04/25/24
June 28, 2006
Burnside's top 25 free agents: Didn't think this was a FPP but it should stimulate some debate amongst my hockey loving brethern (and sisteren). Who's the hottest free agent available? Who's going to be the biggest bust? Why the fuck is Jeremy Roenick still playing hockey?
posted by HATER 187 to navel gazing at 10:03 AM - 73 comments
It came out today that Martin Gerber is going to take a dip in the free agent waters. I know, real shock, hey? I expect Matt Cullen to get a nice, long-term offer from the Hurricanes.
posted by NoMich at 10:37 AM on June 28, 2006
I really can't see Lindstrom leaving. He's spent his whole career in Detroit and seems to like it here. As for Shanahan, I don't want to see him go since he still plays very well, but in order for the Wings to get a top goaltender he may have to be let free.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 11:31 AM on June 28, 2006
Can you imagine an NHL where Nic Lidstrom is not a Red Wing? The goaltending market seems pretty thin this year. Gerber and Legacy look like the best goalies available. I'm sure Bob Clarke won't make a move for either of them and stick with the Esche/Niittymaki combo. Fris, why do the Devs need a center, they have Gomer, Brylin, Madden, and Rasmussen. Are any of these guys gone?
posted by HATER 187 at 11:34 AM on June 28, 2006
Fris, the contracts count in full because they are multi-year deals signed after the player was 35. I assumed Lou would have a plan, but those two contracts might haunt him for years to come. With that said, I hope the Leafs get one of the two forwards, preferably Elias. oh yeah, this should've been a FPP, imo.
posted by garfield at 12:04 PM on June 28, 2006
Gomer is the offensive center, Madden defensive center, Rasmussen the checker. Brylin spent alot of time on the second scoring line and didn't produce much. The Devs need some more scoring and rumor has it, Brylin will be moved to a winger on the Madden-Pandolfo line or traded. Some good news though, Scott Stevens is coming onboard as part of the coaching staff. I agree, this should have been a FPP. But at least in here we can hide from the trolls.
posted by MrFrisby at 12:16 PM on June 28, 2006
this should've been a FPP At least the locker room keeps out the riff-raff.
posted by HATER 187 at 12:17 PM on June 28, 2006
I count two actual centres in that list for New Jersey, hater. Rasmussen and Brylin are pretty weak. I think smart money is on Lidstrom staying and Shanahan walking in Detroit. I also think that the free agents that can be obtained at good prices and will really improve a team are: Aaron Ward, Willie Mitchell, Pavel Kubina, Marty Straka, Mike Grier and Mike Sillinger. All good depth guys. Jason Allison is NOT one of the top 25 free agents. His numbers were all bouyed by the Leafs good power play. Five on five he must have been one of the worst guys in the league given how much ice time he actually had. I worry about guys like Sykora who seems to only play well when he gets to play with his buddies. He was invisible in Anaheim. If McCabe doesn't sign his deal in Toronto (he has until tomorrow) - I think the Leafs pay Chara $7 million to sign. Total overpay, but a good FA (I'd rather have Redden). Either that or they reconsider the Kaberle and Steen for Pronger deal.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:06 PM on June 28, 2006
I think Aaron Ward will end up re-signing with the Hurricanes. I haven't heard any rumors floating around town, rather, it's a gut feeling.
posted by NoMich at 02:13 PM on June 28, 2006
Wade Redden is the best available defenseman not name Nic Lidstrom. If I'm the Leafs I pass on Chara and go after Redden and let McCabe go for christ sake. Marty Straka is the best fit for the Devs second line and I think he'd look good playing with those little speed demon wingers the Devs have. If by some fluke Detroit doesn't sign Lidstrom I have to assume they'd make a pass at Jovonowski. Schenider-Jovo as your top two is fucking scary. Everyone's talking about Shany like he's done but the guy scored 41 goals and was almost a point a game player last season. I think he still has gas in the tank (despite his awful playoff performance) I would love nothing more than to see Elias sign with the Rangers but that's just my anti-devils bias.
