporting he's been fired, and that Brian Murray will be promoted to GM, but anybody on the team they've interviewed so far has just said "No comment."

[Stickman]

I can't believe Milbury is going to coach Boston. That guy is almost as bad as Keenan but for different reasons.

[weather vane]

Hartnell and Timonen to Philly for a first round draft pick. This is huge for the Flyers. I think they signed them for a little much but what you gonna do?

Timonen for 6.3 a year and Hartnell for 4.2 a year ... pretty steep but I like the Flyers next year

Also Murray is in and Muckler is out

[Stickman]

Is Muckler out officially/

[weather vane]

yes he is

[Lara Emily]

Mike Keenan is in Calgary. Terrible.

All the talk in Vancouver yesterday was the canucks will be waiting until next years free agency to make a splash. Naslund and Morrison's contracts are up and Danny Heatly will be available.

No guarantee Heatley's available.

[weather vane]

I don't see Heatley leaving.

[Stickman]

He turned down a contract extension. He's from the West, has a summer home in Kelowna, and Roberto Luongo plays for Vancouver.

[weather vane]

Ottawa will throw big bucks at him, as well they should. If he leaves he will leave for less money. I don't know if he is willing to do that.

[Stickman]

Vancouver could throw big money at him too. Morrison and Naslund's contracts expire....nobody knows what will happen, way to go talk radio for bring up these rumours.

[Blitz]

Oh shit good move for Philly.

[YOUR Hero]

good damn, Philadelphia.

[LoDownM]

I hope the Pens resign Recchi and Roberts.

[YOUR Hero]

Timonen seems overpaid, Hartnell they got at a good price imo.

[weather vane]

The Chara deal is looking golden compared to Timonen now.

Claude Julien ... hmmmmm ... I don't know what to think. So much is happening so fast.

[VonErichLives]

they should have signed Milburry.

Problem is, Milburry is a former GM which would put Chiarelli's job at more risk.

That being said, if Julien doesn't work out, expect Chirarelli to be gone in a year.

Milburry is one coaching option that would have made be consider season tickets. Terry O'Reilly would have been another and of course Pat Burns I would have called up today and ordered tickets.

Julien... I dunno... had one bad job and one good job where he was let go on a team with a great record because he "lost the team" and the GM was afraid the team would get bounced in the 1st round of the playoffs because the players were unhappy...

I want a firey coach, someone to get back to the old style of Bruins a blue-colar hard working/hitting team that would over-achieve... I know we'll never have the best talent and I'm even ok with knowing we wont win a cup.. I just want it to be fun hockey to watch.

[VonErichLives]

The Chara deal is looking golden compared to Timonen now.

Claude Julien ... hmmmmm ... I don't know what to think. So much is happening so fast.

on a side note... had the new coach been a Milburry, O'Rielly or Burns type... and Chara plays like he did last year, they'd rip that "C" off his uniform so fucking fast...

I swear, the few games I watched last year it made me sick to watch him play, he's 6'9, 260lbs and plays with no heart like a damn figure skater... he's the captin and everyones taking free-shots at your teammates and he does nothing... I hope they light a fire under his ass this year or get rid of him.

I'd rather a guy with 1/2 his talent that tries hard.

[weather vane]

Chara was the biggest pile of shit I have even seen play last year. I wanted a hard nose guy too like Milbury but he's a pretty big idiot. Personally Pat Quinn was my guy.

[weather vane]

Couple rumors going around ...

Phoenix is looking to trade Nick Boynton.

Kozlov to Dallas???

Briere back to Buffalo? or is he going to Philly?

Marleau could be moved to either Montreal, NYI, New Jersey or the Bruins

Shanahan will likely return to the Rangers and he is trying to get Gomez to come along

The Oilers are still looking for that number one defencemen. Redden and Pitkanan look to be the ones they are after. Raffi Torres is being shopped.

Blackhawks are most likely keeping their number one pick.

Fernandez should be out of Minnesota very soon.

[YOUR Hero]

Chara played like an animal when he played in the WHL up here in Price George. He can be such a beast and from the games as a Sen I saw him play, he looked like he was keeping that mean streak alive. In the new NHL he's a bit flat footed looking. Not like Hatcher or anything, but his size isn't the it was before. The guy had a lot of talent though and I can see him adapting.

[YOUR Hero]

I heard on SportsNet that Cujo wants to go back to Toronto. I hope the Leafs sign him. That way they'll have less money left to afford their real needs.

[weather vane]

lol

I think it would be a good move to sign him for one year. Raycroft really needs somebody to take the load of off him and Cujo could play about 30 games. This will be the best thing for the Leafs goaltending.

[El Fangel]

Like the Sundin signing, especially since it's only 1 year.

Toronto really needs some work in the summer. Would love to see us pick up the Stanley Cup

[Blitz]

I've heard some talk about Toronto picking up Fernandez. I hope they don't. I'd much rather see them pick up Cujo. He'll come cheap, and it'll be good for Raycroft.

[YOUR Hero]

Fernandez... dunno if being the #1 guy screwed with his head, but he's a real talent. It's just once he was the go-to guy, he faltered. Someone will give him another shot at the #1 spot, at least they should. There are teams out there that could do far worse.

[Stickman]

I hope the Leafs miss the playoffs again.

[weather vane]

Giguere resigns ... 4 years/24 million

The Ducks are filthy.

[Stickman]

I just heard 6 years...Mind you I'm listening to Phil Esposito so he's probably wrong.

[weather vane]

Manny Fernandez to the Bruins???

[YOUR Hero]

The draft is Sunday I believe.

[Blitz]

No, the draft is tomorrow.

[weather vane]

Aucoin to the Flames

I don't know about this move ... big price tag

[YOUR Hero]

Wasn't Aucoin making 3.5 - 4 million? You know he's a solid Dman and a decent playmaker, but guys like him can be found cheaper. Odd to trade for him if that's the kind of cash he's making.

*edit* Haven't seen any news on this??

[Blitz]

Hmmmm. Toronto acquires Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell from San Jose for some draft picks, including our first round pick either this year or next year.

I like Toskala, but I dunno much about Bell.

