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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event Part 5
2007-07-05 15:27:00
WE'RE BACK FOR THE FINAL INSTALLEMENT OF THIS WONDERFULLY SUCCESSFUL FREE-AGENT FRENZY LIVE-BLOGGING EVENT, PART 5!Thanks to the lovely Bethany for filling in for me yesterday!Also live-blogging:We Want it Bad DID I MISS SOMETHING?If I did or if you just want to talk hockey, email me at bbrblog@gmail.com I'm back, let's get Part 5 of this live-blog under way!------------------------------------A lright everyone, open up your emails and send me your team's lineup as you would put it right now, I'm very interested to see how teams will look next year, especially the ones that lost ig.All and any submissions will be posted. Once again, my email: bbrblog@gmail.comWe do need something to on this red-dead day!Keeps those emails coming!---------------------------------- ---11:00 AM Folks, I'm going to go offline for a few hours, I just got an urgent appointment I've got to attend and Sherry is going to fill in for me.See you all later!10:43 AM Here's my projected Habs lineup for nex...
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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event Part 4.5
2007-07-05 01:46:00
Also live-blogging: Battle of New York,We Want it BadHey guys!! I am here...if you wanna chat e-mail me bethanym85@gmail.com**********Alright everyone, open up your emails and send me your team's lineup as you would put it right now, I'm very interested to see how teams will look next year, especially the ones that lost big. Any and all submissions will be posted!!**********12:07 Ok, I am officially out of here guys! I really had fun doing this. I am heading to bed to prepare for a looooooong day at work tomorrow have a good night. If you do e-mail me tonight I will pass them along to BBR for ya!11:35 Hey Robert just sent us in a hot tip...apparently The New Jersey Devils will announce tomorrow that they have signed Sheldon Souray. If this is true...that will be amazing!! I would be happy to be a Devils fan...Lou Lam could really kick that boy into shape defensively. Here is Robert's e-mail:Not sure how relaible this is considering this rumor has been going on all day and...
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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event Part 4
2007-07-04 14:19:00
WE"RE BACK FOR PART 4, CHECK IN BETWEEN 9:00 AM and 10:00 for the beginning of this live -blog session.In an hour or so, we'll go back to the frenzy that is free-agency, so don't go away!I'd also like to thank Sherry for filling in for me yesterday, and Bethany as well.Thank you girls.I'll talk to you all in an hour.--BBR
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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event Part 3.5.2
2007-07-03 23:00:00
WE'RE BACK FOR PART 3!Also live-blogging: Battle of New York,We Want it BadAll righty, now that I'm back, I can't get into Bethany's post. Hopefully this will be the end of the swap 'em!DID I MISS SOMETHING?If I did or if you just want to talk hockey, email me at saj.gunner@gmail.com--------------------- ----------------------------------------- ------------------------11:34 pm - Ian Pulver, the agent for Scott Gomez was on TSN show "Off the Record" today and he said that the final teams that were Gomez's final choice were the LA Kings, the Philadelphia Flyers and the Montreal Canadiens. Gomez wanted to play for a big market team in a pressure-filled situation. Looks like he got his wish!And with the throw into commercial, it is time for me to bid you adieu. It's been fun hanging out with you guys for the day and thanks so much for all of your e-mails and comments. Please tune in tomorrow as I believe BBR will be back to keep you updated with your liveblog. Be sure to keep chec...
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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event Part 3.5
2007-07-03 22:11:00
I can't get into Sherry's post...so I will have to start my own. If you have any questions please feel free to e-mail me. mailto:BethanyM85@gmail.com4:55 Ok, I will be signing off here...because my work is getting kind of crazy...I will try to pick up soon and if anything breaks...I will let you know. 4:41 Still haven't heard any rumors and boredom is coming along...I did read a great post from Mirtle today http://mirtle.blogspot.com/2007/07/collec tive-bargaining-agreement-fearing.html you probably should go read it and share your thoughts here.4:28 So, while we wait for something to happen...does anyone have any ideas on what you think Forsberg is going to do? Retire? Play in Sweden? Sign with the NHL?4:19 Just a heads up...I will be leaving the computer in the next half hour or so and will have limited access for a bit...if I do miss anything please put it in the comments...or e-mail myself or Sherry. Sorry, my job sucks.4:16 RDS is reporting that Eric Belanger has been signed ...
