Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our daily look at the previous night's action. During the offseason, we'll look at some of the storylines and moves taking place around the league three times per week. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.The Justin Pogge Experiment Ends In Toronto
Once the goaltender of the future in Toronto, Justin Pogge was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on Monday in exchange for a conditional draft pick in 2011. According to Curtis Zupke of the Orange County Register, the Ducks will be sending a sixth-round pick to Toronto for the 22-year-old netminder. If Pogge starts 30 games for Anaheim this season it becomes a third-round selection.
Pogge, a third-round pick in 2004, appeared in seven games for the Maple Leafs this past season and struggled mightily, giving up 27 goals on just 173 shots. A trade became likely when the Maple Leafs signed Swedish product Jonas Gustavsson (The Monster) earlier this offseason.
Hurricanes Sue Hip-Hop Artist
The Associated Press reported on Monday that the Carolina Hurricanes have sued a Raleigh hip-hop artist, Tyrone Banks, for violating team trademarks in a song. From the AP:
The federal lawsuit accuses Tyrone Banks of misusing trademarks by referring to the tune as "the official Carolina Hurricanes song" and wearing a Hurricanes jersey in promotional material. "We look at our name and our trademarks as our most valuable assets, and they need to be protected," said William Traurig, general counsel for the Hurricanes. Banks produced "Carolina Hurricanes" in 2007 and provided a copy of the song to the team, asking the Hurricanes play the music during games, according to court documents. The lawsuit said the Hurricanes did use the song during games and short segments of it appeared in a television ad and online video. Banks also received complimentary tickets to a game, when the Hurricanes played the song, highlighted Banks in the audience and displayed his name on the scoreboard. "Carolina Hurricanes. That's our team, say the name," the song's chorus repeats. But the Hurricanes say Banks is promoting sales of the song in a way that would incorrectly suggest an affiliation between him and the team.Never been a huge fan of team theme songs. Brass Bonzana, of course, being the lone exception.
Loose Pucks
... Free agent forward Mike Grier signs with the Buffalo Sabres. [TSN]
... Litter Box Cats recalls the original EA Sports cover boy, Randy Moller. [Litter Box Cats]
... Blue Shirt Banter has some questions regarding Brandon Dubinsky. [Blue Shirt Banter]
