Now that we are only a week away from July 1st, or Canada Day or Free Agent Frenzy day, here is a preview of the UFA's that are available and our predictions of where each of them will land. Each player will also have the teams that could be interested in him beside their name.
Centers:
Denis Arkipov(CHI)- CHI, NJ, FLA
Chicago Blackhawks, tough pick cause I don't know alot about this guy but from what I have heard he played well on Chicago's 3rd/4th line.
Eric Belanger(ATL/CAR)- NJ, PHO, CBM, ATL, NYI, WSH, MIN, FLA, DET
Florida Panthers, the Panthers will need to fill some holes if they loose Martin Gelinas and since the did not re-sign Juraj Kolnik. Belanger can help out on the offensive side and can play either C or LW.
Radek Bonk(MON)- CHI, NJ, FLA, WSH, LA, MON, DET, CBM, NYI
Columbus Blue Jackets, would fit in good on their 4th line. Will bring in some needed leadership too.
Daniel Briere(BUFF)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
Montreal Canadiens, this signing will kill the Sabres but I think it isn't about the money for Briere, it is more of where he wants to play and I think it is Montreal. Evidence that proves he isn't out for the money is that he declined and offer from the Sabres this summer, which was the same offer his agent presented to the Sabres last summer and the Sabres declined. This will be a huge move for the Canadiens and their fans will love it.
Chris Drury(BUFF)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
New York Rangers, the Rangers are in desperate need for a 2nd line center and Drury would fit in perfectly. Martin Straka would be able to move back to his normal position of LW and it would make the Rangers an elite and very competitive team.
Peter Forsberg(NAS/PHI)- PHI, ATL, CBM, EDM, BUFF, LA, NJ, NYR, PHO, NYI, WSH
Columbus Blue Jackets, once again another team in need of a #1 center. Forsberg and Nash would be absolutely lethal together when Forsberg is healthy. Forsberg will only sign with a team for a max of 2 years letting Columbus prospect C Derick Brassard time to fill out and become the #1 center.
Scott Gomez(NJ)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
Philadelphia Flyers, it sounds like the Flyers are going to do whatever they can to sign a #1 center, even if it is over paying them. Rumors say they could offer up to 8 million a season if they get rid of D Joni Pitkanen and I dont think any other team is willing to offer that kind of money.
Michal Handzus(CHI)- CHI, WSH, LA, CBM, PHO, NYI, ATL, NJ
Chicago Blackhawks, Handzus and Havlat seemed to have some early chemistry for the first 10 or so games of the season last year before Handzus got injured. Handzus is worth it if him and Havlat can find that chemistry again.
Viktor Kozlov(NYI)- NYI, WSH, CBM, ATL, PHO
New York Islanders, Kozlov is a well traveled hockey player and he finally found his game last year with the Islanders scoring 25 goals and 51 points.
Robert Lang(DET)- WSH, LA, CBM, PHO, NYI, ATL, NYR, EDM, NJ
Atlanta Thrashers, the Thrashers are another team in desperate need for a #1 center and as much as I think Forsberg would fit in great for them, he will ask for too much $$. Lang could find his game again playing along side Kovalchuk.
Eric Lindros(DAL)- ATL, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, NYR, NYI, PHO, MIN
Phoenix Coyotes, Phoenix just simply needs players who can put the puck in the net. Lindros might be on the down side of his career but he could probably still pot 15-25 goals. Gretzky always seems to get players who he has had some other contact with before.
Alyn McCauley(LA)- CAR, NJ, LA, FLA, MON, WSH, OTT, MIN
Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina needs a 3rd line center after leting Josef Vasicek go and if McCauley stays healthy he will fit in good. He will bring good grit and some veteran leadership.
Glen Metropolit(STL/ATL)- NJ, FLA, LA, MON, OTT, MIN, CAR, STL
St.Louis Blues, another hard pick since i dont know alot about this guy. Put up decent numbers last year, 33 points in 77 games. Good for depth.
Petr Nedved(EDM/PHI)- CHI, NJ, FLA, WSH, LA, MON, OTT
Europe, I dont think any team will take a chance on a guy who was a -25 in only 40 games. Nedved is past his prime and I think he will go back home to Europe.
Michael Nylander(NYR)- BUFF, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA NJ, NYR, PHI, PHO, NYI
New York Rangers- Nylander has said that he wants to stay in New York with Jagr but he wants more money to stay there. I think they will get the deal done with Nylander and Drury and look for the Rangers to be one of the teams to beat in the east.
Mike Peca(TOR)- TOR, MIN, NJ, FLA, LA, MON
Toronto Maple Leafs, Peca was so happy to go back home to play hockey last year and it only lasted only 35 games. He fits well with the Leafs and I think Peca and JFJ will be willing to make a deal.
Yanic Perreault(TOR/PHO)- NJ, LA, PHO, CBM, ATL, EDM, NYI, NYR, MIN, DET
Detroit Red Wings, Perreault will come cheap and he was an all-star last year. Someone will need to fill in for Lang and Perreault could fit in nicely. Detroit will be scrambling for a 2nd line center and Perreault will be the best left.
Byron Ritchie(CGY)- CAR, DAL, LA, FLA, NJ, OTT, PITT, MIN, MON
Minnesota Wild, wont be back with the Flames simply because he talked bad about the organization at the end of last year. Minnesota needs grit and Ritchie can bring that. Who Knows maybe he will find that goal scoring again, like he did for Calgary for those 4 games or w/e.
Jeremy Roenick(PHO)- CBM, FLA, LA, PHO
Retire, Roenick just doesn't have it anymore and I dont think anymore teams are willing to take another chance on him. He will be a good broadcaster though, so should I say TSN?
Mark Smith(SJ)- MIN, SJ, NJ, FLA, LA, MON, OTT
Ottawa Senators, Ottawa's biggest need is depth and Smith is a very good depth player. He plays hard and gritty.
Bryan Smolinski(VAN/CHI)- NJ, LA, PHO, CBM, ATL, EDM, NYI, NYR
New Jersey Devils, Smolinski has played for a alot of NHL teams too, New Jersey will need someone in case York doesn't work out. Both player will be able to play on the 3rd/4th line if they dont play on the 1st.
Patrick Stefan(DAL)- CHI, NJ, FLA, WSH, LA, MON
Europe, was Dallas the last straw for this former #1 pick? I think so, he just hasn't panned out just like Alexander Daigle. His missing of that empty net just sums up Stefan's career.
Wez Walz(MIN)- MIN, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, PHO
Minnesota Wild, the fans love him and he is a good fit in Minnesota. He brings good leadership and can still produce some points.
Todd White(MIN)- MIN, ATL, CBM, EDM, LA, NJ, NYR, PHO, DET
Minnesota Wild, He played well on the 1st line along side Rolston. He had 44 points and there isn't much left that would fill Minnesota's need.
Alexei Yashin(NYI)- NJ, WSH, CBM, ATL, NYR, PHO, NYI, MIN
Washington Capitals, all I need to say is #1 center. Anyone will skill alongside Ovechkin could be lethal. Ovechkin just needs someone to play with and Yashin is the man. Yashin actually had a good year for the Islanders last year producing 50 points in only 58 games. Watch Ovechkin's and Yashin's points go up especially Ovechkin, if this signing happens.
Mike York(PHI/NYI)- FLA, CAR, ATL, CBM, LA, NJ, PHO, MIN
New Jersey Devils, the Devils need someone to fill in for Gomez and even though York had a terrible year last year, I think he would fit in great. He has proven he can be offensive producing seasons of 51, 52, & 57 points.
Danius Zubrus(BUFF/WSH)- ATL, BUFF, CBM, NJ, PHO, WSH, MON, NYI, LA, DET, MIN
Los Angeles Kings, LA will miss out on Drury, Briere and Gomez but Zubrus isn't a bad player either. He was probably one of Buffalo's best players in the playoffs and has really made a new name for himself. He would fit in good in LA on their second line.
Left Wing:
Bates Battaglia(TOR)- TOR, MIN, VAN, ANA, ATL, OTT
Toronto Maple Leafs, after not hearing Battaglia's name for a couple of years, his name finally resurfaced with the Leafs last season and he played pretty well. He fits in well with the Leafs.
Todd Bertuzzi(DET/FLA)- BOS, DAL, PHO, TB, DET, NYI, STL
Boston Bruins, the Bruins need big winger to compliment their little but skilled center men. Bertuzzi is the big man out of these LW and LW is the spot where Boston lacks the most depth with only Marco Sturm being the only well-known name.
Jan Bulis(VAN)- VAN, TB, NAS, OTT, ANA, ATL, EDM, NYI
Vancouver Canucks, Bulis was a new man in Van-City last year. He scored a few goals and was a good energy player. Fills in on the 3rd line very nicely.
Pascal Dupuis(ATL/MIN)- OTT, ANA, ATL, FLA, VAN, DAL
Tampa Bay Lightning, they will sign Dupuis for insurance in case Orszagh doesn't work out. If Orszagh does though, Dupuis will be able to come in and out of the line-up and could contribute.
Radek Dvorak(STL)- STL, OTT, VAN, ATL
Europe, Dvorak just seems to get worse and worse every year. If any team takes him it wont be till some time during the season.
Nils Ekman(PITT)- PITT, PHO, DAL, TB, DET, NYI, VAN, FLA, ATL, NAS
Dallas Stars, Ekman got into only 34 games with the Penguins last year making him a risky sign, but the Stars need a winger and he is the best that is left. If he is put with the right line-mates he is capable of scoring 20 goals.
Todd Fedoruk(PHI/ANA)- OTT, ANA, PHI, VAN, FLA, MIN
Philadelphia Flyers, the Flyers will need some toughness on their team after acquiring the likes of Gomez and Timonen. Fedoruk can bring that as long as he stays healthy.
Ruslan Fedotenko(TB)- TB, PHO, PITT, DAL, NAS, VAN, OTT
Nashville Predators, the Preds will simply need someone to try to step up for the losses of guys like Forsberg, Kariya and Hartnell. Since the Preds seem to be unloading Fedotenko will be a cheap replacement for those players.
Jeff Friesen(CGY)- OTT, ANA, ATL, VAN, MIN, PITT
Anaheim Ducks, Friesen stunk last year and I dont think any Flames fans will be sad to see him fly the coop. He did however play well in Anaheim the year before last and the Ducks could be in the market for some wingers. His speed is the only good thing left in Jeff Friesen.
Martin Gelinas(FLA)- CGY, FLA, PITT, DET, EDM, VAN, ANA, OTT, NYI, LA
Florida Panthers, Gelinas had a great year with the Panthers last year scoring 14goals and 44 points. Now that the Panthers acquired G Tomas Vokoun, I think Gelinas will want to stay there and try to get into the playoffs. He will also bring good leadership.
Adam Hall(MIN/NYR)- MIN, OTT, ANA, FLA, CAR, ATL, NYI, PITT, VAN
Ottawa Senators, all the Senators need is grit and depth,that is all i ever hear and Hall can bring those both.
Brad Isbister(NYR)- CGY, OTT, ANA, VAN, DET, FLA, NYI, MIN, NYR
New York Rangers, Isbister did a good job for the Rangers filling in for injured players or players who weren't playing well. The Rangers will want to keep him around.
Mike Johnson(MON)- CGY, PITT, DET, EDM, VAN, FLA, ANA, OTT, NYI, MON
Montreal Canadiens, Johnson played very well for the Canadiens last year as a role player. He was good defensively and played well on the PK. Put the odd puck into the net as well.
