*-> Brendan Bell has found a new home with the St.Louis Blues. He was rumored to have signed a one way deal worth 450K$.
*-> Last night Sergei Zubov signed a deal in the KHL rumored to be 1 year. More to come later.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
2010 Olympics: Team Russia
2010 Olympic hockey is going be very interesting simply because as Marty Brodeur has put it, this games will be a changing of the guards so to speak. Many countries will have many new faces on their squads and the next generation is ready to start taking over. Players like Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, Jeremy Roenick, and so on are no longer the focus of their nations and the younger stars are ready to represent their countries.
The Russian's are no different. I truely believe Team Russia will be on the one position of the podium unless something unforseeable happens. They have a nice mix of youth and experience that complements their talent finely. It's hard to believe such a talented core can fail this Olympic games. I really see Canada as their main competition.
LW - C - RW
Alexander Ovechkin - Evgeni Malkin - Alexei Kovalev (C)
Ilya Kovalchuk - Pavel Datsyuk - Alexander Radulov
Alexander Semin - Alexei Yashin - Aleksey Morozov (A)
Alexander Frolov - Sergei Fedorov (A) - Maxim Sushinski
LD - RD
Andrei Markov - Sergei Gonchar
Dmitri Kalinen - Fedor Tyutin
Anton Volchenkov - Sergei Zubov
STARTER - BACKUP
Nikolai Khabibulin - Evgeni Nabokov
SUBS = G Ilya Bryzgalov, F Sergei Mozyakin and D Vitaly Atyushov
1st line: The Russians 1st line is going to be a powerhouse with Ovechkin and Malkin alone but add the captain Alexei Kovalev and you have a bit of experience to that mix. Kovalev has the leadership abilities despite what many say as most young Russian's look up to him a lot. Ovechkin provides that little extra jam and spark for the primary line, while Malkin has the play making abilities to feed and setup ether of his wingmen. When Alexei Kovalev's on his game he can be one of the best players in the game still at age 37.
2nd Line: The 2nd line is yet another offensive force with Kovalchuk, Datsyuk and Radulov. Datsyuk provides the strong defensive play up the middle while having the abilities to setup Radulov and Kovalchuk. Kovalchuk's phenomenal play the last few World Championships have proved his heart when it comes to his nation. He consistently can make or break and important game with a lethal wrist shot and the knack for scoring timely goals. Radulov while hated in the US and North America for his high profile defection and contract breaking move to the KHL has imense talent and is still developing. Adding him to the mix with superstars Kovalchuk and defensively responsibile Datsyuk only makes sense.
3rd line: The 3rd line is not quite offensive as the second or 1st but still can pack a punch. Former Islander Alexei Yashin will lead the charge simply because he has become the poster boy for the KHL. The league promotes him heavily so he will comand a spot on the roster, not to say he isn't talented enough to make it. Yashin will bring size and playmaking to the line while Aleksey Morozov another KHL star will be left to do the back checking. Alexander Semin will be expected to light the lamp and provide most of the offense for the 3rd line.
4th Line: The 4th line is the Russian's shut down line with Sergei Fedorov expected to play his usual defensive role and fill in on defense when needed. Fedorov brings a wealth of experience and is the Russian's most defensively responsible player. Alexander Frolov on his left will add size and a touch around the net giving the Russian's yet another scoring threat. Russian National Team fixture Maxim Sushinski should be on the right side baring any unseen injuries or darkhorses.
1st Pairing: Andrei Markov is by far the Russian's best overall defenseman and quite possible one of the NHL's most underated. Markov brings offense, playmaking, and defensive reliability on the top line while Sergei Gonchar is expected to bring the offense mainly. Gonchar will be a fixture on the powerplay as well.
2nd Pairing: Dmitri Kalinen is a quiet but reliable D capable of chipping in some offense for time to time. Fedor Tyutin will be the man when it comes to second pairing offense although he hasn't quite shown that on the NHL level yet.
