Archive for September, 2009

Now What for the Coyotes?

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 30th, 2009

He said it was a possibility, and he was true to his word, Judge T. Baum turns down both the NHL`s and Balsillie`s bids for the Phoenix Coyotes. On the Balsillie side of things:

Judge Baum threw out the bid by Balsillie, saying it could not work because he could not properly satisfy the NHL’s rights regarding relocation. “In the final analysis, the court cannot find or conclude that the interests of the NHL can be adequately protected if the Coyotes are moved to Hamilton without first having a final decision regarding the claimed rights of the NHL and the claims of the debtors and (Balsillie),” he ruled.

It sounds like the door was left open for the NHL to adjust thier bid if they would pay `all` creditors.

He then ruled that the NHL’s bid would not work because it allows the league to specifically select the creditors will be paid. The NHL said it would pay all their creditors in full – with the exception of former head coach Wayne Gretzky and majority owner Jerry Moyes.

Official Statement from Judge Redfield T. Baum

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Cam Ward Signs Contract Extension with Hurricanes

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on September 30th, 2009

Cam Ward signs a 6 year contract extension with the Carolina Hurricanes today. The 6 year deal is worth a total of $37.8 million, a $6.3 million salary cap hit.

This is a good deal for both parties involved. $6.3 million is a reasonable cap number that shouldn’t handcuff them too much in the future.

Ward is entering his 5 NHL season, and has a shot at making the Canadian Olympic team for 2010. Ward has played in 225 games in 4 seasons, with a record of 120 wins, 77 loses, 18 ties with a 2.81 GAA. Statistically, Ward broke out last season with a 2.44 GAA and .916 SV%, 39 wins and 6 shutouts.

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Mats Sundin Retires

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 30th, 2009

After another summer of indecisiveness, Mats Sundin has decided to hang the skates up, retiring from the NHL. It’ s too bad that it was a year too late, as he should have went out a Maple Leaf. He was an icon in Toronto for years. Many fans (including myself) were ticked off when he refused to waive his no trade clause at the trade deadline, but hopefully we can all put that behind us.

Drafted 1st overall in 1990 by the Quebec Nordiques, Sundin was traded to the Maple Leafs after 4 seasons. He spent the next 13 seasons leading the Leafs, but never was able to lead them to the promise land. He was the face of this organization, never giving up faith that ‘this year could be the year’. Sundin said all the right things, and loved the city.

Sundin’s career spanned 18 seasons and 1346 games, over which he tallied 564 goals, 785 assists for 1349. He retires as the highest scoring Maple Leaf and Swedish player, and has most likely punched his ticket in to the hall of fame.

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Waiver Claim on Schremp, and Other Quick Hits

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 29th, 2009

  • The New York Islanders have reportedly put in a waiver claim on Robbie Schremp. The Isles hold the #1 waiver claim slot, so they would get him even if other teams put in a claim. There is no doubt that Schremp is talented, offensive player, but he just couldn’t crack a Oilers line up. Desire and discipline have been issues for Schremp. Schremp could fit in on the top 2 lines with the Isles.
  • Andrew Raycroft beats out Cory Schneider as the Canucks back up goalie. I’m thinking the Schneider may be wanting a change of scenery soon. He wouldn’t see any time ahead of Luongo, and there isn’t much point of keeping him as a backup to play 10 games in the NHL. He’s put up some solid numbers in the AHL.
  • 6 2009 1st round picks remain in NHL camps; John Tavares (NYI), Victor Hedman (TB), Matt Duchene (Col), Evander Kane (Atl), Calvin de Hann (NYI), and Dmitry Kulikov (Flor.).
  • Jiri Tlusty, Nik Kulemin, and Tyler Bozak (still might be sent to the Marlies) will stay with the Leafs, but will watch the season opener from the press box according to Hockey Central at Noon on Sportsnet.
  • Players who were waived yesterday: Jonathan Sigalet (CLB), Derek MacKenzie (CLB), Craig Weller (Min), Christoph Schubert (Ott), Brandon Bochenski (TB), Adam Hall (TB), Ryan Craig (TB).
  • Players who were released yesterday: Dan Fritsche (Atl), Manny Legace (Atl), Brett McLean (TB)

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Stralman Traded to the Blue Jackets

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Trades on September 28th, 2009

Anton Stralman didn’t last too long in a Calgary Flames jersey, as he was shipped to Columbus Blue Jackets for a 2010 3rd round pick. Columbus has been searching for a puck moving defenseman, and Stralman could be a good pick up for them. Stralman is still only 23 years old, and has recorded 22 points in 88 games.