Paul Kariya(NAS)- NAS, PITT, DAL, PHO, TB, DET, EDM, NYI, STL, TOR
Toronto Maple Leafs, a very bold prediction here. Sundin would finally have someone to play with on the top line. Kariya has showed the past two years that he can still do it posting seasons of 76 & 85 point seasons. What a line it would be with Kariya-Sundin-Tucker
Slava Kozlov(ATL)- ATL, PITT, DAL, DET, EDM, PHO, NYI
Atlanta Thrashers, the Thrashers have a ton of UFA's to re-sign this summer and they wont loose them all. Kozlov worked magic with Hossa last year posting a career high 80 points.
Trevor Linden(VAN)- VAN, PHO, ATL
Vancouver Canucks, this will be Linden's last kick at the can, hoping of course the Nuck's go deep into the playoffs.
Brad May(ANA/COL)- OTT, MIN, ANA, ATL
Retire, his career is simply done. His Cup ring with the Ducks was the last thing he needed to fulfill his NHL career.
Ladislav Nagy(DAL/PHO)- BOS, CGY, DAL, PHO, TB, PITT, DET, EDM, FLA, NYI, STL
Pittsburgh Penguins, Nagy would finally give Crosby a 'natural' skilled winger to play with. Considering Crosby's playmaking skills, Nagy has more than enough talent to finish them off.
Ville Nieminen(STL/SJ)- OTT, VAN, MIN, ATL, CAR, ANA, STL
St.Louis Blues, the Blues will need some depth and grit. Nieminen can also bring some leadership.
Owen Nolan(PHO)- PHO, DAL, TB, DET, EDM, NYI
Detroit Red Wings, the Wings need some wingers since their depth at the position isn't that strong. Loosing Bertuzzi wont help either so the Wings will gamble on Nolan.
Vladimir Orszagh(STL)- STL, OTT, VAN, ATL, DAL, TB, NAS
Tampa Bay Lightning, a huge risk for the Lightning since Orszagh didn't play one game last year. When Orszagh did come back to the NHL in 2005-06 he scored 9 points in 16 games for the Blues. In past years in the NHL, Orszagh has produced seasons of 16, 16, 15 goals. The Lightning need another scorer and I think they should take a chance.
Eric Perrin(TB)- TB, PHO, NAS, VAN, OTT, ANA, ATL, MIN
Tampa Bay Lightning, he will want to stay with his buddy St.Louis and can produce some half decent points for a 3rd liner.
Toby Peterson(EDM)- EDM, ANA, OTT, MIN, ATL, CAR, COL, NYI, PITT
Edmonton Oilers, Peterson was easily one of Edmonton's most consistent and maybe even best players last year. He found his career last year in Edmonton and he and the organization will want to keep him there.
Brendan Shanahan(NYR)- NYR, CGY, PITT, DAL, TB, DET, EDM, TOR
New York Rangers, Easy prediction here, Shanny has already expressed to the media that he wants to stay in the Big Apple. Brings huge leadership to the Rangers with his 3 Stanley Cup rings.
Chris Simon(NYI)- N/A
Nobody will sign this guy who still has 20+ games left to serve for his vicious attack on Ryan Holloweg. Perhaps after his suspension is done will he then he looked at by some team.
Ryan Smyth(NYI/EDM)-CGY, PITT, DAL, PHO, TB, DET, EDM, NYI, TOR
Calgary Flames, there has been way way too many rumors that Smitty is coming to Calgary. He would fit in great, I will admit but I would never be able to cheer for the guy as a player only cheer what he does the team. I would only want him to sign here for a maximum of 3 years and for no more than 5.5 million. I also couldn't wait for the 1st Flames-Oiler game at Rexall place.
Brad Winchestor(EDM)- ANA, OTT, MIN, ATL, CAR
Anaheim Ducks, for depth purposes, the Ducks always seem to find good depth players and Winchestor has the chance to be one of them.
Richard Zednik(NYI/WSH)- PITT, DAL, NYI, WSH, PHO, DET, TB
New York Islanders, he never really got a chance to prove what he could do with the Isles after last years deadline deal with Washington and with the loss of Smyth, the Isles will need a veteran LW to step up.
Right Wing:
Tony Amonte(CGY)- ATL, BUFF, CAR, CHI, LA, MON, NYI, STL, VAN
Atlanta Thrashers, the Thrashers had 50% of their starting wingers become free agents this summer and so they have to replace them or re-sign them. Amonte can bring grit and leadership to the Thrashers who will once again challenge for a playoff spot.
Matthew Barnaby(DAL)- DAL, ATL, CHI,MON, NYI, PHO, PITT, MIN, BUFF
Phoenix Coyotes, this move will give the Coyotes some extra depth and some extra leadership for their re-building team.
Jason Blake(NYI)- CGY, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, SJ, TB, MIN
New York Islanders, unlike the Sabres, the Islanders will be able to keep Blake if they loose Smyth. The Isles will be willing to fork over the money in order to keep their 40 goal scorer and NHL all-star, Jason Blake.
Peter Bondra(CHI)- CHI, ATL, MON, NYI, VAN
Retire, Bondra's last straw was with the Blackhawks last season. He wasn't able to stay healthy so I think his career is over.
Anson Carter(CAR/CBM)- ANA, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, TB
Phoenix Coyotes, the Coyotes just need some sort of goal scorer and if Carter is placed with the right line-mates he will be able to do that for them. Put Carter with Reinprecht and he will score 20-30 goals.
Mike Comrie(OTT/PHO)- ANA, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, TB
Pittsburgh Penguins, the Pens need more goal scoring winger and Comrie really found himself in Ottawa. Playing alongside Malkin could do wonders for Comrie too. His Stanley Cup Final appearance will help the players know what they need to do in today's NHL to reach that goal.
Dallas Drake(STL)- CHI, ATL, MON, NYI, VAN, MIN, OTT
New York Islanders, the Isles will need some playoff experience if they loose Smyth. Drake will bring that and some grit to the Isles organization.
Josh Green(VAN)- VAN, CHI, ATL, MON, NYI, MIN, OTT, BUFF
Vancouver Canucks, Green was injured for some of the season, but when he was healthy he played well on the PK and was a good 4th line center for the Canucks.
Bill Guerin(SJ/STL)- NY, ANA, BUFF, DAL, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB, STL, DET
Anaheim Ducks, this signing is strictly based on whether Selanne retires or not, I think he will so there will be a hole at the RW spot for the Ducks. Guerin coming off a 30+ goal season will fit that role perfectly along side Kunitz and McDonald.
Jeff Hamilton(CHI)- CHI, ANA, EDM, CAR, ATL, OTT, MON, NYI, PITT, VAN, CGY, MIN
Minnesota Wild, the Wild have scoring, they have defense and they have goaltending, all they need is grit. Hamilton will be able to bring that to the Wild easily after showing what he can do with the Blackhawks last year. He is one of the most sought out 'role players' this free agency.
Juraj Kolnik(FLA)- ATL, DAL, CHI NYI, PHO, STL, VAN
Atlanta Thrashers, like I said with Amonte, the Thrashers have a lot of holes to fill and I think signing Kolnik is a good risk for them. He is only 26 and he has had seasons of 11, 13 and 14 goals. Put him with one of their veteran centers like Ruuchin and and he could grow into a good player.
Darren McCarty(CGY)- ATL, STL, MIN
Retire, I dont think I have to say much about McCarty. Last season proves that no team will be willing to sign him. Maybe a minor league contract.
Jeff O'Neill(TOR)- EDM, DAL, TOR, DAL, DET, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB
Dallas Stars, they need some scoring wingers to replace guys like Nagy. O'Neill could fill in nicely and will bring insurance if Ekman doesn't work out too.
Michel Ouellet(PITT)- ANA, BUFF, CHI, LA, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, SJ, TB
Ottawa Senators, the Sens have a hole at the RW position Comrie will leave. Murray keeps saying he wants to get bigger. Ouellet can fill in for both those needs. He scored 19 goals last year and he is 6 feet tall and 201 pounds.
Erik Rasmussen(NJ)- NJ, DAL, ATL, CHI, MON, NYI, PHO, PITT, MIN, BUFF
New Jersey Devils, a good depth player for the Devils the past couple of seasons and is worth bringing back to their 4th line.
Teemu Selanne(ANA)- ANA, CGY, DAL, DET, EDM, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB
Retire, even though the Ducks have a good chance at repeating, all those interview Selanne had after the Cup Final and him saying he wants to go out a winner, convinces me that is exactly what he will do. He will go out as a Stanley Cup champion and retire after having a 94 point season. He will get his number retired by the Ducks and go down as the best player to play for the Ducks.
Jon Sim(ATL)- ATL, BUFF, CAR, CHI, LA, MON, NYI, MIN, STL, VAN
Chicago Blackhawks, Sim brings alot of grit and can even score th odd goal. He is the perfect player to fill in for the loss of Jeff Hamilton.
Petr Sykora(EDM)- EDM, DAL, DET, OTT, PHO, PITT, SJ, TB, TOR
Edmonton Oilers, Sykora was a new player last year in Edmonton. He was their best player who played with them the whole year and I think he wants to stay in Edmonton. The Oilers will strike out on every other big name forward free agent so they will look back to Sykora to step it up.
Defensemen:
Byran Berard(CBM)- ATL, COL, CBM, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI,NYR, PITT, VAN, EDM, MON
Vancouver Canucks, your probably thinking why would the Canucks take a chance on Berard? It is because they can. He will come cheap and he can fill in for Sopel. If worse comes to worse Berard will get injured again and he will retire, the Canucks could either bring up Alexander Elder who looked pretty good last year or they could sign a extra defensemen for insurance.
Nick Boynton(PHO)- ATL, BUFF, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, FLA, MON, NJ, PITT, TB
Tampa Bay Lightning, the Lightning need some defense to make up for their average goaltending, even though Holmqvist has lots of potential. They have two holes to fill also if they loose Cory Sarich and Nolan Pratt. Boynton is probably a better defensemen than both of them so it will be a good move for the Lightning to bring him in.
Patrice Brisebois(COL)- COL, CBM, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI, NYR, FLA, PITT
Columbus Blue Jackets, the Blue Jackets need another veteran defensemen to take the spot left from often or always injured Bryan Berard. Brisebois could fill that spot well. The Blue Jackets would only have to sign the guy for 1 maybe 2 years because guys like Kris Russell and O-K Tollefsen are almost ready for the NHL.
Greg De Vries(ATL)- ATL, CBM, COL, DAL, DET, LA, ON, NJ, PITT, TB, NAS
Nashville Predators, the Preds will spend a little bit of money this offseason to fill in minor holes in their roster. De Vries will bring a little bit of leadership to a very young defensive corps. This will be one of Nashville's low key signings.
Joe DiPenta(ANA)- ANA, VAN, ATL, CBM, DAL, TB, COL, DET, LA, MON, NJ, NYR, NYI
Anaheim Ducks, the Ducks will have to hang on to all their defensemen possible just in case Scott Niedermayer retires. DiPenta is still only 28 so the Ducks only need him for 1 or 2 years so they can make way for guys like Brendan Mikkelson.
Anders Eriksson(CBM)- ATL, CBM, DAL, NYI, NYR, VAN, TB
Columbus Blue Jackets, I dont no alot about this guy but he seems to fit in well in Columbus so I will leave him there for depth purposes.
Roman Hamrlik(CGY)- ATL, CBM, DAL, PITT, EDM, DET, LA, TB, COL, MON, NJ, WSH
New Jersey Devils, the Devils will need some sort of offensive defensemen if they loose Brian Rafalski. Hamrlik might no be a long term solution but he could work well for a short time solution.
