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
Comments
Glad to see Scotty's playing a full season next year. Think that will make a huge difference to the Ducks. If they get just a little more firepower up front they could be a very dangerous team again next year. I'm still waiting for Getzlaf to be one of the top five scorers in the league.
How about Tampa? They're shelling out big bucks for Ryan Malone, nabbed Gary Roberts, got Prospal back, and are after Bryan Rolston. Those are some good role players they're adding to support Lecavlier and St. Louis BUT...who's their goalie??? Mike Smith? Hmm...maybe.
Posted by: stache | July 1, 2008 08:23 AM
TSN's saying Hossa's going to Detroit. $7.4 million for only one year.
As a Penguins fan, I would just like to say that I have a wound that is now covered in about thirty-six pounds of salt.
Thank you, Marian. Thank you, Detroit.
I hope you enjoy your time together, you bastards.
Posted by: Stache | July 2, 2008 12:44 PM
Your tears sustain me, 'Stache.
Your tears sustain me.
Posted by: jeff | July 2, 2008 10:47 PM
Watch the Pens beat the Wings in the Finals next year.... you heard it hear first!
Posted by: cap | July 3, 2008 03:32 PM