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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event Part 3
2007-07-03 15:07:00
WE'RE BACK FOR PART 3!Also live-blogging: Battle of New York,We Want it BadAll righty, I know you guys were looking forward to having the wonderful BBeR take you through your Day 3 free agency live-blogging duties, but unfortunately you are stuck with me, Sherry for today. He has kindly asked me to fill in for him and I was happy to accept. Same format as always, however if you still want to talk hockey, you can send me an e-mail and I'd be happy to oblige. I'm usually the Senators guru but I'd love to talk to you about any other teams as well. If you're an Oilers or Islanders fan needing some comfort, I've got some Baileys and Ice Cream on stand-by.DID I MISS SOMETHING?If I did or if you just want to talk hockey, email me at saj.gunner@gmail.com--------------------- ----------------------------------------- -------------------------9:10 am - Nothing as of yet to report as it is still quite early in the left coast. I have to say, last night's free agency frenzy ended on somewha...
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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event Part 2
2007-07-02 13:43:00
WE'RE BACK FOR PART 2!Also live-blogging: Battle of New York,We Want it BadDID I MISS SOMETHING?If I did or if you just want to talk hockey, email me and at bbrblog@gmail.com 2:20 PM Do the Kings still have enough space to possibly pick up Sheldon Souray, or can we scratch him off that list too?If the Kings don't land Souray, then he'll either sign with the Sharks to return with Craig Rivet or go back to some old but forgetful memories with New Jersey, now that they've lost Rafalski to Detroit. 2:17 PM The Los Angeles Kings are close to signing defenceman Tom Preissing to a 4-year/$11 million contract.The deal has not yet been finalized or oficially announced.(P.S. Sorry for my delay, I may encounter more as my internet is kind of spotty right now) 12:32 PM Brian asks:What do you think of Yashin as a hab, for the right price, do you think he has anything left in the tank, and secondly, can he perform in Montreal under the microscope? I wouldn't mind seeing a healthy Bertuzzi in...
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2007 Free-Agent Frenzy Live-Blogging Event
2007-07-01 15:40:00
han could be onte way to BufIn only a few hours, free-agency begins!Let's get this live blog started, enjoy, and remember to check back throughout the day!DID I MISS SOMETHING?If I did or if you just want to talk hockey, email me at bbrblog@gmail.com9:03 PM Teams have cleaned out most of the top free-agents, but some still remain:Sheldon Souray, Ryan Smyth, Roman Harmlik, Brad Stuart and Paul Kariya.8:55 PM Scott Niedermayer will announce his retirement soon in a press conference, according to our friends over at TSN.8:50 PM Wow, I actually got a report right, the Isles have signed Sim to a 3-year deal probably worth around $1 million per season.8:40 PM Hmmm, now that the Rangers have commited about $14 million for two players (Gomez and Drury), I have high doubts they will be able to retain Brendan Shanahan, and it seems like the Buffalo Sabres could be a potential destination for him, even though it would only lightly compensate for the losses of Briere and Drury, and he probably...
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Free-agency FRENZY!
2007-07-01 14:17:00
Hey all, just a quick announcement, I'll be live-blogging today's free-agency frenzy from the coziness of my laptop computer, tune in all day for breaking news, rumours, analysis and talk from around the league.Now, let's get nitty-gritty, your preview for today's free-agent bash.I guess Bucky Graham and myself think alike when it comes to the Sabres losing both Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to free-agency because of the front office's policy of not negotiating with impending free-agent's during the regular season.The Battle of California/the Pacific Division may soon become much more competitive.Teams like Los Angeles and Phoenix are expected to be players in this year's event.The Kings need to fill several holes in their team whereas the Coyotes will plan for the future by targetting younger UFA's with solid upside and stay out of the bidding for the older ones (Bill Guerin, Mathieu Schneider).Brian Burke will be a sitting duck on the sidelines when it comes to top players...
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Wild deal Fernandez to Boston
2007-07-01 02:21:00
I'll get more up on this later, just wrote a huge post on Briere and Drury, so I'm kinda pooped, but here's the basic:The Boston Bruins have finally got their no.1 goalie, and no, it's not Evgeni Nabokov like many fans might've hoped but the well-rested Manny Fernandez , who after a breakout 2005-2006 season in which he stole the starting role from now Oilers goalie, Dwayne Roloson, missed a huge chunk of 2006-2007 to multiple injuries and eventually lost his starting role to the emerged and fully loaded Niklas Backstrom.This deal per the St. Paul Pioneer Press.Fernandez was expendable from the Wild 's point of view, with their new no.1 man in Backstrom and Josh Harding itching to finally get playing time, there was no more room for him.His $4 million salary is also a hefty addition to the Bruins' payroll, and should hinder them from targeting any major players on this summer's UFA market.The Wild received top prosepct Peter Kalus, who had an awesome end-of-season stint with t...