Scott Hannan(SJ)- SJ, LA, PITT, NJ, TB, OTT, CGY, DET, BUFF
Calgary Flames, Hannan is the typical 'Flames player'. He goes hard every shift and brings grit. He is a defensive defensemen and that is exactly what the Flames need. Him and Regehr would be the ultimate shut down tandem.
Jamie Heward(LA/WSH)- LA, WSH, DET, CBM, DAL, NYI, NYR, TB, VAN, NJ, FLA, ATL
Los Angeles Kings, Heward seemed to find himself in Washington then he got traded to the Kings for some weird reason. The Kings probably want to keep him around for veteran leadership even if he doesn't play every night. So also a good pick-up for depth.
Sean Hill(NYI)- N/A
This guy is the same as Chris Simon. Teams will hold back on this guy until he finishes his 15+ games he has left on his performance enhancing suspension.
Shane Hnidy(ATL)- ATL, CGY, DAL, LA, FLA, NJ, NYI, NYR
Calgary Flames, Hnidy is alot like Hannan but he will be great for depth on the Flames blueline.
Ric Jackman(ANA)- ANA, VAN, ATL, CBM, DAL, TB
Anaheim Ducks, Jackman looked pretty good in the playoffs for a 6th defensemen, so he is worth to keep around for depth. Like I said about DiPenta, the Ducks need defensemen if Niedermayer does decide to retire
Ken Klee(COL)- COL, CBM, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI, NYR, PITT, VAN
Colorado Avalanche, from what I heard, Klee was one of the better Avalanche defensemen last year. He will also bring leadership the team which seems to get younger and younger every year.
Jon Klemm(DAL)- CBM, COL, DAL, NYI, NYR, VAN, PITT
New York Rangers, this move will simply be for depth. Sandis Ozolinch's career is all but over so the Rangers will need one more veteran depth defensemen and Klemm is the man for the job.
Danny Markov(DET)- DET, CBM, DAL, NYI, NYR, PITT, TB, OTT, BUFF, LA
Washington Capitals, the Capitals have one of the youngest defensive corps in the whole league. With the addictions of Markov and Rafalski, along with Yashin at center this could be one of the last season's the Caps have to make the push to the playoffs while they still have Kolzig in the net.
Josef Melichar(PITT)- PITT, LA, DAL, NYI, NJ, TB, ATL, VAN
Pittsburgh Penguins, Melichar will re-sign in Pittsburgh but not to be a regular defensemen but to add depth to their blueline, assuming they had a veteran defensemen and Kris Letang is able to make the squad.
Aaron Miller(LA)- LA, DET, CBM, DAL, CGY, NYI, PITT, TB, VAN, NJ, FLA, OTT, EDM
New York Islanders, I like the fit of Miller on the Islanders roster but they need him to fill in some holes on their blueline. I think Poti will sign in Montreal and I highly doubt they will re-sign Sean Hill.
Teppo Numminen(BUFF)- BUFF, CBM, COL, DAL, DET, NJ, PITT, TB, SJ
San Jose Sharks, the Sharks will need a defensemen to fill in for Hannan. Numminen is getting old but he wasn't out of place last year with the Sabres. Numminen is also looking for a Stanley Cup and the Sharks are definitely contenders.
Tom Poti(NYI)- DET, DAL, CBM, NYI, NJ, PITT, WSH, TB, ATL, OTT, MON, BUFF
Montreal Canadiens, the Canadiens need size on their blueline and someone to fill in for Souray. Poti at 6-3 will do the job for size and can fill in for Souray well to. Poti is probably a better defensive defensemen than Souray is but the Canadiens will miss Souray's rocket.
Nolan Pratt(TB)- TB, VAN, ATL, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, NJ, PHO, NYI, NYR, FLA, SJ
Phoenix Coyotes, the Coyotes let go of Nick Boynton and prospects Mike Jones and Travis Roche haven't proven that they can play a full season in the NHL. Pratt will bring some depth and some veteran leadership to the Coyotes.
Tom Preissing(OTT)- OTT, DET, CBM, NYI, NJ, WSH, TB, EDM, FL, LA, COL
Ottawa Senators, Preissing played very well for Ottawa last season and for very cheap. So Preissing will deserve a increase in pay but I think it is worth it for Ottawa. He can play PP and the PK while being a strong defensemen 5 on 5.
Karel Rachunek(COL)- DET, DAL, CBM, NYI, NJ, WSH, TB, EDM, LA, MON, OTT, FLA, COL
Colorado Avalanche, the Avalanche are looking for one more offensive defensemen and I think taking a risk on Rachunek could pay off. He had 26 points in only 66 games last season.
Brian Rafalski(NJ)- LA, DET, COL, EDM, MON, CBM, NYI, NJ, PITT, WSH
Washington Capitals, this is a bold prediction as well. The Caps need a puck moving defensemen and Rafalski is the perfect guy for them. He can bring huge experience to a very young team. Rafalski could help the whole franchise and it would be a huge signing for the organization. The Caps will also be able to fork over the money needed to do it.
Cory Sarich(TB)- TB, ATL, VAN, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, NJ, NYI, NYR, FLA, SJ
New York Islanders, Sarich will bring good depth to the Islanders blueline. He will also be able to fill the spots left behind if the Islanders are unable to re-sign Tom Poti and they let Sean Hill walk.
Mathieu Schneider(DET)- COL, CBM, NYI, NJ, PITT, EDM, LA, MON, WSH
Detroit Red Wings, the Red Wings have got to love this guy. He is so offensive but can also play in any situation. Schneider even has the Wings and the Joe Louis arena figured out, have you ever seen him on the PP taking slapshots against the boards and have them come out in front of the net?
Robert Scuderi(PITT)- PITT, LA, DAL, NYI, NJ, TB, ATL, VAN
Dallas Stars, the Stars just need depth for their blueline. They are already set with the likes of Zubov, Boucher, Robidas, and Norstrom.
Brent Sopel(VAN/LA)- VAN, ATL, COL, CBM, DAL, DET, LA, MON, NJ, PITT, TB, SJ
Dallas Stars, the Stars do need someone to fill in for Darryl Sydor if he signs with another team. Sopel can fit the spot left by Sydor nicely. He will probably come cheaper than Sydor anyways.
Sheldon Souray(MON)- LA, DET, COL, EDM, MON, CBM, NYI, NJ, WSH
Los Angeles Kings, too many rumors saying the Kings are going after this guy to not believe he is going their. Rob Blake can play forever so the Kings need one more veteran offensive defensemen. Souray and Visnovsky on the Kings PP blueline is absolutely lethal.
Brad Stuart(CGY)- ATL, CBM, EDM, DET, LA, TB, COL, MON, SJ, NJ, WSH, BUFF
Buffalo Sabres, the Sabres biggest problem last year was their defense, they simply weren't good enough. Stuart will bring in some grit the Sabres need and if the Sabres loose Briere and Drury like I have predicted, they will some money to spend.
Andy Sutton(ATL)- ATL, CBM, COL, DAL, DET, LA, PITT, EDM, TB, SJ, BUFF
Edmonton Oilers, the Oilers just need defensemen of any kind not only puck moving defensemen. Sutton is a defensive defensemen and he will also bring size to the Oilers blueline.
Darryl Sydor(DAL)- ATL, COL, CBM, CGY, DAL, TB, DET, NJ, NYI, PITT, OTT, BUFF
Pittsburgh Penguins, the Penguins need a veteran defensemen. Sydor can bring that and Sydor
is also a very very good defensemen. If the Pens are able to sign Sydor that will a huge, huge difference on their blueline.
David Tanabe(CAR/BOS)- ATL, CBM, DAL, TB, VAN, OTT, LA, MON, NJ, NYI, NYR, FLA
Ottawa Senators, the Sens need some depth on their blueline and it needs to be cheap. Murray
also wants more size to his team. Tanabe is a good depth defensemen, he has size at 6 foot 1 and he will come cheap.
Daniel Tjarnqvist(EDM)- EDM, CBM, COL, DAL, NYI, NYR, TB, FLA
Tampa Bay Lightning, the lightning will need a 5th or 6th defensemen if they loose Cory Sarich and Nolan Pratt. Tjarnqvist is a good defensive defensemen after playing in Edmonton and Minnesota the last 2 seasons.
Vitaly Vishnevski(NAS/ATL)- NAS, BUFF, COL, CBM, DAL, LA, NJ, NYR, NYI, MON, BOS
Boston Bruins, the Bruins need depth on their blueline. Vishnevski can bring that and he will also bring a physical element to their blueline.
Greg Zanon(NAS)- ATL, CGY, DAL, LA, NJ, NAS, NYI, NYR
Nashville Predators, Zanon has alot of potential being only 27 years old. The Preds will have a few holes in their blueline and I dont think with their fire sale, they will sign any big names. Zanon will fit in on their defense well.
Goalies:
David Aebischer(MON)- BUFF, SJ, BOS, NAS, PHO, LA, EDM
Nashville Predators, Aebischer will be Nashville's biggest signing this summer. The Preds need a half decent back-up just in case Chris Mason cant handle the workload.
J-S Aubin(TOR)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, MON
Montreal Canadiens, Aubin will come into the Canadiens camp uncertain about his job. If Carey Price the AHL playoff MVP and win the back-up job, maybe even the starting role then Aubin will be out of a job, if Price cant take the job then look for Aubin to be the back-up.
Alex Auld(FLA)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, PHO, LA, NJ, NYR, BOS, EDM
Phoenix Coyotes, the Coyotes could finally get some goaltending with the signing of Auld. He never really got a chance with the Panthers last year but he is only 26 and has a lot of potential. This signing could pay off for the Coyotes.
Ed Belfour(FLA)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PHO, PITT
Retire, there will be no calling for Belfour's services this summer unless a team like Detroit or Los Angeles isn't able to find a starting goalie through a trade. The wait will become too long for Belfour and the 42 year old will be forced to call it a career.
Brian Boucher(CBM/CHI)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, EDM, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for Boucher's name to be called.
Sean Burke(LA)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PITT
Retire, last year with the Kings, I think it has finally showed that Burke isn't cut out to be a NHL goaltender anymore. He is 40 years old and will be in the same situation as Belfour this summer.
Scott Clemmensen(NJ)- BUFF, SJ , NAS, CGY, VAN, NJ, NYR, EDM
New Jersey Devils, I dont think it really matters who backs-up Brodeur, since the back-up is only going to play up to 10 games. The Devils may as well go with the guy who is use to it and that is Clemmensen.
Ty Conklin(BUFF/CBM)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NAS, NYR, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for Conklin's name to be called.
Mike Dunham(NYI)- BUFF, SJ, NAS, NYR, PITT PHO
New York Rangers, Dunham was a pretty good back-up with the Islanders last year. Once again it doesn't really matter who backs-up Lundqvist but the Rangers might need someone who can play 10-15 games and still be able to win games, Dunham will be able to do that and he can bring some veteran leadership.
Robert Esche(PHI)- BUFF, SJ, NAS, NYR, PITT PHO
San Jose Sharks, the Sharks will need someone to replace Vesa Toskala and I think Esche finally has realized that he isn't good enough to be a starter.
Mathieu Garon(LA)- BUFF, SJ, VAN, BOS, NAS, CGY, PHO, LA, NJ, NYR, EDM
Calgary Flames, the Flames just need a upgrade at the back-up position. Garon will only play about 10 games but he will be able to win more games than McLennan was able to last year.
