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The Carolina Hurricanes signed Brad Isbister to a one year deal worth $600,000. The contract is two way, which means if he is sent down to the minors the Hurricanes will only have to pay him $95,000 (not sure how this effects their salary cap, but I can only assume that it will free up $505,000 for the Canes). If Isbister puts up the numbers he did last season (6 goals, 17 assists) it is almost a certainty he will taking a bus trip upon the return of Cory Stillman, who had a monster season for the Hurricanes scoring 75 points (21 goals, 55 assists) and was an integral part of helping them win their first Stanley Cup (he scored 26 points 9 goals, and 17 assists, which was second best only to teammate Eric Staal).
Sabres re-sign Dmitri Kalinin
Lou Lamoriello should take some lessons from Buffalo GM Darcy Regier, who has had the most difficult task of holding onto his core team that blossomed last season and rode the momentum to the Eastern Conference Finals. The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed defenceman Dmitri Kalinin to a 2 year deal worth $4 million. Kalinin was unfortunately part of the IR parade of Buffalo defenceman that eventually derailed the train, but had a solid season and playoffs prior to breaking his foot in round 2 against Ottawa. Kalinin had 2 goals and 16 assist and was the team leader in plus / minus with a rating of +14.
The Sabres attention now turns to their star goalie and lone restricted free agent Ryan Miller. With over $5 million available under the $44 million salary cap the Buffalo Sabres are in a good position to keep the netminder within the fold for next season, and more than likely many to come.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Duh.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Perhaps. John Dellapina of the New York Daily News is reporting that a possible return to the Blueshirts is not out of the question for Brian Leetch, and although, they are stacked on defense, the Rangers appear to have interest also.
Leetch and his agent Jay Grossman have kept an open dialogue in recent weeks with Rangers GM Glen Sather, and Assistant GM Don Maloney about finding a way to bring the defenseman back home to New York. The Rangers payroll is just over $40 million which does provide them with room to sign Leetch, but the article also mentions that they may be looking for a replacement for Jed Ortmeyer, who may be out for the season with a heart ailment. To read the full article, please click here.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Less than a month after being thrust into the free agent waters following a rare arbitration refusal by the Buffalo Sabres, J.P. Dumont has found a new home in Nashville. Rumored to have been considering offers from three teams (Habs and Red Wings.....allegedly) Dumont and the Predators made it official today, agreeing on a two year deal worth $4.5 million. Terms of the deal will pay him $2 million in year one, and $2.5 in year two of the contract. A far cry from the $2.9 million arbitration ruling he was awarded. Two possibilities here. Either Buffalo was right on the money, and the arbitrator over-inflated Dumont's value, or Dumont saw the value in signing with a Cup contender and took the pay cut. I'm leaning more towards the second option. I do think Dumont's award was a bit high, actually it was very high. $3 million for a guy who only played 54 games and scored 40 points? The Predators got lucky and were able to obtain Dumont for a discount and a longer term. Anyone else think that Nashville is gearing up for a Cup run?
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Last night I was trying to enjoy a preseason NFL matchup between the Bengals and Packers (Greenbay fans, you have a lot to look forward to this season) on my newly acquired HDTV television. Attempting to push the technology to it's limits in preparation for the NHL season, I have watched Baseball, World Cup, NASCAR, Poker, Bull Riding and of course The World's Strongest Man Competition. Last night while watching the pre-game of this particulart Monday night contest, I found quite possibly the hugest flaw in HDTV. Joe Theisman's face. The picture yes is crystal clear, and does provide unprecedented detail, and quality....but honestly.....I don't need that when I'm looking at Joe Theisman. I missed everything he had to say (which is probably for the best, the guy is retarded) because I was so focused on looking at every wrinkle on his face, that had been carefully spackled with make-up in a vain effort to conceal his age. The rat that he wears on his head was immediately apparent, not so much from the faux finish of the lid, but rather the doll like roots which supported this finely sculpted piece of roadkill.
Here's my thought on this. Can we switch to regular TV when viewing the hosts, or can we possibly film them from 500 feet? HDTV, provides way more information than we really need, and honestly, I don't feel like throwing up while shooting beers and nachos during a game, as I'm momentarily stunned by Joe T's giant ugly head. This is something that needs to be addressed immmediately.
