NHL FanHouse

Chelios Fights Father Time for Last Shot

Greg Couch — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Free Agency, Minor League Hockey

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. -- You park your car, walk in the side door of the Hoffman Estates Community Center in suburban Chicago, and the first thing you see is some gray-haired, slightly hunched guy standing under a sign that says, "Senior Center. 50+ club."

Chris Chelios is not aging well.

What? Oh, wait, that wasn't Chelios. Chelios was around the corner, a mere 47 years old, still 26 months from 50+ eligibility, not playing checkers, but instead playing in a hockey scrimmage with the Chicago Wolves minor league hockey team.

That's Chelios' team now. Yes, a surefire Hall of Fame defenseman, mostly with the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, is riding the bus from town to town with a bunch of NHL hopefuls.

He was finished in Detroit after last season.

He wants back in to the NHL.

He'll be 48 in January.

"I love playing the game," he said. "This seemed like a perfect fit for me. It's been a real long time since I've played 20, 25 minutes a game. It's been great."

How do you feel about seeing an all-time great doing this? Maybe it's a little sad watching a former star risking his legacy by staying too long and going back to square one. Or maybe you can respect that he wants to get every last drop from a career he has worked so hard for, and has loved.

For now, I'm going with the second one. He's doing it because he can, and because this is the life he knows.

In nine games, Chelios has multiple assists four times and has one goal. The Phoenix Coyotes have shown interest, and others surely will when the playoffs get closer, injuries pile up and teams realize he's an in-shape, experienced defenseman who can help kill penalties.

Still, last time I saw him was at the Final Four in Detroit, where he was sitting at a table in his own bar, chatting with Michael Jordan. Chelios is a year older than Jordan, and it wasn't fun watching Jordan play too long.

"Yeah, but I went to a game and he scored 45 points," Chelios said. "The biggest issue for me is enjoying myself. I'm not worried about my legacy.

"I'll know when to quit. I'm not going to embarrass myself."

The Wolves flew from Chicago to San Antonio on Friday, and played Friday night. After the game was an hour-long bus ride to Austin, where they played on Saturday night. Then, a 3-hour ride to Houston, sandwiches along the way, arriving at 2 in the morning for Sunday's 4 PM game.

Brett Sterling, a promising 25-year old teammate who has had a taste of the NHL, said they play cards, listen to music, watch movies, sleep on the bus.

"Yeah, he plays cards with us sometimes," Sterling said. "He pretends he doesn't know how to play."

Then, he cleans up.

A little advice to Chelios' young, green teammates: Don't play cards with a guy who has millions of dollars.

Sterling said he has been a fan of Chelios' since he was 3 years old, and I'm sure Chelios thinks it's just great hearing that kind of stuff. A song from the 1950s came over the locker room the other day, and the team started yelling, "Chelios. Is that your iPod?"

Very funny. Fourteen players on the Wolves' roster, including Sterling, weren't born when Chelios started in the NHL.

Now, he shares a hotel room on the road, unless an odd number of players go. Then he gets his own.

Chelios has played in the Olympics. He has won the Stanley Cup. He has earned millions.

He is living with his mom and dad, and his son, in Chicago while his wife and two daughters are back in Detroit.

You should have seen Chelios in practice Tuesday. The entire team was packed onto half of the ice at the same time, playing a game, having fun. The head coach was in Buffalo because he was about to become a grandpa.

He's eight years older than Chelios.

But too many kids were packed onto too small a spot, and everyone was laughing and high-fiving and hugging. At one point, they all tackled each other, wrestling around. Chelios, with a little gray mixed into his 5 o'clock shadow, just watched that part.

"They're keeping me young," he said. "It's fun to be around kids just breaking in."

Chelios is one of the faster guys on this team, according to Sterling, and among the best in shape. He has signed a 25-game contract in a league where players make mid five-figure salaries.

"You grow up on the South Side of Chicago like I did," he said, "and you don't have ego."

Guys tend to love these old-athlete stories. It makes us feel that if we put in the work, we could still find the old glory, whatever level that was.

Let me say this: I am apparently a hideous monster. Bent to the left, hobbling. People stare with horror or pity. This morning, my wife held onto my shoulders while my kid pushed my hips to the left, to break them free. Success.

"You grow up on the South Side of Chicago like I did and you don't have ego."
-- Chris Chelios The problem? Well, two, really:

1) I played tennis three weeks ago, and was the wind. The wind! On the drive home, I turned into a pretzel.

2) I am not much younger than Chelios.

"Ah, you just don't play every day," he said, brushing it off. Someone forgot to tell Chelios that bodies don't work the same after a certain point. In Andre Agassi's new book, he talks about dealing with his back in his mid-30s, when he was playing every day. He said it was like playing tennis with a steering-wheel locking device on.

Playing tennis with the Club.

Chelios said he tries to eat right and stay in shape. After practice Tuesday, he worked out, as usual, and then sat in the sauna.

For some reason, playing too long doesn't have the same meaning in hockey as in other sports. A baseball player hangs on too long, and it's sort of pathetic somehow. In hockey, it just seems that these guys are cherished for the fight, for the commitment.

But it's hard to know what more Chelios would hope to get from the game, other than the knowledge that he didn't leave anything behind. But from here, he puts off his personal life a little longer.

He says he still calls to check on the families of the former manager and chef of his restaurant, who were stabbed to death a few years ago. "They'll never be the same," he said.

He has one son playing for Michigan State and another playing for another pro team in Chicago. He felt it would be unfair to try to uproot his daughters in Detroit, especially the older one, who is a junior in high school. So he continues a life on the road.

Who knows how he'll take retirement, when that finally happens. But he said he isn't going to play professionally with either of his sons. By the time they reach the NHL, if they get there, he'll surely be in the 50+ club.

They'll call him kid there.

Email me at gregcouch09@aol.com

Chelios Fights Father Time for Last Shot originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Canes Sign Manny Legace to Fill Net

Kevin Schultz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Hurricanes, NHL Free Agency, NHL Injuries

When Cam Ward went down with a grisly injury on Saturday night a bad season got much, much worse for the Carolina Hurricanes. Their star netminder got cut by a skate early in the first period and had to be taken to the hospital. As of Sunday night Ward was still in a Columbus hospital and the team expects that he will miss at least 3-4 weeks.

With the goaltending duties left to former sixth round pick and journeyman backup Michael Leighton, GM Jim Rutherford moved quickly to get some goaltending help. For now, that help comes in the form of 36-year-old veteran Manny Legace.

Today, the Hurricanes signed Legace to a one-year, two-way contract worth $500,000. The last time Legace was in the news was when he tripped over a carpet laid out for Sarah Palin last October. Legace was playing with the Blues at the time and missed five games with a hip injury as a result. He suffered a concussion later in the season and was never really the same. He cleared waivers and played the second half of the season in Peoria with the Blues' AHL affiliate. Legace was not re-signed when his contract expired over the summer.

For now, the Hurricanes have a temporary fix in goal without having to give up any assets and avoid having to play a journeyman backup with a career .897 save percentage. But it remains to be seen which version of Legace the Canes will have in net. Two years ago, Legace was solid for the Blues with a 2.41 GAA and .911 save percentage. Last year, those numbers ballooned to 3.18 and .885 when he lost his way.