Dominik Hasek(DET)- DET, BOS, LA, PHO
Detroit Red Wings, I screwed up on my first prediction with this guy. He has said he wants to return to the Wings to try to win another Cup.
Curtis Joseph(PHO)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for Joseph's name to be called.
Jussi Markkanen(EDM)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NYR, BOS, PITT, LA
Boston Bruins, the Bruins need a guy who can split the 82 games with Tim Thomas. Markkanen has showed that he can handle to play more than 15-20 a season and I think Markkanen and Thomas will make a very good goalie tandem for Boston.
Joey McDonald(BOS/DET)- VAN, SJ, PHO, BUFF, NYI, EDM, LA, MON, NAS, NJ, NYR, PHO
New York Islanders, the Islanders will let go of Mike Dunham because Wade Dubielewicz is probably ready for the back-up job, But if not that is where Joey McDonald comes in.
Jamie McLennan(CGY)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NAS, NYR, PITT
N/A, will be left unsigned for the start of the year but if a goalie gets injured, look for McLennan's name to be called.
Dany Sabourin(VAN)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NYR, EDM, MON
Buffalo Sabres, the Sabres just need a back-up that does the same job that Sabourin did behind Luongo last year. So Sabourin is the man.
Curtis Sanford(STL)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, CGY, NJ, NYR, EDM, PHO, LA, BOS
Vancouver Canucks, Sanford isn't quite for the NHL but he does have lots of potential and he is only 27 years old. He will do a good job behind Luongo and Luongo can be a good teacher for Sanford.
Jocelyn Thibault(PITT)- BUFF, VAN, SJ, NAS, NJ, NYR, PITT
Pittsburgh Penguins, I think the Penguins liked what Thibault did for the team and what he did to help M-A Fleury last year. He is a good player to be kept for their back-up job.
Kevin Weekes(NYR)- BUFF, SJ, NAS, NYR, PITT, PHO, EDM
Edmonton Oilers, the Oilers only need a guy for a couple of years or until they can find a goalie prospect who can finally take over for Roloson. Weekes has the potential to play 10-15 games and have a good chance to win some of them.
...Man that was tough and that took a long time to do. Can't wait till tomorrow's free agent frenzy really begins and we find out which player goes where. Also if your wandering what the Red Wings and Kings will do about their goaltending situations, I think Washington will acquire Ilya Bryzgalov from Anaheim to eventually take over from Olaf Kolzig and I think Los Angeles will acquire Manny Fernandez from Minny.
Friday, June 29, 2007
NHL News
- St.Louis Blues re-acquired F Keith Tkachuk and a conditional 4th round draft pick in 2008 from the Atlanta Thrashers for a conditional 1st round draft pick also in 2008.
- LW Jeff Cowan re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks to a 2 year contract.
- D Jay Harrison and F Simon Gamache signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs .
- G Craig Anderson re-signed with the Florida Panthers to back-up new goaltender Tomas Vokoun.
- G Pekka Rinne re-signed with the Nashville Predators.
- Florida Panthers did not tender a qualifying offer to D Alexei Semenov, RW Juraj Kolnik and G Alex Auld making them all UFA's. This leaves D Bryan Allen as the only player left from the Roberto Luongo trade still with the Panthers.
- Edmonton Oilers did not tender a qualifying offer to LW Brad Winchestor making him a UFA.
- Los Angeles Kings did not tender a qualifying offer to C Jamie Lundmark, G Yutaka Fukufuji and G Barry Brust making them all UFA's.
- Minnesota Wild did not tender a qualifying offer to LW Adam Hall making him a UFA.
- New York Rangers did not tender a qualifying offer to D Karel Rachunek making him a UFA.
- Pittsburgh Penguins did not tender a qualifying offer to RW Michel Ouellet making him a UFA.
- St.Louis Blues did not tender a qualifying offer to G Curtis Sanford making him a UFA.
- Phoenix Coyotes placed F Kevyn Adams and D Nick Boynton on waivers. This being the first step of them buying out their contracts and that will make them both UFA's.
- St.Louis Blues placed LW Dallas Drake on waivers.This being the first step of them buying out his contracts and that will make him a UFA.
- RW Jozef Stumpel re-signed with the Florida Panthers.
- D David Koci re-signed with the Chicago Blackhawks.
- C Michael Rupp re-signed with the New Jersey Devils.
- LW Jeff Cowan re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks to a 2 year contract.
- D Jay Harrison and F Simon Gamache signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs .
- G Craig Anderson re-signed with the Florida Panthers to back-up new goaltender Tomas Vokoun.
- G Pekka Rinne re-signed with the Nashville Predators.
- Florida Panthers did not tender a qualifying offer to D Alexei Semenov, RW Juraj Kolnik and G Alex Auld making them all UFA's. This leaves D Bryan Allen as the only player left from the Roberto Luongo trade still with the Panthers.
- Edmonton Oilers did not tender a qualifying offer to LW Brad Winchestor making him a UFA.
- Los Angeles Kings did not tender a qualifying offer to C Jamie Lundmark, G Yutaka Fukufuji and G Barry Brust making them all UFA's.
- Minnesota Wild did not tender a qualifying offer to LW Adam Hall making him a UFA.
- New York Rangers did not tender a qualifying offer to D Karel Rachunek making him a UFA.
- Pittsburgh Penguins did not tender a qualifying offer to RW Michel Ouellet making him a UFA.
- St.Louis Blues did not tender a qualifying offer to G Curtis Sanford making him a UFA.
- Phoenix Coyotes placed F Kevyn Adams and D Nick Boynton on waivers. This being the first step of them buying out their contracts and that will make them both UFA's.
- St.Louis Blues placed LW Dallas Drake on waivers.This being the first step of them buying out his contracts and that will make him a UFA.
- RW Jozef Stumpel re-signed with the Florida Panthers.
- D David Koci re-signed with the Chicago Blackhawks.
- C Michael Rupp re-signed with the New Jersey Devils.
Primeau & Hale re-sign!
Yesterday, the Calgary Flames announced the re-signings of C/LW Wayne Primeau and D David Hale. Primeau signed for 1.4 million dollars a year for 3 years and Hale signed a one year deal worth 550k.
Primeau's signing comes to a shock to everyone I think since the Flames have already re-signed Marcus Nilson. I personally liked Primeau when he was came to the Flames and I thought they should keep him. The signing really means just one less Flames prospect like Boyd or Taratukhin will make the team which sucks because I think youth is one thing the Flames lack. Hales signing comes to no surprise to anyone since he is a good depth defensemen. Overall I think both signings are good, maybe we will trade Nilson? Probably not.
Other NHL News, it is reported that the salary cap will jump to $50.3 million dollars which is a whole 6 million more than last year.
Primeau's signing comes to a shock to everyone I think since the Flames have already re-signed Marcus Nilson. I personally liked Primeau when he was came to the Flames and I thought they should keep him. The signing really means just one less Flames prospect like Boyd or Taratukhin will make the team which sucks because I think youth is one thing the Flames lack. Hales signing comes to no surprise to anyone since he is a good depth defensemen. Overall I think both signings are good, maybe we will trade Nilson? Probably not.
Other NHL News, it is reported that the salary cap will jump to $50.3 million dollars which is a whole 6 million more than last year.
Monday, June 25, 2007
OFF SEASON: CALGARY FLAMES
The Calgary Flames obviously have some work to do this offseason after their dismal first round lost to the Detroit Red Wings. In my opinion they need to re-sign Iggy and Kipper, that will lock up their two best players and fans wont even have to worry about next summer when they are set to become UFA's. Kipper is a no brainier, lock him up for 4-5 years and we will be set. Iggy is our Captain and probably one of the best in the leagues. He had a huge season last year and has said he is willing to take a pay-cut to stay here and win a Cup. Plus he is Canadian Captain, if you look back to the previous 9 of 10 Stanley Cup winners, they have been captained by Canadians. 14 of 30 NHL teams currently have Canadian captains and that is including Daniel Briere who is a co-captain and is a UFA and they dont all have the supporting cast(Adam Foote, Jason Smith, Shane Doan, Dallas Drake). So the Flames are in good shape so far. Getting Kipper and Iggy signed is good for Calgary since they have to also lock up Phaneuf in 08-09.
So what do the Flames lack the most, i think it is YOUTH and that is another reason the Nilson signing doesn't make sense to me. The Flames have a few prospects that can easily play on their fourth maybe third lines. The List includes:
1)Brandon Prust- Hard nose worker, would fit great on the fourth line, can bring the energy shift after shift, night after night and that is what the Flames need. He can also drop the gloves. I think he is a lock for next year.
2)Dustin Boyd- Now the signing of Marcus Nilson and if Sutter decides to re-sign Primeau, Amonte or Friesen(which i doubt) ties into Boyd to simply because of his position. Boyd will be given a shot of making the team for sure, he would fit in nicely on the third line since he can put the puck in the net. If not Boyd would be and excellent call-up through out the year, just like he proved last year. One more year of seasoning in the AHL would do wonders for him.
3)Andrei Taratuhkin- From what I have heard he was the most improved Flames prospect. i would love to see him play the fourth line, but he will be hard pressed to make the team just sense there are 4 regulars ahead of him(Langkow, Lombo, Conroy & Yelle). Look for him in 08-09, but could be good for depth next year.
4)Eric Nystrom- He will too be hard pressed to make the team, he is the biggest long shot. Coming off a injury riddled season definitely didn't help. I haven't heard great things from him just since he barely played. He probably needs for seasoning though.
5)Curtis McElhinney- Could vie for the back-up job, but I'm thinking Sutter will sign a back-up in the offseason.
Now the Flames current UFA's and RFA's, who should go and who should stay
UFA's:
GONE
Tony Amonte-Too old, he should be gone.
Jeff Friesen-Can score but has good speed, from his last comment he doesn't want to be here next year, he was complaining about ice time including powerplay time, like give me a break. So he should be gone too.
Byron Ritchie-Had one good stretch in the season but barley played after that and when he did he was just another player on the ice. He went off about his playing time after his good scoring stretch at the end of the season and for some weird reason thought he was a 20 goal scorer. So once again gone.
Darren McCarty-you read the name yourself, need I say more? GONE.
Brad Stuart/Roman Hamrlik-If I had my choose between the two to stay, I would pick Brad Stuart. He is more of a "Flames" type player, I know he made mistakes in the playoffs but I think if he were to re-sign here you would see a different Brad Stuart. He will get to learn the system and if you really think about it he was thrown into huge minutes in Calgary right away all most with Robyn Regehr being injured. I say give the guy a shot. Now the problem with him is that I hear he is asking for a lot of $$, so if that is the case, don't over pay him. Then that is where Hamrlik comes in. I loved this guy during the season but to me he doesn't seem like a playoff performer. With the acquisition of Adrian Aucoin, that puts Hamrlik out of a job with the Flames. Aucoin is a better defensemen(when healthy) than Hamrlik and Aucoin will fit in nicely with Dion Phaneuf. So Hamrlik is out because of Aucoin and Stuart is out because I think he will ask for too much money and I would like the Flames to sign someone else to replace him, so keep reading...
STAY
Wayne Primeau-I liked what he brought to the Flames, he worked hard and scored some goals. the re-signing of him would make way more sense to me than the signing of Marcus Nilson, but since the Flames did sign Nilson, i don't expect Primeau to be back next year.
RFA's:
This one is hard to comment on since lots of the players are prospects.
