*-> Montreal has traded forward Maxim Lapierre to the Anaheim Ducks for defenseman Brett Festerling and a 5th round draft pick.
This is clearly a defenseman panic move as well as a body has to go now that Max Pacioretty has shown he's ready. I still don't like the move as now Montreal have a crowded blueline. Lapierre is also one of the few french born players left on the team.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Friday Afternoon
*-> Brian Rolston successfully cleared reentry waivers and will continue to stay in Albany till he is dealt. Rolston is rumored to be very unhappy about the series of recent events and surprised he wasn't claimed but has told the New Jersey media he is willing to stick it out with the New Jersey and fill any role needed from him. Rolston is pushing a trade and hopes that the Devils will find a partner shortly. I'm kinda surprised he didn't get claimed at half price but then again Rolston said it best himself when he told the media he expects his salary detered many teams.
*-> The new Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster has told the Calgary media he still does not intend on trading team captain Jarome Iginla. Feaster will not ask him to waive his no trade clause and feels Iginla is an important part of the team. Iginla has noited he is aware of the rumors and he claims they don't bother him at all. This is old news but since the rumors are once again stirring over and over around the rumor world I figured this should silence those spreading them.
*-> The new Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster has told the Calgary media he still does not intend on trading team captain Jarome Iginla. Feaster will not ask him to waive his no trade clause and feels Iginla is an important part of the team. Iginla has noited he is aware of the rumors and he claims they don't bother him at all. This is old news but since the rumors are once again stirring over and over around the rumor world I figured this should silence those spreading them.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
2011 World Juniors: 4 Days In
STUDS
Brayden Schenn - Canada - The younger brother of Luke Schenn has shown some serious offensive potential this tournament. I've been impressed with Schenn, I have to say he's even surprised me as I didn't expect him to be putting up phenomenal numbers. 12 points (6 - 6) in 3 games is hard to ignore. Although he does play on one of the two major contenders his US counterparts have put up only a quarter of the points he has.
Ryan Ellis - Canada - Ryan Ellis was expected to be one of Canada's top performers going in and he has not disappointed so far. The prototypical powerplay quarterback and offensive catalyst for the Canucks. His hockey sense is tremendous and clearly see's the play breaking down before the puck has even left his stick. There were major concerns about his play in his own end but I can see a drastic defensive improvement from the last time around as he no longer looks like an out of place forward on the backend.
Erik Gudbranson - Canada - The Orleans native has shown why the Florida Panthers tried so hard to try and sign him to their main roster. The big blueliner has the total package and has looked like Team Canada's best defenseman so far. Clearly capable of shutting down a top line or putting up numbers from the back end. Gudbranson is tied for the tournament lead with Brayden Schenn an impressive +8. He's also managed to rank 3rd in tournament scoring with 5 points in 3 games as he looks to be the most NHL ready of all this years tournaments participants.
Joonas Nattinen - Finland - The big Finn wasn't on many teams radars before the tournament began but the Montreal prospect steamrolled his way with a surging Team Finland. Nattinen has the size and physical abilities the Canadiens have dreamed about for years. Has unusual hitting abilities for a European born player as seen with his hit on Brock Nelson of the US who isn't shy himself of physical play. Not only can he hit with 3 goals in 3 games he's shown a little offensive upside as well. A major reason why the Finns have muscled their way into the next round.
Joni Ortio - Finland - The Calgary Flames may have a steal on their hands with Ortio. I've caught several glimpses of Ortio overseas and he's looked stellar. He has shown he has nerves of steal and stole the extra point away from the US and almost the win before he had a tough break with an untimely weak goal. Apart from the weak goal Ortio has played well for his club in all 3 games and currently boasts the best save percentage (94.59%) among goalies who have played more than one game this tournament. The Finnish goaltender factor is still producing.