Canes Sign Manny Legace to Fill Net originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rangers Overcome Lundqvist's Blunder, Beat Capitals

Adam Gretz — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Free Agency, NHL Videos, Minor League Hockey

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our Weekday look at the previous night's action and some of the storylines taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

Rangers 4, Capitals 3: Henrik Lundqvist is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL, and even the best are entitled to an occasional mishap. That's what happened to Lundqvist on Thursday night as an innocent looking wrist shot off the stick of Nicklas Backstrom, from the neutral zone, found its way behind the All-Star goaltender early in the third period.

Video after the jump.

Also: Chelios returns to Chicago (sort of), Corey Perry's fluke goal

Now there's something you don't see everyday. Backstrom followed it up with his second goal of the game four minutes later, giving the Capitals a 3-2 lead. Fortunately for the Rangers, forward Marian Gaborik turned into a one-man wrecking crew scoring a pair of goals in just two-and-a-half minutes to give the Rangers the 4-3 win.

Red Wings 3, Blackhawks 2: In a rematch of last year's Western Conference Final, the Detroit Red Wings avoided an 0-3 start thanks to their three goal second period. The Wings received goals from Nicklas Lidstrom, Johan Franzen and Kris Draper just seven minutes apart.

Chris Chelios Returns To Chicago: Well, technically it's true. Chris Chelios will be playing hockey in Chicago once again, it's just that he'll be doing so for the Chicago Wolves of the AHL as opposed to the team he spent parts of nine seasons with (the Blackhawks). The 47-year-old rearguard will skate with the team on Monday, and could sign with the team next week. From Ansar Khan of MLive:

"He has the skills to play. I think that's a good move for him,'' Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "If you're playing, you're a lot more attractive (for NHL teams). He wants to be in the NHL, but Chicago gives him an opportunity in a town he knows real well that gets him going and gets him playing, "So when someone gets an Injury, and they're going to happen -- it's an Olympic year, condensed schedule -- Cheli's a guy who knows how to play, knows how to help your locker room. To me he'll be a perfect fit for someone.''

Chelios played 28 gameas for the Red Wings in 2008-09, tallying zero points and 18 penalty minutes.

The Rest Of Thursday's Action

Travis Zajac ties the game with 0.2 seconds to play and the Devils win in a shootout. [Box Score, Recap]

The Thrashers are 2-0 after their 4-2 win against St. Louis. Ilya Kovalchuk also scores goal No. 300. [Box Score, Recap]

Patric Hornqvist scores a pair to lead Nashville over Colorado. [Box Score, Recap]

Anaheim dominates Boston. [Box Score, Recap]

Mike Fisher scores the winner in overtime for Ottawa. [Box Score, Recap]

Thomas Vanek scores the winner with less than four minutes to play. [Box Score, Recap]

Nikolai Khabibulin will never want to play Calgary again. [Box Score, Recap]

Columbus visits San Jose. [Box Score, Recap]

Los Angeles plays host to Minnesota [Box Score, Recap]

Loose Pucks

-- The San Jose Sharks were without forward Brad Staubitz on Thursday after he was issued a one-game suspension for hitting Davis Drewiskie after an icing call on Tuesday night. It costs him $2,950 in salary. [Sports Illustrated]

-- The Detroit Red Wings added some toughness to their lineup on Thursday by signing veteran Brad May to a one-year deal. To make room for the veteran forward on the roster the Wings sent youngster Justin Abdelkader to Grand Rapids of the American Hockey League. [Red Wings]

-- After his first career start, Jonas Gustavsson has been placed on IR with a groin pull, leading to the call up of goaltender Joey MacDonald. Obviously, the folks at Pension Plan Puppets are to blame. [Pension Plan Puppets]

-- Sean Leahy takes a look at the best line combinations in the NHL. [Puck Daddy]

Video Of The Day

Way to use your head, Corey Perry.

Friday's Key Games

Friday's only games, actually...

Panthers vs. Hurricanes: Florida plays its first game in North America this season as it travels to Carolina for some Southeastern Division action. The Hurricanes have been struggling offensively on the young season, scoring just four goals in three games. It's the front end of back-to-back games for the Panthers as they have their official home opener on Saturday against New Jersey.

Stars vs. Flames: Dallas continues its road trip through Western Canada with a contest in Calgary. The Stars are winless on the season, both losses coming by way of the shootout.

Rangers Overcome Lundqvist's Blunder, Beat Capitals originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brendan Shanahan, Devils Part Ways

Adam Gretz — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Devils, NHL Free Agency

Brendan Shanahan's second stop with the New Jersey Devils -- and perhaps his career -- has come to an end, as the 40-year-old winger and the team have decided to part ways. Speculation started to mount early Thursday morning when the Shanahan was not at the morning skate, while Rich Chere of the Star-Ledger reported that the Devils had cut the 21-year-veteran (even though he's still a member of the roster ... as of now).

Chere quotes general manager Lou Lamoriello as saying the split was a mutual decision.

From the Star-Ledger:

"Over the past couple of days Jacques (Lemaire) and I have had conversations. The unexpected has transpired," Lamoriello said. "It's not that Brendan cannot play. It's that these (young) players have become something special at this time."

Shanahan also issued the following statement: "I have not decided to continue with the New Jersey Devils for my 22nd NHL season. When I signed this past summer, Lou Lamoriello, Jacques Lemaire and I agreed that if we were unable to find a suitable fit in which I would be able ti compete and contribute at the level I expect from myself, then I would simply step aside. I have great respect for Lou, Jacques and the entire Devils' organization. This decision is both mutual and amicable. I am planning to spend the next couple of weeks with my family to reflect on and evaluate my plans for the future. Most importantly, I would like to thank my former teammates and wish them the best of luck this season."

So, for now, the door remains open for a return to the NHL this season. While clearly not the player he once was, he should be able to contribute to something if he decides to continue his career. Just tossing names into a hat, I'd make a wild guess that a club like Montreal or Vancouver could find some use for him.

In 34 games with the Devils in 2008-09, Shanahan scored six goals to go with eight assists. In his 21-year career he's amassed 656 goals (11th most all-time and tops among active players), 698 assists and 1,354 points, while also being a member of three Stanley Cup winning teams in Detroit.

Brendan Shanahan, Devils Part Ways originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ray Shero Talks About Building the Penguins, Defending the Cup

Adam Gretz — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Penguins, NHL Draft, NHL Free Agency, NHL Economics, FanHouse Exclusive

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ray Shero was kind enough to spend nearly an hour on the phone with FanHouse's Adam Gretz discussing a variety of topics. This is the third of a three-part series. Wednesday's entry: Ray Shero discusses how the 2009-10 Penguins were built through free agency, trades, the draft, and what he expects from the defending Stanley Cup champions.

NHL FanHouse Season Preview:
Season Predictions | Other Predictions
Hot Seat Coaches | Coaches in Waiting
Ray Shero Discusses Life After the Stanley Cup
The John Tavares Handbook

With their Game 7 win over the Detroit Red Wings on June 12, 2008, the Pittsburgh Penguins ended a 17-year Stanley Cup drought, bringing home the franchise's third championship and starting a weekend-long celebration that took over the Pittsburgh streets and night clubs (actually, as recently as a week ago, it was still taking place in some unusual places).