3rd Pairing: Anton Volchenkov the human shot blocking machine will be at his shut down best this winter at the Games. He'll be expected to block everything coming at him while giving the Russian's some toughness and physical play something this team desperatly needs. His partner Sergei Zubov is an offensive threat anytime he's on the ice but he's no longer able to log the heavy minutes he used to. He also is a steady defensive threat as well and should shoulder some of the leadership load as he knows what it takes to win.
Goaltending: Goaltending wont really be an issue I don't believe as Nikolai Khabibulin should get one final shot at winning the gold before he is replaced. It would take an ijury or a bad season to keep his from this roster. He is steady and reliable. He also has shown in last years playoffs he can step it up whenever it's needed and wants to show he still belongs. His back-up Evgeni Nabokov is also a much capable starter as well but has problems with incosistantcy when his team struggles to get going. It's almost Iyla Bryzgalov's time to shine and he'll most likely watch from the pressbox this year before taking over one of the two roles next Winter Games.
On The Outs: A few former Russian fixtures and could be's wont be back in my mind but some may make the squad due to injuries, turn downs or steller play before the Olympics. Defenseman Darius Kasparaitis could be one of those players that could be held back just due to his age and declining play. His game is built on toughness and physical play so the Russian's may choose to add him just for that very reason. Another name is Victor Kozlov as he could make it on the 4th line of they decide Maxim Sushinski is too old for this blossoming team. he could easily fill in on any of the lines. Maxim Afinogenov is another Russian who has the talent but not the heart to compete and it may hold back his Olympic chances especially without a NHL team so far this season. Sergei Samsonov is also in the same boat, tons of talent but little "give". Danny Markov's defensive play might be missed but with Volchi on the third pairing he most likely will not be missed at all. Nikolai Zherdev has the talent to be on this team but his defensive play may make him the odd man out. It's hard to belive they'll cut ether Kovalev, Morozov or Radulov.
Darkhorse Rookies: A few names to think about are up and coming Russian rookies Nikita Filatov and Dmitri Kulikov. Nikita Filatov has the drive to play a North American style and is a magician with the puck. The only thing he may lack is maturity but with a good season in the NHL next season he may be a sleeper for the Games. Dmitri Kulikov is a long shot be who knows with a big first season in the NHL he may be the puck moving defenseman the Russian's cant overlook. Goalie Semen Varlamov had a spectacular playoff run with the Washington Capitols and it surely locked down his spot in the NHL for the season. Whether or not his play can bump out the other 3 goalies is hard to imagine but anything is possible. Another name to think about is Denis Zaripov of the KHL. He finished the season with a pretty impressive 65 points and he's been a star in the RSL for quite sometime. Last of all Evgeny Artyukhin may not be a rookie or the most offensive but he might be a candidate to help shut down Canada's top lines with his big body and physical play.
Ice Scoopz: Thursday Morning
*-> Forward and former Red Wing Justin Williams has received a one year offer for the Detroit Red Wings but has decided to wait on any other teams to compare the offer first.
*-> As Jalen mentioned last night Andy Delmore signed with the Detroit Red Wings yesterday. I think this is a great deal for the Wings as it gives them a mobile powerplay and special teams player who makes next to nothing.
*-> The St.Louis Blues have signed former KHL defector Bryce Lampman to a 1 year deal. Lampman played last season in the KHL and before that 10 games with the Rangers.
*-> The Nashville Preditors and the La Kings are currently looking at signing just bought out Vaclav Prospal to a deal. Nashville has recentl squashed the Maxim Afinogenov rumors by saying they don't believe he'll be in the NHL next season and certainly not with the Preds. They have addimitted they are looking at a top 6 forward which is believed to be Prospal.
More in a bit plus the start of my 2010 Olympic roster predictions which will be posted every Thursday until all the teams are previewed.
*-> As Jalen mentioned last night Andy Delmore signed with the Detroit Red Wings yesterday. I think this is a great deal for the Wings as it gives them a mobile powerplay and special teams player who makes next to nothing.