[Linkbowler]

Damn it, the Blues could've had Cherepanov and Esposito. That would've been crazy sick.

Cherepanov-Esposito-Stempniak.

FUCK.

Lars Eller, David Perron and some no-name defenseman we could've had in the 4th round.

I have to keep telling myself that the last time I doubted the Blues draft picks, we got Erik Johnson, who's a stud by the way, and the guy I wanted got testicular cancer.

[LoDownM]

It's great that we weren't number 1 in the draft and still picked up what seems to be a really good player.

[YOUR Hero]

Vokun to the Panthers. Wow. Weird that the Panthers (under Keenan) would give up a top goalie only to give up 3 draft choices the following year for a top goalie. Bye Bye to Auld.
I have to give Toronto credit, Toskola is still relatively underrated. I wouldn't be surprised to see him overtake Raycroft as the #1 guy. The Leafs are saying no-no, it's not about that, but really, Raycroft wasn't too impressive last year as THE guy in Toronto.

The draft was Friday :|

Well so much for catching that on TV this weekend. Why does the NHL do this type of thing. I hate to complain, but come on, just like the All Star game being during the weekday last year. Foolish

[YOUR Hero]

Oh.

Preds owner is saying to stop considering Balsille as the new owner. I think he's just getting backlash and is trying to calm the waters. I still see Balsille buying the team.

Oh yeah. Fuck you Toronto, Buffalo, anyone else that doesn't want this guy to buy the team. I'm hearing and reading that people feel he's too much a maverick. I guess being a guy that wants to invest in a franchise, wants it to succeed, wants to make things happens is bad for the NHL... Fucking fuckin' fuckers.

[YOUR Hero]

Fuck.

Balsille is out. Preds owner doesn't want to deal with him and is said to be selling to some dude that's a minor shareholder in the Sharks.
Get this, he;'s going to move the team to Kansas.

They are saying Balsille rubbed people the wrong way, that's why he's being dropped. Yeah right. The NHL is stepping in on this, no doubt. They don;t want another team close to Toronto *spit* and even though the offer from this new guy is @ 50 million less, you can bet he'll be getting that cash through the back door by the NHL/Maple Leafs.

I'm seriously pissed off. Kansas?? That's a market that failed before. Hamilton would succeed, 100% This is another slap in the face as a Canadian hockey fan. It's enough to make me *hate* the NHL game that much more.

Bullshit.

[Blitz]

Retarded. I wanted the Preds in Ontario so bad.

[road doggy dogg]

Briere turned down 5 years / $25 mil from Buffalo today. He's def out. Wonder if they'll at least be able to keep Drury, but I'm thinking that's highly doubtful.

[road doggy dogg]

And on the subject of the Preds being assraped, Kariya's testing free agent waters as well.

[YOUR Hero]

Mark Messier, Jeff Francis, Scott Stevens, Al MacInnis

All were captains, all won championships, all were inducted in to the hall of fame. Congrats to them.

[YOUR Hero]

Washington's new jersey.

[YOUR Hero]

Columbus' site is down, but they've revealed their new jerseys as well.

[road doggy dogg]

Mark Messier, Jeff Francis, Scott Stevens, Al MacInnis

All were captains, all won championships, all were inducted in to the hall of fame. Congrats to them.

Ron Francis :p


But yeah I agree, all 4 definitely earned the honours.

[Stickman]

Yeah I'm sure Kansas is a great place. Just look how well the Scouts did.

[weather vane]

lol Jeff Francis

Emery to the Bruins?

LA and NYR are going to make a lot of moves this off season

Vanek will stay with Buffalo, Briere looks to be going to the Habs

[Skippord]

lol Kansas

[Lara Emily]

lol Jeff Francis

Emery to the Bruins?

LA and NYR are going to make a lot of moves this off season

Vanek will stay with Buffalo, Briere looks to be going to the Habs

Manny Fernandez to the Bs

[YOUR Hero]

Ron Francis :p


But yeah I agree, all 4 definitely earned the honours.


LOL, Jeff Francis :nono:

[road doggy dogg]

Wow lots of UFA news today.


Detroit signed Brian Rafalski to a five-year, $30 million contract

Philadelphia signed Daniel Briere to an eight-year, $52 million contract ( :eek: ), also has a no-movement clause

Anaheim signed Mathieu Schneider to a two-year, $11.25 million contract

Florida signed Richard Zednik to a two-year, $3.25 million contract

Florida signed Brett McLean to a three-year contract at $1.7 million per year

Washington signed Tom Poti to a four-year contract at $3.5 million per year

Atlanta signed Todd White to a four-year, $9.5 million contract

Calgary signed Cory Sarich to a five-year, $18 million contract


Pittsburgh re-signed Ryan Whitney

St. Louis re-signed Barret Jackman

Atlanta re-signed Pascal Dupuis

San Jose re-signed Joe Thornton

Calgary's on the verge of re-signing Iginla

Detroit's on the verge of re-signing Hasek




Not all of them crazy moves, but the Briere signing is huge for Philly. Schneider to the Ducks surely means that Niedermeyer's gonna retire, or at least that they're anticipating as much. I like the signing of Rafalski by the Wings.

[road doggy dogg]

Dick Tarnstrom re-signed with Edmonton this season too, after playing in Europe last season.

[road doggy dogg]

Thought there'd be more interest here...


Leafs sign Jason Blake.

Capitals sign V. Kozlov

Colorado sign Scott Hannan.

Gomez signed with the Rangers, 7 year $51 mil contract

Rangers ALSO signed Drury, 5 year deal

Big Flyers/Oilers trade: Pitkanen and Sanderson to Edmonton for Smith and Lupul :eek:

Tampa signed Michel Ouellet

Dvorak signed back with the Panthers

Yanic Perreault signed with the 'Hawks

[Blitz]

WOW, Philly and the Rangers are gonna be good next year.

Also Blake :y:. He had a career season last year. Hope he betters it with us.

[YOUR Hero]

Neidermeyer hasn't said he was retiring for sure. Wow. If he doesn't. Wow.

[road doggy dogg]

Ryan Smyth to the Avs

[YOUR Hero]

Really?