Such a celebration begs the obvious question: how difficult was it to put the success of the 2008-09 season in the past, and start focusing on a 2009-10 season which would be starting in just a little under four months, with the NHL draft and the start of free agency were already knocking on the door?

"It wasn't too difficult at all," said general manager Ray Shero. "We won on a Friday, we enjoyed the weekend maybe until Monday or Tuesday, but, really, it was right back at it trying to sign our own free agents before July 1, then of course you're also getting ready for the draft. I know from talking to some of the Steelers when they won their Super Bowls, the next day they were back in their office getting ready for the draft. So, it's pretty quick when you have to turn back to business, but it's also a nice problem to have."

The Penguins entered the offseason with a number of potential free agents, including forwards Ruslan Fedotenko, Bill Guerin, and Craig Adams, as well as defensemen Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill. The team not only managed to keep all three forwards, but did so on one-year, cap-friendly deals.

FanHouse Chats With Ray Shero:
Part 1: On His Father, an Icon
Part 2: On the Anatomy of a Trade
Part 3: On Building the Pens, Defending the Cup

The two defensemen, on the other hand, were a different story.

Scuderi, one of the heroes of the Penguins postseason run and an exceptional shot-blocker and penalty-killer, signed a lucrative contract with the up-and-coming Los Angeles Kings, while Gill, a hulking 6-foot-7 stay-at-home-defenseman, inked a two-year deal with the Montreal Canadiens as part of their somewhat drastic offseason overhaul.

Replacing them on the Pittsburgh blueline will be 24-year-old Alex Goligoski, a talented offensive-minded defenseman that is currently one of the organization's top prospects, as well as veteran Jay McKee, who had been bought out by the St. Louis Blues earlier in the offseason. Goligoski played 45 games with the Penguins during the '08-'09 campaign, registering six goals and 14 assists. McKee, entering his 14th season in the NHL, remains a viable top-six defenseman, though one that has been dogged by injuries in recent seasons.

Is it a concern changing a third of the defense with players that have seemingly different skillsets than their predecessors?

"We'll see how it goes," Shero said. "It's difficult, and impossible, to keep everybody with the cap system. Hal (Gill) got a two-year deal in Montreal and Rob (Scuderi) got a four-year deal in Los Angeles, both for a lot of money, and I'm very happy for both of those guys, but that's the system."

"More importantly," he added. "For us, the big thing was we knew internally that Alex Goligoski is ready to play a more prominent role for us. Along with signing Jay McKee as more of a penalty killer and a defensive guy, we like the idea of Alex in our lineup, and (Kris) Letang, and guys like that."

Shero singled out Letang, a former third-round pick from 2005, as a player he expects to have a breakout season after scoring 10 goals to go with 23 assists in 74 games a year ago.

"It's difficult, and impossible, to keep everybody with the cap system. Hal (Gill) got a two-year deal in Montreal and Rob (Scuderi) got a four-year deal in Los Angeles, both for a lot of money, and I'm very happy for both of those guys, but that's the system." "While they are different than Scuderi and Gill, a guy like Goligoski is a really good skater and can move the puck better," Shero said. "He might not be as good defensively as Gill or Scuderi at this point in his career, but he certainly has the upside to get better. So we have two young guys in Goligoski and Letang that have upside to their game, and it's time to give these guys more of a role and an opportunity to move forward."

******

Something the Penguins are hoping to avoid this season are the early season and midseason slumps the team encountered in each of the past two years. In 2007, they started slow out of the gate with an 8-11-2 mark before getting hot in December, while a fast start in 2008 was nearly derailed by a 12-19-2 run between December and February that ultimately cost Michel Therrien his job. The promotion of former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton head coach Dan Bylsma, as well as the in-season additions of Guerin, Chris Kunitz and Adams (and the return of injured defenseman Sergei Gonchar) helped get the season back in the right direction.

Shero believes a full training camp with Bylsma, as well as having Guerin, Kunitz and Gonchar from the start will help the team to avoid those types of slumps.

"We hope so," he said. "A full camp with Dan and some of these veteran players back in and I do believe, at this point, we have a better team on paper than we did last year at this same time, for sure. The majority of these guys have won together."

******

While discussing the makeup of this year's roster, one thing I wanted to focus on was, from my observation, a focus on North American players as opposed to European players. Go back a decade and the Penguins were, essentially, a European All-Star team every season, boasting names like Jaromir Jagr, Alexei Kovalev, Martin Straka, and Robert Lang. The 1999-00 team, for example, didn't have a North American skater among its top-eight point producers. It also wasn't uncommon to hear pundits and critics cite them as being "too European." Whatever that means.

Fast forward to this year, and the only European players on the roster are forwards Evgeni Malkin (Russia) and Ruslan Fedotenko (Ukraine) and defensemen Sergei Gonchar (Russia) and the recently-signed Martin Skoula (Czech Republic).

A look at the Penguins' farm system and their recent draft picks seem to indicate that won't be changing anytime soon. The club's top prospects list at Hockey's Future is nearly devoid of European talent, and in four draft classes under Shero the Penguins have used only three of a possible 24 picks on European players: Viktor Ekbom (seventh round, 2009), Alexander Pechursky (fifth round, 2008), and Timo Seppanen (seventh round, 2006).

Is it an organizational philosophy and preference? Or is it all simply a coincidence?

"I think it's more of a coincidence," Shero said. "For one thing, teams aren't taking as many Russian players now with the lack of a transfer agreement in place, so a lot of teams are shying away from the Russians. From our standpoint, there's been some players we've wanted to take, but they may have been taken right before us so we elected to take a North American and that's just the way it fell for us. There's not an aversion to European players or any specific country. A couple of years ago we took a Russian goaltender in the fifth round, we took a Swedish player this year, so we're not adverse to taking European players at all, that's just the way it fell for us."

This year's draft was dominated early by Swedish prospects, while there's been a noticeable drop in talent from countries that used to be hockey super powers, such the Czech Republic, which was documented in great detail by James Mirtle earlier this summer.

"I think it sometimes just goes in cycles," said Shero. "A number of years ago it was the Swedes that weren't producing the players, or so it seemed. Then they revamped their national program and then in the last eight to 10 years or so, they've produced some pretty decent players. Of course they had (Victor) Hedman drafted second overall this year, and there's some good young players coming into the league, a guy like Oscar Moller comes to mind."

He continued: "Some countries, like Germany for example, are producing decent players for us, but at the same time the German league is so heavily populated with Canadian import players that there hasn't been a lot of room for some of these younger players to play on those teams and develop. So maybe it goes to the national team and their philosophies and so forth. Europe has always been a good pipeline of talent for the NHL and there's going to be some top players coming out again. Like 29 other teams we're going to have our eyes on those players, and from our standpoint, if it's a Swede, or a Russian, or a Czech, or whoever it is that can help the Penguins, we'll certainly pick him."

Ray Shero Talks About Building the Penguins, Defending the Cup originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petr Sykora's Wild 'Tryout' Leads to One-Year Deal

Bruce Ciskie — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Wild, Western, NHL Free Agency

FanHouse's Bruce Ciskie reports from Wild training camp.