On a more positive note. Michael Irvin has beautiful skin.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I figured it was time to revisit this, and see what I'd do different. Here is what I think the Top 10 Draft Picks in most Fantasy Leagues will look like:
1. Mikka Kiprusoff
2. Joe Thonton
3. Alexander Ovechkin
4. Sidney Crosby
5. Jaromir Jagr
6. Dany Heatley
7. Jarome Iginla
8. Ilya Kovalchuk
9. Roberto Luongo
10. Eric Staal
Here is what my previous draft looked like:
1. Joe Thonton
2. Jaromir Jagr
3. Alexander Ovechkin
4. Mikka Kiprusoff
5. Sidney Crosby
6. Dany Heatley
7. Eric Staal
8. Ilya Kovalchuk
9. Roberto Luongo
10. Martin Brodeur
I've dropped Jagr a bit, because I've heard his shoulder rehab has made slow progress, and he's also put on some weight. I'm sure he will be ready by season's opener, but not as sharp. I'm also trying to find a way to get Rick Nash on the list, but right now he is falling just outside. There is alot of talent available in the first few rounds, so it's really going to be hard to submarine your team.....unless you draft Felix Potvin with your first pick.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Things are awfully quiet in New Jersey. The Devils GM Lou Lamoriello still has three players to sign in Brian Gionta, Paul Martin, and David Hale, but he has no money to sign them with. The Devils are teetering on the $44 million salary cap, and it is a question of when not if they will make a move to get this team fiscally set for the upcoming season. Lamoriello, surprisingly has been at odds with the new salary cap era since it's inception, and for the second straight season is being forced to deal from a weaker hand. Last year, he had to move forward Jeff Friesen to the Capitals for essentially nothing (I believe it was for a few late round picks), and this year will be no different....other than the name to be moved, will probably be one of much more signifigance. Scott Gomez? Perhaps. His $5 million salary arbitration award was tough for the team to swallow, but he has been a core player for the team for 5 years now. Perhaps Gionta will be dealt? He is seeking a long term deal in the $3 -4 million range, and after his 48 goal season, is probably deserving of it. Worse still is that the Devils still need to sign a back up goaltender......so the problems are continuing to grow. I also think that the longer Lamoriello waits, the worse the trade returns are going to be. He needs to make a move, and now.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Evgeni Malkin intends to sign a contract following Labor Day Weekend and attend rookie camp on September 7th. According to TSN.ca Malkin's dream of playing in the NHL is becoming closer to a reality. While Malkin's former Russian team Metallurg Magnitogorsk (did that team buy a vowel of what?) may not be finished pursuing the matter legally, they appear to have less leverage every day. Several meetings have been scheduled and cancelled between the NHL, and Russian Federation head Vladislav Tretiak over the matter, so it remains to be seen what will come of this.
The only thing that really matters to me, and I'm sure most everyone....is that Malkin is playing hockey for the Penguins in the NHL. After that....everything else is just a Lady Byng Trophy.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
J.P. Dumont, Anson Carter, Jason Allison, Brian Leetch, Viktor Kozlov and Yanic Perreault are all still circling the free agent pool and are no closer to finding a new contract or team that will offer them one.
Free agent and arbitration casualty J.P. Dumont is probably the biggest name still available and rumors according to TSN.ca is close to signing with one of three possible teams. The Red Wings are believed to be one of those suitors perhaps still looking for a Brendan Shanahan type replacement.
Anson Carter is still available and still holding out for a multi-year deal in $2.5 million to $3 million range. Obviously too rich for everyone, especially in the new salary cap era of the NHL. Many critics believe he was the beneficiary of playing with the talented Sedin twins rather than the other way around. NHL teams must be thinking the same thing. If Carter were to drop his salary demands to the $2 million dollar area, I think he would be scooped up. He may also have to accept a one year contract, as last season was good, but his season prior to that was a disaster.
Jason Allison had a terrific comeback year playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs last year, after being sidelined with post-concussion symptoms that nearly forced him into retirement. His offensive numbers were great, but his defensive game was suspect....as was everyone on the Leafs last season. He might be a good replacement for the Carolina Hurricanes Cory Stillman who will apparently be out of the lineup for several months with a separated shoulder.
