Posts Tagged Anaheim Ducks

The Headshot Issue Revisited…

Posted by Derek in NHL Injuries, NHL News, NHL Opinion on March 18th, 2010

When I posted the original  “Headshot Issue..” article on Monday, November 16th, 2009 I surely didn’t anticipate just how much momentum this “hot topic” would generate.

I stand by my opinion in that article, that all the rule changes have unforeseen negative effects that inevitably require more rule changes, that there’s always a “buzz word” that carries the most weight when condemning the accused in the time after an incident and before the NHL, notably Colin Cambell, review the play.

The buzz word this year is “headshot” and now every hit is being fit into that box in one way or another. Everyone from players to coaches to GM’s are using the catch-phrase headshot when sharing their feelings regarding the latest controversial hit, weather the term applies or not seems irrelivent.

Take a look at the play in the video posted below by Mark earler today, it shows the replay of  Brent Seabrook being CHARGED by James Wisniewski. I’m not sure who the Duck’s comentators are but they actually start discussing weather the hit is going to fall under the umbrella of headshots…. What?

I’m not privileged to all the criteria for what constitutes a headshot by league standards but surely this doesn’t qualify. To be completely honest, I kind of felt like Seabrook was selling it a little bit. The tell tale sign being when he goes down to the ice, eyes closed in apparent confusion etc, he puts his arm out to soften the landing… An attempt to maximize the penalty, as all players are instructed to do in these kinds of circumstances.

The point is that no single rule is going to solve all the problems with players being injured and you can’t fit every incident into the same box. The hit by James Wisniewski was clearly intent to injure, and charging, and should be treated as such but it’s a seperate issue from the headshot issue that everyone is talking about. Besides, what footage do you think they’ll be running in the commercials leading up to the next game between the Ducks and Blackhawks? Maybe call it a “rivalry”…

Hockey is a tough game, players get hit hard. Sometimes players go too far and get disciplined for their actions but when the perception is that the incident is part of the bigger problem players then become guilty of all the incidents preceding the one they actually took part in. It will be interesting to see how the NHL handles the possible suspension.

update: Wisniewski suspended 8 games.

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Another Dirty Hit? Contending Teams Might go After Turco for Next Season … Rangers-Isles in 3D

Posted by Mark in NHL News on March 18th, 2010

  • Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune: The Chicago Blackhawks may have lost another defenseman to a dirty hit. Brent Seabrook was run by Ducks defenseman, and former Blackhawk, James Wisniewski. Seabrook did get up and skate to the bench, but he did not return.

    “There are certain hits in a game that are tolerable if you have the puck,” a visibly angry Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “(If) you hit a guy without the puck you can kill a guy. It’s the most dangerous hit in the history of the game. He tried to hurt him. That’s as a bad a hit as you can ever have in the game.”

  • Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: The 34-year-old Marty Turco is most likly playing out his days in Dallas, as they will probably go with Kari Lehtonen next season. Turco might get interest from Detroit, San Jose, Chicago, or Washington.
  • Mark Emmons of the San Jose Mercury News: Jonathan Cheechoo and his $3.5 million salary are still in the minors, with the Ottawa Senators expected to buy him out after the season. If the Sens buy him out, he’ll count about $1.165 million against the cap for the next 2 years. He had 5 goals and 9 assists in 61 games for the Senators before being demoted.
  • Richard Sandomir of the NY Times: Next Wednesday’s NY Rangers - NY Islanders game will be televised in 3D on MSG Network.
  • Aaron Portzline of the Columbus  Dispatch: So a day after finding out they’ll be without defenseman Jan Hejda for the remainder of the season, the Blue Jackets learned yesterday that Rostislav Klesla is doubtful to return this season as well. Klesla has been out since November with a hip injury, but had hope to return this year.

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    Coaches Safe in Atlanta for Now … Getzlaf and Selanne Day-to-Day … Hudler Back with Wings Next Year?