*-> The St.Louis Blues have signed former KHL defector Bryce Lampman to a 1 year deal. Lampman played last season in the KHL and before that 10 games with the Rangers.
*-> The Nashville Preditors and the La Kings are currently looking at signing just bought out Vaclav Prospal to a deal. Nashville has recentl squashed the Maxim Afinogenov rumors by saying they don't believe he'll be in the NHL next season and certainly not with the Preds. They have addimitted they are looking at a top 6 forward which is believed to be Prospal.
More in a bit plus the start of my 2010 Olympic roster predictions which will be posted every Thursday until all the teams are previewed.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Afternoon
*-> The Carolina Hurricanes have bought out defenseman Frantisak Kaberle's last year of his 2.2mil contract. Kaberle has already received several offers from a few KHL clubs including Dynamo Minsk.
*-> Mike Grier is very close to signing with Detroit his agent reports.Detroit is looking to upgrade their checking lines and Grier would be the perfect replacement for Darren McCarty.
*-> Ole-Kristian Tollefsen was reportedly seen in Philly for a team physical so it leads us to believe he is very close to signing a deal with Philly ether with the Flyers or the Phantoms.
*-> Miroslav Satan is in talks with the New York Islanders. Satan spend several seasons with the Islanders after his Buffalo days. He has announced ge will head to the KHL if no other deal is in place soon.
*-> Mike Grier is very close to signing with Detroit his agent reports.Detroit is looking to upgrade their checking lines and Grier would be the perfect replacement for Darren McCarty.
*-> Ole-Kristian Tollefsen was reportedly seen in Philly for a team physical so it leads us to believe he is very close to signing a deal with Philly ether with the Flyers or the Phantoms.
*-> Miroslav Satan is in talks with the New York Islanders. Satan spend several seasons with the Islanders after his Buffalo days. He has announced ge will head to the KHL if no other deal is in place soon.
Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Morning
*-> PJ Axelsson has officially signed in Sweden in the Swedish Elite League with Frolunda this morning.
*-> The Heatley saga is still on going. Not much is new news however. The Oilers are starting to get desperate and have influenced several of their stars to place calls to Heatley. The Oilers have also sent videos of Edmonton to try and sway his mind. The San Jose Sharks have also placed an offer of Jonathan Cheechoo and Christian Erhoff. The Sens however arnt interested.
*-> In other Sens news it appears defenseman Brendan Bell is off to Russia after waiting for an offer from the Sens.
*-> The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting ready to buyout the contract of forward Vaclav Prospal which works out to be 1.9$mil for the next 3 years.
*-> The Heatley saga is still on going. Not much is new news however. The Oilers are starting to get desperate and have influenced several of their stars to place calls to Heatley. The Oilers have also sent videos of Edmonton to try and sway his mind. The San Jose Sharks have also placed an offer of Jonathan Cheechoo and Christian Erhoff. The Sens however arnt interested.
*-> In other Sens news it appears defenseman Brendan Bell is off to Russia after waiting for an offer from the Sens.
*-> The Tampa Bay Lightning are getting ready to buyout the contract of forward Vaclav Prospal which works out to be 1.9$mil for the next 3 years.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday Night Wrap Up
So it's been a pretty slow week as expected around the hockey world as most teams begin or end their rookie camps and start to focus on summer instead of hockey for a few weeks before training camps begin in September. It's been a busy work week for me so posting was at a minimum as well but there wasn't anything big missed except for 2 signings.
*-> Derek Morris has signed a 1 year deal worth 3.3$MIL with the Boston Bruins on Friday afternoon right after they dealt Aaron Ward back to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 4th round pick and Patrick Eaves who they tossed on waivers shortly after for the purpose of buying him out. it's been no secret the Bruins love Derrick Morris and have been trying to acquire him since last years trade deadline day. The move gives them another D to help Chara and Wideman with the heavy workload.