posted by HATER 187 at 02:43 PM on June 28, 2006
I love Grier's game. Great thinker. But he isn't what the Leafs need. Though he might fit in, given we drafted a potential step-in linemate for Suglobov in Kulemin. I could see Poni and these two tearing it up as a dangerous third. Not a McKee fan, eh? I'd take Ward of Mitchell, but I'd prefer McKee. The guy wears plates on his skates. What side does he play on? Well, we'd get him a puck-moving partner somewhere in the Marlie closet. Yeah, I'd like to sign McCabe and then ship him to Edmonton. Their wives must be friends.
posted by garfield at 03:02 PM on June 28, 2006
Oh don't get me wrong - I'd love McKee - but Buffalo would be crazy not to resign him. Also, I think he's a good $3 million in this market. All those other players I mentioned I think can be obtained for lower costs. That was my point. I'm liking guys who can skate and don't mind taking a shot or two (be it at the net or in the face). As far as Suglobov and Kulimen are concerned, I think they're AHL players. Period. If the Leafs can grab two defencemen out of any of those listed it will be a great off-season. Becuase right now we have one legit guy (Kaberle) and a bunch of rookies. Raycroft better stand on his head, or grow another couple of limbs, stat. And I would love to see Elias in a Leaf uniform playing on Sudin's wing. But I guess you can't have everything. He's going to get $6-7 million - and we can only afford one more of those guys. I'd prefer Chara. Ottawa is resigning Redden. No question. They gave Wellwood a qualifying offer that is two-ways (same with Antropov). What a slap in the face that is. He was one of our best players at times. I can't believe they even gave Antropov an offer. He can't skate in this league and takes bad penalties. I am so far not a JF jr. fan at all.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:19 PM on June 28, 2006
Sug and Kulemin won't be up this year, eh? I can live with that. Chara over Elias? I don't know dude. You're the one that convinced me Sundin really needs someone on his level. And I think you were right. Chara would be nice, but McCabe,Kaberle, Ward/Mckee/somebody and the Marlies D corp can get the job done. Yeah, the two-way on Wellwood was surprising. I think that has something to do with keeping the motivation level up. His desire has been questioned before(previously because he doesn't lay the body often enough or some shit) and they don't want him to get complacent. He is friggin awesome though. Hopefully he'll stay in shape this summer and come back firing on all cylinders from day 1. But you didn't like the Antropov deal? I thought that was the right thing to do. And I don't have any problems with the Raycroft deal either. Too early to judge, really. So far, I think JFJ is staying the course. No major splashes, and no getting caught off guard (again). Retaining youth. Drafting well. Smart trade Now we have to see what he does with the UFAs.
posted by garfield at 03:35 PM on June 28, 2006
And there you have it, like clockwork: LeafFilter! Posting links in the Locker Room "to avoid the trolls" is no good. That's not what the Locker Room is for.
posted by qbert72 at 05:47 PM on June 28, 2006
Speaking of hockey, is this the new Sabres look? I think they're pretty awful. But hey, what do I know?