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Darcy Regier's the one man to blame for Sabres' potential losses of Briere
2007-06-30 18:24:00
Less than a day until one of the most exciting times of the hockey world's year.Tomorrow, on July 1st 2007, promises to be an even better showing of the unrestricted free-agent party than its 2006 version.Big names like Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, Scott Gomez, Sheldon Souray, Ryan Smyth, Paul Kariya, Peter Forsberg, Scott Hannan, Roman Hamrlik and last but maybe the least, Alexei Yashin, are the creme of this year's unrestricted free-agent class and nearly all seem to be ready to sign with new teams.And in less than 24 hours, the Sabres may have to face reality and possibly lose both Chris Drury and Daniel Briere.Drury and Briere held the C for this year's version of the Buffalo Sabres, and both had career years with Drury setting a high in points (69) and goals (37).Meanwhile, Briere surpassed his fantastic but short 2005-2006 season and his previous "career year " of 2003-2004 by scoring 95 points, 32 of them being goals and 65 helpers.You could argue their offensive success wa...
More About: Losses , Blame , Lame , The O , Tent

GM Waffledave
2007-06-29 19:57:00
Less than three days to go before one of my favourite times of the year.The opening of Free Agent season is always an exciting time for hockey fans, each of us desperately clinging to the hope that our respective GMs will manage to sign a star player and turn their team into a contender overnight. Never mind that this hardly ever actually works, we all still get excited when we hear a new player is coming to town.Montreal hasn’t really had the best of luck when it comes to recent free agent signings. Samsonov turned out to be a spectacular flop, and Kovalev hasn’t exactly been on anyone’s favourites list lately. This is especially frustrating for Habs fans after weeks of rumours and speculation about big-name players like Shanahan and Elias. How can we forget the sick feeling we all felt when Shanahan, after weeks of stringing us along, decided on New York over Montreal? Yes, I think we can all agree that Free Agent season tends to be anything but satisfying for Habs fans. The...

Why Shattenkirk Was the Best Name in the NHL Draft
2007-06-28 18:15:00
This past weekend the NHL draft came and went. This was actually the first draft I can remember watching with any interest, simply because I knew about it ahead of time and NHL hockey has become an accepted obsession in my household these last two years (more on this at a later date). Anyway, I had a smidgen of knowledge about some of the highly touted picks, but my main reason for watching was to use my highly scientific methods to determine who has the best NAME for the NHL. That is, which players SOUND like NHL'ers to me? Why is this important? One of my social gaffs is to give NHL player names to hostesses at restaurants just to see how they attempt to pronounce and spell them. Sadly, Ponikarovsky is too easy to sound out phonetically. Anyway, here are my thoughts on the some of the draftees and names, all meant to be in good fun:PATRICK KANE - Sounds like the alter ego for a superhero. Trust me, I've read a ton of comics and this name would fit perfectly for any cape or cowl ...
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What’s all the fuss about?
2007-06-27 17:51:00
Another draft has come and gone, and what would Montreal be without yet another hockey controversy to shake the very foundation of the city? Yes, Bob Gainey and his band of hooligans did the unthinkable. They passed up on The Saviour himself, Angelo Esposito. I knew from the moment the #12 pick was announced that the usual media cowboys wouldn’t be happy with another American defenceman, and when Angelo finally did get snatched by the Penguins, well, I probably couldn’t have scripted it any better.Needless to say, it will take a colossal failure to produce on Angelo’s part for the media in this city NOT to mention this year’s draft for years to come. That, or the Ryan McDonagh pick to work out extremely well (which, by the way, would not surprise me in the least, but more on that later).Either way, don’t expect this to be forgotten anytime soon. Angelo is a talented player and will likely do very well in Pittsburgh with Crosby and Co. In fact, Pittsburgh is probably the be...
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8 questions with a Senators fanatic...
2007-06-27 16:04:00
Seriously, how can Bryan Murray make the Sens better? They're already light years ahead of most teams when it comes to talent and finesse. You won't find guys like Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley, Wade Redden (?) and Ray Emery on most other teams.Sherry, the Sens' beat writer on this blog and over from the always zealous Scarlett Ice was kind enough to be answer 8 burning questions about her Ottawa Senat or s.Enjoy, and Habs fans should wait for a surprise that might come later.1) First off, I know this is kind of old, but how do you feel about the Sens' loss to the Ducks in the final? What went wrong, is there someone in particular that needs to be blamed?Well, at first I sort of felt calm. The truth is I was expecting it. The way they were playing they didn't deserve to win. I was disappointed, but I kept on trying to tell myself that making it to the finals is a huge accomplishment and I shouldn't let losing overshadow what a great season they had.But then afte...
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Presenting your 2007-2008 NHL uniforms...