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- It's not terribly common for a player with 300 goals and plenty of gas in the tank to try out for a team. For Petr Sykora, there may have been a tryout, but it was extremely short and equally effective.

The veteran winger agreed Thursday to a one-year deal with the Minnesota Wild, just a couple days after word leaked that he was going to be in St. Paul for a tryout during training camp.

The Wild did not announce terms of the deal, but multiple reports place the value of the contract at $1.6 million, meaning the Wild will be up against the $56.8 million salary cap, and they may need to make a move (could be as simple as trading backup goalie Josh Harding or sending young forward Colton Gillies to the minors) to give the team flexibility as the season starts.

After the first of two practice sessions Thursday morning, Sykora said he was happy to get the deal done for this season.

"It's a relief," Sykora said. "Now I can just focus on getting better and getting ready for exhibition games. I didn't even have a scrimmage yet, so I kind of need to get into those situations as soon as possible. It's not a lot of time before the first game, so get ready as soon as possible."

Sykora is not in the lineup for Friday's preseason game against Columbus at XCel Energy Center. Considering he just signed with the team, this shouldn't be a surprise. However, Sykora does recognize the importance of ice time before the season opens Oct. 3 at Columbus.

"I want to get on the ice and get into situations. It's not about scoring," Sykora said Thursday. "It's about getting used to being in traffic, getting hit a little bit, stuff like that. Like I said, I missed those three scrimmages where you kind of get the feel of it. I just want to get out there, get the feel of the game. You know, it never took me a long time, so I should be ready."

Wild head coach Todd Richards is also happy to have the deal done.

"We're excited to have him," Richards said. "We're always looking to make our team better, our organization better. By getting Petr here, he's made our team better."

Richards made it clear Thursday that he was going to ease veteran players into action. Owen Nolan, Andrew Brunette, Kim Johnsson, and free-agent signee Martin Havlat join Sykora in not playing Friday night, and while Richards wants to get them all into preseason games, he also wants to get them some rest and limit their travel along the way. The Wild play 14 games in October, and only five of them are at home.

Petr Sykora's Wild 'Tryout' Leads to One-Year Deal originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petr Sykora Accepts Tryout With Wild

Bruce Ciskie — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:40:00 EST

Filed under: Wild, Western, NHL Free Agency

Considering a resume that includes over 300 NHL goals and two Stanley Cups, it's kind of odd to see forward Petr Sykora still looking for work.

The veteran was a part of the Penguins' championship team last season, picking up another 25-goal season along the way. Unable to find a contract offer to his liking in the NHL, and seemingly unwilling to jump to Russia, Sykora is instead going to try out for the Minnesota Wild.

According to Michael Russo, the Wild have offered Sykora a contract for just over $1 million. Russo emphasizes on his blog that the Wild have not signed Sykora, and he has not agreed to terms on a contract.

This is exactly what it looks like. It's a tryout.

From the sounds of it, the Wild will be much more of a hard-skating team this season. New head coach Todd Richards wants a higher-tempo brand of hockey, and it requires everyone to skate. If there's a weakness in Sykora's game, it's what could sometimes be perceived as laziness. For him to fit in with the Wild, he has to be a more consistent worker than what he has shown in the past.

That said, the Wild badly need top-six forwards. If Sykora can provide that kind of depth, he'd be a great pickup for the team.

Considering the cost involved, it's certainly worth a shot to see if Sykora can make the team.

Petr Sykora Accepts Tryout With Wild originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Theo Fleury Cleared to Return to NHL

Bruce Ciskie — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: Flames, NHL Free Agency, NHL Rumors, Team Canada

The NHL could be home to quite the comeback story this season.

Longtime star forward Theo Fleury faded away a few years back, thanks in part to a track record of substance abuse that led to his suspension from the NHL. Recently, word got out that Fleury wanted to play again. Now, the 41-year-old, who played in 455 games over his NHL career and took part in eight international competitions as a member of Team Canada, has been cleared by the NHL to come back.

TSN's Darren Dreger got reaction from Fleury.

"Just to get to this point in my life, to even be considered for reinstatement is a miracle," Fleury told TSN.

"To go through what I went through, I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if I didn't at least try."

Now comes the hard part. He has to find a team to play for.

Fleury told Dreger that teams are interested, but he wouldn't identify them. Since he lives in Calgary, and had a prosperous career with the Flames, it makes sense to suggest that a forward-thin Calgary team would take a flier on Fleury, who is bound not to cost too much money if he can make an NHL team.

Someone of Fleury's experience -- if he can skate and play at a high level -- could be valuable to a younger team like Edmonton or Los Angeles. He could also fill a role with San Jose, who had two aged veterans -- Jeremy Roenick and Claude Lemieux -- on the roster.

For Fleury, the story of his recovery (chronicled in a book due out next month) is worth noting, no matter how his comeback attempt fares. If he can find a team and make an NHL roster, it becomes all the more significant.

Theo Fleury Cleared to Return to NHL originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NHL Preview: Judging Offseason Moves

Kevin Schultz — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: NHL Fans, NHL Free Agency

FanHouse begins its four-part preview of the upcoming NHL season. Check back every Thursday from now until opening night for the rest.

The calendar has flipped past Labor Day in the States, and that means the start of the NHL's regular season is fast approaching. We're going to take one last look back at the summer and discuss the best and worst moves -- in some cases, non-moves -- of the offseason. Who took a step in the right direction and who took a step back?

Tom Mantzouranis: It will shock Bruce or anyone who heard my angry rants earlier this summer to see me level this compliment, but the best move made in the league this year was behind the bench. Brent Sutter is going to push Calgary over the top. Having watched the work he did in New Jersey for the last two years, turning a slightly-better-than-mediocre roster into a defensively responsible and offensively explosive (last year) team, I can't help but wonder what heights he can accomplish with the talent he's got on the Flames. The biggest change he made in New Jersey was getting the defensemen more active at the other end, and he's got a pretty good blueline to work with now. They're going to be a very tough team to deal with.

But I can't say the same for the Flyers' deal for Chris Pronger. Forget entirely about the contract drama, I think Pronger is simply a player on the decline and the Flyers aren't close enough to winning a championship to justify the cost they paid. If they were, it'd be one thing, but your best return on investment is going to come this year and I don't think it's going to be enough to get the Flyers over the top. Let me put it this way -- the Flyers have, essentially, put it on the table that they either win a championship in the next two years or get nothing but cap hell and a depleted farm system, which has immediate talent but little in the long-term pipeline. That's not a position I'd want myself in, though maybe I'm just cautious.

Kevin Schultz: I'm going to second Tom's thoughts on Pronger and the Flyers. They spent all of last year trying to monkey around Daniel Briere's contract and didn't learn a thing. Sure, Pronger is going to make all of $525,000 in 2015 and 2016, but for now that contract is choking a team that's got a few similar deals on its roster. Can we rename this team Rangers Southeast? A close second for Worst Move of the Offseason in my book was Patrick Kane allegedly punching a cabbie, but that's not so much a hockey move as it is boxing.

As for the best move, I like the Wild adding Martin Havlat. Chicago's mistakes are Minnesota's gains. This was a good team a year ago without any help from Marian Gaborik and now they have a guy who can score and isn't likely to be a headache. They've got a lot of nice young players there and, at 28, Havlat is going to help lead that bunch.

