Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Afternoon
*-> Chris Pronger has decided end his playing career in Philly with the Flyers after signing a 35mil$ 7yr deal.
*-> Sometime this week veteran and future hall of famer Joe Sakic of the Colorado Avalanche will announce his retirement rumor has it.
*-> The Boston Bruins have added goaltending insurance by adding Danny Sabourin for a 1yr.
*-> Jeff Wotwitka has signed with the Dallas Stars. The deal is rumored to be a 2yr 1.3mil$ deal.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Free Agent Frenzy Signing
Free Agent Frenzy Signings
Free Agent Frenzy Signing
Free Agent Frenzy
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Night
*-> The Toronto Maple Leafs have been fined $500 000 plus a 4th round draft pick for this years entry draft for breaking a CBA violation earlier this season. Jonas Frogren who the Leaf's signed at the start of the season was signed as an entry level player and was given a 700,000$ bonus which is agains't the CBA rules. $500 000 of the bonus was used by Frogren to buyout the rest of his contract with Farjestad of the SEL.
That's it for now I'll have the playoff reports posted later this evening. Awesome Atlanta/Buffalo game going on and looks like the Leafs are going to get a win too late haha.
Ice Scoopz: Late Monday Night
*-> Brian Kilrea has officially retired from coaching after the Niagra Ice Dog's eliminated the Ottawa 67's in overtime of game 7 tonight. Andrew Agozzini scored 13 seconds into overtime to eliminate the 67's. Brian Kilrea will hang over the clipboard and take a seat in the office next season as the 67's GM. Kilrea who has coached teams to 3 OHL titles and 2 Memorial Cup wins never really got a break coaching in NHL except as the Islanders assistant before being fired. Being from Ottawa this is huge news as Kilrea's a local legend and one of the most approachable guys in the business. There was allways time for the fans and to talk hockey no matter what. Great guy despite his "Killer" moniker.
*-> The Toronto Maple Leaf's have signed centerman Christian Hansen of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a two year entry level contract. An interesting fact Christian Hansen is the son of Dave Hansen of the Hanson Brothers from the movie Slapshot.
*-> Tonight after losing 5-2 to the Florida Panthers, the Ottawa Senator's have finally been eliminated from the playoffs. They needed atleast 1 point tonight to stay in the hunt. Toronto also has been eliminated from the playoffs after Montreal won tonight.
That's all for tonight, tomorrow I'll do a run down of the CHL, SM Liiga and SEL playoffs as well as an I.R Report. for those of you asking about the Deadline review I've decided to post it after the last game of the season to show who has had the biggest impacts on their teams. As of right now I'm still sticking with the Flames though. Jokinen has been a force since arriving from the desert.
Thanks for all the comments guys keep em going, tell me what you guys want to see on here and what needs to be changed. Any feedback even if negative is appreciated because I want to make this the best damn hockey resource out there.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Trade Catch-Up!
*->Carolina trades Justin Williams for a 2nd round pick and Patrick O'Sullivan from the Kings.
*-Edmonton trades Erik Cole back to the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Patrick O'Sullivan and a 2nd round draft pick.
*->Edmonton trades the 2nd round pick to Buffalo for Ales Kotalik.
*-> San Jose trades prospect Nick Bonino, goalie Timo Pielmeier, and a conditional draft pick to Anaheim for Travis Moen and defenseman Kent Huskins.
*-> Chicago trades defenseman James Wisniewski for Samuel Pahlsson from the Anaheim Ducks.
*-> Philly trades their 6th round draft pick to the San Jose Sharks for Kyle McLaren.
*-> Calgary trades goaltender Kevin Lalonde to the Columbus Blue Jackets for a 4th round draft pick.
*->Tampa Bay trades Steve Eminger to the Florida Panthers for defenseman Noah Welch and a 3rd round.