Brian Leetch, the most attractive free agent defenseman (skills not looks) available, has been very quiet. There was talk that he might return to the New York Rangers, but this appears less and less likely, as they have added a defenseman, in Aaron Ward, coaxed Karel Rachunek back from Europe, and re-signed restricted free agents Michal Rosival, Fedor Tyutin, and just today Thomas Pock. There appears to be little room left for Leetch.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Rumor has it that the captain vacancy left by future Hall of Fame Detroit Red Wing Steve Yzerman will be filled by some very capable skates. Defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom is rumored to be the heir apparent to the Red Wings captaincy, and really who else could you choose? Like Yzerman, Lidstrom has spent his entire career with the Red Wings, and in that time put up some impressive numbers. Over his 14 season career he has played almost 1100 games, scoring 189 goals and 617 assists. Lidstrom is also coming off a Norris Trophy season, his fourth such win in the last five seasons. While no announcement has been made official, and Coach Babcock has yet to confirm the rumor, sources within the organization are saying otherwise. For more on this visit TSN.ca.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Bruins forward and restricted free agent Patrice Bergeron has just re-signed with his team for $23.75 over the next 5 years. Bergeron will become the third highest paid player on the Bruins behind new acquisitions Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard.
In a season loaded with dissapointment, Patrice Bergeron was one of the few bright spots. Only 21 years of age, the young center led the Bruins in scoring with 73 points, and 31 goals. Bergeron is poised to take over the franchise role left by Joe Thornton who was traded last November to the Sharks. These are huge shoes to fill, but he certainly has the potential to fill them. Now if only the Bruins can resist trading him before he truly breaks out.
Saku Koivu recovering
After suffering a serious eye injury (no kidding! a torn retina thanks to a stick to the eye) during the first round of the playoffs against the Hurricanes. Koivu has been skating for several weeks but admits he's still having trouble when looking side to side. I'm pretty sure he was wearing a visor when the incident occurred.....which may do hurt that movement as it is still possible to sustain an injury while wearing one. Koivu has battled back before after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, so I suspect we will see him this season, and quite possibly at the start. I think if he got his leg cut off, he'd find a way to play.
Jed Ortmeyer
I just wanted to send my best wishes on a full and quick recovery to heart and soul Ranger winger Jed Ortmeyer. Ortmeyer is currently undergoing blood thinning treatment for a blooc clot in one of the main arteries leading to his heart. All the best Jed, I look forward to seeing you in full playoff beard next April.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
If everyone would just take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with hockey, I sincerely believe they would be addicted to it (like the rest of us) for life. Check out this video reel highlighting some of the best hits from last year (I'm pretty sure that most are from last season) that I found on YouTube.com. If this doesn't get your mouth watering for the season opener, I don't know what will. Perhaps, this and a Molson?
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Devils high scoring forward (48 goals last season) Brian Gionta is still waiting to be signed to a new contract. Although Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has stated that he, and restricted free agents David Hale and Paul Martin will be welcome in training camp regardless of their contract status.
Brian Gionta is more than likely to not attend training camp unless a deal is in place. Gionta decided against electing to bring the Devils to salary arbitration in favor of signing a new long termcontract with the Devils. Gionta is reportedly seeking $3.5 million a season.
The Devils problems are not going away. Currently sitting at the $44 million salary cap, he is going to have to cut some fat, and muscle in order to make room for Gionta, Hale, and Martin. For more on this check out Mark Everson article in the NY Post.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Islanders and their fans. New Islanders GM Garth Snow has according to Larry Brooks, of the NY Post, not even begun contract negotiations with star goalie and restricted free agent Rick DiPietro. The reason being that the Islanders owner, Charles Wang is on vacation and has instructed his staff to hold off negotiations with DiPietro's agents until his return, near the end of August. This will leave about two weeks for DiPietro to sign with the team, and according to Wang's policy, no player will be signed after training camp opens.....thus force DiPietro into holdout for the entire season. This has the making of a disaster written all over it. If DiPietro isn't re-signed prior to camp, the Islanders hopes will rest on Wade Dubielewicz.
For more on this, check out Brooks article in the Post.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 For the seventh time Jaromir Jagr has been voted the Czech Republic player of the year. Jagr had an outstanding season for the Rangers, helping them get to the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade, becoming the highest scoring Ranger of all-time, winning the Lester B. Pearson Award, and helping the Czech Republic to a bronze medal in this years Olympics.
Tomas Kaberle and David Vyborny were runner-ups for the award.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Maybe it's too soon to talk about this, but I figured why not start speculating? There's been a lot of movement this offseason, and some really big names have swapped cities. One of the biggest has to be Chris Pronger being traded to Anaheim. All Pronger did last year was help the Edmonton Oilers to within one game of winning the Stanley Cup.
The Ducks weren't slouches last year either. A team that no one expected much from marched all the way to the Western Conference Finals, where they eventually fell to the Oilers. They already had one of the best defencemen in the NHL in Scott Neidermayer, a healthy and very productive Teemu Selanne, and star rookie goalie Ilya Bryzgalov. Now add Chris Pronger to the mix. Neidermayer and Pronger as your top 2 defencemen? This is without question, the best pairing in the NHL.....and perhaps the best the NHL has ever seen? Expect Anaheim's powerplay to be ridiculous, and I would also expect to see Neidermayer and Pronger playing massive minutes (25-30 a game) and facing the top lines of opposing team.