Christopher Botta: Montreal's stunning over-trade for Scott Gomez was the worst move. If Gomez and his contract with five years remaining and a $33.5 million cap hit were put on waivers, not a single team would put in a claim. Well, I mean besides the Canadiens.

Bob Gainey not only took on Gomez's bad contract, he gave up assets for the privilege. He dealt Chris Higgins and Russian prospect Pavel Valentenko. Most improbably of all, he gave away Ryan McDonagh, the 12th overall pick in the 2007 draft. Maybe you think Higgins is a nothing-special third line player and not a top-6. Maybe McDonagh, entering his junior year at Wisconsin, doesn't pan out as a top NHL defenseman. No matter what, he gave up too much. There have been worse trades from a pure hockey standpoint. As a hockey and business decision, this one was jaw-dropping.

Anaheim's signing of Saku Koivu was the best move. Sure, other moves may prove to be more effective, but I just love, love, love this one. This summer the Ducks addressed a problem (carrying Chris Pronger's contract) and took care of the future (Luca Sbisa and a boatload of draft picks). When you thought they might be done for the offseason, they brought in Koivu to play one year with Teemu Selanne. All of a sudden, Anaheim was in the West picture again. That's smart management.

Bruce Ciskie: Edmonton hiring Pat Quinn was a great move. The 2008-2009 World Junior Championships were a revelation. On an international stage, and under a ton of pressure playing in the host country's national capital, Quinn led the Canadian junior team to a gold medal. Included in that were stirring comeback wins over Team USA (pool play) and Russia (semifinals). Quinn showed once and for all that he can indeed handle younger players. He'll be asked to do more of that in Edmonton, where the Oilers have underachieved mightily under Craig MacTavish since a 2006 Cup Finals run. For Edmonton to get back to the playoffs, Quinn has to change a culture of complacency. Given his track record, he's the perfect guy to get the job done.

The worst? Chicago signing Marian Hossa to 12-year deal. The Blackhawks were very close last year, losing in the Western Conference Finals. The response was to jettison the starting goaltender who helped engineer two series wins, in favor of an enigma who has never been successful in the playoffs. Letting Martin Havlat go for the chance to sign Hossa was excusable, and not having Hossa for the first quarter or so of the season isn't a death-wish. Hossa's played enough hockey in the last two seasons that he'll probably benefit from the down time. However, the Blackhawks have tied up their cap, virtually assuring that they'll have to deal a top young star in the next year or so. They're also betting their playoff chances on an unproven goalie with no proven backup. You can score as many goals as you want in the regular season, but playoff games are usually decided in your own zone. Chicago could have trouble when the snow melts.

Adam Gretz: Great move -- Washington signing Mike Knuble. I know he's a little long in the tooth, but he's still a 30-goal guy and should make an already awesome power play unit even better, and I don't think they overpaid him, either. Love that move for them.

I'm going to go a little bit off the board here and pick a Flyers move for worst. It's not the Chris Pronger trade, or his contract extension. There's no question they gave up quite a bit for him, and the contract is a huge risk, bordering on being insane, but if the Flyers win a Stanley Cup as a result of it, I don't think anybody in Philadelphia is going to care. Which kind of leads me to my worst move, which is the Flyers going into the season with a goaltending duo of Ray Emery and Brian Boucher. I can't say either move is really *bad*, but I just don't see how they can get over the hump in the postseason with that goaltending situation. The obvious Achilles heel on an otherwise bad-ass team.

Susan Slusser: San Jose doing virtually nothing was the best move. The Sharks had the best regular season in the league last year only to be upended by a rough-and-tumble Ducks team that had underperformed so much in the early season that they wound up with a No.8 seed. Anaheim was far better than a typical No. 8, and having to fight to stay alive in the final weeks kept the Ducks on a roll that nearly took out Detroit, too. Major moves were expected after San Jose's ignominious ouster, with Patrick Marleau and Jonathan Cheechoo among those considered possible to go in a shakeup. Instead, the Sharks did little beyond creating some salary cap wriggle by trading Christian Ehrhoff and Brad Lukowich. A rumored Dany Heatley acquisition never materialized, but the Sharks have more financial leeway to do something to improve themselves should the opportunity arise. Meanwhile, GM Doug Wilson has kept together a core group that thrived in a tough division and a tougher conference.

Chicago signing Hossa was the worst. A 12-year deal, he's already out of action for at least two months, and he's now best known for failing to win the Cup two years running -- with two different teams. Martin Havlat was an undervalued asset for a young team last year, now he's gone, and which of those young studs will the Blackhawks have to part with in the next few years now with the salary cap hit Hossa brings? The kids are on their way up, while Hossa is moving out of his prime and he's clearly not the magic answer for title quests.

NHL Preview: Judging Offseason Moves originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hudler's Deal Approved By IIHF; Neighborhood Chooses Rink Over Church

Adam Gretz — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Fans, NHL Free Agency, NHL Videos, NHL Economics

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our daily look at the previous night's action. During the offseason, it's our occasional link dump that looks at some of the storylines and moves taking place around the league. Have a tip or something you want linked? Send it in to nhlfanhouse@gmail.com.

The Jiri Hudler saga came to an end on Wednesday when the IIHF approved his two-year, $10 million pact with Moscow Dynamo of the KHL. The IIHF ruled that even though Hudler's agent filed for salary arbitration in the NHL, it was invalid because Hudler himself never signed the filing notice opening the door for him to take his game to Russia. This, of course, led to George James Malik of Mlive's Snapshots blog going somewhat biblical on the ruling.

From Malik:

What a steaming load of bull crap. The IIHF's endorsed the KHL's actions on the teeniest and tiniest of technicalities, and this press release essentially drives home Fasel's suggestion that the NHL, despite its numerous European-born players, is essentially an "American" league that is, "Not part of the IIHF family." Fine. The next time an NHL team decides to sign a Russian-born player whose contract expires before the age of 28, and has to, per the KHL's rules, automatically re-sign with his team, the NHL can look at this ruling and tell the KHL to get stuffed because even the IIHF refuses to recognize the validity of the restricted free agent status. If the IIHF is truly an "International" ice hockey federation, it should recognize the interests of all its member countries, not simply its European members, and until that time, the NHL should not feel obligated to enter into transfer agreements or abide by any IIHF bylaw, because the de-facto European Ice Hockey Federation is nothing more or less than a joke.

In semi-related news, here's a list of people not on George James Malik's Christmas card list this upcoming year: 1) IIHF.

Neighborhood Chooses Ice Rink Over Church

Township supervisors in Warrendale, Pennsylvania -- a Pittsburgh suburb -- unnamisouly voted on Tuesday to oppose a request made by Grace Community Church that would have taken the Blade Runners Ice Rink and transformed the property into a new church. Fascinating, if not sacrileges. [WPXI]

Loose Pucks

... Here's video of an incredible between-the-legs goal scored by Richard Panik of the Windsor Spitfires during the Ontario Hockey League preseason [H/T Puck Daddy]:

... "I don't think the Blues should rebuild somebody else's franchise." -- St. Louis Blues president John Davidson addressing rumors that his team might be interested in acquiring disgruntled Ottawa Senators forward Dany Heatley. I'll take that to mean he has no interest in making a bid for Heatley's services. [Ottawa Citizen]

... The proposed deal to sell the Florida Panthers has hit a road block, according to the Miami Herald. [Miami Herald]

Hudler's Deal Approved By IIHF; Neighborhood Chooses Rink Over Church originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wild Smart to Play Waiting Game

Bruce Ciskie — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Lightning, Wild, Western, NHL Free Agency, NHL Economics

News broke Saturday that the Tampa Bay Lightning had agreed to a deal with free-agent forward Alex Tanguay. This means the Minnesota Wild have to look elsewhere if they still hope to add a forward to bolster their top-six depth.