Trade! Bright Lights & Big City For Antropov
Waiver Wire Updates -> Buffalo Gets Tellqvist
Craig Adams -> Pittsburgh
Brendan Morrisson -> Dallas
Gary Roberts -> Cleared
Erik Reitz -> Toronto
Aaron Voros -> Cleared
*Buffalo gets backup goalie Mikael Tellqvist from the Phoenix organization for a 4th round pick this year.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Monday Evening -> Avery On Re-Entry Waivers
*-> A big rumor out of Ottawa has surfaced today as Bryan Murray continues to work the phones. The Columbus Blue Jacket's interest in Antoine Vermette has increased as of late and Columbus scouts and GM Jay Howson was seen in Ottawa this Saturday night watching the Sens and Leafs. Ottawa has apparently shown interest in goalie Pascal Leclaire and many feel a deal could be worked out between the two sides as a 1 for 1 swap. There is no secret Ottawa still needs goaltending and Vermette hasn't exactly shined in his role in Ottawa. The Blue Jacket's would love to see Vermette playing with Rick Nash. Some pundits have put Jason Spezza as the man the Blue Jacket's want and it could even involve a multi player deal. I doubt they would shop Spezza unless they could get another big name or blue chip prospect in return. anything could happen though it's trade deadline day.
*-> Another Columbus rumor to bring out is that the Blue Jacket's have apparently called the Buffalo Sabre's organization in regards to soon to be UFA and often injured center Tim Connolly. The Buffalo Sabre's are really reluctant in trading Connolly because he has been playing extremely well as of late but they may risk loosing him this summer. The Jacket's feel he would resign with them and he would be a good fit for Nash.
*-> Rumor has it the reason the Guerin deal is taking a lot longer than expected is that there are more suitors than expected. Most teams deny interest or talking to the Islander's but that's just politics. The Montreal Canadian's have stepped into the fray as the Carolina Hurricanes. The leader though still appears to be Washington as they would like to add experience and Bill Guerin's leadership to their young core.
*-> Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leaf's spoke out today and squashed all rumors he was working on a deal with the Boston Bruin's for Tomas Kaberle. Burke claims this is not the case and he has never spoken with the Bruins about Tomas Kaberle and nor would as they are division rivals. This doesn't sound like politics to me as it's highly unlikely unless the Bruins were willing to pay over the top for the allstar blueliner.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Saturday Night *-> Guerin Gone In 48 Hours?
*-> Well I'll start with the headliner with Bill Guerin on the move. The Islander's have a deal in place for veteran winger Billy Guerin. Before tonight's game in which Bill Guerin is listed on the roster was pulled off the ice in the pregame warm-up by Garth Snow and the Islanders played a man short all game. This is a major trade sign as not many times does your GM pull you from a game especially during the warm-up. Many sources have reported it's not the Bruin's but IS an Eastern Conference team. Some names mention have been the Washington Capitols, The New Jersey Devils, The Montreal Canadians and the Buffalo Sabre's. I really believe it may be the New Jersey Devil's or the Sabre's. Guerin started his career with the Devil's and they have an amazing chance at winning the cup this year. They are already a veteran laden team already though. The Buffalo Sabre's need that extra veteran presence for the push and they could use leadership, something the club has been missing since Chris Drury. Keep an eye on this one!
*-> In Phoenix a similar situation has arisen as well. Defenseman Derek Morris has been told to stay at home and wait for a trade. Derek Morris who has a no-trade clause has said he'll waive it for a trade and is expected to move by Wednesday as the Coyotes try and cut costs. Morris is also an UFA this summer so a deal makes sense. The Buffalo Sabre's were the leaders in the hunt for Morris has been joined by several other teams this week. The Boston Bruins are considering bolstering their defense. The Calgary Flames are also expected to make a deal for Derek Morris so they can rekindle their powerplay.