posted by NoMich at 06:25 PM on June 28, 2006
This definitely is FPP material. The trolls don't like to think to hard so they probably wouldn't have been a problem anyway. Upon first glance at the list of free agents, I got visions of Chara in a Bhawks sweater then puff........ reality struck. He'll command Top Dollar and that's not what Chicago does especially after the Big money signing of Khabibulan blew up in they're face with injuries last season. If I were asked this time last year what the Bhawks could do with likes of Khabibulin, Eric Daze, Tuomo Ruutu, Adrian Aucion, and Tyler Aranson I'd have said a playoff run possibility! Needless to say that didn't pan out so well. They did manage to sign some prospects by the June 1st deadline but other then Dave Bolland it doesn't look like any immediate help is in the pipeline. Hopefully some of the Finnish and Swedish contingent will make the move Stateside. (Teemu Jaaskelarnen, Ollie Malmivaar, Jonas Nordqvist and maybe Mathias Wennerberg). Perish the thought of Roenik returning .........enough said about him. I don't see Detroit losing either Shanahan or Lindstrom. They'll be back. Many of my Wing Fan friends here in Michigan seem to see Detroit going for a Top Goalie with Legacy's performance in the playoffs they're panicking when I point out the lack of available Free Agent netminders. Luongo isn't going to sign long-term this year and Detroit will stand in line with everyone else next year to overpay Luongo. Here's a new spin on the JR saga.. Can he sing "Oh Canada"? Anyway with the New CBA look for alot of these Free Agent to have new teams shortly. The GM's have to get their rosters resolved soon or find themselves behind the Eightball in the New NHL.
posted by skydivedad at 06:48 PM on June 28, 2006
From Sdd's link (yeah, that one he posted after he said, 'enough about him'): With the NHL coming off a year-long lockout, Roenick did his best to sell the game. ...blah blah blah...Roenick was everywhere. If I was trying to sell the game, I think I would use someone who didn't say, "the fans can kiss my ass." Or is it just a coincidence that I never heard of him doing those appearances?
posted by MrFrisby at 07:42 PM on June 28, 2006
**wingsfilter=on** With Jiri Fischer such a medical liability, I would like to see the Wings pick up Chara to bring back the physical presence. I agree with you about Shanny and Lidstrom, Weedy. As much as I love Shanahan, he did not show up in the playoffs. Lidstrom has to stay in Detroit, period. Goaltending FA's went down the tubes when Luongo got traded to 'Couver, but I think Gerber could be a good fit for the Winged Wheel. **wingsfilter=off** Roenick, I don't he can even command 2 million anymore. End of story. **wingsfilter=on** Pavel Datsyuk would love to have a teammate named Samsonov, dontchya think? Savard would be a nice addition, though. **wingsfilter=off** My crystal ball tells me that Elias will end up a Sen. Either that or he's trying to start a bidding war. Get past the drama and this man could be a heeee-uge addition to any team.
posted by wingnut4life at 07:57 PM on June 28, 2006
I would like to see the Wings pick up Chara to bring back the physical presence. Yeah but I think Holland still has not too fond memories of when the Wings last tried to bring a physical presence to Detroit. Gerber would be a good goalie but he didn't do so hot in the playoffs, just the same as Legace. Everyone ragged on him for his poor performance but Gerber's wasn't much better, but no one has a problem with signing him. Obviously solid goalies who have done well in the playoffs don't grow on trees but it all seems a little hypocritical. As an alternative, what about Belfour as a Wing. Yes he wasn't all that good this season, but who is to say he can't turn it around?
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 08:52 PM on June 28, 2006
Belfour is next year's Hasek. Gerber is no better than Legace. Both are only slightly better than Patrick Lalime (Why is nobody talking about him? He must still be under contract.). I see that the salary cap has not changed fan behaviour one bit. The Wings and Leafs fans still behave like their teams can use the rest of the league as a farm team. I'd like to see Gainey get a McKee-type defenseman for the Habs, but I'm not betting on it. He did let François Beauchemin basically walk away.
posted by qbert72 at 09:16 PM on June 28, 2006
"It's not going to take much to sign me," said Roenick. "I'm not looking for the $2.5-million to $3-million deals, I'd like to go for a deal for less money and get some bonuses, which I can do at my age. I'd like my play to do the talking, get paid as to how I'm going to perform. At least he is being realistic, and knows what he deserves in the way of contract money. It is too bad other athletes don't have this same attitude, after bad years when they are UFA's.
posted by jojomfd1 at 09:37 PM on June 28, 2006
The Flyers need to focus on defense... They're not re-signing Eric Desjardins, Kim Johnnson or Chris Therrien.... (Pardon me as i wipe the tears from my eyes.) Minus those three, they have five defensemen on their roster, not sure how it'll work with the cap. On that note... Does anyone know a site that lists team salaries or where they stand in regards to the cap?