Right now I'm having a really hard time finding reasons why they won't be at the big dance this year.
Yahoo's Top 10 Fantasy Draft
Thanks to my buddy Stache for this! Yahoo posted their Top 50, but for comparison's sake, I'm going to give you the Top 10 in their draft. You can see my picks here.
1. Joe Thornton
2. Miikka Kiprusoff
3. Alexander Ovechkin
4. Jaromir Jagr
5. Dany Heatley
6. Sidney Crosby
7. Jonathan Cheechoo
8. Daniel Alfredsson
9. Ilya Kovalchuk
10. Jason Spezza
It looks like Thornton may be everyone's #1 pick. Can't argue with that. What follows is a toss up of some very reliable talent. It's funny how Kipper is the only goalie to crack their Top 10. Oh and Stache, I don't see Forsberg being picked till the 2nd round. Unfortunately, he is the 'Swedish Lindros'....when he's in the game he's great.....when he's in the game. I'm really curious to see how Gagne responds without him....because he was awfully quiet when Forsberg was on the IR.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Evgeni Malkin has finally surfaced.....in Los Angeles, California! After several days of living in parts unknown, Malkin finally made his way State-side and is receiving counsel on how best to find himself in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform this season.
Malkin met his agent J.P. Barry in Helsinki, Finland when he was in possession of his passport, and the two went into hiding till he could secure a travel visa. Once recieved he made his way to L.A. For all the details on this story check out the article at TSN.ca.
One step closer to Steel Town folks!
Anaheim trades Vishnevski
After a nasty arbitration hearing, and a reluctant acceptance of $1 million (and change) award, the Ducks finally rid themselves of defenceman Vitaly Vishnevski. Anaheim traded Vishnevski to the Atlanta Thrashers for forward Karl Stewart and second round pick in next years entry draft.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Evgeni Malkin is officially no longer a member of Metallurg Magnitogorsk. According to Russian law any employee (including hockey players) have the right to resign and give two weeks notice to their employer regardless of whether or not they are under contract.
This law may be the biggest bit in the butt for Metallurg for two reasons. First, he has every right to terminate his contract under the law, and because Russian did not sign the transfer agreement, they may not be in line to receive any compensation for Malkin.
According to TSN.ca, Malkin is apparently still in Europe, and will be arriving in the United States along with his representation within the next 24 hours. Once he lands we will apparently be treated to endless press conferences on his thoughts and reasons behind the last weeks events.
I can tell you one thing for sure... the kid just wants to play hockey in the NHL. I really hope that happens this year.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Believe it or not folks this is the 300th article on Playoff Beard .com! It seems almost fitting that it be about the boys from the Face Off Hockey Show, the same group of guys who inspired the birth of this site almost 8 months ago. I can't thank them, and all of you enough for all of the support you've thrown me this year!
In the meantime, click on over to the Face Off Hockey Show and listen to Wazz and the guys rant for a few hours!
Tonight's Show:
August 16th Show
Sergei Balashov from Russian Hockey Digest
TONIGHT AT 9PM EST!!
Click here to listen.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
TSN.ca is reporting that the Phoenix Coyotes and forward Owen Nolan are close to signing a one year contract worth $1.25 million.
Nolan is currently undergoing a series of physicals that began several weeks ago to determine if he is fit to play. Nolan had reconstructive surgery on his right knee over a year ago, and the Coyotes medical staff have been testing to see if he can perform and play pain free. If the doctors clear Nolan, the Coyotes could make an announcement about the signing as early as today.