*-> The Pronger sweepstakes have started although the Anaheim Ducks are still in a playoff hunt. Chris Pronger has announced he doesn't want to be traded but the Anaheim Duck's want to try and do a quick rebuild. Adding Ryan Whitney to the fray indicates that Chris Pronger may not be in the teams future and if he were to be shopped he would bring in a great haul. Many teams have shown interest and made calls to Anaheim but there still is much doubt to whether or not he'll be traded. St. Louis has reportedly made a big pitch to bring Pronger back to the Blues. The Blues are almost done rebuilding and could afford to loose a pick and prospect to add that grit and experience. CBC reported this rumor also and made a big connection to this deal as Pronger's wife is from St. Louis and we all know how Pronger's wife makes the call. I.E Edmonton. Don't count any other teams out though as the Sabre's and the Bruin's want his services badly. The Bruin's are the headliners and expect to make a huge bid to secure the deal including shopping prospect Joe Corborne and Mark Stuart as bait.
*-> In other Anaheim rumors, defenseman and future hall of famer Scott Niedermayer whose name has been mentioned several times most likely wont be going anywhere. Niedermayer has been told by Anaheim that they will not trade him before or on deadline day and not too worry. The management won't break this agreement out of respect for the vet unless he is 100% willing to accept the trade. The only name that still remains is New Jersey who Niedermayer once played for.
*-> A Florida defenseman is grabbing rumor headlines this week and his first name isn't Jay for once. Nick Boyton has caused a stir after a huge war of words with Florida coach Peter DeBoer. The dispute was over Boyton's decreasing role with the team which Boyton feels he should have a lot more ice time. The result of this was Boyton having some time off from the team at home. The Florida Panthers most likely will try and shop the disgruntled defenseman at the deadline. This however depends all on the number one rumored name out of Florida Mr. Jay Bouwmeester. A deal all depends on whether or not the Panthers get a good enough deal for Bouwmeester. The Cats are expecting a high calibre defenseman, a forward who can help the team out now and a 1st round pick or prospect. The Vancouver Canuck's Alexander Edler and Alex Burrows have come up. The Canucks have a lot of defensemen to spare and Burrows is an UFA this summer that the Canucks expect to leave.
*-> Columbus Blue Jacket's general manager Scott Howson was seen at the Ottawa - Toronto game tonight in a sky box. The further adds to the rumors that ether Ottawa's Antoine Vermette or Toronto's Nik Antropov could be headed to the Blue Jackets. Columbus hasn't been shy about their intentions to sign a playmaking center to compliment franchise player Rick Nash. Both Vermette and Antropov fit that description and could be targets for Columbus this Wednesday.
*-> Philadelphia's hunt for a number one goalie could be ending this Wednesday as the Flyer's are expected to make Atlanta an offer for goaltender Kari Lehtonen. The Flyers who have been unhappy with their goaltender tandem this season feels that Kari could be the guy to put them over the top. James Van Riemsdyk is being dangled as well as a high pick. The Flyers would need to trade a player or two in order to gain more cap space though. Antero Nittymaki would also have to go to the Thrashers in return as Martin Biron has a no-trade.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Wednesday Afternoon *> Bell Claimed
Ice Scoopz: Wednesday Afternoon *> Bell Claimed
Monday, February 23, 2009
Toronto Maple Leaf's Deadline Review
Total Salary = 48,943,333$
Cap Space = 6,520,417$
The Plot:
The Toronto Maple Leaf's have been in denial the past few seasons while they struggled and now they are finally to admit they have a problem and begin to rebuild. The rebuilding started last season with the firing of John Ferguson Jr and the in term hiring of Cliff Fletcher. Fletcher who promised to clean house come deadline day struggled to make any major deals and single handily pushed long time captain Mats Sundin away from the organization. This year has been different and the right direction has somewhat been set. Brian Burke and Ron Wilson have started the overhaul and ready to begin with the future. While Toronto isn't fully done the rebuilding stages, they should be able to compete next year as long as they have a successful deadline day and successful off season. The Leaf's have a decent core of forwards to work with starting with Matt Stajan who is having is most productive season to date. Jason Blake who has fully recovered from cancer and now is leading the team in scoring and goals. Nik Antropov has turned his season around and has been on fire as of late. Niklas Hagman and Alexei Ponikarovsky have had ok seasons but the Leaf's expect more from the pair. Dominic Moore has shown he can put the puck in the net as well as play a third line checking role and special teams. Rookie Mikhail Grabovski had a tremendous start but slowly fizzled and has shown a volatile temper that causes break downs and bad penalties. Nikolai Kulemin will be able to provide scoring depth in the future but still has to season his game. Tough guy Brad May was brought in to add some character and grit to a team Brian Burke has said to be soft. Jamal Mayers and Andre Deveaux add some muscle while the oft suspended and injured Ryan Hollweg was brought in to help the physical play but now sits in the minors.