Obviously re-sign David Moss and Mark Giordano. Other guys that would be nice to see re-signed would be Richie Regher, David Hale, Curtis McElhinney, Eric Godard & Eric Nystrom.
The rest are the kind of players that come and go(Tomi Maki, Carsen Germyn).
The only player i would like to see go is our first round 9th overall pick, goalie Brent Krahn. Is anyone else sick of waiting and hearing if he will pan out or not. Let Leland Irving be our best and most talked about goalie prospect.
Now for the positions i think need filled and which players i think Calgary should acquire to fill them.
Fowards:
The Lines for last year. (E=extra)
1- HUSELIUS-LANGKOW-IGINLA
2- TANGUAY-CONROY-AMONTE
3- PRIMEAU-LOMBARDI-MOSS
4- FRIESEN-YELLE-NILSON
E- McCARTY-RITCHIE-GODARD
...players in white are the ones who I think will not be part of the Flames organization next year.
So my predicted Flames will have 2 LW spots open and a RW spot open in the starting line-up. They also need another C and LW for depth, every good team has good depth(good example the Ducks with Travis Moen, where was he during the season??)
RW:
Scott Hartnell(UFA), I think he would fit in that RW spot perfectly. He is gritty and that is exactly what we need. He can also put the puck in the net. Check out his stats from last year while playing with the Nashville Predators. GP64 G22 A17 P39. I think he could do even better playing on a line with Lombo and Tanguay. But now since those Philadelphia Flyers and their smart GM have acquired his rights and signed him before July 1st, I have to look for other players too.
J-P Dumont(NAS), I thought we should of got this guy last summer after Buffalo bought him out and he is the only other player who I could find that isn't a 5 million dollar player or more. He would fit in just as good as Hartnell would and plus he has had very good playoff success. We would have to trade for him but with Nashville's future be so uncertain, their GM David Poile could be willing to trade, I'm thinking we could get a 2nd round draft pick for him.
Marek Svatos(COL/RFA), The Flames would have to trade something for this guy but i dont think the asking price would be that high since he had a off year last year. He would have to play LW on the third line to fit in but I think this guy has a lot of potential and would fit in good with the Flames.
LW:
Brandon Prust, as i said before I think he is a perfect fit on Calgary's fourth line along side Yelle and Nilson. For more read above.
Dustin Boyd, Just like i said about Prust except he would fit better on a line with Conroy and Moss. But if a different player comes around for the right deal who fills the position better, I say let Boyd have another year in the AHL.For more read above.
Martin Gelinas, His name jumps out for me and probably every other Flames fan. But, i would rather go young than old like i have said all though my blog so far. If the right deal comes up though, he wouldn't be that bad. He could rotate in with injured players or players that aren't playing well. Always good to have an extra veteran presence on the team.
Ryan Malone(PITT), I like him, he is alot like Scott Hartnell, so maybe it wouldn't be so good to acquire two of the same types of players, i Like Hartnell better anyways. You would also have to trade for him, so a 2nd Round Draft pick or higher or a prospect who probably be the asking price, not sure if it is worth it. Just throwing his name out there as a possibility.
Ryane Clowe(SJ)-The asking price for this guy would be high, but once again he is worth a look. I like this guy and would fit on that 3rd Line beautifully. He has alot of potential.
...My pick for LW spot is Martin Gelinas. Scott Hartnell was the only guy who I thought was the right man for the job at RW but I will now pick J-P Dumont to take the spot.
DEPTH:
Depth is hard to predict because depth players cant prove themselves until they play but here are a few names that I think could do the job, all of them are UFA's. Jon Sim(ATL), Brad Isbister(NYR), Bates Battaglia(TOR), Jerred Smithson(NAS), Mark Smith(SJ) and Tom Kopstopoulos(LA).
...My pick for the players are, Dustin Boyd & Andrei Taratukhin
Defensemen:
Pairings from last year.(E=Extra)
1-HAMRLIK-PHANEUF
2-REGEHR-STUART
3-WARRENER-ZYUZIN(traded for Aucoin)
E-HALE-GIORDANO
...players in white are the ones who I think will not be part of the Flames organization next year.
I think the Flames need one more top 4 defensemen and there is only one guy I would like the Flames to sign.
Scott Hannan(UFA), I know he could be pricey but I think he is the right man for the job. I can see the Flames signing Roman Hamrlik before Brad Stuart just because of the money issue and i think Hamrlik will sign for less than his previous $3.5 mill. So the Flames should have some extra money. Even if they only sign Hannan for 1 or 2 years, i think it is a piece of the puzzle that is missing that will help them win the Stanley Cup. Also with Warrener on the down side of his career, we need another guy to help out.
The Flames also need one more guy for depth too, here are a few possibilities...
Richie Regehr(CGY/RFA), Ric Jackman(UFA), Jamie Heward(UFA), Greg Zanon(UFA), Shane Hnidy(UFA)
...My pick is Shane Hnidy
Goalies:
1-KIPRUSOFF
2-McLENNAN
...players in white are the ones who I think will not be part of the Flames organization next year.
The Flames need a back-up, but obviously not too big of a name, just a guy who can win and play more games then Jamie McLennan.
Mathieu Garon(UFA), Would be a good fit for the Flames, more skill then McLennan and I still think he has lots of potential.
Jocelyn Thibualt(UFA), Would also be a good fit for the Flames and has some leadership skills, the one that Sutter likes.
Jason Bacashihua(RFA), Like the potential in this guy, would have to sign him a offer sheet and give up a draft pick but St.Louis might give him up since they have lots of goaltending depth.
...My pick out of these guys is Mathieu Garon, might be a little pricey but I would say only sign him for one year.
The Lines for next year would then look as follows:
Fowards:
1-HUSELIUS-LANGKOW-IGINLA
2-TANGUAY-LOMBARDI-DUMONT
3-GELINAS-CONROY-MOSS
4-PRUST-YELLE-NILSON
E-BOYD-TARATUKHIN-GODARD
Defenseman:
1-AUCOIN-PHANEUF
2-REGEHR-HANNAN
3-WARRENER-GIORDANO
E-HALE-HNIDY
Goalies:
1-KIPRUSOFF
2-GARON
E-McELHINNEY
And that is my predicted Calgary Flames team for next year,not implying if either Iggy or Kipper re-negotiate new long term deals. The Flames would be looking at around 46-47 million dollars a year with those players, so Sutter would have some room to make some deadline deals or whatever he needs to do.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
NHL News
- D Sean O'Donnell & D Kent Huskins re-signed with the Anaheim Ducks.
- Vancouver Canucks acquired C Ryan Shannon from the Anaheim Ducks for W Jason King and a conditional draft pick in 2009.
- Carolina Hurricanes acquired G Michael Leighton from the Montreal Canadiens for a 7th round draft pick in 2007.
-Atlanta Thrashers acquired RW Chris Thorburn from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 7th round draft pick in 2007.
-Los Angeles Kings bought out the contract of C Alyn McCauley, making him a UFA.
- Vancouver Canucks acquired C Ryan Shannon from the Anaheim Ducks for W Jason King and a conditional draft pick in 2009.
- Carolina Hurricanes acquired G Michael Leighton from the Montreal Canadiens for a 7th round draft pick in 2007.
-Atlanta Thrashers acquired RW Chris Thorburn from the Pittsburgh Penguins for a 7th round draft pick in 2007.
-Los Angeles Kings bought out the contract of C Alyn McCauley, making him a UFA.
Mikael Backlund
At the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, the Calgary Flames originally has the 18th overall pick going into the draft. After the Rangers selected Alexei Cherepanov with the 17th overall pick, Gary Bettman announced that the Flames had traded the pick to the St.Louis Blues for the 24th overall pick and the 70th overall pick. Sutter did this because of one of two things, either St.Louis wanted the 18th pick to make sure they got D, Ian Cole or I think the Flames were targeting C Colton Gillies who had been taken at the 16 pick by the Minnesota Wild. Sutter loves WHL guys and Gillies has a ton of speed. I think Gillies was exactly the guy the Flames were looking for. But we didn't get him o well.
Then at the 24th overall pick the Flames announced that they selected C Mikael Backlund.
Backlund played for Vasteras IK in the Swedish Division-2 hockey league. He appeared in 18 games with Vasteras IK, accounting for 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points. He played the first part of the season with the Vasteras IK J20 team where he played in 7 games accounting for 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points. Later in the year, Backlund was selected to play for Sweden's national team in the Under-18 World Junior Championship. From what I have heard he played great there, and it really helped in his rankings for the NHL draft. He played in all 6 games and had 6 goals and 7 points. Backlund is a speedy center with good hockey IQ. He has soft hands and excellent passing ability. He sees the ice well and is able to create opportunities for his teammates, has a strong shot and a nose for the net.
From TSN: "Swedish forward Mikael Backlund is a smart, hard-working, two-way winger who understands the game at both ends of the ice and who, according to our survey, is entrenched as no worse than a mid-first round pick. But the X factor on the playmaking Swede is the knee problem he experienced this season. He eventually required knee surgery but he was able to bounce back from that and most scouts are encouraged it's not going to be a major issue. He certainly played well at the Under-18 tourney last summer."
I think this is an excellent pick for the Flames and I cant believe that he slipped all the way to the 24th pick, right into our hands. I had him going 13th overall in my mock draft and he was projected to go in the top 15 maybe even top 10. He has been compared to Forsberg or Zetterberg and that would be amazing if he pan's out to be one of those types of players. Very, very good pick for the Flames.
Other draft picks by the Flames:
70th- John Negrin, D, Kootenay (WHL)
116th- Keith Aulie, D, Brandon (WHL)
143rd- Mickey Renaud, C, Windsor (OHL)
186th- C.J. Severyn, LW, U.S. Under-18
1st ROUND DRAFT PICKS
1. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS- Patrick Kane, RW, London (OHL)
2. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS- James vanRiemsdyk, LW, U.S. U-18
3. PHOENIX COYOTES- Kyle Turris, C, Burnaby (BCHL)
The top 3 picks came to no surprise to anyone. Kane, vanRiemsdyk and Turris were the consensus top 3.
4. LOS ANGELES KINGS- Thomas Hickey, D, Seattle (WHL)
Big surprise here, Hickey a good Calgary boy was projected to go middle of the first round. L.A GM Dean Lombardi said he tried to trade down but the trade fell through.
5. WASHINGTON CAPITALS- Karl Alzner, D, Calgary (WHL)
Another no brainier for the Capitals who also revealed their new jersey and logo, going back to the red, blue and white. Alzner was the top ranked defensemen and will be a solid 3-4 guy for the Caps. Whenever i have watched him, I could easily see why he was the top defensemen in the draft, he was always so calm with the puck and could eat up huge minutes playing in any situation.
6. EDMONTON OILERS- Sam Gagner, C/W, London (OHL)
Good pick for the Oilers and best pick of the 1st round for them. Gagner is a very skilled play and playmaker. Now Edmonton just needs a sniper for Gagner to pass the puck too.
7. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS- Jakub Voracek, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)
One of the most complete players in the draft. Voracek could and probably will challenge for a spot on the Blue Jackets team next year. I just dont understand why Columbus didn't go for a top 2 center men since they have none of them.
8. BOSTON BRUINS- Zach Hamill, C, Everett (WHL)
I think this a very surprise pick. Yes, Hamill did lead the WHL in scoring but it was the lowest point total ever(93 points). There is also questions about his skating. I think Esposito, Sutter or Backlund would have been a better pick.
9. SAN JOSE SHARKS(via STL)- Logan Couture, C, Ottawa (OHL)
I didn't think this guy would go this high, but he sounds like he is a talented player. It wasn't out of this world for him to go that high though.