The Flames acquired Stralman, Colin Stuart, and a 2012 7th pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs for 2011 2nd round pick and Wayne Primeau.

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Theoren Fleury Announces Retirement

Posted by Derek in NHL Free Agents, NHL News on September 28th, 2009

“Theoren Fleury chose to end his NHL career in the place it began.

Instead of pursuing his NHL comeback with another club, the 41-year-old announced his retirement Monday in Calgary.

“I could not sign with another team,” he said during a news conference. “I get to retire a Calgary Flame.”(Source-TSN)

It’s a sad day for hockey fans in Calgary and around the NHL. As much as we were all pulling for the little guy, it seems that despite the good hands and point production Fleury displayed in 4 pre-season games his legs just couldn’t keep up to the fast pace of the new NHL.

It was a valiant effort none the less and Fleury deserves praise for containing his alcohol addiction and getting his life back on track. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Theo for his personal success and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

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TSN vs GlobeSports Projected Scoring Leaders

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 27th, 2009

In keeping with the projected scoring leaders for this season, we compared TSN’s Scott Cullen’s Top 40 projections with GlobeSports.com’s Eric Duhatschek’s. 31 players appear on both lists.

Players who only appear on 1 list as top 40 potential scorers: Ales Hemsky, Alex Tanguay, Alexander Frolov, Alexander Semin, Anze Kopitar, Brenden Morrow, Daniel Briere ,Jean-Pierre Dumont, Marian Gaborik, Mike Cammalleri, Patrick Kane, Patrick Marleau, Patrik Elias, Paul Stastny, Scott Gomez, Shane Doan, Steven Stamkos , Thomas Vanek

RANK TSN – Scott Cullen GlobeSports – Eric Duhatschek
1 Alexander Ovechkin Evgeni Malkin
2 Evgeni Malkin Alexander Ovechkin
3 Sidney Crosby Sidney Crosby
4 Pavel Datsyuk Joe Thornton
5 Nicklas Backstrom Dany Heatley
6 Joe Thornton Ryan Getzlaf
7 Ryan Getzlaf Ilya Kovalchuk
8 Dany Heatley Pavel Datsyuk
9 Ilya Kovalchuk Marc Savard
10 Marc Savard Jarome Iginla
11 Jarome Iginla Alexander Semin
12 Jason Spezza Nicklas Backstrom
13 Rick Nash Jason Spezza
14 Zach Parise Henrik Sedin
15 Henrik Zetterberg Daniel Sedin
16 Henrik Sedin Vincent Lecavalier
17 Martin St. Louis Henrik Zetterberg
18 Daniel Sedin Zach Parise
19 Mike Richards Jeff Carter
20 Daniel Alfredsson Rick Nash
21 Jeff Carter Corey Perry
22 Eric Staal Martin St. Louis
23 Jonathan Toews Eric Staal
24 Derek Roy Paul Stastny
25 Vincent Lecavalier Mike Richards
26 Anze Kopitar Marian Gaborik
27 Bobby Ryan Scott Gomez
28 Mike Ribeiro Jonathan Toews
29 Patrick Kane Daniel Alfredsson
30 Corey Perry Steven Stamkos
31 Olli Jokinen Martin Havlat
32 Shane Doan Bobby Ryan
33 Simon Gagne Patrick Marleau
34 Patrik Elias Ales Hemsky
35 Martin Havlat Brenden Morrow
36 Jean-Pierre Dumont Olli Jokinen
37 Alex Tanguay Simon Gagne
38 Thomas Vanek Mike Ribeiro
39 Alexander Frolov Daniel Briere
40 Mike Cammalleri Derek Roy

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TSN Releases Projected Scoring Leaders

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 26th, 2009

Scott Cullen of TSN has put out a Top 250 projected scoring for the upcoming season. We’ve posted below the Top 40.  He has only Alex Ovechkin as the only 50 goal scorer, and only 3 players (Ovechkin, Malkin, and Crosby) scoring over a 100 points. Only 13 players are projected to point a game or better.