I know the Avs have a ton of money to spend this off ssssseason, but word was the Islanders were going to pony up a kookie contract 'Dipietro' style. Basically why they got rid of Yashin was to be able to pay for Smyth. Yowzers.

[Skippord]

:cool:

[road doggy dogg]

Yeah Smyth reportedly wanted to either a) play for a Canadian team or b) play for a contender. His deal with the Avs is 5 years, $31.25 million. The Islanders were reportedly offering 5 years, $32.5 million, so (assuming all the numbers are accurate) he took a bit of a pay hit to play for a team he thought had a better chance.

[road doggy dogg]

Neidermeyer hasn't said he was retiring for sure. Wow. If he doesn't. Wow.

Yeah, fucking ridiculous. Anaheim can just start dressing 4 defensemen, and still have two solid point men on both power play units. Disgusting.

[CNM]

Damn, I had no idea Smyth had interest in signing with the Avs. I expected the Hannan signing, our D was horrible for most of the year.

[YOUR Hero]

I live on the west coast, but you know what? I'd rather play NHL in the east. Way less travel.

Kariya to the Blues. 3 years 18million (I think??)

[YOUR Hero]

Sydor to the Pens. Damn. I was hoping the Canuicks would opony up and get him. The Nucks need another guy like that.

[Hanso Amore]

FUCK FUCK

So much for the Sabres being a playoff team. From best Record to losing their 2 best players (and Captains.)

This is a shitty day for Sabres fans.

[Blitz]

Fuckkkkkkkkkk I wanted Kariya to the Leafs so bad :'(

Smyth too, but him I wasn't really expecting.

[Evil Vito]

<font color=goldenrod>Wow. Just when the Islanders were clicking and looked as though they could contend if they used that team for a full year, the whole team bails on them. :| They've lost Blake, Smyth, Kozlov, Poti, etc. What the fuck.

Fuck you Jason Blake. You've been with the Isles your whole damn career and as soon as you have a career year you leave just as the team is looking good. Fucking rat.</font>

[weather vane]

Philly is looking A LOT better next year. They did overspend on a few guys though.

Buffalo will still be good, a lot of young guys coming up.

New York made a couple HUGE signings but remember, they lost Nylander to the Oilers and Shanny hasn't signed anything.

I like that the Bruins have sat back and done next to nothing. A lot of teams are over spending.

New York Islanders took a major hit. Lost a lot of key guys.

[YOUR Hero]

Canucks haven't done shit either, Spilly. I don't like it. They need to move in and get a Dman. I was also hoping they'd somehow get Gomez.

[road doggy dogg]

Bruins made a good move grabbing Manny, so they haven't totallly sat back.

[road doggy dogg]

Finally, some news about my Pens!

As Hero already posted, Sydor was signed... I like that move. Some veteran presence to help out their young guys. Two-year deal for $5 million, not bad. I'm anxious to see how Sydor's defensive play boosts Ryan Whitney's offensive capabilities.

Petr Sykora signed too. Pretty good move, but I dunno. I mean, Recchi and Roberts both re-signed, so it will be pretty crowded now. I dunno. Roberts-Crosby-Recchi, Sykora-Malkin-Armstrong? I don't even know, but it'll be hot. And that's not even taking Staal into account. I love the way the team's beginning to shape up. Hopefully Fleury gets his act together soon too, though the playoff experience will help.

Speaking of goaltending, they got rid of Thibault. Good move, he was too highly-paid to be a backup.

[Y2Ant]

LOL Kariya :wavesad:

[weather vane]

RDD you have to have Staal in those top two lines. Hometown boy.

Hero there is still SO MANY players left out there.

1. Dominik Hasek (Detroit, LA)
2. Brendan Shanahan (NY Rangers, Buffalo, Montreal, Detroit)
3. Michael Handzus (Chicago, Montreal, Buffalo, Colorado, San Jose, Toronto)
4. Slava Kozlov (Toronto, Atlanta, Dallas, Buffalo)
5. Sheldon Souray (LA, NJ, Anaheim, San Jose)
6. Bill Guerin (St. Louis, Ottawa, Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver, Islanders)
7. Danny Markov (NJ, Buffalo, Islanders)
8. Dainius Zubrus (Islanders, Montreal, Tampa)
9. Todd Bertuzzi (Calgary, Montreal, Boston)
10. Ladislav Nagy (LA, Toronto, NJ, Edmonton, Wild)
11. Teemu Selanne (Retiring)
12. Mike Peca (Islanders, Penguins, Capitals, Toronto, Montreal)
13. Mike Comrie (Ottawa, Washington)
14. Roman Hamrlik (Edmonton, LA, NJ, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Columbus)
15. Wes Walz ( Wild, Buffalo, Chicago, Montreal)
16. Bryan Smolinski (Vancouver, Florida, Pittsburgh, Washington, Columbus)
17. Ruslan Fedotenko (Detroit, NJ, Calgary)
18. Radek Bonk (Washington, Ottawa)
19. Joey McDonald (Nashville, Tampa, Chicago, Pitt)
20. Brent Sopel (Colorado, San Jose, Atlanta)

top 20 from hockeybuzz.com

Don't forget about Forsberg as well.

[weather vane]

just resigned Krajicek lol

[YOUR Hero]

what's left are second tier players at best.

[weather vane]

Ok maybe compared to Briere, Drury, Smyth and a few others but there is still some great talent. Some of those could potentially be better then any of the signings we have seen.

The Canucks have some money to spend so look for them to pick up some guys. They need a top 6 forward and a top 4 defencemen. Also maybe a few other holes. Did you want them to sign one of the big names for 7 mil? Then have only 4 or 5 to fill the rest of their holes?

[road doggy dogg]

Oh yeah I forgot all about Souray. He's gonna get a huge payday with whoever he signs with.

Preissing signed with LA.

[YOUR Hero]

Ok maybe compared to Briere, Drury, Smyth and a few others but there is still some great talent. Some of those could potentially be better then any of the signings we have seen.