    Posted by Mark in NHL Free Agents, NHL Injuries, NHL News on March 16th, 2010

  • Helene Elliott of the LA Times: The Anaheim Ducks were hit with a couple injuries on Sunday, with the MRI’s done yesterday. Ryan Getzlaf has an inflamed left ankle (the same ankle that was hurt before the Olympics), but the MRI showed no additional damage. Teemu Selanne has a slightly sprained shoulder, and will be re-evaluated today. Both are listed as day-to-day.
  • Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Vivlamore interviews Thrashers GM, Don Waddell. When asked if there will a be a coaching change (John Anderson) before the end of the season, Waddell said no. The coaching situation will be re-evaluated after the season though. Waddell talked to Pavel Kubina and Colby Armstrong during Olympic break, both are upcoming UFA’s, and he plans to talk to them again in a month or so.
  • Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press: Ken Holland will once again try to convince Jiri Hudler to leave the KHL and come back to the Red Wings. Hudler has a 2 year, $5.75 million arbitration deal from last summer that he is bound too. His KHL deal was for 2 years, and between $3-5 million a season, tax free. With his KHL season done after a 1st round playoff exit, he’s not eligible to play for the Wings this year, but could suit up for them next season.
  • Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star Tribune: The Minnesota Wild are expected to sign UMass center, Casey Wellman this morning. The college free agent picked the Wild over 21 other teams. Wellman was 6th in goals this past season, scoring 23 times. He’ll be signing a 2 year deal worth $1.8 million. He’ll be in the lineup this year (ineligible for the playoffs).
  • Ken Warren of the Ottawa Citizen: The Ottawa Senators could be welcoming back Nick Foligno and Chris Campoli to their lineup as soon as tonight against the Maple Leafs. If Foligno is able to go, Jesse Winchester will most likely be out. If Campoli plays, Brian Lee will most likely be the odd man out.

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    Blue Jackets could look for an Offensive Defenseman or Top Center … Wisniewski Happy to be a Duck

    Posted by Mark in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 8th, 2010

  • Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson likes his team, but sees that he might need to upgrade on the blueline. He also knows that they need to generate more scoring. They already have 7 defenseman under contract for next season, with the majority of them, defensive-defenseman. He may look at dealing some of them, and bring in someone with a more offensive side. Fedor Tyutin, Jan Hejda and Rostislav Klesla could be trade possibilities. The Blue Jackets may also be looking for a front line center, or allow Derick Brassard to “grow into the role”. There is still no word if Nikita Filatov will return to the club next season, or they could trade him for an offensive defenseman or top center.
  • The Edmonton Journal: Steve Yzerman may the at the top of the list for future NHL general managers. The Tampe Bay Lightning may look for a new GM, after the team was recently bought by Jeff Vinik. Flames GM Darryl Sutter may also be on the hot seat if Flames don’t make the playoffs this year (see yesterday’s post).
  • Kevin Paul Dupont of the Boston Globe: Dennis Seidenberg has only played 2 games for the Bruins, but he may want to stay for a lot longer. “This is a good opportunity for me to show what I can do and if I can fit on the team,’’ he said. “There is a chance - I definitely hope - to stay here.’’
  • Chris Botta of NYI Point Blank: Islanders coach Scott Gordon is not that thrilled with Isles GM Garth Snow for trading away defenseman Andy Sutton, and not bringing a depth replacement. The Isles are still in the playoff hunt, the blueline is looking a little thin.
  • Chris McCosky of the Detroit News: Brett Lebda has missed a couple games recently as a healthy scratch, and may be running out of time to secure a regular spot on the Red Wings blueline, as well as a new contract from the Wings for the upcoming UFA.
  • Eric Stephens of the OC Register: Anaheim Ducks defenseman James Wisniewski was happy he wasn’t dealt at the deadline, but he and the Ducks are far apart on a contract extension. Wisniewski is making $2.75 million this season, and will be looking for a raise. He is arbitration eligible. The Ducks may not be interested in giving him the raise he wants.