As Michael Russo of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune pointed out, Tanguay wasn't a great fit for the Wild. He's more of a disher than a scorer, and the Wild are in desperate need of people to put the puck in the net. With that in mind, who can the Wild target?

Russo speculates that the Wild could take a stab at former Penguin Petr Sykora. Still without a contract, Sykora is coming off a 25-goal season with the Penguins, has 300 career tallies, and is a two-time Stanley Cup winner.

It makes some sense, given that Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher knows Sykora very well from his time in Pittsburgh, where Fletcher served as an assistant general manager. Sykora also has more of a knack for scoring goals than Tanguay does, and he could be a nice fit for the Wild at forward.

However, Russo isn't done. On his blog, he notes something very interesting about the current state of financial affairs around the NHL.

As I wrote in today's paper, Chicago, Vancouver, Detroit, Ottawa, Washington and Boston are over the cap right now. Chicago can get down by sending one of their goalies to the minors and Brent Sopel as well. I don't know what Vancouver's doing. The Canucks are over the cap and have about 26 players. Boston's over and Phil Kessel isn't even signed.

Montreal, Philadelphia, Edmonton and Carolina are about $1 million from the cap. San Jose's at $53.5 after yesterday's trade, but with 17 players. So the only way it stays under is if it signs/keeps a bunch of 500K players.

Reality is that many teams will be looking to make salary dumps in the not-too-distant future. These salary dumps may not be much different than the trade the Sharks made with Vancouver Friday. That deal sent two experienced NHL defensemen to Vancouver for two prospects, one of whom is a former first-round pick (Patrick White) yet to prove himself in college hockey.

Fletcher is smart to hang out in the weeds for now. Not everyone in the NHL wants to go through what Calgary did last year, when the Flames didn't have the cap space to call up players from the AHL to replace guys who were unable to play due to injury.

Even teams like Montreal, Philadelphia, Edmonton, and Carolina, all of whom are under the cap, are likely to do something before the season starts. They simply can't afford to stand pat and risk not having the necessary room to add warm bodies to the roster.

Because the cap is expected to fall next year, teams are doubly careful about taking on new money, so the problem for those up against the cap becomes more difficult. Russo says he wouldn't be surprised if some serviceable players ended up on waivers. He has a good point.

The Wild need to be careful. If they think Sykora makes them better, he's worth a $2 million or so investment. If not, sit on that remaining cap space, and hope that someone on the current roster can get the job done until a team suffocating against the cap gets desperate to make a move.

Wild Smart to Play Waiting Game originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 29 Aug 2009 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luongo Sets Deadline for Extension; Predators Interested in Chelios?

Adam Gretz — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:15:00 EST

Filed under: Canucks, Predators, NHL Free Agency

"We're trying to get it done before camp," Luongo said in Calgary yesterday. "If it doesn't happen before camp, I will not be negotiating during the season. I don't want to have that distraction." Yesterday, Canucks general manager Mike Gillis said a contract extension is not finished, but he is confident the sides will arrive at terms over the next 18 days. "I'd prefer that we have it wrapped up [by camp]," Gillis said. "We're all confident that we're moving in the right direction."

The 30-year-old Luongo is coming off a 2008-09 campaign that saw him post a .920 save percentage in goal for the Canucks, despite missing several weeks with a groin injury. While Luongo's intention here is to avoid a distraction, Sean Zandberg of Nucks Misconduct sees the deadline as a double-edged sword:

On one side, I can appreciate that Lou wants to completely focus on this season and he wants the team to succeed plus be the starting goalie for Canada in at the Olympics. Unfortunately, if a deal does not get worked out you know what's going to happen: many of the media and the fans are going to hound him for answers regardless and the "trade Luongo" freaks are going to come back out in full force. Distraction is imminent if a deal doesn't get done. Especially in a hockey-mad, hungry and even cruel-as-hell market like Vancouver. I would really prefer the extension to get done soon given those circumstances.

Nashville Might Have Some Interest In Chris Chelios

Even at the age of 47, Chris Chelios is still drawing interest from teams around the NHL, including the Nashville Predators. The money line from Thursday's John Glennon article in the Tennessean discussing the possibility: "I said, 'Chris, are you sure you'd have the interest of playing in Nashville, because you're not exactly well-liked here?' '' Trotz said. "He said, 'Trotzy, trust me, I'm not well-liked anywhere.' I said 'Yeah, I guess you're right.' '' [The Tennessean]

Loose Pucks

... Mike Sillinger announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a career that saw the 17-year veteran play with 12 different teams, or, 40 percent of the league. Impressive. [TSN]

... Senators head coach Cory Clouston responds to Dany Heatley's claim that a diminished role is the reason for his trade demands. [Ottawa Citizen]

... Randy Youngman tries to explain where that random Patrick Marleau rumor from Tuesday came from. [OC Register]

Luongo Sets Deadline for Extension; Predators Interested in Chelios? originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reactions to Bertuzzi Signing; Prospal 'Ticked Off' About Tampa Buyout

Adam Gretz — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Red Wings, NHL Fans, NHL Free Agency

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our daily look at the previous night's action. During the offseason, it's our link dump that looks 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.

Todd Bertuzzi played eight games with the Detroit Red Wings during the 2006-07 season, scoring two goals (and three playoff goals) after being acquired from the Florida Panthers for former second-round pick Shawn Matthias, and a second-round pick in the 2007 entry draft.

After spending the past two seasons with Anaheim and Calgary, Bertuzzi returned to the Motor City this week on a one-year deal, sending the blogosphere in motion with a variety of reactions.

-- First, George James Malik of the Mlive.com Snapshots blog gives some much deserved glove-taps to the Red Wings' blogosphere for breaking the news about the team's interest in Bertuzzi, and following through with the story. [Snapshots]

-- Christy at Winging It In Motown writes that the key to the signing is Bertuzzi remaining healthy, and if he does, it should be a nice band-aid for this season until the team gets some cap relief with expiring contracts. [Winging It In Motown]

-- Ryan Kennedy of The Hockey News claims the "Big Bert Curse Will Do In The Wings." [The Hockey News]

-- Matt Saler disagrees with the Red Wings' most recent signings (Jason Williams being the other), but is still confident in the team going forward. [On The Wings]

John Tortorella Claims Vaclav Prospal Is "Ticked Off"

The New York Rangers continued their latest offseason overhaul this week by signing winger Vaclav Prospal to a rather reasonable one-year contract. He's being reunited with his former head coach from his Tampa Bay days, John Tortorella, who claims that the 34-year-old winger is "ticked off" about being bought out by the Lightning earlier this summer. From Damian Cristodero: "He's (ticked) off," Tortorella said. "He was bought out. He has something to prove and that's a really good situation. This guy has something to prove and he's a pretty good player when he has that attitude."