Vladimir Tarasenko - Russia - Tarasenko makes the stud list because every Russian game I've watched so far this year in Buffalo he's been the only player that had me on the dge of my seat everytime he had the puck. He's truly an offensive talent that with some brief North American seasoning could be NHL ready soon. The Russians don't seam to have any jump or the ability create any chances till Tarasenko or his line gets into the play. His 1 point isn't good enough to put him in the top 23 point scorers but his numbers do not do his play justice. Great vision and has incredible hands, my only knock on Tarasenko to date is that he needs to shoot first pass later as his linemates have failed to capitalize on the presents he's given them.
Robin Lehner - Sweden - Although the Swedish net minder has only played one game so far splitting the first two games with partner Fredrik Petersson Wenzel, Lehner has impressed. Lehner appears to be the real deal as he shut down and shut out the high flying Russians. He didn't seam phased or even pestered by any of the Russians attacks and looked to be in full form despite lingering injury concerns. It's still early yet to declare Lehner the goalie of the tournament as he will face an even bigger test when he suits up against the Canadians on Friday afternoon.
Anton Lander - Sweden - Lander has dazzled hockey fans so far with the Swedes and appears to be yet another piece of the Edmonton oiler puzzle. Terrific offensive abilities along with a responsible defensive side. His +4 is among the highest ratings for the Swedes and currently has 3 points (1- 2) in 2 games. We'll have to wait a see if Lander will be able to produce against much tougher competition however.
DUDS
Phillip Grubauer - Germany - Grubauer was expected to be the back bone of the German squad but hasn't played up to his potential. The Kingston goalie has struggled to be a dominate force and has struggled to keep his team in games where they should be easily leading. Several soft and untimely goals have taken the sails out of his squad when a big save was need to spark his helpless team. Although the blame isn't sorely on Grubauer, he will be needed to improve his play otherwise Germany could find themselves relegated out of the tournament.
Nino Niederreiter - Switzerland - Yes I know it's only been 2 games in but I've expected a lot more from a player who barely got cut from an NHL roster. Mind you it was the New York Islanders but Nino was expected to be the drive and the offense behind his Swiss teamates. With 2 points in 2 games it's barely the magic many were expecting. There's still plenty of time left but if he doesn't turn it up against the Slovaks he and his countrymen could find themselves playing for only their dignity instead of playing for a medal.
Zach Kassian - Canada - Kassian is another big player this tournament I've expected big things out of but hasn't shown me much to impress. Kassian was being counted on to produce and make space on the top line but has seamed more like a hindrance to his line mates. Although he has 1 point in 2 games I expected him to be a driving force behind Canada's "lunch pail" squad. Bad penalty after bad penalty and almost blowing the game for the Canadians against the Russians with a lazy needless penalty. He's one of only 2 minus players on a high scoring Team Canada.
Brayden Schenn - Canada - The younger brother of Luke Schenn has shown some serious offensive potential this tournament. I've been impressed with Schenn, I have to say he's even surprised me as I didn't expect him to be putting up phenomenal numbers. 12 points (6 - 6) in 3 games is hard to ignore. Although he does play on one of the two major contenders his US counterparts have put up only a quarter of the points he has.
Ryan Ellis - Canada - Ryan Ellis was expected to be one of Canada's top performers going in and he has not disappointed so far. The prototypical powerplay quarterback and offensive catalyst for the Canucks. His hockey sense is tremendous and clearly see's the play breaking down before the puck has even left his stick. There were major concerns about his play in his own end but I can see a drastic defensive improvement from the last time around as he no longer looks like an out of place forward on the backend.
Erik Gudbranson - Canada - The Orleans native has shown why the Florida Panthers tried so hard to try and sign him to their main roster. The big blueliner has the total package and has looked like Team Canada's best defenseman so far. Clearly capable of shutting down a top line or putting up numbers from the back end. Gudbranson is tied for the tournament lead with Brayden Schenn an impressive +8. He's also managed to rank 3rd in tournament scoring with 5 points in 3 games as he looks to be the most NHL ready of all this years tournaments participants.