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    Some Trades That Didn’t Happen at the Deadline

    Posted by Mark in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 5th, 2010

  • Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun:
    • The Flyers, Canucks, Capitals and Ducks all talked to the Maple Leafs about Tomas Kaberle. Burke was looking for a 1st round pick, a mid-round pick, and a top prospect. The Flyers would have had to convince one of Danny Briere, Scott Hartnell, or Simon Gagne to waive their no movement clause to fit Kaberle in. The Maple Leafs will most likely look to move Kaberle in the summer when his no trade clause doesn’t apply.
    • The Islanders weren’t sure of the health of Rick DiPietro (shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone), so they decided to hold on to Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron. The Blackhawks, Flyers and Capitals all inquired.
    • Ray Whitney refused to waive his no trade clause without getting a contract extension of 3 years and $10.5 million. He could re-sign with the Hurricanes.
    • The Bruins were interested in bringing in Wojtek Wolski, but didn’t have the have the young prospect to send the other way.
    • The Capitals inquired about Senators defenseman Anton Volchenkov, but the Sens want to make a strong playoff push.
    • The Canucks called about Raffi Torres, but he went to the Sabres.
    • The Panthers tried to trade Tomas Vokoun but couldn’t get the return they wanted. They will most likely try to deal him at the Draft, and the Capitals might be interested. They could offer Karl Alzner in a package.
    • 10 teams called the Predators about Dan Hamhuis, but Preds GM David Poile wouldn’t lower his 2nd round pick and a top prospect demand.

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    NHL Trade Rumors on Twitter on Trade Deadline Day

    Posted by Mark in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Trades on March 3rd, 2010

    4:35 PM: James Mirtle: The Leafs were offered a 2nd and 4th round picks for Ponikarovsky, but liked Caputi better.

    4:21 PM: Chris Johnston: Canucks GM Mike Gillis says the going rate was a 2nd round pick for an expiring contract.

    3:12 PM: Darren Dreger: Lee Stempniak to Phoenix for a 4th and 7th round pick

    3:11 PM: Bob McKenzie: Capitals acquire Joe Corvo for Brian Pothier and Oskar Osala.

    3:00 PM: John Shannon: Poile confirms taht Dan Hamhuis staying in Nashville.

    2:53 PM: Frank Seravalli: Flyers could be making move on Lee Stempniak.

    2:46 PM: Bruce Garrioch: Appears that Dwayne Roloson and Martin Biron will stay on the Isles

    2:45 PM: Bob McKenzie: Milan Jurcina back to Washington.

    2:39 PM: Frank Seravalli: St. Louis may have offered Brad Boyes and Carlo Colaiacovo for Dan Hamhuis.

    2:35 PM: Darren Dreger: The Leafs are done yet

    2:24 PM: Sportsnet: Raffi Torres traded to the Sabres by the Blue Jackets.

    2:16 PM: Frank Seravalli: Talks between the Flyers and Islanders about Roloson have died down.

    2:06 PM: NHLSourcesSay: Canucks back off talks with Columbus about Milan Jurcina.

    2:04 PM: Michael Russo: Teams are calling about Owen Nolan, but Wild are saying no at the moment.

    1:40 PM: Darren Dreger: Kaberle says he has an agreement with Burke. Burke will tell him what the offers are.

    1:32 PM: TheFourthPeriod: Jeff Halpern is traded from the Lightning to the Kings.

    1:26 PM: Bruce Garrioch: Mathieu Schneider going to Phoenix from Vancouver.

    12:20 PM: Craig Custance: Leafs not getting calls on Grabovski. Atlanta willing to move Devil’s #1 pick.

    12:18 PM: Steve Zipay: Enver Lisin and Aaron Voros clear waivers.

    12:15 PM: Frank Seravalli: Flyers are still in the hunt for Dan Hamhuis.

    12:08 PM: Nick Kypreos: Oilers claim Ryan Jones off waivers from Nashville.