The Canucks have some money to spend so look for them to pick up some guys. They need a top 6 forward and a top 4 defencemen. Also maybe a few other holes. Did you want them to sign one of the big names for 7 mil? Then have only 4 or 5 to fill the rest of their holes?

Sydor = top 4 dMan

Gomez = top 6 forward

That's what I expected. I also expected them to trade Morrison and or Naslund.

You know what, a Bertuzzi or Peca return wouldn't surprise me. There are a ton of reasons why they wopuldn't or the team won't, but anything is possible in the NHL!

[weather vane]

So you think Scott Gomez is worth 7 million? Not a chance.

[road doggy dogg]

Most likely not, but with both Nylander and Shanny likely headed out, the Rags needed to get some offensive punch. A bit overpaid but not a horribly travesty really. Especially if you take into account the Jagr factor.

[road doggy dogg]

OH OH light at the end of the tunnel for Islanders fans!!!!!!!


They signed Jon Sim. :y:

[YOUR Hero]

So you think Scott Gomez is worth 7 million? Not a chance.

NO exactly. I know he's a young talent, but those are crazy #'s

[weather vane]

I am DYING to get Bertuzzi. Always been one of my favourites, epitomizes what a Bruin should be. He's big, nasty and I think he can still produce. Plus I am sure somebody can steal him for 2.5 mil plus incentives. I want this so bad.

[YOUR Hero]

His problem is that he plays a bit gun shy now. Not to mention his back is wonked. It's my belief he could go for a 1 year deal @ 1 million, loaded with incentives. Easy gamble imo. He might want a more garaunteed deal though.

[YOUR Hero]

Holy cow.

Where is Anaheim getting the $$$$ ?

They've signed Bertuzzi to a 2 year $ 8 million deal.

If Bertuzzi rebounds, great move but he's got mental and physical issues. Burke must be in a giving mood.

[road doggy dogg]

Wowwwwww surprised as hell.


Pretty much guarantees that both Selanne and Niedermeyer are out though. Only possible answer. That, or Anaheim reallllly want to be repeat champs.

[road doggy dogg]

Flames signed Owen Nolan, one-year deal.

[weather vane]

wow

[YOUR Hero]

Nolan did 'ok' last season, that's not a bad risk. Hamylik (SP?) got 4 years out of MTL. Souray declined the 5 year 24+ mill that the Habs offered him. :eek:

[weather vane]

We need to get Shanahan, Kozlov, Guerin, Zubrus or Comrie. Also need to shore up our D. Everybody is going quickly. Shanny would be my first choice.

[YOUR Hero]

I still think Shanny will end up as a Ranger.

LOL, one rumour I'm hearing is that the Rangers fielded offers to both Gomez and Drury hoping to land one of them, that they never expected to get both of them. That they're a bit surprised and maybe a bit worried about the fact so much investment is tied up in two guys.

Yet I still think Shanny will be back as a Ranger.

[weather vane]

I dunno. I am hearing that Souray is on his way there. Shanny will be gone if that is the case.

[Stickman]

These contracts are rediculous. Some decent players but guys who wont be remembered as superstars that changed the game are making more in salary than Payton Manning.

Some teams can't survive. I heard the GM of the lighting on the radio and he said they have to plya at 42M in salary and they'll lose 7M unless they go deep in the playoffs. What exactly has the lockout fixed? The rich teams pay for whatever they want, the poor teams struggle to get by. Making the minimum is a challenge for some teams.

Thanks for costing us a season.

[MVP]

God if the Rangers signed Souray they're gonna be dirty, if not already.

Really want him to sign with the B's though, except that probably won't happen.

[Stickman]

I hope the Rangers are just like the Rangers of old. Throw a tonne of money around and miss the playoffs.

[road doggy dogg]

Islanders signed Guerin, looks like they're at least trying not to be total cellar dwellers.

[CSL]

<font color=white>Not got anything to do with the offseason, more 'general wondering about a computer game'. I'm playing NHL Eastside and it comes time for who's going into the Hall of Fame (no waiting period on the game) and in goes: Chelios, Fleury, Bondra, Stephane Richer and Fredrik Olausson. Now Chelios is lock but the other 4, especially Olausson are a bit 'eh'. Just wondering, for the sake of wondering how realistic the game is, who you'd put in there from that list?</font>

[Stickman]

<font color=white>Not got anything to do with the offseason, more 'general wondering about a computer game'. I'm playing NHL Eastside and it comes time for who's going into the Hall of Fame (no waiting period on the game) and in goes: Chelios, Fleury, Bondra, Stephane Richer and Fredrik Olausson. Now Chelios is lock but the other 4, especially Olausson are a bit 'eh'. Just wondering, for the sake of wondering how realistic the game is, who you'd put in there from that list?</font>

From that list Chelios is the only one worth it.

[YOUR Hero]

Islanders signed Guerin, looks like they're at least trying not to be total cellar dwellers.


You know what that tells you though, right?

That Guerin is just in it for the money. Other guys are signing with teams they played for or for teams they think will contend. Guerin is just a payday guy. Now there are those that don't see anything wrong with this, but I'm not one that buys into that.

[YOUR Hero]

I tried posting Columbus' new jersey earlier in this thread but it was down. Here we go.

Not a ton different...

[YOUR Hero]

Here's the shoulder patch on it...

[McDoogle]

Don't like those at all.

[YOUR Hero]

Don't like those at all.

What do you think of the Buffalo Jersey?

[Stickman]

I like that a thousand times better than their old ones.

Worst jersey's in the league do go to the Wild, though.

[Goulet]

http://cdn.nhl.com/capitals/images/upload/2007/06/jersey_preorder_button.jpg

Kinda old school... I like them

[road doggy dogg]

Just as Hero predicted, Shanny re-signed with the Rangers.

[YOUR Hero]

Barring injuries, I predict big things from Shanny this year. Gomez, not so much. In fact I believe Gomez will be viewed as a bust. Maybe not this year but within 2-3 years.

[weather vane]

Wow the Rangers are going to be good.

[road doggy dogg]

Yeah seriously. They also re-signed Lundqvist too. Who would've thought they would keep Shanny and Lundqvist, AND get Drury and Gomez? Ridiculous.