If Nolan really is back to his old condition, he would provide a substantial amount of leadership as well as scoring. In his last full season Nolan posted 29 goals and 25 assists while playing for the Sharks and Leafs. If he remains healthy this will be a great pick up by the Yotes.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
With the new season just around the corner, many of us will be gearing up for our own seasons. Fantasy Hockey means doing your homework and drafting well, and since we are less than two months out I thought it would be a good time to start mock drafting. Based on last seasons performance, and recent player movement I think several picks in the Top 10 will be near guaranteed producers (barring injury of course) while a few may be risky picks, but one's that should pay dividends. Here's what I think the first 10 draft picks will look like in many leagues:
1. Joe Thonton
2. Jaromir Jagr
3. Alexander Ovechkin
4. Mikka Kiprusoff
5. Sidney Crosby
6. Dany Heatley
7. Eric Staal
8. Ilya Kovalchuk
9. Roberto Luongo
10. Martin Brodeur
There are a lot of great names not on this list, which means round 2 is going to be chock full of really great players, and its possible that a defenceman may not even go in the Top 20, ....although the numbers that Neidermayer and Pronger are going to put up together could be very hard to resist drafting one of them early. Also goaltenders like Cristobal Huet and Henrik Lundqvist could be high draftees as well, but fear of a sophmore slump (I know Huet's not technically a sophomore, but this will be the first season he enters as the bonafide starter) could deter fantasy managers from drafting them early. I'm going to update this list periodically as we lead up to the season based on news, and of course your input. Let the Captain know what you think!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
What's wild right now, is that the whereabouts of this kid are still unknown. Malkin's team Metallurg has been anything but quiet in the last 48 hours stating emphatically that they will be compensated and will sue the NHL if need be. They are seeking a minimum of $2 million in compensation for him, using franchise soccer player trades as a bench mark for their case. For some more light reading on this check out TSN.ca.
My buddy Playoff Moustache sent me a great article from ESPN which covers more about Malkin's team taking the NHL to court. The quote from Metallurg Magnitogorsk's General Director Gennady Velichkin in bold on the right I took some exception to. He states: "They all like to talk about democracy, the American way and then they shamelessly steal our best players. This is pure sports terrorism." Firstly, we don't know if the Penguins or the NHL were involved with Malkin's extradition from his team. Right now, this kid could be acting under his steam, or by the influence of his agents. If the Penguins are involved in anyway, then I would have to side with the Russian team, in that they should receive compensation for the player. I am without a doubt behind Malkin in that this kid just wants to play hockey in the NHL. I really think everyone has lost sight of that, which is truly sad. I would love to see the future owner of the Penguins (if the sale goes through) Sam Fingold step up to the plate and promise to compensate Metallurg and get Malkin in uniform this year for the Penguins. What a statement that would make to the fans huh? I'm sure there will be more to come.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Although I think that term died with Communist Russia, it looks alot like Evgeni Malkin is pulling a page from the Sergei Federov handbook and has skipped town, while his team Metallurg Magnitogorsk was training in Finland. TSN.ca is reporting the Malkin has collected his belongings and passport and has left his team. Malkin has made it clear to everyone including my mom, that he wants to play in the NHL this season for the Penguins, and perhaps he has become tired of all of the bureaucracy and taken matters into his own hands. His current whereabouts are unknown, but I can make one guess where his eventual destination will be. I'm keeping my fingers crossed....along with all of Pittsburgh and my boy Playoff 'Stache!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Edmonton Oilers have signed forward Petr Sykora to a one year deal. Sykora passed an MRI exam and physical on his groin before the deal was confirmed yesterday.
Petr Sykora scored 51 points with Anaheim and New York last season during the regular season. Sykora was unable to help the Rangers out of the first round of the playoffs last year (along with the rest of the team), and failed to bury some very juicy opportunities. He was perhaps unfairly blamed as one of the reasons for the defeat, and thus not offered a new contract by the Rangers, who aquired free agent Brendan Shanahan earlier this summer.
Rangers Classic
Tomorrow night, the Garden will be replaying a classic matchup of 1983 Game 3 between the Rangers vs. Isles. Here's the scoop:
Aug. 13, 8 PM - Rangers vs. Isles/Trent Tucker meets Herb Brooks
See Game 3 of the 1983 Patrick Division Finals between the Isles and Rangers, followed by one of the most bizarre -- but fascinating -- features you'd want to see. Rangers coach Herb Brooks goes back to his former University of Minnesota stomping grounds and interviews Knicks 1982 first round pick Trent Tucker. Then, catch Tucker’s 4-pont play vs. Chicago in the 1989 playoffs and part of MLK day on Jan. 15, 1990 when he hits a three-pointer to win the game with 0.1 left!
Guest appearance by Dave Maloney
The Dragons
The boys in red and white (soon to be blue and white) had a solid game last night against the Vultures defeating them 5-4, and putting us in 2nd place in the division. Defenceman Paul Mazsa was the first star of the game scoring 2 goals, while Mike Feeney potted his league leading 12th goal of the season. Goaltender Jose Alicea was solid in net and came up huge in the third period and closed the door on the Vultures! Great job fellas!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I love this time of year. I just put my new HDTV to the test tonite and watched Peyton Manning do his thing up the field against the Rams defense. Of course, he was pulled after the series, but that 4 minutes of play was enough to wet the whistle. Pre-Season Football means only one thing. Hockey is almost back. The NFL will provide a pleasant distraction till early October when we celebrate the dropping of the first puck, but now we can look forward to the NHL's Pre-Season which commences on Sunday September 17th. TSN.ca has provided the entire schedule, and as good neighbor I will do my part and provide a link to that wonderful resource for you here.