posted by SummersEve at 08:10 AM on June 29, 2006
SE: The NHL Players' Association has a list of each team on their Web site. Click on a team to see what each player will earn for the upcoming season. If they are any kind of free agent, they will be listed as "unsigned." Just keep in mind that the cap for next season will be $44 million.
posted by NoMich at 08:29 AM on June 29, 2006
Awesome, NoMich. thanks... This guarantees i will get absolutely nothing accomplished the rest of the day.
posted by SummersEve at 08:35 AM on June 29, 2006
FU NoMich. Ignorance was bliss. Now I know that there is $3.6 million wasted cap space on Malakhov (I forgot that it was that much). Mogilny is not listed at all though.
posted by MrFrisby at 08:50 AM on June 29, 2006
I can see not signing Desjardins or Therrien but Johnson has been a good D-man for them, solid defensively with some good offensive contribution. I guess with Pitkanen and Meyer he's not that unique any more. I am a big fan of Gauthier, he totally embodies what the Flyers are all about (big, nasty, dirty) Defense is probably thier main concern this offseason but i would like to see some scoring depth added as well. Kapanen and Savage just didn't produce and what role exactly is Radivojevic supposed to fill. I would like to think the glut of young centermen that Philly has should make guys like Nedved obsolete and should Primeau retire they will help soften the blow of his loss. Umberger and Richards look like they could be real good two-way centers (like a Rod Brind'Amour perhaps) and Carter looks like a legit second line center who has some real scoring potential they just need to get some decent wingers for him. Is the ugliest man in hockey (Handzus) still under contract? Flyers Filter mother fuckers!
posted by HATER 187 at 08:50 AM on June 29, 2006
RE: Handzus, nevermind, thanks for the link NoMich.
posted by HATER 187 at 08:55 AM on June 29, 2006
I don't think that one's going to work, Garf. No one is going to trade for Domi. Not even his wife. Roberts could probably be had for a low pick. He's busted goods. I see that the salary cap has not changed fan behaviour one bit. The Wings and Leafs fans still behave like their teams can use the rest of the league as a farm team. Leafs have $20 million available under the cap. It would make sense to discuss potential free agent signings. And besides - we're crazy assholes. Or so the rest of the hockey universe thinks. I say let 'em. They don't have to be Leafs fans. Hell, they're team may have actually won something in their lifetimes.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 09:21 AM on June 29, 2006
Weedy: Yeah, my team won something when i was about 4 months old so THERE! Hater: They're not brining Johnnson back because of health concerns. The Phila Daily News says they're worried about concussion problems. Imagine that... The Flyers concerned about a player with concussion problems.