With Philly actually looking somewhat decent (on paper) now, the Atlantic division is gonna be pretty nuts this season.

[YOUR Hero]

haha, I wonder if Bobby Clarke will find his smile and try and come back to the Flyers.

[Stickman]

So Crosby is coming to Vancouver for the first time as a pro. Way to go NHL, every three years we get to see him.

No Leafs or Canadiens though :(

[road doggy dogg]

Souray to Edmontonnnnn

[Stickman]

Edmonton and Pheonix to fight for the last spot in the west.

[YOUR Hero]

Souray is a big presence on the PowerPLay. Sweet deal for the Oil. They gotta be feeling a little better now too, knowing they can sign free agents.

[Linkbowler]

Derek Boogaard is keeping himself in game shape by teaching his country's youth.

http://www.startribune.com/wild/story/1302464.html

[Stickman]

Yeah, free agents other teams passed up on.

[Stickman]

what free agents are still out there?

[YOUR Hero]

Yashin is available. You have to think someone would be willing to sign him. Dunno... maybe he'll head off to Russia or Sweden or something.

[road doggy dogg]

Last I heard his agent was saying he will play in Russia if nobody makes an offer to him.

[weather vane]

There is still some quality guys left.

Teemu Selanne and Peter Forsberg are the two big names. Both maybe retiring though.

[YOUR Hero]

Well Forsberg is in Sweden recovering from ankle surgery. I have heard that the Avs would like to sign him to a 1 year deal.

[YOUR Hero]

Yashin fielding offers from Europe (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/rumors/post/Yashin-fielding-offers-from-Europe?urn=nhl,38901)

Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007 1:16 pm EDT

http://f3.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_rumors/ept_sports_rumors-106581435-1177606485.jpg?ymV1mZ9CZfAF9I8c Getty Images


Alexei Yashin (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/599/) is one of the last notable free agents left in the NHL, but he's also listening to offers from Russian teams as well. "I have got a couple of interesting offers from Russia," admitted Yashin to Sport Express.
"Moreover German and other European clubs seem to be interested in my services."
There is also speculation he may sign with the Detroit Red Wings (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/det/).
Source: Sport-Express (http://english.sport-express.ru/news/13_834/)http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/nt/ic/ut/bsc/newwin12_1.gif (http://english.sport-express.ru/news/13_834/)

[weather vane]

Ottawa trades Peter Schaefer to the Bruins for Shean Donovan. Cap dump for Ottawa, forward upgrade for Boston.

I am really happy with this deal. Schaefer is great on the boards and will really improve our PK. Donovan was just brtl, hands of stone and zero grit. Schaefer will see some time on our second line and he is capable of scoring 25. Now only if we can somehow dump off Ward and get rid of Mowers we would be in buisness. We also need a top 4 defensemen badly.

Also Matt Cullen returns to the Hurricanes for Andrew Hutchinson, forward Joe Barnes and a third round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. This was long speculated to happen and was just a matter of time.

[YOUR Hero]

Schaefer is a plyer every team would want. Like you said, gritty, good along the boards and has the talent to score some goals.

[Skippord]

Well Forsberg is in Sweden recovering from ankle surgery. I have heard that the Avs would like to sign him to a 1 year deal.
I would bust a nut

honest to god

[Fignuts]

COCKSUCKING FAGGOT MOTHERFUCKING WHORES! THOSE GOD DAMN FUCKING PRICKS!

[weather vane]

You're an idiot. What are you crying about?

[weather vane]

??? - Savard - Murray
Sturm - Bergeron - Bochenski
Schaefer - Kessel - Kobasew
Chistov - Mowers - Thornton/Reich

Ference-Chara
Alberts-Wideman
Allen-Ward

Fernandez - Thomas/Toivonen

Axelsson just doesn't fit, he will be great trade bait with Toivonen. I love the guy but Schaefer fits better on that third line and I don't see him being bumped down to the 4th line. If we can keep him and put him on the 4th line then great. A deal has to happen soon.

We need a top 6 forward and a top 4 dman. If we can get one of those we could be scary. Even if we get another 3rd line center (Lindros/Peca) we can move Kessel up to that first line and we would still be looking good.

[YOUR Hero]

You're an idiot. What are you crying about?

*Sabres fan

[weather vane]

I know and there is nothing to cry about. Ok they lost Drury and Briere but did you really want to pay 7 million for Drury and Briere for 8 years? Briere is a band aid and Drury is not a 7 million dollar player. The Sabres have no need to overpay with a lot of young guys coming up.

[YOUR Hero]

I think if Vanek is worth 7 million, then Drury is. I agree with your Briere statement.

[weather vane]

Well they didn't have a choice on Vanek. They pretty much got screwed, they couldn't give up on all three of them.

[McDoogle]

You're right Drury is not a 7 mill player but sometimes you have to overpay to keep an important piece of team chemestry and Drury apparently was HUGE in the locker room. On top of that he was a captain and the face of the francise. Yes it sucks that he is being over-paid but you knew some team was going to offer him that much so sometimes you have to suck it up and pay.

[YOUR Hero]

Well they didn't have a choice on Vanek. They pretty much got screwed, they couldn't give up on all three of them.

they screwed themselves

[Lara Emily]

Schaefer is a plyer every team would want. Like you said, gritty, good along the boards and has the talent to score some goals.
He has a habit of not showing up for games on end.

And hate to break it to anyone who is a Bs fan Peter has had one 20 goal season in his career and that was during a contract year. The chances of him getting 25 is slim, he is a playmaker who doesn't like to shoot. Great board guy, great PK guy but proved himself to not be worth his price tag not to mention easily expendable on eam that can roll 2 to 3 pk units and has an abundance of guys with 20 goal potential

Donovan always had some sand paper to him, he should flourish in the Senators system.

[McDoogle]

they screwed themselves

Exactly.

[weather vane]

He has a habit of not showing up for games on end.