Prospal scored just 19 goals this year after lighting the lamp 33 times during the 2007-08 season. [Lightning Strikes]

Loose Pucks

... Veteran Stephane Yelle signs a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes. [TSN]

... Apparently, there is hockey in Israel. [The Hockey Writers]

... This is from Tuesday, but Chris Chelios has offers on the table from two Russian clubs [Pierre Lebrun]

Reactions to Bertuzzi Signing; Prospal 'Ticked Off' About Tampa Buyout originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patrick Marleau No Longer Captain in San Jose; Rangers Sign Prospal

Adam Gretz — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rangers, Sharks, NHL Free Agency, NHL Coaching

Newsmakers in the NHL: During the regular season it's our daily look at the previous night's action. During the offseason, it's our link dump that looks 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.

"As Of Now, Nobody Is Our Captain"

Those are the words of San Jose Sharks head coach Todd McLellan, via David Pollack of the Mercury News. After another early playoff exit this past season, a first-round loss to the No. 8 seed Anaheim Ducks, McLellan has decided to rattle a few cages in the leadership department and will wait to see who steps forward during training camp before naming a new captain. That, of course, means Patrick Marleau no longer owns the C. The 29-year-old Marleau has spent all 11 years of his career in San Jose, amassing 276 goals, and has been the team's captain since January, 2004.

Even though Marleau has been stripped of his captaincy -- for now, it's still possible he could reclaim the C prior to the season -- McLellan told Pollack that the perceived leadership problems in San Jose don't fall on any one individual person: "Does that fall onto one guy's shoulder, the guy wearing the C? No. It's a collective thing and it starts with me at a coach." [Working The Corners]

Prospal Officially Signs With Rangers

... And it's only a matter of time until he gets traded back to Tampa Bay!

Larry Brooks of the New York Post originally reported on Sunday that the Rangers had signed the recently bought out Vaclav Prospal to a one-year contract, reuniting him with John Tortorella in the Big Apple. On Monday, the Rangers made it all official.

Prospal, who turns 34 this season, has bounced around the league in recent years, including three different stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He's recorded four 20-goal campaigns in his 11-year career, including a career-best 33 goals during the 2007-08 season.

This offseason the Rangers have overhauled their collection of forwards in an effort to boost an offense that finished 28th in the NHL in 2008-09 with just 200 goals. They've signed free agents Marian Gaborik, Ales Kotalik, Vaclav Prospal and Donald Brashear, while also dealing veteran Scott Gomez to the Montreal Canadiens for a number of players, including Chris Higgins. The club also acquired Brian Boyle and Envir Lisin, and parted ways with enigmatic forward Nikolai Zherdev. [Rangers.com]

Loose Pucks

... Forget highlight reel goals, The Puck Doctors has a video compilation of the best hits of the 2008-09 season. [The Puck Doctors]

... The Los Angeles Kings Ice Crew Auditions. If you like scantily-clad California girls on ice skates ... this link is for you. [Epic Carnival]

... Matt Saler isn't all that thrilled with the possibility of Todd Bertuzzi returning to the Motor City. [On The Wings]

Patrick Marleau No Longer Captain in San Jose; Rangers Sign Prospal originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 09:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Satan Still Lurking; NCAA Doubleheader at Fenway

Adam Gretz — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bruins, Flyers, Islanders, NHL Free Agency, College Hockey

Satan, who played three seasons with the Islanders from 2005-2008, confirmed that his agent, Allan Walsh, has spoken with the Islanders about rejoining the team, but they have yet to resume discussions this week. Walsh first announced the dialogue between the two camps on his Twitter page on July 25, then gave an update three days later, saying, "We are still deep in talks with NYI on Miro." "I know they spoke about it a few times last week," Satan said. "This week I don't think they have talked. Now, it's quiet again."

In three years with the Islanders between 2005 and 2008 he tallied 78 goals to go with 88 assists.

NCAA Doubleheader At Fenway Park

One week after the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers take part in the 2010 Winter Classic, the ice rink at Fenway Park will be used for an NCAA doubleheader. The first game will be a women's matchup between New Hampshire and Northeastern, while the second game will feature Boston University taking on Boston College. [Boston Herald, H/T Puck Daddy]

Loose Pucks

... Sharks Page has an interview with Mike Potenza, the team's strength and conditioning coordinator. [Sharks Page]

... Speaking of the Sharks, the team agreed to terms with goaltenders Thomas Greiss and Henrik Karlsson on Wednesday. [TSN]

... Blueshirt Banter takes a look at the Rangers' big free agent signing, forward Marian Gaborik. [Blueshirt Banter]

... Entering his third year with the team, Flyers forward Daniel Briere is ready to show fans he's worth the eight-year, $52 million contract he signed prior to the 2007-08 season. [Philly.com]

... It looks like virtual advertisements will be coming to your televisions during the 2009-10 season. [USA Today]

Satan Still Lurking; NCAA Doubleheader at Fenway originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zherdev Becomes Free Agent; Shanahan Reportedly Re-Signs With Devils

Adam Gretz — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Devils, Rangers, NHL Free Agency

So...let me get this straight. Years ago, Glen Sather inked checking forward Bobby Holik to an outrageously long and expensive contract. He did the same thing again with Chris Drury and Scott Gomez - lots and lots of dollars over many years for slightly better than average players. Then he did it again with Wade Redden last summer - except Redden isn't even better than average anymore. Marian Gaborik was the lottery winner this summer. At least he's a phenomenal talent I guess. Shame about the tissue paper groin though. But suddenly, 3.9M for one year is too much for 24 year old Nikolai Zherdev?

Devils Agree To Terms With Brendan Shanahan

Devils beat writer Tom Gulitti reports that 40-year-old forward Brendan Shanahan has agreed to terms with the team, and will be returning for his 22nd season in the NHL. Shanahan played 34 games with the Devils in 2008-09, scoring six goals to go with eight assists.

Loose Pucks

... Boston Blue Line takes a look at how much money restricted free agent Phil Kessel can reasonably expect to make this season.

... The Detroit Red Wings signed Patrick Eaves on Monday after he was bought out by the Boston Bruins (after they traded Aaron Ward for him).

... Apparently Jeremy Roenick isn't the only player set to announce his retirement, as James Mirtle points out that Teppo Numminen is also set to hang up the skates. [From The Rink]

Zherdev Becomes Free Agent; Shanahan Reportedly Re-Signs With Devils originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reports: NHL Investigating Marian Hossa, Chris Pronger Contracts

Adam Gretz — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST

Filed under: Blackhawks, Flyers, NHL Free Agency, NHL Economics

It was only a matter of time until it came to this, but the NHL is reportedly looking into the long-term contracts given to Marian Hossa and Chris Pronger this offseason. Bruce Garrioch originally reported on Friday morning that the league was investigating whether or not the Blackhawks and Hossa had worked out, or discussed, the possibility of an early retirement, which would clear Hossa's salary cap hit off the books in the future. Hossa signed a 12-year, $62.5 million deal with Chicago on the first day of free agency after spending one season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Garrioch quotes an NHL executive as saying that the league is looking to put a damper on these types of deals, and that "they are building a strong case against Chicago to make an example of them. This issue won't just go away. Lots of other GMs are supporting the league here."