Joonas Nattinen - Finland - The big Finn wasn't on many teams radars before the tournament began but the Montreal prospect steamrolled his way with a surging Team Finland. Nattinen has the size and physical abilities the Canadiens have dreamed about for years. Has unusual hitting abilities for a European born player as seen with his hit on Brock Nelson of the US who isn't shy himself of physical play. Not only can he hit with 3 goals in 3 games he's shown a little offensive upside as well. A major reason why the Finns have muscled their way into the next round.
Joni Ortio - Finland - The Calgary Flames may have a steal on their hands with Ortio. I've caught several glimpses of Ortio overseas and he's looked stellar. He has shown he has nerves of steal and stole the extra point away from the US and almost the win before he had a tough break with an untimely weak goal. Apart from the weak goal Ortio has played well for his club in all 3 games and currently boasts the best save percentage (94.59%) among goalies who have played more than one game this tournament. The Finnish goaltender factor is still producing.
Vladimir Tarasenko - Russia - Tarasenko makes the stud list because every Russian game I've watched so far this year in Buffalo he's been the only player that had me on the dge of my seat everytime he had the puck. He's truly an offensive talent that with some brief North American seasoning could be NHL ready soon. The Russians don't seam to have any jump or the ability create any chances till Tarasenko or his line gets into the play. His 1 point isn't good enough to put him in the top 23 point scorers but his numbers do not do his play justice. Great vision and has incredible hands, my only knock on Tarasenko to date is that he needs to shoot first pass later as his linemates have failed to capitalize on the presents he's given them.
Robin Lehner - Sweden - Although the Swedish net minder has only played one game so far splitting the first two games with partner Fredrik Petersson Wenzel, Lehner has impressed. Lehner appears to be the real deal as he shut down and shut out the high flying Russians. He didn't seam phased or even pestered by any of the Russians attacks and looked to be in full form despite lingering injury concerns. It's still early yet to declare Lehner the goalie of the tournament as he will face an even bigger test when he suits up against the Canadians on Friday afternoon.
Anton Lander - Sweden - Lander has dazzled hockey fans so far with the Swedes and appears to be yet another piece of the Edmonton oiler puzzle. Terrific offensive abilities along with a responsible defensive side. His +4 is among the highest ratings for the Swedes and currently has 3 points (1- 2) in 2 games. We'll have to wait a see if Lander will be able to produce against much tougher competition however.
DUDS
Phillip Grubauer - Germany - Grubauer was expected to be the back bone of the German squad but hasn't played up to his potential. The Kingston goalie has struggled to be a dominate force and has struggled to keep his team in games where they should be easily leading. Several soft and untimely goals have taken the sails out of his squad when a big save was need to spark his helpless team. Although the blame isn't sorely on Grubauer, he will be needed to improve his play otherwise Germany could find themselves relegated out of the tournament.
Nino Niederreiter - Switzerland - Yes I know it's only been 2 games in but I've expected a lot more from a player who barely got cut from an NHL roster. Mind you it was the New York Islanders but Nino was expected to be the drive and the offense behind his Swiss teamates. With 2 points in 2 games it's barely the magic many were expecting. There's still plenty of time left but if he doesn't turn it up against the Slovaks he and his countrymen could find themselves playing for only their dignity instead of playing for a medal.
Zach Kassian - Canada - Kassian is another big player this tournament I've expected big things out of but hasn't shown me much to impress. Kassian was being counted on to produce and make space on the top line but has seamed more like a hindrance to his line mates. Although he has 1 point in 2 games I expected him to be a driving force behind Canada's "lunch pail" squad. Bad penalty after bad penalty and almost blowing the game for the Canadians against the Russians with a lazy needless penalty. He's one of only 2 minus players on a high scoring Team Canada.