This will be my first NHL season with HDTV, and I can't wait. I've seen it at the Garden (although prior to this year ....given how the Rangers were playing I usually had so many $6 Coors Lights I couldn't see anything past the middle of the 2nd period), and even caught a few of the Islanders replay broadcasts this summer, but nothing will compare to seeing my boys in Blue on my new big screen. Thursday October 5th. The Rangers, The Capitals, Jagr, Ovechkin, and me.....and an ice cold case of Labatt Blues.
Oh yeah, the Ducks signed Travis Green. Yippee!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Eric Desjardins is expected to announce his retirement today. Desjardins an unrestricted free agent, has yet to be re-signed by the Flyers and is perhaps reluctant to leave the team he has spent the last 11 seasons with. After surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder last season, Desjardins missed 29 games.
The two time all-star, Desjardins is the second all time leading scoring defenseman for the Flyers behind only Mark Howe. He was also award the Flyers outstanding defenceman award 7 times. Eric Desjardins scored 396 points with the Flyers and 575 points (136 goals, 439 assists) during his career. He won the Stanley Cup in 1993 with the Montreal Canadiens. He was traded to the Flyers along with John LeClair for Mark Recchi and 3rd round pick.
Gonchar confirms Malkin in Russia story
Unfortunately for Pens fans it looks like Malkin won't be appearing in the NHL this year. According to TSN.ca, teammate and fellow countryman Sergei Gonchar confirmed that Malkin intends to play one more year in Russia.
With all the talk about this over the last few days, I wonder if the Penguins greased Malkin's team with a sweet buyout offer they could get their young star in the lineup this year.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Tonight's Show:
August 9th Show
It's less than seven weeks before the start of training camp and we're still going strong. Lyle Richardson from Spector's Hockey will join us to talk about the late signings, trades, and to review the top prospects of 2001 from each team five years later. The Evgeni Malkin situation is a roller coaster ride, but you're tall enough to get through and ride along with us. Some players calling it quits, some just beginning, and the chance to join us for fantasy hockey. All that and then some this week.
TONIGHT AT 9PM EST!!
Click here to listen.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The goalie rotation between the Blues and the Redwings continues! Manny Legace is the latest Red Wing to join the Blues, following in the footsteps of Chris Osgood, who if you remember fell from grace similiar to the way Legace did.
Legace who had a 37-8-0 record with the Wings last season was left to rot in unrestricted free agency after a dissapointing first round knock out by the Oilers. A playoff exit which Legace has unfairly shouldered the burden for. I think the Red Wings are going to really regret letting this guy go, especially if Hasek goes down. The St. Louis Blues should have a nice tandem with Curtis Sanford and Manny Legace between the pipes.
Sabres let Dumont walk
Joining the elite club that includes only the Bruins and the Lightning, the Buffalo Sabres have exercised their right not to accept J.P. Dumont salary arbitration award. Dumont immediately becomes an unrestricted free agent, and can sign with any team. He was awarded a $2.9 million one year contract on July 31.
Harry Sinden to retire
The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away! President Harry Sinden will step down tomorrow and hopefully let the Bruins finally prosper. Easily the worst back office manager since Milbury, Sinden has single handedly made some of the worst decisions, trades, and signings over the past decade that have kept the Bruins from realizing their potential. It is a bright day for Bruins fans everywhere. Unless they pull a Charles Wang and fire his replacement in 30 days.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Not for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not for Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins and their prized Russian prospect will have to delay their embrace for another season. Malkin has signed a one year deal that replaced a contract that would have kept him in Russia for 2 more years. This contract will leave him a free agent at the end of 2007, and availabe finally to the Penguins.
Malkin's agent J.P. Barry has been quoted as saying that Malkin wants to play in the NHL, and Barry still has hopes that it could happen this season. Recent events would suggest otherwise.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Malkin was the second player taken overall in 2004, behind fellow countryman Alexander Ovechkin. For the Pens, this is a blow, but not a huge one. Yes, it would be great to have this kid in the lineup this year, but the core of this team is solid, and his arrival next year will only improve it further. The waiting sucks, believe me I know. As a Ranger fan who waited almost a decade to see his team reach the post season...patience is a virtue, and it will be rewarded.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Adam Mair, the last man standing of 12 Buffalo Sabres that filed for arbitration was awarded a $675,000 one year contract. The Buffalo Sabres are required to accept the ruling because Mair's award was under $1 million as per the new CBA.