posted by SummersEve at 09:26 AM on June 29, 2006
Hey, speaking of salary caps and other new CBA stuff, did you know that the NHL is required to announce what year a "preliminary" round will happen? It works like this: 1-6 in each conference get a preliminary round 'bye' and then 7 plays 10 and 8 plays 9 in 3 game series, with the winner of each filling out the 7 and 8 slots for the 1st round. Mind you, they just have to announce what year this will happen in. The arbitration rules are different too. There is guy on a Hurricanes forum that I frequent that has been studying this new CBA. Here's his observation on the new salary abritration rule: "Regarding salary arbitration, there are 2 options a team can employ for bringing a player to arbitration: 1) If a player who is eligible for Group II RFA was making more than $1.5 million in salary the previous season, then the team can elect to bring the player to salary arbitration in lieu of making a qualifying offer to that player. In this case, the arbitrator may not award the player less than 85% of their previous year's salary. 2) If the team elects to make a qualifying offer to Group II RFA, and the player does not accept or file for salary arbitration, the team may file for arbitration. In this case, the team's arbitration offer must be equal to (or greater) than the qualifying offer. In either case, the limits to doing this are: a) Each player can subjected to club elected arbitration only once in their career. Note that if a club selects abitration for a player, and then subsequently agrees to a contract outside of the arbitration process, that still counts in regards to this clause. So, say, the Canes elect to bring Cole to arbitration because he has not accepted their qualifying offer and has not filed for arbitration. Then they agree to a 2 year, $6 million deal. Cole cannot EVER be brought to arbitration by ANY club for the rest of his career (Cole can still file for arbitration). b) Clubs can only utilize club elected arbiration twice per league year. Ok so what does this all mean? Well, if you have a pending RFA who made more than $1.5 million in salary during the previous season, the team has an option to immediately file for arbitration for that player instead of making the required qualifying offer (which would be a minimum of 100% of their previous salary (10.2.ii.c)). Why would you do this? Because you have the opportunity to REDUCE that players salary by as much as 15%. And this is your ONLY opportunity to reduce their salary without the player agreeing to a salary cut (not likely). So I have Player X. Player X made $3 million last year and is now a pending RFA. Player X had been a 30 goal scorer for the previous 5 years, but dropped off to 10 goals last year. I don't want to qualify player X at $3 million again. The team can elect to bring the player to arbitration instead of making a $3 million qualifying offer. The arbitrator can reduce the RFA's salary for the following year by as much as 15% (to $2.55 million). Or the team could lose, and the player could have their salary set higher than what the qualifying offer would have been (the risk). The other type of club-initiated arbitration is designed more to prevent holdouts where the qualifying offer isn't accepted and the player doesn't file for arbitration. You have to choose your spots for either of these, because you can only do 2 per season AND each player can only have this done once to them in their career."
posted by NoMich at 10:01 AM on June 29, 2006
It works like this: 1-6 in each conference get a preliminary round 'bye' and then 7 plays 10 and 8 plays 9 in 3 game series, with the winner of each filling out the 7 and 8 slots for the 1st round. What the fuck? NoMich tell me that's a joke. If it is, ignore the tirade below. Why does the NHL think that it is a good thing for ten teams from each conference to make the playoffs. That is 66 percent of the teams having a shot at the Stanley Cup, greatly reducing the importance of the regular season. It reminds me of the idea to expand the NCAA tournament to 128 teams. Yes lower seeded teams have had success in the playoffs (see Oilers, Edmonton) but that is not a reason to create even more playoff seeds and dilute the playoff pool. Not only that, but it gives the lower two seeds two or three extra games, which can mean a lot during the wear and tear of the NHL playoffs. Just as Edmonton lost their star goalie, the lower seeds would be at a much greater risk to lose the player that could make or break their playoffs.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 10:53 AM on June 29, 2006
I really don't think it's a joke. It's one of those damn rumors that won't die. It makes no sense from a fan perspective but the NHL is a business. Put 4 more teams into the playoffs, add an extra round, and ka-ching!
posted by MrFrisby at 11:09 AM on June 29, 2006
YYM: it gives the lower two seeds two or three extra games, which can mean a lot during the wear and tear of the NHL playoffs. ... the lower seeds would be at a much greater risk to lose the player that could make or break their playoffs. That's an argument FOR the extra games. Wear down the low seeds, and you kind of reward the high seeds. Now the one seed has an advantage and the regular season has some more meaning. I don't like it either. But I'm trying to find a silver lining.
posted by SummersEve at 11:55 AM on June 29, 2006
Add an extra round, ka-ching, and hockey in July.
posted by rumple at 12:14 PM on June 29, 2006
Interesting point SE, I like your attitude. But how long will that preliminary round take? Sure it's only a best of three, but then any top seeds that had a hot streak to finish off the season will have at least a week to sit and get cold. On preview: If they do add that extra round, I would hope they start the season at the end of September.