*-> The Islander's made yet another mind boggling move this Wednesday by signing goaltender Martin Biron to a one year contract worth 1.4$MIL. This is a really strange move considering they already signed Dwayne Roloson to a 2 year deal and have Rick DiPietro for the next 15 years. It really doesn't make sense for the Isles as they set their future in goal with DiPietro after they signed him to that massive 15 year deal. A buyout now would be ridiculously stupid and costly. They only thing I can think of is that DiPietro who they have stated is on the road to recover and will start to skate next week is actually still injured and this is going to be a long term thing. Insurrence so to speak, but what happens if he's actually healthy? Are they going to ride a 3 goalie tandem or waive most likely Biron. Sometimes I wonder what Snow and Wang are smoking.
*-> After breaking the scoring records in the Slovak Elite league a year after retirement from the world of hockey, Zigmund Palffy is contemplating a return to the NHL. After a phenominal season in Slovakia Palffy hasn't ruled out playing in the NHL again. After retiring in 2006 due to a shoulder injury Palffy unretired a season ago with intent to play out his final days in his home country but things have gone so well he has been feilding several offers from NHL squads. Also several KHL teams have inquired about his services including SKA St. Petersberg but as for NHL rumor has it Long Island is interested in their former draft pick as well as the Oilers and the Phoenix Coyotes. So far no word yet but on a decesion but his agent says a decesion will be made shortly and that Palffy has 100% retracted his statement in which he said he is offically still retired from international play. Thus not ruling out a return for Slovakia at the 2010 games.
*-> Martin Gerber has decided to follow in fellow Sens castoff Ray Emery's footsteps by heading to the KHL after a season of disapointments. Gerber heads to Russia after a signing a deal with Atlant Mytischi. The deal is rumored to be worth 1$MIL for 1 year. Strangely enough Atlant is the same team that Ray Emery signed with during his stint in the KHL. It might be good for Gerber to get away for a big and hopfully return to the NHL next season.
*->In other KHL news several recent NHLer's have taken off to go play in the KHL for the 2009 season as the league gets yet another wave of talent. Radek Bonk of the Nashville Predators has signed a deal with Yaroslav Lokomotiv, F.A Sandis Ozolinsh signed with Dynamo Riga, Tampa Bay goaltending prospect Kari Ramo to Avangard OMSK, Philidelphia Flyer Lasse Kukkonen to Avangard OMSK, Phoenix Desert Dog Michael Tellqvist to Ak Bars Kazan, Tampa Bay's Radek Smolanek to Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk and Florida Panther Richard Zednik to Yaroslav Lokomotiv.
This already adds to the several other NHLer's who took off at seasons end already which include Washington Capitol's Sergei Fedorov to Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Victor Kozlov to HC Salavat UFA, Detroit Red Wing Juri Hudler to Dynamo Moscow, Anaheim Duck Petri Kontiola to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Buffalo Sabre Prospect Marek Zagrapan to Severstal Cherepovets, Colorado's Daniel Tjarnqvist to Lokomotiv Yaroslav, Edmonton Oiler prospect Linus Omark to Dynamo Moscov and Phoenix Coyote Dmitri Kalinen to Salavat UFA.
Robert Lang is rumored to have a deal on the table with a KHL as well as veteran Chris Chelios but both hope to find work in the NHL first. Miroslav Satan has all but signed a deal with Barys Astana as well. Another future KHLer could Marek Malik who has told the media he expects to play in Russia next season if he doesn't recieve an NHL call.
Stay tuned later this week for my weekly article, this week I'll discuss the impact of the KHL on the NHL.