Adam Mair received a modest raise from the $450,00 he earned last season, which was cut short due to concussion symptoms and a groin injury sustained in the pre-season. Playing only 40 games, Mair scored 2 goals and 5 assists.
Mair, Dumont, and Briere were the only Sabres to goto arbitration. Darcy Regier managed to sign the remaining 9 players prior to their hearings, a list that included, Maxim Afinogenov, Brian Campbell, Tim Connolly, Paul Gaustad, Ales Kotalik, Toni Lydman, Andrew Peters, Jason Pominville, and Henrik Tallinder. The Sabres payroll of $38 million is resting comfortably below the hard salary cap of $44 million, but they still need to re-sign goalie Ryan Miller (who is in line for a big bump) and defenceman Dmitri Kalinin. Both are restricted free agents.
What's up with Brian Leetch?
Larry Brooks wrote a very interesting article regarding the status of Brian Leetch this weekend. Where will he end up? He makes a great point that the Bruins over-used Leetch last season, expecting him to provide quality ice time of up to 30 minutes a game. A feat that a younger Leetch had little issue with, but now at 38 his body no longer can sustain that pace. However in a limited role, as a 2nd pair defenceman, and a power play specialist, he could still be a factor and perhaps a game breaker. I can hardly disagree. Injuries have taken a toll on Leetch over the past 5 seasons, however, he still remains one of the best quarterbacks on the powerplay....again when healthy. Will the Rangers make a play for him? Will he forgive Sather for the way he was traded 3 years ago? It will be interesting to see where he winds up.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
At least they are consistent. The Bruins have once again walked away from an arbitration award. David Tanabe joins the growing club of ex-Bruins that includes Bryan Berard, and Dmitri Khristich, after the Bruins declined to pick up his one year $1.275 million arbitration award. The defenseman is now an unrestricted free agent. Last season with the Bruins, Tanabe had 20 points (4 goals, 16 assists).
With the off season blockbuster signing of Zdeno Chara, and the addition of Paul Mara, and Jason York, Tanabe appears to be the odd man out.
Marc Andre Fleury extends stay in Pittsburgh
The Penguins re-signed their franchise goalie Marc Andre Fleury to a two year contract worth $2.59 million yesterday. Fleury was brought up last season after free agent Jocelyn Thibault was less then stellar in the net (his knees and hips are more fragile than Haseks groin and Belfours back), and carried the bulk of the starts for the Pens. Fleury is just one of large group of young studs the Penguins now boast. This team is going to be scary good in the future.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Philadelphia Flyers have traded center Michal Handzus to the Chicago Blackhawks for winger Kyle Calder. Calder was recently awarded a $2.95 million contract during arbitration, that the Blackhawks had accepted. The Flyers already deep at center addressed their need at the wing by trading Handzus, a fan favorite in Philly and a player that proudly carries on the tradition of the hockey mullet. His hair helmet is reminiscent of the lid Jagr sported in the 90's. Handzus scored 11 goals and 33 assists for the Flyers last season and is in a position to center the top between Martin Havlat and Tuomo Ruttu. Chicago has also greatly improved their playoff beard depth by aquiring Handzus, if the Blackhawks can make a push to the post season.
Calder scored 26 goals and 33 assists last season for the Blackhawks, and could produce considerably more for the Flyers this season with the supporting cast that will surround him. Calder may have been a cap casualty due to his arbitration award, and the fact that the Blackhawks have overspent on players like Havlat, Aucoin, and Khabibulin. I would give the Flyers the edge in this trade.
Yotes and Mike Comrie avoid arbitration
The Phoenix Coyotes re-signed Mike Comrie to a one year deal worth $3 million and avoided his arbitration hearing scheduled for yesterday. Comrie scored 30 goals and 30 assists for the Coyotes last year, and judging by recent awards to given to Mike York, J.P. Dumont, and Kyle Calder, he probably would have commanded a similiar salary. Avoiding arbitration is always a good move, and keeping Comrie in the fold for another year and at fair market value keeps both sides smiling.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Anything? Anyone?
The Buffalo Sabres have officially agreed to accept Daniel Briere's arbitration award. Briere was award $5 million by an arbitrator over a week ago. His case kicked off all of the arbitration hearings.