On the defensive side of things, the Leafs blueline looks a lot better than it has in recent years with all star Tomas Kaberle who almost every team covets this deadline and offensive minded Pavel Kubina. Kubina leads the backend in goals and in points. Ian White has been a pleasant surprise this season with a team leading +8 and 19 points. Rookie Luke Schenn answered all doubts and has definitely shown he belongs in the big leagues with his stellar play. Jeff Finger has yet to live up to his contract but still steps in and provides two-way play and depth for the Buds. Mike Van Ryn has struggled to stay healthy since arriving from Florida and will help once he gets back. Jonas Frogren has opposing forwards keeping their heads up with his reckless hitting and mean streak in front of the net. Young Anton Stralman still has to find his defensive game but he can step in quarterback the powerplay and carry the puck.
Goaltending has been deteriorating since the start of the season for the Leaf's and they really would like to fix the problem. The Maple Leafs star goalie Vesa Toskala made the difference last season and showed he can log heavy minutes. This season is not the case, Toskala lets in weak goals night after night and his work ethic has been called out by his coach and GM. The Leaf's really have no other choice because veteran Curtis Joseph has struggled each and every time he's been called upon. The future in net doesn't look so great ether with once thought to be the future Justin Pogge. Pogge who has 20 goals against in only 5 games has shown this season he may not be the Leaf's savor not this season for sure and maybe not ever.
Major Injuries:
D - Mike Van Ryn - out with a lowerbody injury and is expected to miss 3 more weeks.
Key Prospects:
1. D Dmitri Vorobiev - Lada Togliatti KHL
2. C Mikhail Stefanovich - Quebec Ramparts QMJHL
3. LW Jarome Flaake - Kölner Haie DEL
4. RW Jimmy Hayes - Boston College NCAA
5. C Chris DiDomenico - Drummondville Voltigeurs QMJHL
6. G Justin Pogge - Toronto Marlies AHL
UFA's:
C Nik Antropov
C Dominic Moore
LW Brad May
G Curtis Joseph
LW Mark Bell
LW Bates Battaglia
D Josef Boumedienne
D Derrick Walser
C Kris Newbury
RW Ben Ondrus
Players On The Block:
LW Mark Bell - Mark Bell was bannished to the AHL at the start of this season after a few troublesome incidents. There is nothing more Mark Bell wants to do than to restart his life and get things in order. Bell is only 28 and has been playing quite well in the AHL. Any team looking for a cheap low risk rental player should look at Mark Bell. Bell can put up decent numbers and the motivation for him is extremely high.
D Tomas Kaberle - Kaberle would give any team an upgrade on the backend and a boost not only offensively but also defensively. Kaberle recently played in the all star game where he looked on top of his game. The only downside is the Leaf's asking price and the fact that Kaberle has a no trade clause. Kaberle recently gave the Leaf's a list of 10 teams he was willing to play for and all are Eastern conference teams. The Philadelphia Flyers really would love to have him and are expected to lead the way. Boston and Buffalo are both expected to present the Leaf's with offers. Rumor has it that the Florida Panthers could offer Jay Boumeister for Kaberle but the Leaf's would like more insurance Jay will sign.
C Nik Antropov - The Maple Leaf's have grown tired of Antropov's lack luster player and Brian Burke recently called him out only to have him turn his season around and start to tear. Antropov could step in and provide secondary scoring to a team who needs a little help. When Brian Burke announced Antropov needed a change of scenery there were many teams on the phone but once Burke revealed his price tag many teams hung up. He's asking for a 1st round pick for Antropov and many teams feel it's a way inflated price. The Washington Capitols, Chicago Blackhawks and now the Vancouver Canucks have entered the fray.