    12:04 PM: Adrian Dater: Bruins inquired about Wolski, but Avs would want a 1st rounder, not likely

    12:01 PM: Andy Strickland: Flyers shopping Matt Carle, Lightning shopping Mike Smith, both getting little attention.

    11:48 AM: Chip Alexander: Carolina sends Aaron Ward to Anaheim for Justin Pogge and a 4th round pick.

    11:34 AM: Bob McKenzie: Florida sends Seidenberg and Bartowski to Boston for Craig Weller, Byron Bitz, and a 2nd round pick

    11:30 AM: Kevin Allen: Thrashers getting interest in Slava Kozlov. Undecided on what to do with Colby Armstrong. Looking for a top 6 forward.

    11:22 AM: Ben Wright: Kubina may be close to an extension with the Thrashers, doesn’t look like he’ll be moved.

    11:16 AM: Ian Mendes: Doesn’t look like the Senators will be doing anything today.

    11:15 AM: David Pagnotta: The Blue Jackets have inquired about Oilers Tom Gilbert (before Olympic break), another team in mix.

    11:05 AM: Adrian Dater: Svatos to Phoenix is a possibility.

    11:03 AM: Kevin Allen: Leafs not close to anything for Stempniak, Exelby, or Primeau

    10:58 AM: Bob McKenzie: Leafs send Martin Skoula to the Devils.

    10:54 AM: Larry Brooks: Islanders getting calls on Richard Park.

    10:25 AM: Bruce Garrioch: Deal is pending, Derek Morris going to Phoenix.

    10:23 AM: Craig Custance: Thrashers aren’t interested in trading Pavel Kubina.

    10:21 AM: Bruce Garrioch: Ray Whitney is getting interest from Washington.

    10:19 AM: David Pagnotta: Oilers and Rangers are talking, Souray not involved in talks.

    10:07 AM: Craig Custance: Custance asked Kaberle camp if they would consider waiving no trade clause for the right team, “No true” was the reply.

    10:04 AM: Frank Seravalli: Panthers are asking for Jeff Carter for Tomas Vokoun. They have no interest Simon Gagne. Vokoun did waive his no trade clause.

    10:02 AM: Bob McKenzie: Columbus asking for a 1st round pick for Raffi Torres.

    9:54 AM: Tim Panaccio: Tomas Vokoun might have just waived his no-trade clause.

    Twitter Rumors from earlier this morning

    Darren Dreger: Nashville may keep Hamhuis for the playoffs and trade his rights in the summer.

    TheFourthPeriod: The Ducks called the Leafs about Tomas Kaberle, told he won’t waive no-trade.

    John Shannon: If the Hurricanes can trade Aaron Ward and Scott Walker, Ray Whitney may stay.

    TheFourthPeriod: Word out of Montreal is that they want Nathan Horton.

    Darren Dreger: 3 or 4 teams interested in Dennis Seidenberg, who is owed a $1 million plus bonus at end of June.

    Bruce Garrioch: The NY Islanders have shown interest in Oilers Andrew Cogliano.

    Steve Simmons: Kaberle not in play, though that could change as the day progresses. There is no list.

    Kukla’s Korner: Doubtful that Whitney gets traded today.

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    Nick Boynton Traded to the Blackhawks

    Posted by Mark in NHL News, NHL Trades on March 2nd, 2010

    The Anaheim Ducks have traded defenseman Nick Boynton to the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations. Boynton was immediately assigned to their AHL club, the Rockford IceHogs.

    The 31 year old Boynton will give the the Hawks some added depth. In 42 games with the Ducks, he recorded 7 points and 59 penalty minutes.

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    NHL Trade Rumors from Twitter for March 2nd

    Posted by Mark in NHL News, NHL Rumors on March 2nd, 2010

    We’ll continue to bring you updates from Twitter and elsewhere throughout today and tomorrow. Keep up-to-date will all player trades on our NHL Trade Tracker page. If you need a quick break from the rumors, check out the relaxed Wayne Gretzky.

