Return of the Beard
No hesitation or mid-season returns this year. Anaheim Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer officially announced that he would back with his club for the final year of his contract.
Unlike last year, GM Brian Burke asked that Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne make the decisions regarding their playing future known prior to the free agent deadline on July 1st. Niedermayer is ready for action. Selanne who is an unrestricted free agent has yet to decide, but is rumored to either play for the Ducks or retire.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Cliff Fletcher may not be finished cleansing the roster of it's aging high priced talent just yet. Defenceman Bryan McCabe is now in the hot seat, and may be asked to waive his no-movement clause. A standoff may be in the making here, as rumors are swirling that if McCabe does not comply with Fletcher's wishes, he will not be welcome at the Leafs training camp. McCabe has stated that he will not be forced into any decision and a grievance would be filed with the NHLPA if necessary.
In other Leaf news, 42 year old free agent to be Gary Roberts would like to join the club, but reports are that Fletcher would not be turning to him for veteran leadership. I think I would have to agree with Fletcher on that one.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Remember in the film The Terminator, when Arnold Schwarzenegger took a stroll through a police station with a pair of assault rifles, and proceeded to casually mow them down? Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher is doing the same thing to his club's roster right now.
The Ottawa Senators also did what most expected and bought out the contract of their goaltender Ray Emery. Emery was the focus of much of the alleged turmoil within the Senators locker room that eventually saw their coach fired, their team collapse, and the Penguins sweep them in a quick four games in round 1. Emery is now eligible for unrestricted free agency next week on July 1st. He did lead his club to the Stanley Cup Finals a year ago, so the talent is obviously there.... along with the attitude. Defenceman Wade Redden who also had a disastrous season is not expected to be playing for Ottawa next year and could have a new home by next week as well.
Another rumor mill resident, Olli Jokinen finally saw rumor become reality last night. The Florida Panther shipped Jokinen West to the Phoenix Coyotes for defencemen Keith Ballard, Nick Boynton and the 49th pick in this years draft.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos - Center
Alexander Ovechkin took center stage at the NHL Awards last night, and just about every honor as well.
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek officially called it a career today, announcing his retirement after 16 years in the NHL.
The phenomenon, or philosophy rather of the playoff beard continues to grow, and it seems like more and more of the faithful are joining the flock.
Not only did he bring his standard issue chin mullet to the finals and help his club to another Stanley Cup final, but this man did his finest impersonation of the red bearded G.I. Joe Arctic Trooper Snow Job (that's Snow...). While this certainly helped push him past his competition, I must be honest, that my decision was almost finalized before the series started (provided he and the Wings won). The reason for this individual becoming Bosh's early favorite? He looks like Chuck Norris. The man could be his stunt double. It almost made me weep.... and I assure you, that if Chuck Norris layed eyes upon this particular beard.... he would cry as well. But as you all know, Norris is incapable of crying. All that being said...
The Pittsburgh Penguins have staved off elimination after a thrilling triple overtime affair. Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury backstopped his club to a 4-3 win on a 55 save effort to force a game 6 and bring the series back to Pittsburgh.