10. FLORIDA PANTHERS- Keaton Ellerby, D, Kamloops (WHL)
Probably the second best defensemen in the draft. He is big, strong and nasty from what I have heard. Good pick for the Panthers.
11. CAROLINA HURRICANES- Brandon Sutter, C/RW, Red Deer (WHL)
What can i say about this guy, SUTTER...sounds like he was the best 2-way player in the draft so good pick for the Hurricanes because Brind'Amour can play forever.
12. MONTREAL CANADIENS- Ryan McDonagh, D, Cretin-Derham High School, Minnesota
This guy sounds like he is a great two-way defensemen, perfect for the "New NHL" Good pick for the Canadiens they need depth on the blueline, especially if they loose Souray.
13. ST.LOUIS BLUES(via SJ)- Lars Eller, C/W, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
The Dane sounds like he is a great 2-way player and good playmaker. Good pick for the re-building Blues.
14. COLORADO AVALANCHE- Kevin Shattenkirk, D, U.S. U-18
Has some leadership qualities and sounds like a good offensive defensemen. Colorado always seems to need defensive depth.
15. EDMONTON OILERS- Alex Plante, D, Calgary (WHL)
A surprise pick here. Was projected to go in the late 1st round or early 2nd. Plante is a big strong smooth skating defensemen. From what I have seen, I didn't think this guy was a 1st round draft pick.
16. MINNESOTA WILD(via ANA)- Colton Gillies, C, Saskatoon (WHL)
He was one of the fastest skaters in the draft if not the fastest. Doesn't sound like he has a lot of offensive skill but I think anyone with alot of speed in the "New NHL" has a ton of potential. I was hoping the Flames took this guy.
17. NEW YORK RANGERS- Alexei Cherepanov, RW, Omsk (Russia)
Huge slip for this guy, who was probably in the top 5 talent wise. The non-agreement between the NHL and the Russian Hockey Federation was what caused this guy to slip. Good pick for the Rangers though because Cherepanov said he only wants to play in Russia for one more year. He could easily pull a "Malkin" and come play in the NHL. Another Russian that slipped was Maxim Mayorov who was projected to go in the late 1st round to early 2nd slipped all the way to the 4th round, 94th pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
18. ST.LOUIS BLUES(via CGY)- Ian Cole, D, U.S. U-18
An defensive defensemen, who in a couple of years if he pans out could look could on the Blues blueline alongside Erik Johnson.
19. ANAHEIM DUCKS(via MIN)- Logan MacMillan, C, Halifax (QMJHL)
Sounds like a solid pick for the Ducks. MacMillan is a solid 2-way player who gets the job done.
20. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS- Angelo Esposito, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
If this guy pans out this pick could be scary and was another player who dropped big time. Esposito now joins the likes of Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury and Whitney as the Penguins top picks. Whenever he does make it to the NHL and pans out he will have to be moved to the wing if he wants to stick with the Pens and the Pens will be one scary offensive team.
21. EDMONTON OILERS(via PHO)- Riley Nash, C, Salmon Arm(BCHL)
Another surprise pick, wasn't projected to go in the 1st round but obviously the Oiler's liked him. I'm surprised the Oiler's weren't able to trade the pick considering they had 3, too weak of a draft I guess. Just another reason to laugh at the Oiler fans and their franchise!
22. MONTREAL CANADIENS- Max Pacioretty, LW, Sioux City (USHL)
Sounds like he could be a great 3rd-4th liner for the Canadiens and also a character player. Good pick.
23. NASHVILLE PREDATORS- Jonathon Blum, D, Vancouver (WHL)
Has lots of skill but has to put on some weight if he wants to make it to the NHL.
24. CALGARY FLAMES(via STL)- Mikael Backlund, C, Vasteras (Sweden-2)
See Above Post.
25. VANCOUVER CANUCKS- Patrick White, C, Tri-City (USHL)
Once again a surprise pick, wasn't projected to go in the 1st round. Plays a hard game and has the ability to make a difference in the game.
26. ST.LOUIS BLUES- David Perron, LW, Lewiston (QMJHL)
Has a ton of skill. Very good pick for the Blues. I dont think it should matter that he came out of the blue, he proved that he has got the skill so then why should it matter.
27. DETRIOT RED WINGS- Brendan Smith, D, St.Micheal's(OPJHL)
Has lots of puck moving ability and a good skater. Scouts think he has lots of potential.
28. SAN JOSE(via WSH)- Nicholas Petrecki, D, Omaha (USHL)
Huge hitter and very aggressive defensemen. I thought the Flames should of taken him before they traded the 18th pick and if Backlund had already gone. Very good pick for the San Jose Sharks.
29. OTTAWA SENATORS- Jim O'Brien, C, Minnesota
Youngest player to play in the NCAA. Can play either forward or defense.
30. PHOENIX COYOTES(via EDM)- Nick Ross, D, Regina (WHL)
Very good playmaking defensemen who can read the play well. Sound good for the Coyotes. Also he was the only 1st round draft pick that wasn't at the draft.
Looks like I got 6 of 30 of my predicts in my mock draft correct. For more information on the 1st round draft picks, click here.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Aucion Officially a Flame
Today the Calgary Flames announced the acquisition of D-man Adrian Aucoin from the Chicago Blackhawks. Aucoin was acquired along with a 7th round draft pick in todays draft for D Andrei Zyuzin and prospect Steve Marr.
Aucoin has been injury plagued the last two seasons with the Blackhawks, so this trade is a huge risk and his 4 million dollar contract isn't cheap either. If Aucoin is able to stay healthy for the Flames in the remaining two years of his contract this will be a very good trade for the Flames. Aucoin also played some of his best hockey when he played for Mike Keenan back in 97-98 with the Vancouver Canucks. Loosing Zyuzin is also a good thing for the Flames because to me and every other Flames fan he was just a huge headache last year and was easily the Flames worst defensemen. His 1.475 million dollar contract was a good thing to get rid of too.
All in all I think this will be a very good trade for the Flames as long as Aucoin can stay healthy. Aucoin will fit in great along side Phaneuf. This trade almost spells an end for Roman Hamrlik as a Flame but that hurt as much if Aucoin stays healthy becuase when Aucoin is healthy he is probably a better defensemen then Hamrlik anyways. Getting rid of Zyuzin just lets all of us Flames fans one less guy to yell at during the games too.
Now the Flames really only have 1 d-spot to fill. Brad Stuart is not out of the question yet, but I would still like to see the Flames sign Scott Hannan like I have said numerous times, as long as the price isn't too big.
Check out the Flames new website too.
Aucoin has been injury plagued the last two seasons with the Blackhawks, so this trade is a huge risk and his 4 million dollar contract isn't cheap either. If Aucoin is able to stay healthy for the Flames in the remaining two years of his contract this will be a very good trade for the Flames. Aucoin also played some of his best hockey when he played for Mike Keenan back in 97-98 with the Vancouver Canucks. Loosing Zyuzin is also a good thing for the Flames because to me and every other Flames fan he was just a huge headache last year and was easily the Flames worst defensemen. His 1.475 million dollar contract was a good thing to get rid of too.
All in all I think this will be a very good trade for the Flames as long as Aucoin can stay healthy. Aucoin will fit in great along side Phaneuf. This trade almost spells an end for Roman Hamrlik as a Flame but that hurt as much if Aucoin stays healthy becuase when Aucoin is healthy he is probably a better defensemen then Hamrlik anyways. Getting rid of Zyuzin just lets all of us Flames fans one less guy to yell at during the games too.
Now the Flames really only have 1 d-spot to fill. Brad Stuart is not out of the question yet, but I would still like to see the Flames sign Scott Hannan like I have said numerous times, as long as the price isn't too big.
Check out the Flames new website too.
Deals Done Early On Draft Day
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the San Jose Sharks have completed a trade with both players and draft picks being involved. Coming up North will be goaltender Vesa Toskala as 
well as LW Mark Bell. The Sharks didn't receive any players in return within this deal, but what they did get was the 13th pick in todays first round, a second round pick in 2007 and finally, a 2009 fourth rounder. Vesa Toskala had a career season last year and has proven that he can win in the season (racking up at least 20 wins in the 30 games he played in both 05-06 & 06-07). Mark Bell on the other hand was quite the disappointment for the Sharks. When San Jose made the deal to get Bell, most hockey analyists had him slatted to skate along side Joe Thornton. Even though there was a lot of hype surrounding Bell's acquisition, he failed to produce (21 points) and was a healthy scratch down the stretch of the season. The Maple Leafs are said to be in talks about working out a contract extension for the Finish netminder. It's hard to make a decision of who benefited from this trade when really the Sharks haven't even gained anything so I'll leave my verdict until things look a bit clearer.
The Florida Panthers have also acquired a goalie. They acquired Tomas Vokoun from the Nashville Predators for a 1st round draft pick and two 2nd round draft picks. This trade is showing that the Predators are definitely unloading. In just the past w
eek they have traded the likes of Hartnell and Timonen and now along with Vokoun. The trade also has opened the door for Steve Mason who had very good numbers(24-11-4, 2.38, .925) while Vokoun was injured last year. The only question is can Mason do it for 60-70 games being the starter. The trade also makes the Panthers significantly better and gives them one of the best goalie tandems in the league with Vokoun and Alex Auld. Florida's big problem last year was keeping the puck out of net(21st with 3.04 goals per game) which lead them to finish 12th in the east but only 6 points out of a playoff spot. Florida could be in contention for a playoff spot next year. All these unloading trades from the Predators also helps the Flames since they had so much trouble against them last year and the fact that they are in the same conference.
The Ottawa Senators announced the re-signing of C Dean McAmmond.
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced the re-signings of RW Mark Reechi and LW Gary Roberts to each one year contracts.
well as LW Mark Bell. The Sharks didn't receive any players in return within this deal, but what they did get was the 13th pick in todays first round, a second round pick in 2007 and finally, a 2009 fourth rounder. Vesa Toskala had a career season last year and has proven that he can win in the season (racking up at least 20 wins in the 30 games he played in both 05-06 & 06-07). Mark Bell on the other hand was quite the disappointment for the Sharks. When San Jose made the deal to get Bell, most hockey analyists had him slatted to skate along side Joe Thornton. Even though there was a lot of hype surrounding Bell's acquisition, he failed to produce (21 points) and was a healthy scratch down the stretch of the season. The Maple Leafs are said to be in talks about working out a contract extension for the Finish netminder. It's hard to make a decision of who benefited from this trade when really the Sharks haven't even gained anything so I'll leave my verdict until things look a bit clearer.The Florida Panthers have also acquired a goalie. They acquired Tomas Vokoun from the Nashville Predators for a 1st round draft pick and two 2nd round draft picks. This trade is showing that the Predators are definitely unloading. In just the past w
eek they have traded the likes of Hartnell and Timonen and now along with Vokoun. The trade also has opened the door for Steve Mason who had very good numbers(24-11-4, 2.38, .925) while Vokoun was injured last year. The only question is can Mason do it for 60-70 games being the starter. The trade also makes the Panthers significantly better and gives them one of the best goalie tandems in the league with Vokoun and Alex Auld. Florida's big problem last year was keeping the puck out of net(21st with 3.04 goals per game) which lead them to finish 12th in the east but only 6 points out of a playoff spot. Florida could be in contention for a playoff spot next year. All these unloading trades from the Predators also helps the Flames since they had so much trouble against them last year and the fact that they are in the same conference.The Ottawa Senators announced the re-signing of C Dean McAmmond.