*-> Finally with free agency coming almost to a stand still there are still quite a few free agents looking for work. The next few weeks many of these players will ether end up signing with a club, play the waiting game and attend training camps or start looking for work overseas. some notable names out there are:
F - PJ Axelsson
C - Stephane Yelle
G - Manny Fernandez
F - Maxim Afinogenov
C - Dominic Moore
F - Andrew Peters
D - Teppo Numminen
D - Dennis Seidenberg
C - Robert Lang
F - Alex Tanguay
D - Francois Boullion
D - Patrice Briesbois
D - Mathieu Schneider
F - Brendan Shananhan
G - Kevin Weekes
C - Dean McAmmond
F - Mike Sillinger
G - Joey Macdonald
C - Mike Comrie
F - Petr Sykora
F - Miroslav Satan
D - Phillipe Boucher
D - Marek Malik
F - Brad May
G - Curtis Joseph
G - Olaf Kolzig
F - Rob Niedermayer
F - Todd Bertuzzi
F - Andre Roy
C - Chris Gratton
C - Manny Malholtra
F - Jason Williams
C - Mike Peca
F - Mark Parrish
D - Daryl Sydor
D - Sergei Zubov
F - Darren McCarty
D - Chris Chelios
F - Kyle Calder
D - Denis Gauthier
D - Marc-Andre Bergeron
D - Greg De Vries
D - Dmitri Kalinen
D - Ken Klee
F - Mike Grier
F - Jeremy Roenick
F - Marcel Goc
G - Manny Legace
C - Mats Sundin
Well thats it for tonight but tomorow I'll be back on the rumor front with a couple of good ones and a run down of whats to come on this site for the new season. I've got a few new ideas and I wanna hear some feedback. Everyone whose posting keep it up and everyone whose not start posting! I like the feedback and discussion is key! Night All.
*-> Derek Morris has signed a 1 year deal worth 3.3$MIL with the Boston Bruins on Friday afternoon right after they dealt Aaron Ward back to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 4th round pick and Patrick Eaves who they tossed on waivers shortly after for the purpose of buying him out. it's been no secret the Bruins love Derrick Morris and have been trying to acquire him since last years trade deadline day. The move gives them another D to help Chara and Wideman with the heavy workload.
*-> The Islander's made yet another mind boggling move this Wednesday by signing goaltender Martin Biron to a one year contract worth 1.4$MIL. This is a really strange move considering they already signed Dwayne Roloson to a 2 year deal and have Rick DiPietro for the next 15 years. It really doesn't make sense for the Isles as they set their future in goal with DiPietro after they signed him to that massive 15 year deal. A buyout now would be ridiculously stupid and costly. They only thing I can think of is that DiPietro who they have stated is on the road to recover and will start to skate next week is actually still injured and this is going to be a long term thing. Insurrence so to speak, but what happens if he's actually healthy? Are they going to ride a 3 goalie tandem or waive most likely Biron. Sometimes I wonder what Snow and Wang are smoking.
*-> After breaking the scoring records in the Slovak Elite league a year after retirement from the world of hockey, Zigmund Palffy is contemplating a return to the NHL. After a phenominal season in Slovakia Palffy hasn't ruled out playing in the NHL again. After retiring in 2006 due to a shoulder injury Palffy unretired a season ago with intent to play out his final days in his home country but things have gone so well he has been feilding several offers from NHL squads. Also several KHL teams have inquired about his services including SKA St. Petersberg but as for NHL rumor has it Long Island is interested in their former draft pick as well as the Oilers and the Phoenix Coyotes. So far no word yet but on a decesion but his agent says a decesion will be made shortly and that Palffy has 100% retracted his statement in which he said he is offically still retired from international play. Thus not ruling out a return for Slovakia at the 2010 games.
*-> Martin Gerber has decided to follow in fellow Sens castoff Ray Emery's footsteps by heading to the KHL after a season of disapointments. Gerber heads to Russia after a signing a deal with Atlant Mytischi. The deal is rumored to be worth 1$MIL for 1 year. Strangely enough Atlant is the same team that Ray Emery signed with during his stint in the KHL. It might be good for Gerber to get away for a big and hopfully return to the NHL next season.
*->In other KHL news several recent NHLer's have taken off to go play in the KHL for the 2009 season as the league gets yet another wave of talent. Radek Bonk of the Nashville Predators has signed a deal with Yaroslav Lokomotiv, F.A Sandis Ozolinsh signed with Dynamo Riga, Tampa Bay goaltending prospect Kari Ramo to Avangard OMSK, Philidelphia Flyer Lasse Kukkonen to Avangard OMSK, Phoenix Desert Dog Michael Tellqvist to Ak Bars Kazan, Tampa Bay's Radek Smolanek to Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk and Florida Panther Richard Zednik to Yaroslav Lokomotiv.