And hate to break it to anyone who is a Bs fan Peter has had one 20 goal season in his career and that was during a contract year. The chances of him getting 25 is slim, he is a playmaker who doesn't like to shoot. Great board guy, great PK guy but proved himself to not be worth his price tag not to mention easily expendable on eam that can roll 2 to 3 pk units and has an abundance of guys with 20 goal potential

Donovan always had some sand paper to him, he should flourish in the Senators system.

Well hopefully he doesn't touch out top two lines. We need to make a trade for a top 6 forward plain and simple. Yes Shaefer was aful in the playoffs and sometimes is a ghost on the ice but he was never happy in Ottawa. He has shown some flashes of greatness and I am glad we picked him up.

[Lara Emily]

Well hopefully he doesn't touch out top two lines. We need to make a trade for a top 6 forward plain and simple. Yes Shaefer was aful in the playoffs and sometimes is a ghost on the ice but he was never happy in Ottawa. He has shown some flashes of greatness and I am glad we picked him up.
Flashes mean shit tho, Tyler Arnason showed flashes and he's worthless. Peter is going to bring you some spark every so often but don't expect him to be always on his game.

And noffense but if isn't happy in Ottawa I doubt Boston right now is going to be any better.

[weather vane]

Not necessarily... he needed a change of scenery and he got one. Also flashes do mean something and he isn't there to be a goal scorer. He is there to play on the PK and play on the third line.

[Lara Emily]

Not necessarily... he needed a change of scenery and he got one. Also flashes do mean something and he isn't there to be a goal scorer. He is there to play on the PK and play on the third line.
Tell that to him then, all his interviews make it seem like he wants to go out there and score. I doubt he'll love being relegated to third line duty either.

[weather vane]

Well I think he will get a chance to maybe play on a scoring line. It all depends on if we trade for a top six forward. Right now he would be on the top two lines. I am pretty sure we are working on something though.

[YOUR Hero]

Kevin Lowe's gone after Dustin Penner now. Oh Boy. Looks like there will be a new age of going after restricted free agents. Not so sure the Ducks can afford to match the 21.something offer over 3 years that Edmonton has offered. Penner's a great young talent. Not a flashy Vanek type guy, but a grinder with the scoring ability and he's HUGE.

[Y2Ant]

Fuck you Edmonton :foc:

[YOUR Hero]

Brian Burke, in his usual manner, called Lowe desperate and unprofessional. He feels that Lowe should have called him to let him know that he was going after Penner. :lol: LOL, shut up. "Hi, heads up, going to go after one of your players, just thought I'd let you know before I do, so you can use that against me. Say hello to Pronger for me"

Burke, shut up.

[BlackRavyyn]

Exactly Hero! As if one GM is supposed to call the other. I just laughed over Burke's comments on how classless it was, the timing was bad cause it ruined HIS night of being honoured by the BC hall of fame. Does this idiot think of anyone else other than himself?

Look, the Oilers are trying to build a team. NO ONE wants to play here cause of the climate and travel. We tried to trade on draft day, no one budged. We tried to sign players, we got Souray. So now we're following the rules and going after RFA's that people have been shuffling there feet about signing.

So what?

Don't you think if the shoe was on the other foot, that Burke wouldn't pull a move like this? Come on, as if he plays the GM game fair.

Suck it up princess, Burke's pissed cause he knows if he matches the offer he will be OVER the cap. And that's without signing Selanne, but factoring in Niedermeyer.

So Lowe asks for a lot more then Penner is worth. Sometimes in the working world, people are offered stupid amounts of money to work where it's not exactly the best situation. So this is hockey's way of saying, "Yes the weather sucks, yes the travelling sucks but this nice $4 mill a season should keep you happy."

Just my thoughts...

[YOUR Hero]

I wonder if Spilly was out drinking with these guys....


-- Carolina Hurricanes (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/car/;_ylt=ApNlFqkteZQGFl51ovrZtosmvLYF) star Eric Staal (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3342/;_ylt=Anbs1F_vv2cXyTo_kjFxXSEmvLYF) and his brother, Jordan Staal (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3980/;_ylt=As732apUiGbLHGUUNveGtnUmvLYF) of the Pittsburgh Penguins (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/pit/;_ylt=AhbG48LQ9.eg2uiAuzTt.2ImvLYF), were arrested for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process at Eric Staal's bachelor party at a Minnesota resort.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office said the brothers were among 14 arrested last weekend after authorities received several complaints about "screaming, yelling and playing loud music" at the resort in northeastern Minnesota, about two hours from the Staals' hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The sheriff said the group was warned multiple times before finally being ordered to leave the Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas in Lutsen, at which point the men gathered on a nearby highway and "began harassing motorists." That's when authorities arrested the group, around 4 a.m. Saturday.
[...]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=As12NUSrR0SscrgPVMgZ5.V7vLYF?slug=ap-staalsarrested&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Y2Ant]

Brian Burke > your face :foc:

[Adder]

Brian Burke is an idiot. He's not, he's very smart, but when he gets emotional he says stuff with very little thought to it and it makes him come across as an idiot.

Therefore Brian Burke is a smart idiot.

[Adder]

Take it for what it is, a rumour, but there's a rumour that ESPN might be stepping into the whole hockey thing again. Not this coming year, but the following. NBC has 1 year left and they're scaling their broadcast back to one game a week. Last year, while still only showing 1 game regionally, they had 3 crews broadcasting 3 different games.

So anyway, the rumour is that EPSN would jump on board, probably at a sweetheart rate, but it would be good for the NHL and ESPN knows how to market and they are the network Americans turn to by habit when it comes to sports.

VS would have to give up their exclusive USA deal, but the thought is they'd be compensated with cross promotions with ESPN. Still think the casual US fans won't really give a shit, but if there's a chance to get back on mainstream USA TV then I'm all for it.

[weather vane]

I wonder if Spilly was out drinking with these guys....


-- Carolina Hurricanes (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/car/;_ylt=ApNlFqkteZQGFl51ovrZtosmvLYF) star Eric Staal (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3342/;_ylt=Anbs1F_vv2cXyTo_kjFxXSEmvLYF) and his brother, Jordan Staal (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/players/3980/;_ylt=As732apUiGbLHGUUNveGtnUmvLYF) of the Pittsburgh Penguins (http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/teams/pit/;_ylt=AhbG48LQ9.eg2uiAuzTt.2ImvLYF), were arrested for misdemeanor disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process at Eric Staal's bachelor party at a Minnesota resort.