posted by MrFrisby at 12:17 PM on June 29, 2006
Article 16.2 of the 2005 NHL CBA (page 83) states: "Playoff Games. The NHLPA has consented to granting the League, either in the 2005-06 NHL Season, or, alternatively, in the 2006-07 NHL Season, the option to institute in any League Year a "Playoff Qualification Round" preliminary to the Playoffs, which will conisist of one (1) round involving four (4) Clubs in each Conference, with each series advancing to the Playoffs. If the League institutes a Playoff Qualification Round in either 2005-06 or 2006-07, the parties agree to thereafter jointly evaluate and discuss such experience. If the League desires to implement a Playoff Qualification Round with respect to future NHL Season(s), it may only do so with the consent of the NHLPA, which shall not be unreasonable withheld. The Playoffs will consist of four (4) rounds, with each series in each round having a maximum of seven (7) games." And, yeah, what rumple says.
posted by NoMich at 12:31 PM on June 29, 2006
That's an argument FOR the extra games. No that's an arguement for the higher seeds. Although, like MrFrisby said, there are now six teams in each conference that could get cold. Of course the NHL really doesn't give a damn, since extra games means extra money.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 01:24 PM on June 29, 2006
Well, y'all can cross Luongo off your future Free Agent list for the next four years.
posted by NoMich at 01:32 PM on June 29, 2006
No surprise - they wouldn't have dealt for him if they didn't have a good indication that they could sign him.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:40 PM on June 29, 2006
That is 66 percent of the teams having a shot at the Stanley Cup, greatly reducing the importance of the regular season. /puts on fedora and pulls out walking cane You kids and your lack of history! 2/3rds of the teams making the playoffs was perfectly normal for decades! That's what happened during the "Original Six" eras. I remember when 76.1905% of the teams made the playoffs! That was only 15 years ago! How about over 85% of the teams making the playoffs? And "byes" aren't that unusual in NHL playoff history. Now get off my lawn!
posted by grum@work at 10:18 PM on June 29, 2006
YYM, I don't think it's a bad thing if top seeds get rewarded for being top seeds. Back to free agency... The Phila Inquirer says the Flyers estimate they'll have $6 million to spend on free agents after they re-sign their own guys (Gagne, Pitkanen, Niittymaki and Umberger). Says they're looking for defense and a right winger. Names mentioned: Anaheim's Ruslan Salei, Buffalo's Jay McKee and Mike Grier, and New Jersey's Jamie Langenbrunner. (I wish they'd get Tim Connolly only because no matter where he plays, he's a Flyer-killer.) Also says the Flyers are listening to Hater 187's advice and will not re-sign Branko Radivojevic.
posted by SummersEve at 06:17 AM on June 30, 2006
This just in...The Blackhawks have absolutely no desire to sign any quality free agents that may help their club. If they did, who would pick up the mantel as the worst team in professional sports? No, my friends. Being this horrible is obviously too much of an accomplishment for Wirtz to let go. Oh yeah, if the Hawks were stupid enough to sign Roenick, I'm forever changing my allegiance to either the Leafs or Wings (for proximity's sake).
posted by willthrill72 at 09:05 AM on June 30, 2006
I wish they'd get Tim Connolly only because no matter where he plays, he's a Flyer-killer. He has a concussion history, so he'd be a perfect fit.
posted by qbert72 at 09:30 AM on June 30, 2006
qbert, maybe you can explain to me how the Habs ended up owing Radek Bonk almost 2.4 mil next season. Also is Huet going to be a bona fide #1 next year? Will they re-sign Abeischer as a back up?
posted by HATER 187 at 10:30 AM on June 30, 2006
posted by yerfatma at 10:45 AM on June 30, 2006
Holy shit. That's quite a deal for McCabe.
posted by Samsonov14 at 01:42 PM on June 30, 2006
Mccabe is coming off a career year so I think he deserves it. For some reason Leaf fans bash McCabe, and I just don't get it. he has a nasty shot, can move the puck and can play physical. Where are his short comings? Puck moving D-men are going to become a premium in the new NHL. Starting the break out and being able to keep the puck in the bigger offensives zones are key.
