- Darren Dreger via twitter: Nail Yakupov’s agent, Igor Larionov: “We expect to make some comments by this weekend…” “Hopefully all sides will find the common sense to let the kid play hockey in his hometown.” Louis Jean via twitter: The big issues regarding Yakupov, is that if Sarnia releases him and he makes the Oilers this year or next. Sarnia would get money when an under age player makes the NHL. Teams get $75,000 if an 18 year old makes it, $50,000 if a 19 year old makes it.
- Andy Strickland of True Hockey: John Davidson negotiated a “buyout” and will step down as the St. Louis Blues. It is expected to be finalized in the next few days. Davidson had 3 years left on a 4 year deal, and was owed $6.1 million. The hockey department has been financially handcuffed over the last couple years. The Blues may have lost $20 million last season according to a source.
- Matias Strozyk via twitter: John Tavares will be joining Mark Streit and Roman Josi with SC Bern in Switzerland.
- David Pagnotta via twitter: Mikkel Boedker signed with Lukko of SM-Liiga.
- Matias Strozyk via twitter: Brooks Laich to Kloten is official.
- Jimmy Murphy via twitter: Patrice Bergeron said nothing is close regarding joining a Swiss team.
- Andy Strickland via twitter: Scott Nichol turns down a contract from England.
- James Gordon via twitter: The Senators are considering signing Ben Bishop to an AHL deal. May wait another week.
- Ken Wiebe of the Winnipeg Sun: Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien talks about his boating incident in 2011 and his weight.
#1 by Evilducks at September 28th, 2012
Players going to Europe to play tell me that the NHLPA has no willingness to settle the labor dispute. I see team player reps going to Europe as well. How can this help the players or the Union get a settlement done?
It just seems like the NHLPA is not very strong, they cannot even control their own players, who in reality are breaking their own union, and paying no Union dues for playing overseas.
#2 by hotwings at September 28th, 2012
i dont think they are breaking their union… it’s not a case of these nhlers being scab workers… they are playing in a totally different league/continent… its like a ford worker going to work over in brasil until their strike is resolved… or working at some other business in the same area…
i think them playing overseas has a lot more to do with the reality of their career choice… ie: its usually a brief career 8-15 years or so and then thats it… they need to keep in shape and keep financially sound… especially if you are just a 3rd/4th liner….
also… as much as it sucks that the nhl season hasnt started.. the players are doing a good job selling the game in the next biggest market… ie: europe… so, it should reap some benefits down the road by generating more long term interest in the game…
i for one cant wait until there are a handful of nhl teams in sweden, germany and maybe czech republic…