RANK PLAYER TEAM POS G A PTS +/- PPP PIM
1 Alexander Ovechkin WAS LW 55 54 109 5 43 54
2 Evgeni Malkin PIT C 41 67 108 12 40 76
3 Sidney Crosby PIT C 33 68 101 10 43 71
4 Pavel Datsyuk DET C 30 65 95 27 36 20
5 Nicklas Backstrom WAS C 23 71 94 14 39 44
6 Joe Thornton SJ C 25 65 90 19 39 53
7 Ryan Getzlaf ANA C 28 60 88 17 40 99
8 Dany Heatley SJ LW 47 41 88 10 31 82
9 Ilya Kovalchuk ATL LW 47 41 88 -8 38 58
10 Marc Savard BOS C 22 66 88 7 34 72
11 Jarome Iginla CAL RW 40 46 86 7 32 62
12 Jason Spezza OTT C 33 50 83 7 32 63
13 Rick Nash CBJ RW 42 40 82 7 23 79
14 Zach Parise NJ LW 36 44 80 13 25 26
15 Henrik Zetterberg DET C 36 44 80 18 30 34
16 Henrik Sedin VAN C 19 61 80 15 31 56
17 Martin St. Louis TB RW 32 48 80 -4 27 24
18 Daniel Sedin VAN LW 30 49 79 14 30 40
19 Mike Richards PHI C 29 48 77 16 32 69
20 Daniel Alfredsson OTT RW 28 48 76 10 29 30
21 Jeff Carter PHI C 40 36 76 12 22 70
22 Eric Staal CAR C 37 38 75 6 26 54
23 Jonathan Toews CHI C 36 39 75 14 26 57
24 Derek Roy BUF C 30 44 74 2 26 42
25 Vincent Lecavalier TB C 32 41 73 -11 25 64
26 Anze Kopitar LA C 29 44 73 -11 26 30
27 Bobby Ryan ANA LW 34 39 73 15 28 46
28 Mike Ribeiro DAL C 22 51 73 3 26 44
29 Patrick Kane CHI RW 23 48 71 -3 32 47
30 Corey Perry ANA RW 33 38 71 12 25 106
31 Olli Jokinen CAL C 32 39 71 -1 29 74
32 Shane Doan PHO LW 27 43 70 1 24 65
33 Simon Gagne PHI LW 33 36 69 20 23 36
34 Patrik Elias NJ LW 25 43 68 9 27 34
35 Martin Havlat MIN RW 28 40 68 12 17 34
36 Jean-Pierre Dumont NAS RW 22 46 68 3 19 26
37 Alex Tanguay TB LW 22 46 68 7 21 42
38 Thomas Vanek BUF LW 39 28 67 3 25 52
39 Alexander Frolov LA LW 30 37 67 -4 24 28
40 Mike Cammalleri MON RW 30 37 67 -4 28 48

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Theo Fleury Released by the Flames

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 25th, 2009

Theo Fleury was released by the Calgary Flames friday morning. Fleury in attempting a comeback after 6 years out the NHL, recorded 4 points in 4 games and was a +4. He will hold a press conference on Monday to discuss his future. He did have this to say today …

“I am very thankful to Darryl and the Flames organization for following through on the commitment to provide me with this opportunity,” Fleury said in the joint statement. “I said in the beginning that no matter what the outcome, this would be a success story. I intend to take the next few days to review this experience and make decisions with my family regarding next steps in my life.” Fleury missed Thursday morning’s practice because of “maintenance,” according to the team.

I hope Theo decides to continue his comeback this year, even if he has to play in the minors for the first part of the season. I’m sure there would be some team that would give him a chance in the minors, I don’t see how it would hurt.

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Gretzky Out in Phoenix

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News on September 24th, 2009

Not wanted by the NHL, not wanting to go Hamilton, Wayne Gretzky steps down as the Phoenix Coyotes head coach and director of hockey operations. Here is the entire statement that was released on Gretzky.com.