G Curtis Joseph - The former Maple Leaf icon Curtis Joseph has struggled since returning home and definately shows his age. Its doubtful he'll play in the NHL next year but to a team who needs a veteran goalie or backup for the playoffs he'd fit in well. The Calgary Flames have expressed interest in bringing Joseph back just incase Kipper gets injured but the Flames would like someone who could give the star more rests and judging by his play this season Joseph can't.
C Dominic Moore - Moore the brother of Steve has shown all the teams who let him go that he is after all a decent player. He's the ideal third line center, he plays the checking role exceptionly well, he can kill penalties extremely well, he puts up decent numbers and can even step in on the 2nd line if he is asked. Did I mention he is extremely affordable? The Leaf's would love to resign him but if his price tag is too high then expect a deal. Many teams in the West would love to get there hands on him including the Minnisota Wild.
LW Brad May - The rugged winger is no stranger to deadline deals and this deadline is no different. Every year teams in the West try to bulk up and Brad May not only adds muscle but valuable expereince. May has won a cup before and can guide a teams young players in the right direction. This may be his last chance at another one so Burke might only opt to send him to a contender.
D Jeff Finger - The Leaf's way overpaid for Jeff Finger and GM Brian Burke must realize that by now. Finger isn't an offensive superstar and isn't even a 4 million dollar defenseman. He is decent and can play the 3 to 4 role or provide depth. If Burke gets the right offer expect him to take it so he can give young defensmen like Stralman and White more time on the blueline.
D - Pavel Kubina - The Leaf's still haven't asked Kubina about waiving his no trade clause but a trade is still a possibility. Burke has expressed interest in keeping Kubina since he's had a pretty good season so far leading the blueline in points. Kubina is a powerplay specialist and can create picture perfect passing plays. Many teams would love his services if he was on the market but as of now he's still untouchable. The is a window in the off season that the Leaf's may trade him despite his no trade clause.
LW - Ryan Hollweg - Hollweg has had a rough few seasons and has been a repeat offender for hitting from behind. The Leaf's management got sick of this act quickly and demoted him to the minors and that's where he has stayed since. The Leaf's still have hope he'll straghten up and turn around his game but it might be a while. Hollweg may just need another change in scenery as he's lost his place on the Leaf's roster. A few teams in the West I'm sure would be interested in a grinding hard nosed winger who can agitate with the best.
G - Vesa Toskala - Toskala has been up and down this season after carrying the Leaf's on his back last season. Both his GM and his coach has called him out on the lack of effort he sometimes exorts. He also has looked tired and or injured going down the stretch. The Leaf's have Justin Pogge in waiting but he hasn't looked like the number one goalie they expect him to be. Toskala may have a bye this trade deadline unless the Leaf's feel they can trade for or attract a free agent this summer.
Team Needs/Wants:The Leaf's are pretty much out of the playoff picture and have been open all season long about their intent to sell at the deadline to finish their rebuilding process. The Leaf's arn't really looking for players unless there under contract or young prospects. They want to build on what they have and not subtract from their young core. Hopefully this is the last steps of the rebuilding process and after a good deadline and free agency they should be able to compete next season.
The Final Word:The Leaf's have a good core of young players but their prospect pool has diminished from their sell all future for instant sucess strategy that hasn't quite paid off for them. The Toronto fanbase is getting anxious and would like to see their club in the playoffs for once. Brian Burkes hiring has helped give the Leaf's a much needed boost and finally a smart management group. Burke knows what it takes to build a contender and the Leaf's have already shown a vast improvement. Expect the Leaf's to sell sell sell but only if the price is right.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Friday Late Night -> F. Kaberle On Waivers
*-> Tomas Plekanec of the Montreal Canadiens was suspended today for 2 games after tripping Edmonton Oilers defenseman Denis Grebeshkov leg first into the boards. Plekanec and Grebeshkov were racing for an icing call and Plekanec took out Grebeshkov's legs and he slide leg first, getting injured on the play. Guy Carboneau believes it was a hockey play and because the player was injured that it was only called. The league saw differently.