Great World Junior tournament so far out of Buffalo. This is my second favorite time of year next to Trade Deadline day of course and to be honest I look forward to the U20ks more than the Olympics funny enough. Its just something about these potential stars putting everything on the line for a medal. Watching these kids knowing that one day some of them will be the next generation of Crosbys, Kanes, Toews, Malkins and Ovechkins while others will fade into obscurity. Each year a new storyline emerges and legacys are made. I guess its the same to say for the Olympics but those are grown men with their paths already laid out, the Juniors are kids trying to carve out their paths. Later on tonight I'll post a few of the players I feel to watch and some of my observations from the tournament so far.
*-> Marek Svatos's stay in St. Louis was brief as he was claimed today by the Nashville Predators.
*-> Word around the league is the Atlanta Thrashers are offering up a package of Ben Eager and Niklas Berfors. The Minnesota Wild organization is one of the teams reportedly thinking about the deal. The Thrashers asking price is a draft pick for this years draft.
*-> Brian Rolston will be on the move in the next 48 hours it's being said.
*-> Marek Svatos's stay in St. Louis was brief as he was claimed today by the Nashville Predators.
*-> Word around the league is the Atlanta Thrashers are offering up a package of Ben Eager and Niklas Berfors. The Minnesota Wild organization is one of the teams reportedly thinking about the deal. The Thrashers asking price is a draft pick for this years draft.
*-> Brian Rolston will be on the move in the next 48 hours it's being said.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Trade! New York Islanders -> Montreal
*-> The New York Isles have traded defenseman James Wiesnewski to the Montreal Canadiens for a conditional 2nd round draft pick in 11 and a conditional pick in 2012.
Obviously something had to give in Montreal with Andrei Markov out and the Canadiens slumping.
Thanks Mack for the tip.
Obviously something had to give in Montreal with Andrei Markov out and the Canadiens slumping.
Thanks Mack for the tip.
Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Afternoon
*-> TSN is reporting veteran Brian Rolston has been assigned to Albany of the AHL today. It appears Lou is going back on his previous statements and is preparing to place the veteran forward on re-entry waivers where he is expected to be claimed. It's said the Devils are sending a message to their players and hoping to clear some much needed cap space for any possible move in the near future by placing Rolston on rentry waivers. Several teams are interested if New Jersey picks up the tab. Were Kings were lited as a team interested till the recent trade for Marco Sturm as were the Blues before this mornings signing of Marek Svatos. Toronto has been mentioned since the start of the season as well. Buffalo is also in the mix it's said. Many are sayiong New Jersey and the Ottawa Senators have been talking about possibily replacing Jason Spezza till he returns from injury but the rumor is Jaime Langenbruner. Could it possibly be Rolston the Sens are looking at instead?
*-> Darryl Sutter has finally been relieved of his duties as the GM of Calgary Flames after making head scratching move after move. He will be replaced by Jay Feaster on a interm basis. A long time coming in my mind, Sutter has successfully sunk the Flames with one bad decesion after another.
*-> Darryl Sutter has finally been relieved of his duties as the GM of Calgary Flames after making head scratching move after move. He will be replaced by Jay Feaster on a interm basis. A long time coming in my mind, Sutter has successfully sunk the Flames with one bad decesion after another.
Ice Scoopz: Tuesday Morning
I hope everyone had a Christmas / Happy Holidays this past weekend. I had a good weekend off and spent some much needed time with the family before I seclude myself for the World Juniors. A quick signing for the morning and I'll be back around 3 with more news and rumors. See you then.
*-> The St. Louis Blues have signed Marek Svatos of Avangard OMSK to a 1 year contract. However Svatos will have to pass through waivers first. The deal is reportedly a 2 way contract worth 800K.
*-> The St. Louis Blues have signed Marek Svatos of Avangard OMSK to a 1 year contract. However Svatos will have to pass through waivers first. The deal is reportedly a 2 way contract worth 800K.
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