The Cook County Sheriff's Office said the brothers were among 14 arrested last weekend after authorities received several complaints about "screaming, yelling and playing loud music" at the resort in northeastern Minnesota, about two hours from the Staals' hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario. The sheriff said the group was warned multiple times before finally being ordered to leave the Lutsen Resort and Sea Villas in Lutsen, at which point the men gathered on a nearby highway and "began harassing motorists." That's when authorities arrested the group, around 4 a.m. Saturday.
[...]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news;_ylt=As12NUSrR0SscrgPVMgZ5.V7vLYF?slug=ap-staalsarrested&prov=ap&type=lgns

Nah I don't know the Staals all that well. I have partied with Jordan once.

He actually is going out with my good friend AJ's ex gf and she was fucking him while they were still going out.

[Adder]

Looks like the Preds will be sold to a bunch of Nashville investors. These group ownerships rarely work out over the long term. I guesss all 278 Preds fans will be happy to hear that the team isn't moving... yet.
193 million for a franchise that is so shaky, the Preds current owner owes Ballsile a debt of gratitude for upping the value of his team so dramatically.

[Adder]

oh, and Burke has to decide today if he's keeping Dustin Penner. I hope the Oil get him.

[Adder]

Another thought about Burke, he's put himself in this position of being a team that other GMs can target. Look at what he still has hanging over his head. Neidermeyer and Selanne.
Both these guys are taking too long to make up their mind in respect to their team being able to move forward. Of course you have to afford them some time, but this is far too long. Burke should be pressuring them to make a decision.
I know what you're thinking, pressuring them will drive them away. I disagree. Sooner or later they have to make the tough decision, all Burke would be doing is prompting them to make that tough decision sooner rather than latter. I do not feel it would influence their decision one way or the other. Of course if you're rude about it, it could, but Burke knows how to privately talk to his guys.
It's not like Teemu and Scott don't know that they are holding up the entire team and it's direction by taking so long to decide. Perhaps they need to be reminded of this factor.

If they do come back, WOW to the salary bind the Ducks will be in.

[Lara Emily]

Patrice Brisebois is a Hab again lmao!

[Adder]

The Tampa Bay Lightning were sold to Doug MacLean. Wow. He's the front man, but the money backers (Im sure) are the behind the scenes guys. One is a property develpoer and the other I forget right now. No plans of moving the team, but this sale came out of nowhere. With all the talk this off season about the Preds and earlier with the Pens, this one caught a lot of people off guard.

[Adder]

The Oilers ownership group, BTW turned down a bid by a local Billionaire to purchase the team. Tooo bad really, because this ownership group has nothing near the pockets of Mr. Rexall. He's a big time hockey fan and is a huge Corp. Sponsor for the Oil already.

[YOUR Hero]

List of Forsberg suitors expands

It appears that the Detroit Red Wings are sniffing around Peter Forsberg's corner, and you can add the Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Nashville Predators, Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins and, yes, the Colorado Avalanche to that list.

One person with intimate knowledge of Forsberg's situation is that his agent, Don Baizley, wants to get one last good-sized contract for him.

[YOUR Hero]

Thrashers' Hossa not on block -- for now

Atlanta Thrashers general manager Don Waddell says forward Marian Hossa isn't on the trading block, not right now anyway.

Rumors are circulating the Internet that Hossa is headed to the San Jose Sharks one day, then the Vancouver Canucks the next. Waddell denied any talks concerning a potential Hossa trade.

[YOUR Hero]

Peca likely to sign with Rangers

Despite negotiations reportedly slowing down, it still seems likely that unrestricted free agent Mike Peca will sign on with the New York Rangers.

According to the New York Post, talks between Peca and the Rangers are set to resume as early as Wednesday.

[YOUR Hero]

OK, so add Ottawa as a team intereste in Forsberg.

I'd love to see the Canucks get Hossa. A pure scorer like that... if they could hold on to NAslund and their core. If there was a way to get Hossa without touching the core, I think Hossa would boost the slumping offence in Vancouver back to what it was.

Peca to the Rangers? Where's their cap room? Not 'that' significant anyway as far as I'm concerned.

Speaking of finding cap room, who is it even possible for Anaheim to be in the running for Forsberg.

[YOUR Hero]

Mark Bell, going to Jail. Nice pick up by the Leafs.

[Blitz]

At least he's not going till after this season :-\

[YOUR Hero]

I'm pretty sure I heard that the Leafs don't want anything to do with him. Can anyone confirm?

[Blitz]

Well it's good thing we traded for him then.

[YOUR Hero]

OK John Ferguson is saying the Leafs are going to support Mark Bell. I guess he'll play for them afterall.

[road doggy dogg]

Man, the past couple weeks have been SO SLOW for hockey news. Get me excited about the season ffs :mad: :rant:

[Adder]

Vancouver's newest jersey.

It's ok, but very bland. I like the lettering 'Vancouver' but I don't like the way they've whitewashed the orca logo.

Some people are saying this logo will change again in the next couple years or so. Because there's ownership questions ongoing in Vancouver, this is a safe design change.

[Adder]

I read that Ed Belfour is now playing in Sweden. He's washed up, kinda surprised he still wants to play, he's been playing a long time and you'd think he'd wrap it up and call it a career. Easy to call him washed up, but it shows he's still got a desire to play.

[Stickman]

The "VANCOUVER" is retarded. And the whale is stupid. It looks like the team is named the Vancouver Whalers. They wanted to keep tradition in the new unis but come on, there is no tradition. How many cups have the Canucks won? Thats right.

Fuck, get a jersey right for once.

[Zen v.W.o.]

The "VANCOUVER" is retarded. And the whale is stupid. It looks like the team is named the Vancouver Whalers. They wanted to keep tradition in the new unis but come on, there is no tradition. How many cups have the Canucks won? Thats right.

Fuck, get a jersey right for once.


lol yes.