*-> Defenseman Chris Pronger who has been the subject of many trade rumors has officially stated he does not want to be traded and will not accept any kind of trade proposal from the Anaheim Ducks so we can most likely rule any big move for Pronger out. He currently is happy in Anaheim and would like to play out the rest of his contract there.
*-> John Paddock has been silenced by Ottawa GM and former friend Bryan Murray and owner Eugene Melnyk after his anti-Murray comments this week. John Paddock came out and said it's Bryans Murray's fault for Ottawa's downfall the last few seasons. The players he has brought in aren't any good he claims and it's all the players Murray has brought in. Since Paddock is still under contract technically by Ottawa they can cease payments because of this incident but instead Ottawa's asking for Paddock to keep his comments to himself. Personally I agree with this, Ottawa has been on a steady downfall since Murray took over. Letting players like Chara and Havlat go for nothing is ridiculous. Yes Havlat for nothing as well, where is Josh Hennessy and Tom Priessing? Murray should be gone at the end of the season, and if he isn't then the Sens are in trouble this off season.
The I.R: Friday Morning
*-> Toronto Maple Leaf's Mike VanRyn will miss another week with a shoulder injury he suffered during the game against Montreal Saturday night.
*-> Lubomir Visnovsky of the Edmonton Oilers will be out for the rest of the season after having surgery this past week after suffering a labrum injury. This hurts the Oilers chances of trading a defenseman to bring in a player for Ales Hemsky to play with.
That's it for now this morning. Ill have more later.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Wednesday Evening -> Jagr Returns?
*-> There has been a recent report out of Edmonton that the Oilers are close to signing Jaromir Jagr. The report claims that now that Visnovsky is out for season that leaves enough room to bring in the veteran winger. The report also claims that Jagr is close friends of Ales Hemsky and Hemsky has been a major influence in trying to bring him to Edmonton. I really don't believe this is true as I recently read an interview with Jagr and he claims he is happy in the KHL and would only consider moving in the summer to a NHL team possibly. Even if he were to leave or get bought opt of his KHL contract he'd have to be cleared on waivers once the Oilers signed him. He would almost certainly be claimed by most teams so I really don't think this report is true at all.
*-> Brian Burke has recently called out Toronto Maple Leaf forward Nik Antropov and suggested that Antropov could use a change of scenery. Unfortunatly for the Leafs Antropov and Brian Burke theres not much interest in the struggling forward although the Chicago Blackhawks have shown a bit of interest. The Blackhawks who have beenn looking for a center since trading Robert Lang to Montreal think that Nik Antropov might be a last option solution come playoffs.
*-> The New Jersey Devils are rumored to be shopping both Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmenson to make way for Martin Brodeur. After Brodeur's recent injury the Devils need to make some room in the net for the veteran superstar. Although many people would disagree about shopping Clemmenson after his incredible stretch, I doubt the Devils would just sit Martin Brodeur and let the franchise goalie watch from the bench. They could go the route of shopping Kevin Weekes who has barely had a chance to play this season but his value is incredibly low. Clemmenson would bring in a decent reap if he was to be traded and it solves the issue of having him sit after such a good performance. Clemmenson also has an extremely cheap price tag and is affordable for any teams looking for goaltending insurance for the playoffs.
*-> Ottawa's Dean McAmmond is reportedly unhappy with his role on the Ottawa Senators. He recently told the Ottawa media that he would like to be traded if they don't want to play him in an meaniingful role. He also went on to say that if he wasn't in the teams plans then they should go ahead and see what they can get for him. These comments were after being a healthy scratch for a few games last week. These just sound like words from a frustrated player whose team was tanking at the time but Ottawa will most likely move him by the deadline. San Jose scouts were in Ottawa this week so this might be a sign that San Jose is interested in ether McAmmond or Chris Neil.
*->Ray Emery has returned to his KHL Atlant Mystichi after his pay dispute with the clubs. Atlant Mystichi management has agreed to look into the situation and pay Emery any missing amount he has been owed. They have also stated it just was a big misunderstanding.