The Pittsburgh Penguins announced the re-signings of RW Mark Reechi and LW Gary Roberts to each one year contracts.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
2007 NHL Draft Preview cont...
Now I will try my best to predict which team will pick each prospect from 1 to 30.
1. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS- Patrick Kane, RW, London (OHL)
2. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS- James vanRiemsdyk, LW, U.S. U-18
3. PHOENIX COYOTES- Kyle Turris, C, Burnaby (BCHL)
4. LOS ANGELES KINGS- Karl Alzner, D, Calgary (WHL)
5. WASHINGTON CAPITALS- Jakub Voracek, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)
6. EDMONTON OILERS- Sam Gagner, C/W, London (OHL)
7. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS- Alexei Cherepanov, RW, Omsk (Russia)
8. BOSTON BRUINS- Angelo Esposito, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
9. ST.LOUIS BLUES- Brandon Sutter, C/RW, Red Deer (WHL)
10. FLORIDA PANTHERS- Keaton Ellerby, D, Kamloops (WHL)
11. CAROLINA HURRICANES- Ryan McDonagh, D, Cretin-Derham High School, Minnesota
12. MONTREAL CANADIENS- Kevin Shattenkirk, D, U.S. U-18
13. SAN JOSE SHARKS- Mikael Backlund, C, Vasteras (Sweden-2)
14. COLORADO AVALANCHE- Nicholas Petrecki, D, Omaha (USHL)
15. EDMONTON OILERS- Thomas Hickey, D, Seattle (WHL)
16. ANAHEIM DUCKS- Jonathon Blum, D, Vancouver (WHL)
17. NEW YORK RANGERS- Logan Couture, C, Ottawa (OHL)
18. CALGARY FLAMES- Colton Gillies, C, Saskatoon (WHL)
19. MINNESOTA WILD- Bill Sweatt, LW, Colorado College (WCHA)
20. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS- Brett MacLean, LW, Oshawa (OHL)
21. PHOENIX COYOTES- Zach Hamill, C, Everett (WHL)
22. MONTREAL CANADIENS- Lars Eller, C/W, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
23. NASHVILLE PREDATORS- Maxim Mayorov, RW, Leninogorsk (Russia-2)
24. ST.LOUIS BLUES- David Perron, LW, Lewiston (QMJHL)
25. VANCOUVER CANUCKS- Joakim Andersson, C, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
26. ST.LOUIS BLUES- Tommy Cross, D, Westminster High School, Connecticut
27. DETRIOT RED WINGS- Alex Plante, D, Calgary (WHL)
28. WASHINGTON CAPITALS- Max Pacioretty, LW, Sioux City (USHL)
29. OTTAWA SENATORS- Stefan Legein, RW, Mississauga (OHL)
30. EDMONTON OILERS- Ian Cole, D, U.S. U-18
Man I have to say that was very tough, but I cant say I did it all myself obviously. I used The Hockey News; 2007 Draft Preview. Pick it up it is a good read. I also had help from the 2 scouting rankings on the post before. Now let's see how many I get rght...
1. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS- Patrick Kane, RW, London (OHL)
2. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS- James vanRiemsdyk, LW, U.S. U-18
3. PHOENIX COYOTES- Kyle Turris, C, Burnaby (BCHL)
4. LOS ANGELES KINGS- Karl Alzner, D, Calgary (WHL)
5. WASHINGTON CAPITALS- Jakub Voracek, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)
6. EDMONTON OILERS- Sam Gagner, C/W, London (OHL)
7. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS- Alexei Cherepanov, RW, Omsk (Russia)
8. BOSTON BRUINS- Angelo Esposito, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
9. ST.LOUIS BLUES- Brandon Sutter, C/RW, Red Deer (WHL)
10. FLORIDA PANTHERS- Keaton Ellerby, D, Kamloops (WHL)
11. CAROLINA HURRICANES- Ryan McDonagh, D, Cretin-Derham High School, Minnesota
12. MONTREAL CANADIENS- Kevin Shattenkirk, D, U.S. U-18
13. SAN JOSE SHARKS- Mikael Backlund, C, Vasteras (Sweden-2)
14. COLORADO AVALANCHE- Nicholas Petrecki, D, Omaha (USHL)
15. EDMONTON OILERS- Thomas Hickey, D, Seattle (WHL)
16. ANAHEIM DUCKS- Jonathon Blum, D, Vancouver (WHL)
17. NEW YORK RANGERS- Logan Couture, C, Ottawa (OHL)
18. CALGARY FLAMES- Colton Gillies, C, Saskatoon (WHL)
19. MINNESOTA WILD- Bill Sweatt, LW, Colorado College (WCHA)
20. PITTSBURGH PENGUINS- Brett MacLean, LW, Oshawa (OHL)
21. PHOENIX COYOTES- Zach Hamill, C, Everett (WHL)
22. MONTREAL CANADIENS- Lars Eller, C/W, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
23. NASHVILLE PREDATORS- Maxim Mayorov, RW, Leninogorsk (Russia-2)
24. ST.LOUIS BLUES- David Perron, LW, Lewiston (QMJHL)
25. VANCOUVER CANUCKS- Joakim Andersson, C, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
26. ST.LOUIS BLUES- Tommy Cross, D, Westminster High School, Connecticut
27. DETRIOT RED WINGS- Alex Plante, D, Calgary (WHL)
28. WASHINGTON CAPITALS- Max Pacioretty, LW, Sioux City (USHL)
29. OTTAWA SENATORS- Stefan Legein, RW, Mississauga (OHL)
30. EDMONTON OILERS- Ian Cole, D, U.S. U-18
Man I have to say that was very tough, but I cant say I did it all myself obviously. I used The Hockey News; 2007 Draft Preview. Pick it up it is a good read. I also had help from the 2 scouting rankings on the post before. Now let's see how many I get rght...
NHL News
-G J-S Giguere re-signed a 4 year/24 million dollar deal with the Anaheim Ducks. Good move for the Ducks since if Scott Niedermayer didn't win the Conns Smythe, Giguere would have taken it easily. Now the big question is what will the Ducks do with their back-up Ilya Bryzgalov, since he could be valuable in trade talks.
-RW Nathan Horton re-signed a 6 year/24 million dollar deal with the Florida Panthers.
-D Carlo Colaiacovo signed a 3 year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
-D Shane O'Brien re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
-RW Scott Walker re-signs with the Carolina Hurricanes.
-D Craig Rivet re-signs with the San Jose Sharks.
-RW Nathan Horton re-signed a 6 year/24 million dollar deal with the Florida Panthers.
-D Carlo Colaiacovo signed a 3 year contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
-D Shane O'Brien re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
-RW Scott Walker re-signs with the Carolina Hurricanes.
-D Craig Rivet re-signs with the San Jose Sharks.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Moss Signed!
Today the Calgary Flames announced the re-signing of RW David Moss, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Last year Moss playing in his 1st NHL season recorded 10 goals and 8 assists for 18 points in 41 games played. In the playoffs, Moss played in all 6 games versus Detroit accounting for 1 assist. This is a good signing for the Flames since Moss has no were to go but up, I loved him last year and I think that he was one of our better players for hard every shift in the playoffs.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Murray's In, Muckler's Out
A big move was made today by the Eastern Conference Champions by promoting their now former bench boss, Brian Murray up into the press box as their new GM. Unlike the Flames, the Senators did not keep their former general manager John Muckler around. After the Senators made their cup run in the 2007 playoffs, I really didn't think that there was a need for change in office. Muckler was 'the one' who built the team. He brought in Dany Heatley and Joe Corvo as well he drafted the likes of Andrej Meszaros and Patrick Eaves. Muckler was offered another position within the Senators organization but he declined the offer.
I heard a rumor that Murray wanted to be GM of the club. The Ottawa Senators were worried that another team would come in and swipe Murray from underneath them by guaranteeing him a general manager position within their club. Obviously, the Senators valued the services of Brian Murray more than they did that of John Muckler.
On a side note, the Boston Bruins will officially announce tomorrow the signing of their new head coach Claude Jullien.
Flyers Acquire/Sign Timonen & Hartnell
Today the Philadelphia Flyers acquired and signed D Kimmo Timonen & RW Scott Hartnell from Nashville for the 1st round draft pick, Philadelphia originally acquired from Nashville in the Peter Forsberg deal. It is reported that the Flyers have signed both players for 6 years, Hartnell for 25.2 million or 4.2 million per year and Timonen for 37.8 million or 6.3 million per year.
I didn't even think of anything like this occurring, at first I didn't even think you were allowed to do it but I dont even know why i thought that, it has happened before so I guess it is just a good move for the Philadelphia Flyers and it will help them towards re-building their franchise. I am impressed with the moves GM Paul Holmgren has made so far, and to think he was originally only going to be their interim-GM. Very Impressive!
It makes me mad because I thought Hartnell would be a perfect fit for the Calgary Flames to fill in a spot on the second line along with Lombardi and Tanguay. I guess that I will have to go back and really look at other players that could fit well in that spot since I only put Hartnell's name down to fill the second line RW spot. I will only change it because as I said before I didn't even think of this occurring and signing of free agents before July 1st. With the Timonen signing it will make alot of other teams mad and disappointed since he is off the list of UFA's, especially those up in Edmonton, HAHA. The signing also moves up other guys on the list too including Stuart, Hamrlik and the other big name I think the Flames should sign, Scott Hannan.
Let's hope for the best and hope Sutter brings in some good players to fill in our vacant spots. Also the Flames have re-signed G Brent Krahn, RW Carsen Germyn and C Warren Peters. I dont like the Krahn signing because he will never be more than a AHL goalie and how many chances do you need to give a guy, especially when we have a better prospect who is gonna come up in a couple of years, Leland Irving but I haven't heard the length of the contract so I guess if it is just a one year deal, that is a different situation.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
The Samsonov Deal
The Chicago Blackhawks and Montreal Canadiens completed a deal today sending Jassen Cullimore and Tony Salmelainen north of the border in exchange for Sergei Samsonov. Looking at it from the Canadiens perspective, they picked up a steady 5th or 6th blueliner in Cullimore as well as Salmelainen, who is full of potential/promise. Now, on the other side of the deal, the Chicago Blackhawks receive an inconsistent player in Sergei Samsonov. Samsonov put in some marvelous seasons with the Bruins years ago and even in the year he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers. During their playoff run, Samsonov was arguably one of there best skaters. Once he signed in Montreal, Samsonov really struggled and just couldn't seem to find his groove. Samsonov set new career lows for himself in goals, assists and points. That being said, my gut feeling tells me that Samsonov won't pan out for the Blackhawks and the deal will benefit Montreal, but if all the players end up playing to their full potential then I think this deal was very fair and will benefit both clubs. On a side note, Samsonov playing at his best in the Windy City may earn him the honour of skating along the side of Martin Havlat and Jonathan Toews next year on the top line. What a line they'd be!
One last note Montreal has publically said that they are going to buy-out Cullimore's contract, thus making him a UFA this summer, why they would acquire him in the first place I get but I dont at the same time, if you know what I mean. At least Chicago might possibly get something out of Samsonov.
NHL News
-LW Ben Guite & C Cody McCormick re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche.
-LW Chris Higgins & D Mike Komisarek re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens.
-Montreal Canadiens acquired D Jassen Cullimore & RW Tony Salmelainen from the Chicago Blackhawks for RW Sergei Samsonov.
-F Jan Hlavac signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
-G Antero Niittymaki signed a 2-year extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.