One general manager that's probably not supporting the league? Paul Holmgren of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Craig Custance of the Sporting News reported on Friday that Chris Pronger's contract is also being investigated.

According to Garrioch's report, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly claims the reason the league is looking into the Hossa deal is because it will take him into his early 40's, which is something that hasn't happened with the previous long-term signings. Pronger's contract also expires when he's 42, while there's been plenty of confusion as to whether or not it's considered an "over-35 deal." Just as a comparison, Henrik Zetterberg's contract expires when he's 40, as does Johan Franzen's. Vincent Lecavalier will be 38 when his new 10-year extension expires.

All of the aforementioned contracts are structured in a similar manner: front-loaded with ridiculously cheap final years that lower the overall cap hit. Lecavalier, Zetterberg and Franzen are each scheduled to earn $1 million in the final year of their deals, while Chris Pronger's is even more of an extreme -- the final two years of his contract will pay him, roughly $525,000 per season.

Reports: NHL Investigating Marian Hossa, Chris Pronger Contracts originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zubov Not Going to Columbus; Starting the Islanders Bandwagon a Year Early

Adam Gretz — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Blue Jackets, Hurricanes, Islanders, Rangers, NHL Free Agency

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.

No Zubov For Columbus

On Sunday, Aaron Portzline of the Columbus-Dispatch reported on how Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson is prepared to enter the season with the team's current defensive lineup, and that despite a connection between free agent rearguard Sergei Zubov and current head coach Ken Hitchcock, the team has no interest in the veteran. Actually, he doesn't seem to have interest in anybody at this point. Even with Howson's desire to enter the season as is, the Blue Jackets could certainly use some punch from their defense.

Seidenberg And Babchuk Not Returning To Carolina

Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford told the News & Observer's Cane's Now blog that the recent trade for Aaron Ward (yeah, that Aaron Ward) means Dennis Seidenberg and Anton Babchuk will not be returning to the team for the 2009-10 season. Seidenberg, still an unrestricted free agent despite his career-year, would be a solid fit for a team that lacks a puck-moving defenseman that can also block some shots (Hello, Columbus).

As for Babchuk, Rutherford had this to say, again from the News & Observer: "We've moved on from him. He's either going to get traded or I guess his other option is to play in Russia." He scored 16 goals for the Hurricanes in '08-09 and has an absolute cannon for a shot.

Bandwagons Aren't Just For Good Teams Anymore

Robby Krevat, a self-proclaimed life-long Rangers fan, admitted on Bleacher Report this past Sunday that he is now rooting for the New York Islanders because, in his words: "I can relate to them, because of what I think they are going to do for a sport that I love, around the corner from my house. I would love to see the Cup in my neighborhood and I believe the Islanders at this moment give New York it's best shot."

New York's best shot? Look, we're all excited about John Tavares, but let's not go crazy here. Then again, he's not the only one giving up on the blue shirts. Ryan Dixon of The Hockey News recently suggested that the Rangers could be "awful" this season, and that the Islanders just might be the most interesting team to watch in the New York market (Devils included!).

It's important to remind everyone in these crazy offseason times that the Rangers and Devils were both in the playoffs this past season, each playing in a Game 7, while the Islanders are likely headed for the draft lottery yet again.

Loose Pucks

-- The Hockey Writers have some impressions from the Calgary Flames prospect development camp.

-- Goon's World breaks down the Boston Bruins' current salary cap situation following the signing of free agent defenseman Derek Morris.

-- This can't be the start the St. Louis Blues were looking for, especially after all of the injuries the team played through this past season. Defenseman Eric Brewer may not be ready for the season opener according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Zubov Not Going to Columbus; Starting the Islanders Bandwagon a Year Early originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bruins Sign Defenseman Derek Morris

Bruce Ciskie — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Bruins, Eastern, NHL Free Agency

The Boston Bruins traded a veteran defenseman to Carolina Friday. That deal -- involving Aaron Ward -- appeared at the time to be a salary cap maneuver.

While that's not terribly inaccurate, a subsequent signing by the Bruins shows that the deal wasn't about clearing cap space as much as it was about attempting to upgrade the position. Boston moved on from Ward quickly, signing Derek Morris to a one-year deal.

The Bruins say Morris -- who ran the Rangers' second power play unit after a deadline deal rescued him from Phoenix -- has a "good offensive skill set". Morris is definitely perceived to be stronger than Ward in the offensive game, even though he only had two more goals than Ward last season.

Morris is a pretty good fit on a Boston team that already has two solid offensive defensemen in captain Zdeno Chara and Dennis Wideman.

This move will be questioned some, if only because the up-against-the-cap Bruins are paying Morris nearly $1 million more than Ward was scheduled to make. Theoretically, Boston isn't done dealing for good, because if they wish to re-sign forward Phil Kessel, they're going to have to make a move somewhere on the roster.

Bruins Sign Defenseman Derek Morris originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Biron Signing Raises Serious Questions About DiPietro's Health

Kevin Schultz — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Islanders, NHL Free Agency, NHL Injuries

The New York Islanders have been mum on the subject of Rick DiPietro and his injured knee and hips since the goaltender was shutdown for the season back in January. Since then, rumors have floated around the internet of fans seeing DiPietro still on crutches as recently as May and other unfounded rumors. Nothing has been confirmed and no official word has come from the team aside from repeating their statement that 'DiPietro will be with the team at training camp.'

After yesterday's signing of Martin Biron to a one-year deal valued at $1.4 million -- can TSN please, please stop using the phrase "voted on/off the island" in their headlines? -- the team doesn't need to release any statements about their oft-injured star netminder. They sent the media and fans a message as bright as a billboard in Times Square indicating that DiPietro's return may be anything but soon or smooth.

On July 1, the Islanders signed former Oilers starter Dwayne Roloson to a two-year deal. At the time, the move looked like a sensible insurance policy in case DiPietro's rehab went awry or he got hurt again. Roloson would be a solid 1A or 1B to split time with DiPietro at the very least.

The addition of Biron yesterday -- another potential 1A or 1B -- showed that DiPietro may not even be in the team's short term plans. Likely it will be Biron and Roloson splitting time and competing for the starting job in the fall while DiPietro takes an extended rehab stint and -- this is just speculation -- may not be ready until sometime in 2010.

For Biron, this contract may be a stepping stone. He's coming off a tumultuous season in Philadelphia where he split time with Antero Niittymaki for most of the year. Given one season to prove to the league that he still belongs as a starter and a bigger, more lucrative contract could be on the horizon. The one-year deal also serves the Islanders' purposes well as they already have Roloson under contract for a two years and could have a healthy DiPietro by 2010-11 although, I guess, you never know.

Now, the Islanders have three legitimate starting goaltenders on the roster and just drafted two more in June. It's safe to say that as former goaltenders themselves both GM Garth Snow and coach Scott Gordon are well aware of the importance of a good netminder.

Biron Signing Raises Serious Questions About DiPietro's Health originally appeared on NHL FanHouse on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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