(Phoenix, Ariz.)–Wayne Gretzky announced today that he is stepping down as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations of the Phoenix Coyotes Hockey Club, effective immediately.  “This was a difficult decision that I’ve thought long and hard about,” said Gretzky. “We all hoped there would be a resolution earlier this month to the Coyotes ownership situation, but the decision is taking longer than expected.  Since both remaining bidders have made it clear that I don’t fit into their future plans, I approached General Manger Don Maloney and suggested he begin looking for someone to replace me as coach.  Don has worked hard and explored many options.  I think he has made an excellent choice, and so now it’s time for me to step aside.

“The Coyotes scouting staff has put together a great group of young and talented players who are going to improve tremendously over the next few years,” continued Gretzky.  “I’m proud of the team we’ve assembled, the organization with which I’ve been associated and the thousands of dedicated fans who have never wavered in their support of this young team.  I’m confident that the best is yet to come for hockey in Phoenix.

“I want to thank every staff member of the Phoenix Coyotes, past and present.  It was a real pleasure to work with each and every one of you.  I’ve always said that Phoenix is a great sports city and deserves nothing but the best.  I still believe that. As a young boy, I learned to play hockey in Southern Ontario, and I know what great fans they have there.  It’s my hope they too will have an NHL franchise in the not too distant future.

“I often said it was the greatest honor and privilege I could imagine to be able to play in the National Hockey League.  I feel the same way about being an NHL coach.  I’ve loved the four years I spent coaching the Coyotes.  Not a day went by when I took it for granted, and I will miss the competition of the NHL dearly.  It was an honor to hold the position, and I will always consider myself especially fortunate to have had this opportunity.”

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New Number 2 in Ottawa, and Forsberg Again

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL News, NHL Rumors on September 24th, 2009

Add the name ‘Peter Regin’ to your list of potential sleeper picks for your fantasy hockey draft. There is a good chance that he’ll be the number 2 center for the Ottawa Senators between Alex Kovalev and Mike Fisher. Fisher, the teams long time #2 center that shouldn’t have been a #2 center, moves over to the right wing and has lit it up in the pre-season.

Deja Vu …. Peter Forsberg is attempting another comeback, after signing a 1 week tryout contract with his hometown club, Modo. Has been practicing with the team already, and played in a couple pre-season games. I think he really wants to play for team Sweden in the Olympics. If this comeback fails, it’s time to hang them up for good Peter.

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Northeast Division Player Movement

Posted by Mark Easson in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Trades on September 22nd, 2009

The Northeast Division was probably the most talked about division this off-season. The Phil Kessel and Dany Heatley rumors and stories dragged on for months, and thankfully both have been resolved. The Canadiens have completely revamped their roster, for the better, we’re not sure yet. Buffalo didn’t do much. The Leafs have improved with the additions of Kessel, Komisarek, and Beauchemin. Ottawa added Kovalev, Cheechoo and Michalek but lost 40-50 goal man Heatley. Boston will need some players to step up to fill the 36 goal loss in Kessel

BOSTON BRUINS
Players In Players Out
Derek Morris, D Trade – NYR   Stephane Yelle, C FA – Car  
Rob Kwiet, D FA   P.J. Axelsson, LW FA – Eur  
Trent Whitfield, C FA – StL   Patrick Eaves, RW/LW Trade – Car then released  
Drew Larman, C FA – Fla   Aaron Ward, D Trade – Car  
Zach McKelvie, D FA   Shane Hnidy, D FA – Min  
Dany Sabourin, G FA – Edm   Jeremy Reich, LW/RW FA – NYI  
Drew Fata, D FA – Ott   Steve Montador, D/RW FA – Buf  
Steve Begin, LW/C FA – Dal   Martin St. Pierre, C FA – Ott  
Matt Dalton, G FA   Phil Kessel, W Trade – Tor
Yannick Riendeau, W FA      
Andy Wozniewski, D FA – Pit    
 
Remaining Free Agents
Manny Fernandez, G Ned Lukacevic, LW Wacey Rabbit, C Nathan Robinson, LW
Martin Samuelsson, RW/LW Peter Schaefer, LW Ryan Stokes, D  