posted by HATER 187 at 02:07 PM on June 30, 2006
He's good. He's just not as awesome as the numbers and that deal would indicate. I mean, Wade Redden gets to sign a two-year deal and we have this guy for five more years. I think we'll find it very hard to trade a 34-year old $5.5 million McCabe. We've married him.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 02:34 PM on June 30, 2006
True, I would much rather Redden at 2 years than McCabe at 5 years. After Redden got locked up with Ottawa and with Chara out of most teams price range you'd have to think McCabe and Jovo were the best D-men available. Short term it's a good move for the Leafs, long term it sucks.
posted by HATER 187 at 02:41 PM on June 30, 2006
McCabe has a nasty shot which teams quickly learned to take away from him by playing the point heavily on the penalty kill. He hasn't shown any signs of being able to re-adjust, which would worry me if I were a Leaf fan. Starting the break out and being able to keep the puck in the bigger offensives zones are key. Agreed, but McCabe does not occur to me as being very gifted at either. I can't recall one great outlet pass that he's made, and I can recall many shorthanded breakaways caused by his inability to keep the puck in at the blue line. I wish I had stats to back this up, but all I have to go on is my oversaturation in the Leafs' primary media market. I think he's a good energy guy with a definite physical presence, but not at that price, and not for that long.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 02:53 PM on June 30, 2006
Is it time for Domi and Belfour to hang the skates up?
posted by MrFrisby at 03:19 PM on June 30, 2006
The suspense is killing me. I keep checking nhl.com every 10 minutes to hear that NJ signed Langenbruner to a 5yr deal. I can accept it if Elias leaves, but I really want to see Jamie stay. I think I have more of a man crush on him than I do Marty.
posted by MrFrisby at 07:48 PM on June 30, 2006
Word around Raleigh has it that Erik Cole only wants a one year deal. He'll be of UFA age a year from now.
posted by NoMich at 08:47 PM on June 30, 2006
A little birdie just informed me that Aaron Ward and Matt Cullen are moving on this year. So sad.
posted by NoMich at 12:22 AM on July 01, 2006
posted by MrFrisby at 03:39 PM on July 01, 2006
Well, Cullen is a goddamn* Blue Skirt now. * - not that I hate the Rangers, I'm just pissed that he left.
posted by NoMich at 03:51 PM on July 01, 2006
Boston signed Savard and Chara. What the fuck? It's almost like Bruins management is respectable or somemthing.
posted by Samsonov14 at 04:38 PM on July 01, 2006
* - not that I hate the Rangers, I'm just pissed that he left. isn't there a rule that after your team wins a championship you're not allowed to be pissed?
posted by goddam at 05:57 PM on July 01, 2006
I guess. It's that I really liked Cullen and how well he fit into Lavi's system. Oh well, maybe Doug Weight will stick around. HA!
posted by NoMich at 06:15 PM on July 01, 2006
You and your stupid Devils can go jump in a lake, Mr Frisby. Don't mind me... Just a little bitter is all.
posted by SummersEve at 12:57 PM on July 02, 2006
Now what makes you so bitter? If it's because you're a Flyers fan, you got revenge in the 2004 playoffs. Your bitterness should now be directed towards Buffalo and Tampa Bay now. Oh wait, the Devils did spank the Flyers the last 2 games of the season to take the Atlantic Division. Hehe.
posted by MrFrisby at 04:22 PM on July 02, 2006
Was hoping to see Langenbrunner in Black and Orange... Was also hoping to see Elias leave New Jersey. That's why i'm bitter. But i do appreciate you rubbing my nose in the lost Atlantic Division. At least Buffalo made it quick and (relatively) painless. The Flyers have been pretty quiet so far, frustrating, but they don't have much to spend. Looks like Jersey will be pretty tight also. Be interesting to see how it plays out.