[weather vane]

They should of just made it the stick logo and those colours. Get rid of that stupid whale or whatever it is and then put the old skate logo on the shoulders.

[YOUR Hero]

Killer Whales = the Pacific Coast, I don't think it's as bad as you guys are making it out to be.

[weather vane]

I don't think it's THAT bad either. Just they could of done A LOT better job.

[YOUR Hero]

Also, the 'Vancouver' part of it, it's being said, is to capitalize on the 2010 Olympics. With all the tourists that are coming, anything that says 'Vancouver' on it will be a hot seller.

...then the logo will be changed again :D

[YOUR Hero]

I don't think it's THAT bad either. Just they could of done A LOT better job.

oh for sure.

[Stickman]

Killer Whales = the Pacific Coast, I don't think it's as bad as you guys are making it out to be.

But it's an Orca. So it's still like Orca Bay is still involved with the team. The jersey online with the same colours and Johnny Canuck was better.

[YOUR Hero]

OH yeah, that one that ?? you ?? posted that was a photoshop was way nicer. The stick in the rink one too.

[Stickman]

i didn't post it

[YOUR Hero]

I think you know which one I mean though.

[road doggy dogg]

lol wow, Sabres are fucking dicks. Teppo Numminen has a heart condition, gonna need surgery and may not even be able to play anymore. Sabres suspended him without pay for showing up to camp "unable to play". Terrible.

[Stickman]

Can't wait for the Leafs to miss the playoffs again!

[Blitz]

Didn't your hear Paul Maurice? We're gonna make the playoffs and contend for the cup.

[YOUR Hero]

They have to do that, RDD. If they don't his salary counts against their cap.

[weather vane]

lol RDD

[YOUR Hero]

fantasy hockey draft is this weekend.

[RoXer]

oh shit, haven't even prepared

[Blitz]

lol yeah same here.

[MVP]

I think St. Louis might be this year's surprise team. Manny Legace might be better with more defense backing him up. Erik Johnson is starting this year and so far he's been looking pretty good.

[Lara Emily]

Fucking Flyers. This team is full of pieces of shit like this.

Why the fuck do you do this fucking shit in fucking pre-season of all things, fucking punk kid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LItMqF6_G0I

[Blitz]

Downie's always been a piece of shit. Unsurprising.

[Skippord]

Is McAmmond dead?

[Lara Emily]

Is McAmmond dead?

Concussed and given that this is his second in 5 months it could be the end of his career, all thanks to some piece of shit scumbag punk. Sad thing is it probably just won him a roster spot, I mean it's the fucking Flyers. Fuck I hate them worse than I hate the Leafs and that says a lot.

[Lara Emily]

Downie's always been a piece of shit. Unsurprising.

The perfect Flyer sadly.

[YOUR Hero]

The Flyer's organization should also receive a huge, HUGE fine. I believe that's the only way to really reign these guys in. - Police them from within

Now...

When I watched the highlights of the hit last night, it seemed to me that the ref didn't even call it a penalty. IF I saw that right, there is a serious problem with the officiating in this league. it happened right in front of the ref, Downie left his feet, it was clearly a major foul, a hit to the head (which they say they are cracking down on) and yet no penalty call.

I thought the NHL was the elite hockey league. :nono:

[Lara Emily]

The Flyer's organization should also receive a huge, HUGE fine. I believe that's the only way to really reign these guys in. - Police them from within

Now...

When I watched the highlights of the hit last night, it seemed to me that the ref didn't even call it a penalty. IF I saw that right, there is a serious problem with the officiating in this league. it happened right in front of the ref, Downie left his feet, it was clearly a major foul, a hit to the head (which they say they are cracking down on) and yet no penalty call.

I thought the NHL was the elite hockey league. :nono:

The refs gave him a match penalty, so a suspension is automatic, what it entails we shall see.

[Skippord]

look at the comments on that

[Lara Emily]

look at the comments on that

The youtube comments are typical youtube losers. I must say I am pleased that players all over the league or voicing their disgust. Fuck even Leafs players are, Jason Blake's comments being the most interesting, he called for a lifetime ban for Downey. Interesting.

Ten bucks says Downie gets 2 or 3 games tops though.

[YOUR Hero]

McAmmond had an interview today. The guy had some sobering statements about it. Downie's apologized, McAmmond has accepted it, but I do believe he needs a big suspension and Massive fine to the Flyers organization.

If it were 'up to me', I'd fine the Flyers 1 million dollars and have the Flyers loose a 3rd round draft choice (or something like that) to the Senators. If the NHL wants to really crack down on this type of stuff, they got to get so serious. You can bet that if a punishment system like that were put into effect, then you'd see a decline in head shots, cheap shots such as these.

[Lara Emily]

Downie got 20 games, must be served in the NHL. So the Flyers have to basically keep him on their NHL roster for 20 games.

[YOUR Hero]

If he makes the team?

Like the Flyers *have* to put him on the roster for him to serve it or... ?

Flyers should have to give up a draft pick and 1 million bucks. That's still my theory for clamping down on this stuff.

[Lara Emily]

If he makes the team?

Like the Flyers *have* to put him on the roster for him to serve it or... ?

Flyers should have to give up a draft pick and 1 million bucks. That's still my theory for clamping down on this stuff.

He has to be on an NHL roster for the entirety of his 20 game suspension which means they can't just send hm down and have him serve it there, plus if they tried to send him down the AHL would likely honour the NHL suspension and not let him play until he finishes his NHL suspension.

[Blitz]

Believe I just saw today that Downie was sent to the AHL?

[YOUR Hero]

I was kinda hoping to see what people thought of my 'punishment' idea for cases such as these.

[Lara Emily]

Believe I just saw today that Downie was sent to the AHL?

Then He'll play there I guess but he can't play a minute in the NHL until his suspension is up, which means he won't be available for an emergency call up or anything.

[Blitz]

Yeah but still. If they can do that it ain't much of a punishment.

Shoulda fined Downie's ass in addition to the Flyer's organization.

[Lara Emily]

Anyway he was suspended for 30 days in the AHL, so the Flyers put him back on their roster and he'll likely sit for 20 games or until he's elligible to play in the AHL