BUFFALO SABRES
Players In Players Out
Jeff Cowan, LW/RW FA – Van   Teppo Numminen, D Retired  
Mike Grier, RW FA – SJ   Adam Dennis, G FA – Europe  
Cody McCormick, W/C FA – Col   Michael Funk, D FA – Van  
Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, G FA   Jaroslav Spacek, D FA – Mtl  
Steve Montador, D/RW FA – Bos   Mathieu Darche, LW/RW FA – Mtl  
Travis Turnbull, RW FA   Colin Murphy, LW FA – Europe  
    Mikael Tellqvist, G FA – Europe  
    Tyler Bouck, RW/LW FA – Europe  
 
Remaining Free Agents
Dominic Moore, C Jimmy Bonneau, LW Mike Card, D Colton Fretter, C/RW
Dylan Hunter, LW      

MONTREAL CANADIENS
Players In Players Out
Curtis Sanford, G FA – Van   Tom Kostopoulos, RW FA – Car  
Travis Moen, LW FA – SJ   Saku Koivu, C FA – Ana  
Paul Mara, D FA – NYR   Alex Kovalev, RW FA – Ott  
Eric Neilson, RW FA – StL   Yanick Lehoux, C FA – Europe  
Mathieu Darche, LW/RW FA – Buf   Mike Komisarek, D FA – Tor  
Hal Gill, D FA – Pit   Ryan McDonagh, D Trade – NYR  
Jaroslav Spacek, D FA – Buf   Doug Janik, D Trade – NYR  
Mike Cammalleri, LW/RW FA – Cgy   Christopher Higgins, LW Trade – NYR  
Brian Gionta, RW FA – NJ   Pavel Valentenko, D Trade – NYR  
Michael Busto, D Trade – NYR      
Tom Pyatt, C/LW Trade – NYR      
Scott Gomez, C Trade – NYR      
Jacques Martin, Head Coach Named      
Dany Masse, C FA      
 
Remaining Free Agents
Mathieu Aubin, C Francis Bouillon, D Patrice Brisebois, D Mathieu Dandenault, RW/D
Marc Denis, G Ryan Flinn, LW T.J. Kemp, D Loic Lacasse, G
Robert Lang, C Olivier Latendresse, C    

OTTAWA SENATORS
Players In Players Out
Andy Chiodo, G FA   Brendan Bell, D FA – StL  
Alex Kovalev, RW FA – Mtl   Danny Bois, RW FA – Chi  
Mike Brodeur, G FA – NYR   Alex Auld, G Trade – Dal  
Martin St. Pierre, C FA – Bos   Drew Fata, D FA – Bos  
Geoff Kinrade, D FA – TB   Greg Mauldin, C/W FA – NYI  
Jonathan Cheechoo, W Trade – SJ Dany Heatley, W Trade – SJ
Milan Michalek Trade – SJ    
 
Remaining Free Agents
Geoff Waugh, D Jeff Glass, G Brad Isbister, LW/RW Jim Mckenzie, RW

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Players In Players Out
Joey MacDonald, G FA – NYI   Erik Reitz, D FA – Eur  
Wayne Primeau, C/LW Trade – Cgy   Justin Pogge, G Trade – Ana  
Francois Beauchemin, D FA – Ana   Jeff Hamilton, RW/LW FA – Europe  
Richard Greenop, RW/C FA   Anton Stralman, D Trade – Cgy  
Tim Brent, C FA – Chi   Colin Stuart, LW Trade – Atl then Trade – Cgy  
Garnet Exelby, D Trade – Atl   Brent Aubin, RW FA – Europe  
Colton Orr, RW FA – NYR   Jay Harrison, D FA – Car  
Mike Komisarek, D FA – Mtl   Jaime Sifers, D FA – Min  
Robert Slaney, C/LW FA   Kris Newbury, W/C FA – Det  
Tyler Bozak, C FA   Jeremy Williams, RW FA – Det  
Phil Kessel, RW Trade – Bos Pavel Kubina, D Trade – Atl  
    Tim Stapleton, C/LW Trade – Atl  
 
Remaining Free Agents
Bates Battaglia, LW Josef Boumedienne, D Luca Cereda, C Boyd Devereaux, LW/RW
Martin Gerber, G Chris Harrington, D Jamie Heward, D Ryan Hollweg, LW/C
Curtis Joseph, G Olaf Kolzig, G Brad May, LW  

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