posted by SummersEve at 08:16 AM on July 03, 2006
The Flyers have been real quiet. Isn't that pretty uncharacteristic of them? I think Lou just wanted to lock up his key players to long term deals (now we just need to sign Gionta) so he can weather the storm of those wasted salaries. I expect to see alot of AHL players rotating in and out the Devils lineup this season. I heard a rumor that Mogilny could be called back up. There are some weird conditions to be able to do that, and I won't even pretend to understand what they are. Something about having to clear re-entry waivers or something. Perhaps NoMich's source could enlighten me.
posted by MrFrisby at 08:48 AM on July 03, 2006
Word in Detroit is that Shannahan wants to test the free agent market. I find that disappointing simply because Shannahan is an excellent player, no matter what happened in the playoffs. He was a key accquisition in the Wings first Cup run back in 1997, and he still has got a lot of talent. I hope to see him back, but if he signs elsewhere, let it be with an Eastern Conference team.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 09:18 AM on July 03, 2006
posted by MrFrisby at 10:56 AM on July 03, 2006
Pronger is a Duck!
posted by skydivedad at 11:24 AM on July 03, 2006
Those Ducks look freaking sweet right now. I can't think of the last team to have two D-men like that suiting up everyday. Brian Burke is the best GM in the league - hands down (Lupul and Smid?!? I'd make that deal anyday of the week and twice on Sunday). Now if Brysgalov is only not a flash in the pan... Sammy - I have to take issue with the Bruins signings. Basically - I think they're bad. I think Chara is a great player that doesn't score enough to be worth that kind of money - and may be one of those guys that simply can't keep up with the skating in our revamped league. But the Bruind kinda married him for max money. I think the Coyotes did the same thing with Jovonovski. (The Leafs actually look pretty good right now with McCabe getting more than a million less than those two guys. Congratulations JFJ, that contract is actually tradeable a year or two from now. The Kubina deal is another story.) I also think Marc Savard is actually the worst kind of player. A guy who's stats make him look like a great player, but in actuality is one of the worst backcheckers in the league, takes an obscene number of minor penalties and spent two years feeding Kovolchuk. I think his production could drop significantly if he's feeding Marco Sturm, instead. Dave Lewis is going to hate him. But they're definitely a better team than last year. I still don't see any young players with the potential to be top-line guys though.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 10:02 AM on July 04, 2006
Brad Boyes?
posted by qbert72 at 12:14 PM on July 04, 2006
He's already on their top line. Overlooked, for sure. But does he look like an All-Star to you? I'll give him props though - in any other rookie year he's getting Calder consideration (but amazingly, last year he would be - what - eighth on that list? Behind Crosby, Ovechkin, Phaneuf, Miller, Lundqvist, Mezaros and Svatos).
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:17 PM on July 04, 2006
At the rate Jeff Friesen is going, he may set the record for amount of NHL teams played for. His next stop, Calgary.
posted by MrFrisby at 11:57 AM on July 05, 2006
Weedy, you are incorrect about Chara, but dead-on about Savard. The Bruins have needed a #1 defenseman since Bourque left, and they finally found one. There's a difference between cost and value, and I believe that Chara's value for this team is incalclable. They've also needed a #2 center since forever. Savard will be much better than Zhamnov or Primeau, but I can't imagine he'll be worth the money the Bruins threw at him. Again, cost vs. value.
posted by Samsonov14 at 04:31 PM on July 16, 2006
If Roenick bows to Father Time, watch for him to turn up on OLN's broadcasts. I know I complain about Keith Jones, but I really do not want to have to put up with JR on the tube. I think I read somewhere that Mogilny's and Malahkov's contracts are still going to count against NJ's cap (because they were 2 year contracts). Let's just say I'm not feeling to good about the chances of the Devils signing Elias and Langenbrunner (plus we need another center and defenseman). Lou did trade down in the draft though, so he may have something up his sleeve.