This already adds to the several other NHLer's who took off at seasons end already which include Washington Capitol's Sergei Fedorov to Metallurg Magnitogorsk and Victor Kozlov to HC Salavat UFA, Detroit Red Wing Juri Hudler to Dynamo Moscow, Anaheim Duck Petri Kontiola to Metallurg Magnitogorsk, Buffalo Sabre Prospect Marek Zagrapan to Severstal Cherepovets, Colorado's Daniel Tjarnqvist to Lokomotiv Yaroslav, Edmonton Oiler prospect Linus Omark to Dynamo Moscov and Phoenix Coyote Dmitri Kalinen to Salavat UFA.
Robert Lang is rumored to have a deal on the table with a KHL as well as veteran Chris Chelios but both hope to find work in the NHL first. Miroslav Satan has all but signed a deal with Barys Astana as well. Another future KHLer could Marek Malik who has told the media he expects to play in Russia next season if he doesn't recieve an NHL call.
Stay tuned later this week for my weekly article, this week I'll discuss the impact of the KHL on the NHL.
*-> Finally with free agency coming almost to a stand still there are still quite a few free agents looking for work. The next few weeks many of these players will ether end up signing with a club, play the waiting game and attend training camps or start looking for work overseas. some notable names out there are:
F - PJ Axelsson
C - Stephane Yelle
G - Manny Fernandez
F - Maxim Afinogenov
C - Dominic Moore
F - Andrew Peters
D - Teppo Numminen
D - Dennis Seidenberg
C - Robert Lang
F - Alex Tanguay
D - Francois Boullion
D - Patrice Briesbois
D - Mathieu Schneider
F - Brendan Shananhan
G - Kevin Weekes
C - Dean McAmmond
F - Mike Sillinger
G - Joey Macdonald
C - Mike Comrie
F - Petr Sykora
F - Miroslav Satan
D - Phillipe Boucher
D - Marek Malik
F - Brad May
G - Curtis Joseph
G - Olaf Kolzig
F - Rob Niedermayer
F - Todd Bertuzzi
F - Andre Roy
C - Chris Gratton
C - Manny Malholtra
F - Jason Williams
C - Mike Peca
F - Mark Parrish
D - Daryl Sydor
D - Sergei Zubov
F - Darren McCarty
D - Chris Chelios
F - Kyle Calder
D - Denis Gauthier
D - Marc-Andre Bergeron
D - Greg De Vries
D - Dmitri Kalinen
D - Ken Klee
F - Mike Grier
F - Jeremy Roenick
F - Marcel Goc
G - Manny Legace
C - Mats Sundin
Well thats it for tonight but tomorow I'll be back on the rumor front with a couple of good ones and a run down of whats to come on this site for the new season. I've got a few new ideas and I wanna hear some feedback. Everyone whose posting keep it up and everyone whose not start posting! I like the feedback and discussion is key! Night All.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Ice Scoopz: Thursday Evening
*-> RDS is reporting Alex Tanguay has signed a multi year deal with the Florida Panthers. More to come on this one.
*-> RFA Kari Lehtonen of the Atlanta Thrashers has resigned with the club who drafted him in 2002 2nd overall.
*-> The Phoenix Coyotes have lost forward Nigel Dawes to the Calgary Flames via waivers today. Dawes RFA status and hearing still applys to Calgary unless he is resigned by Wednesday.
*-> RFA Kari Lehtonen of the Atlanta Thrashers has resigned with the club who drafted him in 2002 2nd overall.
*-> The Phoenix Coyotes have lost forward Nigel Dawes to the Calgary Flames via waivers today. Dawes RFA status and hearing still applys to Calgary unless he is resigned by Wednesday.
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