-Pierre Turgeon announces his retirement.
-Boston Bruins fired head coach Dave Lewis and associate coach Marc Habscheid.
-Columbus hired Scott Howson as their new GM.
-LW Chris Higgins & D Mike Komisarek re-signed with the Montreal Canadiens.
-Montreal Canadiens acquired D Jassen Cullimore & RW Tony Salmelainen from the Chicago Blackhawks for RW Sergei Samsonov.
-F Jan Hlavac signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
-G Antero Niittymaki signed a 2-year extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.
-Pierre Turgeon announces his retirement.
-Boston Bruins fired head coach Dave Lewis and associate coach Marc Habscheid.
-Columbus hired Scott Howson as their new GM.
Friday, June 15, 2007
2007 NHL Draft Preview
The NHL Entry Draft is a week today. Other than the question of who is going first, in recent years there has been a few trades that made the draft even more interesting, just like last year when the Flames acquired Alex Tanguay. In this post i will list the most recent rankings of players from the NHL Central Scouting Service and the International Scouting Services.
NHL Central Scouting Service
North American Skaters:
1. Kyle Turris, C, Burnaby (BCHL)
2. Patrick Kane, RW, London (OHL)
3. James vanRiemsdyk, LW, U.S. U-18
4. Keaton Ellerby, D, Kamloops (WHL)
5. Karl Alzner, D, Calgary (WHL)
6. Sam Gagner, C/W, London (OHL)
7. Jakub Voracek, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)
8. Angelo Esposito, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
9. Zach Hamill, C, Everett (WHL)
10. David Perron, LW, Lewiston (QMJHL)
11. Ryan McDonagh, D, Cretin-Derham High School, Minnesota
12. Tommy Cross, D, Westminster High School, Connecticut
13. Stefan Legein, RW, Mississauga (OHL)
14. Brett MacLean, LW, Oshawa (OHL)
15. Dana Tyrell, C/RW, Prince George (WHL)
16. Max Pacioretty, LW, Sioux City (USHL)
17. Jonathon Blum, D, Vancouver (WHL)
18. Nick Ross, D, Regina (WHL)
19. Logan Couture, C, Ottawa (OHL)
20. Oscar Moller, C, Chilliwack (WHL)
21. Nicholas Petrecki, D, Omaha (USHL)
22. Mike Hoeffel, W, U.S. U-18
23. Patrick White, C, Tri-City (USHL)
24. Nick Spaling, C, Kitchener (OHL)
25. Colby Cohen, D, Lincoln (USHL)
26. Thomas Hickey, D, Seattle (WHL)
27. William Sweatt, LW, Colorado College (WCHA)
28. Brandon Sutter, C/RW, Red Deer (WHL)
29. T.J Brennan, D, St. John's (QMJHL)
30. Colton Gillies, C, Saskatoon (WHL)
North American Goalies:
1. Jeremy Smith, Plymouth (OHL)
2. Trevor Cann, Peterborough (OHL)
3. Antoine Lafleur, PEI (QMJHL)
4. Linden Rowat, Regina (WHL)
5. Bradley Eidsness, Okotoks (AJHL)
European Skaters:
1. Alexei Cherepanov, RW, Omsk (Russia)
2. Mikael Backlund, C, Vasteras (Sweden-2)
3. Lars Eller, C/W, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
4. Maxim Mayorov, RW, Leninogorsk (Russia-2)
5. Joakim Andersson, C, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
6. Simon Hjalmarsson, RW, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
7. Nichlas Torp, D, HV 71 (Sweden Jr.)
8. Sergei Korostin, RW, Dynamo 2 (Russia-3)
9. Maxim Goncharov, D, CSKA (Russia)
10. Evgeni Dadonov, RW, Chelyabinsk (Russia-2)
11. Yakov Seleznev, D, Leninogorsk (Russia-2)
12. Luca Cunti, C, Dubendorf (Switzerland-3)
13. Niclas Lucenius, C, Tappara (Finland Jr.)
14. Lassi Kokkala, C, TPS (Finland Jr.)
15. Vladimir Ruzicka, C, Slavia (Czech Republic Jr.)
16. Denis Reul, D, Heilbronn (Germany-3)
17. Jens Hellgren, D, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
18. Radim Ostrcil, D, Vsetin (Czech Republic)
19. Vitali Karamnov, C, Dynamo 2 (Russia-3)
20. Jan Piskacek, D, Kladno (Czech Republic Jr.)
European Goalies:
1. Joel Gistedt, Frolunda (Sweden)
2. Mark Owuya, Djurgarden (Sweden Jr.)
3. Marek Benda, Karlovy Vary (Czech Republic Jr.)
4. Juha Metsola, Ilves (Finland Jr.)
5. Tomas Hiadlovsky, Trencin (Slovakia Jr.)
International Scouting Services
Skaters:
1. Patrick Kane, RW, London (OHL)
2. James vanRiemsdyk, LW, U.S. U-18
3. Kyle Turris, C, Burnaby (BCHL)
4. Alexei Cherepanov, RW, Omsk (Russia)
5. Jakub Voracek, RW, Halifax (QMJHL)
6. Karl Alzner, D, Calgary (WHL)
7. Sam Gagner, C/W, London (OHL)
8. Maxim Mayorov, RW, Leninogorsk (Russia-2)
9. Keaton Ellerby, D, Kamloops (WHL)
10. Mikael Backlund, C, Vasteras (Sweden-2)
11. Angelo Esposito, C, Quebec (QMJHL)
12. Colton Gillies, C, Saskatoon (WHL)
13. Logan Couture, C, Ottawa (OHL)
14. Nicholas Petrecki, D, Omaha (USHL)
15. David Perron, LW, Lewiston (QMJHL)
16. Zach Hamill, C, Everett (WHL)
17. Thomas Hickey, D, Seattle (WHL)
18. Lars Eller, C/W, Frolunda (Sweden Jr.)
19. Ryan McDonagh, D, Cretin-Derham High School, Minnesota
20. Jonathon Blum, D, Vancouver (WHL)
21. Brett MacLean, LW, Oshawa (OHL)
22. Jim O'Brien, C, Minnesota
23. Patrick White, C, Tri-City (USHL)
24. Logan MacMillan, C, Halifax (QMJHL)
25. Oscar Moller, C, Chilliwack (WHL)
26. Kevin Shattenkirk, D, U.S. U-18
27. Alex Plante, D, Calgary (WHL)
28. Tommy Cross, D, Westminster High School, Connecticut
29. Brandon Sutter, C/RW, Red Deer (WHL)
30. Mike Hoeffel, W, U.S. U-18
Goalies:
1. Jeremy Smith, Plymouth (OHL)
2. Linden Rowat, Regina (WHL)
3. Trevor Cann, Peterborough (OHL)
4. Mark Owuya, Djurgarden (Sweden Jr.)
5. Joel Gistedt, Frolunda (Sweden)
Thursday, June 14, 2007
NHL News
-Tampa Bay Lightning acquired C Chris Gratton from the Florida Panthers for a 2nd RDP. Third stint for Gratton with the Lightning, how many stints do you need, why trade him the first 2 times.-Scott Parker re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche.
-Nick Tarnasky & Kyle Wanving re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
-Travis Moen & George Parros re-signed with the Anaheim Ducks.
-Andrew Alberts re-signed with the Boston Bruins.
-Chris Chelios re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings(will he ever retire?).
-Bryan Allen signed a contract extension with the Florida Panthers.
-Nik Antropov& Mats Sundin signed a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
....for more details on the contract details click here
HELLO KEENAN!!
The hiring of Mike Keenan as the Calgary Flames new head coach was announced today at a press conference at 1:30 pm.
From what I have heard Flames fans are 50/50 on the decision, I personally think it is a great move for the Flames organization just to get some body who has some experience. I know has last couple of coaching jobs have been terrible most notably with the Florida Panthers was terrible. I did listen to the news conference on the Fan 960 and as Keenan pointed out, three times he has been in a coaching situation where new ownership has been introduced, and as he said with new ownership comes new changes with the organization. Keenan never got the chance with his last teams with the ownership and the players he had to play night after night. With all of this said though I like Playfair as the associate coach, he did a good job when he was behind Sutter. Playfair might be able to bring back some of that defensive game just like he did before.
Also announced was that Jim Playfair will be staying with the Flames organization as an associate coach. Darryl Sutter said "Together, they will do remarkable things for this team."
So hopefully he is right. We are all crossing your fingers. Playfair just was not the right man for the job. He didn't have any experience and experience was what the Flames really needed. He went from being the good guy as Sutter's assistant to have to be the boss of the team. I think there was too much pressure and responsibility for Playfair and he simply couldn't handle it. All year I would yell at the TV for his dumb coaching mistakes, whether it was putting Tony Amonte on for the last minute of play being a goal down or just little things. There is a lot to point out so it would take forever to go though them all but I'm sure every Flames fan knows what I'm talking about. Playfair didn't know how to get mad at the veteran players, the only players he seemed to bench was guys like Lombo and he would do it when we needed that kind of player in that certain point of the game, while when Amonte or Friesen made a mistake, it was like nothing happened. Mike Keenan knows how to deal with young guys and veteran guys. I think if a player makes mistakes and continues to make mistakes, Keenan wont stand for it. I think that is what the Flames need.
"I think Mike's record speaks for itself," Darryl Sutter said and I agree with him completely. His Stanley Cup and Jack Adams award is huge.
Now lets hope this is the missing piece of the puzzle towards winning the Stanley Cup for our Calgary Flames. Also more information regarding assistant coach's Rich Preston, and Rob Cookson and Wayne Flemming will be announce in the next week or so, ill keep posted.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
BYE BYE PLAYFAIR??
According to sources from TSN and TSN.CA, the Calgary Flames could announce as early as thurdsay the hiring of Mike Keenan as the new head coach. Keenan is in Calgary right now, so it sounds like if it all goes well it will be made offical. It is said that even though Jim Playfair is out as coach he still could stay in the organization. Keenan last coached the Florida Panthers until the 2006-07 season. He has had great success as a coach though his career including a Stanley Cup with the New York Rangers in 1993-94 and he won the Jack Adam's trophy for coach of the year in 1985. I will keep you posted, hopefully it will be made offical because I think it is a great move for the Flames.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
End of the Season/First Blog Entry
Finally i have gotten around to write my first blog entry. I am a huge Flames fan so most of my blog's will be about the Calgary Flames but of course i will write about big news from the NHL.
First of all i would like to congradulate every player on the Anaheim Ducks team and their organiztion except for dirty Chris Pronger for winning the Stanley Cup. Scott Niedermayer didnt get nearly enough credit for his well desevered Conn Smyth win, until he won it of course. All the "experts" and broadcasters where giving all the praise to Pronger, but Im pretty sure without Niedermayer and his leadership they might not of won the Cup or even gotten to the finals. Anyways it is also good to see Teemu Selanne get his first Cup, but something tells me and the way he has been talking, he will retire this offseason, but that is just my opinion.
Also congrats to the Ottawa Senators for their nice playoff run, they need to re-sign Emery though. Hopefully the next Canadian team who gets to the finals can win that Cup and bring it home.
Now to the Flames and their most recent news. Matthew Lombardi and Marcus Nilson re-signing. I love the Lombo signing like all other Calgarians do. His speed and skill are just what the "new" NHL is about and the Flames need that. The Nilson re-signing though has question marks all over it for me. A million dollars a year for 2 years??? Doesnt make sense to me. He better earn it next year and saty healthy or else he is a huge bust. He has alot to prove after last year.
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