  • 6:57 PM: Chris Botta: The Islanders have an offer that involves absorbing a big salary, and owner Charles Wang will be consulted
  • 6:55 PM: EJ Hradek: The Hurricanes won’t move Ray Whitney and Joe Corvo for the sake of moving them, Rutherford wants value in return.
  • 6:52 PM: Nick Kypreos: Alex Ponikarovsky won’t be in the lineup tonight.
  • 6:51 PM: Kevin Allen: Leafs getting action on Alexei Ponikarovsky, should land them a good prospect or active player, not a 1st rounder.
  • 6:43 PM: James Mirtle: Canucks need a defenceman to replace Willie Mitchell. Cory Schneider is in play.
  • 5:11 PM: Bob McKenzie: To all suggesting Dwayne Roloson is a Flyers, Bob was told he was starting for the Isles tonight.
  • 4:37 PM: Tim Panaccio: With Ray Emery done for the season, and the Islanders moving Dwayne Roloson, could he be a Flyer.
  • 4:09 PM: Bruce Garrioch: The Blues have sent out a memo saying Brad Boyes and Carlo Coliacovo are available.
  • 3:31 PM: Nick Kypreos: Paul Kariya has told the Blues he won’t waive his no-trade clause. Keith Tkachuk doesn’t want to move either.
  • 3:29 PM: Bob McKenzie: Tomas Kaberle hasn’t supplied the Leafs with the list of teams he’d waive his no-trade clause for, and has no desire to leave.
  • 2:48 PM: Bob McKenzie: Ray Whitney may not be dealt unless the Kings get back in, Pittsburgh appears to be out.
  • 2:44 PM: Michael Russo: There is a good chance Owen Nolan is dealt.
  • 2:43 PM: Bob McKenzie: The Avalanche have put Wojtek Wolski in play, the Coyotes are one team interested.
  • 2:30 PM: Michael Russo: Zidlicky signs a 3 year, $12 million deal. No trade clause for the first half of the deal.
  • 2:08 PM: Michael Russo: Zidlicky confirms he’s close to signing extension with the Wild.
  • 2:04 PM: Tim Panaccio: To begin talks involving Raffi Torres, teams need a 2nd rounder.
  • 1:43 PM: Bruce Garrioch: The Senators acquire Andy Sutton from the Islanders for a 2nd round pick. The 2nd round pick is the one they acquired from the Sharks (Bob McKenzie).
  • 1:42 PM: John Shannon: So far, Vokoun has not waived his no-trade clause.
  • 1:40 PM: James Mirtle: The Bruins have acquired Dman Steven Kampfer from the Ducks for a 2010 or 2011 4th round pick.
  • 1:19 PM: David Pagnotta: Doesn’t think the Flyers are getting Tomas Vokoun, they don’t have the cap space.
  • 12:44 PM: Erik Erlendsson: The Lightning have green light to make playoff push, and are linked to Raffi Torres and Kris Versteeg.
  • 12:38 PM: NHL Sources Say: Penguins looking to move Jay McKee.
  • 12:37 PM: Darren Dreger: Maple Leafs say there is ‘no chance’ to the rumor of Cristobal Huet heading to Toronto.
  • 12:36 PM: Tim Panaccio: Riley Cote and Danny Syvret cleared waivers.
  • 12:23 PM: Nick Kypreos: Players on waivers as of noon. Lukowich - Vancouver, Oulahen - Detroit, Lisin - Rangers, Voros - Rangers, Eriksson - Coyotes, Chelios - Thrashers, Jones - Predators, Grahame - Avalanche.
  • 12:04 PM: Ben Wright: The Thrashers have signed Chris Chelios. He’ll stay in minors until he clears waivers.
  • 12:01 PM: Greg Brady (AM 640): Rumors of Leafs sending Jeff Finger to the Blackhawks for Cristobal Huet. If true, Hauks could go hard after Vokoun and Leafs could flip Huet.