Briere didn't play a full season, but he still managed a solid year, potting 25 goals and 33 assists. Briere exploded in the playoffs with 8 goals and 11 assists in 18 playoff games and lifted the Sabres to within one game of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Darcy Regier and owner Tom Golisano have made a solid decision toward making this team a contender again. They still have to decide whether or not to accept J.P. Dumont's arbitration award of $2.9 million that was handed out Wednesday.
Adam Mair remains the last of 12 Sabres scheduled for arbitration. Unless signed, his hearing will be sometime today.
Penguins not giving up on Malkin
No transfer agreement with Russia? No problem! The Penguins have begun negotiations to get their star prospect in uniform for the upcoming season. This is a huge priority, not just for the Pens, but the NHL as well. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it happens. For more on the particulars, visit TSN.ca.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
One of the last remaining UFA gems, Martin Rucinsky, has signed with the St. Louis Blues. Financials are not yet available (but will be soon! read below!). Rucinsky had a great year with the Rangers, even though it was injury shortened, he still managed 55 points. Rumored to have been waiting for a larger offer from the Rangers (who apparently had one year at $3.1 million on the table), who decided to go the Shanahan route instead of negotiate further, Rucinsky found himself teamless. His signing, will be his second tour of duty with the St. Louis Blues.
Interesting note. I was reading my Hockey News yesterday, and they pointed out, that teams can no longer hide the terms of players contracts. Why? Salary Cap Era. Full Disclosure. Granted, they are entitled to keep the information from their press releases, but all salaries have to be reported. Where do you find this cornocopia of information? The NHLPA.com website of course! If you click here, you can find the player, and the salary he will be making for the upcoming season.
Dumont awarded
Seems like a few minutes after I posted my article the arbitration award for J.P. Dumont hit the shelves. Awarded one year, at $2.9 million, Dumont more than doubles his salary from last season. He ended his year with 40 points, but missed almost 30 games due to injury.
Senators sign Dean McAmmond
McAmmond signed a one year deal with the Senators (terms not listed yet). He scored 15 goals and 22 assists last season while playing with the St. Louis Blues.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Sabres do it again! This time re-signing one of the gems of their 2006 arbitration class, and again doing so before his scheduled hearing. Maxim Afinogenov signed a 3 year deal worth $10 million and became the 9th Sabre's player to avoid an arbitration hearing. So far only Daniel Briere and J.P. Dumont (we are still waiting to find out what his arbitration award will be) have gone before arbitration.
Back to Afinogenov. After 6 years in the NHL, Afinogenov finally emerged as the player everyone thought he would be. Leading the Sabres with 73 points (22 goals, 51 assists), Afinogenov set career highs (seems like a lot of Sabres did this year, no wonder they were so good). One of the fastest skaters in the league, he finally discovered how to finish his chances this season.
Considering the Buffalo Sabres had a record 12 players file for arbitration I think they have done an outstanding job. Darcy Regier is quickly becoming the Kevin Lowe of the Eastern Conference. I really think we are going to see a trend soon, where the teams that had to penny pinch prior to the salary cap, are going to rapidly become masters of it. Watch out for the Penguins!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Much attention has been given to Carolina Hurricanes superstar forward Eric Staal, and more recently, to his younger brother Jordan Staal, drafted 2nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins this June. Deservedly so. Eric Staal exploded in his second full NHL season scoring 100 points (45 goals, 55 assists), and during the playoffs led all skaters with 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists) en route to helping the Carolina Hurricanes hoist their first ever Stanley Cup! His brother Jordan, scored 68 points (28 goals, 40 assists) in 68 games for Peterborough of the OHL last season.
If I may quote the immortal words of Jedi Master Yoda...."There is another". Sandwiched between Eric and Jordan is their brother Marc. Yes I'm going homer on you here, because luckily the New York Rangers managed to grab one of the brothers Staal. Drafted in the 1st round, 12th overall, the New York Rangers, and the fans have high hopes for Marc Staal. Unlike his brothers, Marc is a defenceman. In 57 games with Sudbury of the OHL, Marc scored 49 points (11 goals, 38 assists) and was a +12. During the World Junior Championships he had an assist and won the gold medal along with the honor of being named Top Defenseman.
Marc was among the final cuts during the Rangers training camp last season, and he has an excellent shot at making the club this season. Either way this kid will be a cornerstone on the Rangers blue line for years to come. For more on Marc Staal, visit the New York Rangers website.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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