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    Rumors from the Pacific … Hawks-Panthers Talking? Interest in Kozlov

    Posted by Mark in NHL Free Agents, NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 23rd, 2010

  • E.J. Hradek and Puck Prospectus of ESPN:
    • Doug Wilson and the Sharks would like to add some secondary scoring and a puck moving Dman. It would have to be a rental player, as Patrick Marleau and Evgeni Nabokov need to be re-signed. The Sharks may also look at adding a backup goalie with some experience.
    • The LA Kings are looking to add a scoring winger and will look at Ray Whitney, Freddie Modin, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Paul Kariya, and Raffi Torres. They may also look at a goaltender with experience.
    • The Phoenix Coyotes might be one team that is looking to add players that won’t be UFAs after the season. Peter Mueller has been rumored all season to be on the outs. Andrew Brunette of the Wild might be a good fit with the Yotes.
    • The Anaheim Ducks have UFA’s Scott Niedermayer, Teemu Selanne, and Saku Koivu that will draw some interest. Bob Murray has said that Niedermayer isn’t going anywhere. James Wisniewski’s name has been mentioned with the Blackhawks (for Cam Barker before he was dealt).
    • Dallas Stars need an upgrade on the blueline. They won’t be bringing in any big contracts. Marty Turco is the most likely player to be moved. Mike Ribeiro, Stephane Robidas, Fabian Brunnstrom and Steve Ott, could find themselves playing in a different city after the deadline.
  • Harry Teinowitz on ESPN Radio: I don’t know how reliable this guy is, but he mentioned on Monday of a trade rumor between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. The Hawks would send Cristobal Huet, Corey Crawford, and Kris Versteeg to the Panthers for Tomas Vokoun and an defenseman (maybe either Dennis Seidenberg or Jordan Leopold).
  • TheFourthPeriod: The Kings, Bruins, and Red Wings are rumored to have an interest in Slava Kozlov. UFA’s for the Atlanta Thrashers that could be moved are: Kozlov, Colby Armstrong, Jim Slater, Maxim Afinogenov, Eric Boulton, Pavel Kubina, Christoph Schubert, Mark Popovic and Johan Hedberg. Kozlov, Kubina, and Armstrong should draw the most interest.
  • Jeremy Roenick on ESPNChicago: Roenick is putting his hand in the rumor mill, saying that Jaroslav Halak wants out of Montreal, and he’d be better suited to lead Chicago to the Cup than Antti Niemi and/or Cristobal Huet. Vokoun would be a perfect fit in Chicago.

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    Blueline Help Coming for the Bruins? No NHL Return for Forsberg? Lidstrom Back Next Year?

    Posted by Mark in NHL News, NHL Rumors on February 19th, 2010

  • Darren Dreger via Twitter: The Bruins will be looking to add a defenseman when the Olympic roster freeze is over.
  • Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: One of Haggerty’s sources has told him that the Bruins main target could be Predators defenseman, Dan Hamhuis. Nashville may be asking too much for him though. Aaron Ward is also another possibility, but more of fall back I think. Other possibilities could be Ryan Whitney (though he’s still under contract for a couple more seasons), Dennis Grebeshkov from the Oilers, and James Wisniewski of the Ducks.
  • Elliott Pap in the Vancouver Province: Peter Forsberg says he’s at the Olympics to play for Team Sweden and not to test the waters to return to the NHL next year. “I kind of doubt,” Forsberg said when asked about a possible NHL comeback. “It’s not what I’m thinking about right now. No.”
  • Detroit Free Press: Nicklas Lidstrom will be turning 40 in April, and his contract expire at the end of the season. Will he retire? He’s been dodging questions on the topic. “I haven’t thought much about it,” said Lidstrom.
  • Adrian Dater of the Denver Post: The Avalanche may look to shed a Dman or 2, with the names Clark, Salei, and Liles the most likely to be moved for draft picks.

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