2007-06-26 16:13:00
Here's a kind of follow up with less talk and more images.I will compile here all the images I can regarding those new Reebok Edge jerseys...Enjoy!If I have missed one or you have one you'd like to submit, email me hereBoston BruinsCarolina HurricanesColumbus Blue Jackets Florida Panthers(Teaser off the official website)Los Angeles Kings New York Islanders (special thanks to Peter who sent this in)
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Briere and Drury Appear To Be Gone WIth The Wind
2007-06-25 17:16:00
In a move that seems shocking to even the most pessimistic Sabres fan it appears Darcy Regier is prepared to let Danny Briere and Chris Drury go without a fight. Agents for both players report little or no contact in the way of negotiations with the Sabres' general manager. With each passing day it appears less and less likely the Sabres will be able to retain either of their co-captains. Also, Danbius Zubrus' agent reports no contact at all with the Sabres in regards to a new contract.This is not a unique situation as in that Regier doesn't seem to like to make token offers to players just to stay in the game. He does have a tendency to work late and come in with the last/best offer in many of his negotiations. He has utilized similar tactics in situations involving Mike Peca, Jay Mckee, Mike Grier and numerous prospects. It has mnet with, at best, mixed results.My hope is that Regier goes to the players and at least requests a chance to match the best offer they receive. Unfort...
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Redden for Cogliano in the works?
2007-06-23 19:05:00
According to an online French website, hosting a live-draft blog, the Edmonton Oilers and Ottawa Senators finalized a deal about an hour ago that would send defenceman Wade Redden to Edmonton for top Canadian prospect that many of you of know very well thanks to international junior play, Andrew Cogliano and a roster player.Fanatique.ca's live blog reports that the deal is in place as of 12:10 PM and that it should be announced very soon."(23h07) Après une première ronde sans échange majeur, les discussions sont plus qu'intenses entre les directeurs-généraux de la ligue. Wade Redden pourrait quitter Ottawa pour Edmonton en retour d'Andrew Cogliano et d'un joueur. "I'm still wondering how credible this website is.It seems like a valued site with lots of interesting information, but I wonder...If this were true, then the Oilers would be paying a hefty price to acquire a seemingly overrated defenceman, who has lost nearly all of his offensive prowess he showed during the 2005...
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GM's are busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy...
2007-06-23 18:20:00
Yep, GM's are busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy at this time of year.Not only do they have to work with their scouting department to pick a single player out of a thousand and pray to God he becomes a star and hope that they didn't just choose the next Patrick Stefan, but those moody guys in tight suits also have to deal with their players, trades and contracts.Here's my shopping list of the trades and signings GM's have announced over the past 2 days, and they are in chronological order, with the most recent one being at the top of the list and in red.SATURDAY, JUNE 23rdRyan Shannon moves from Anaheim to Vancouver.Jason King moves from Vancouver to Anaheim.Minor-league winger Jesse Schultz moves from Vancouver to Atlanta.Minor-league defenceman Jimmy Sharrow moves from Atlanta to Vancouver.Mino...
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The "New NHL" uniform and logo concept...
2007-06-23 13:46:00
The NHL is rapidly changing, and RBK Hockey is leading the way in the appearance department.After shockingly overtaking hockey God manufacturers, CCM and Koho 3 years ago and revolutionizing the way hockey equipment looks and feels, they're at it again.But this time, it's in a delicate category named "jersey", and if their presentation at the ASG is any indication, then the hockey world will be the first professional sports league to don such an advanced piece of fabric technology.But just how revolutionnary will the new NHL jersey be?If you missed their little promo at the ASG, here is RBK's concept of that advanced piece of fabric technology.The Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals are the first to reveal their "new" jerseys for the upcoming season.Techincally, the Bruins have a new logo, and their jersey will essentially be the same in terms of colours and design.The Capitals, however, have gotten out of that dark and ugly jersey they have worn for so many years.Oh and it was...
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A flurry of deals...Vokoun, Toskala, Aucoin and Bell...
2007-06-23 02:55:00
Just got home, and realized that some huge deals have been pulled off in the last few hours, especially in the goalie market.For starters, the Nashville Predators traded goalie Tomas Vokoun to the Florida Panthers, about an hour and a half ago, in exchange for a first round pick and two second rounders.Vokoun agreed to waive his no-trade clause to be dealt to the Panthers.The Czech goaltender had a in-and-out 2005-2006 season.He got injured for about 2 months early into the year but remained his usual solid self when he returned.Chris Mason, however, proved to be too good to sit on the bench down the stretch and for the entire playoffs in GM David Poile's eyes.As a result, Poile has chosen him as the team's number one goalie heading into next season.Mason broke out of a backup role to post all-star like numbers.I think a 2.38 GAA, 24 wins, a .925 save percentage and 5 shutouts in 40 games is pretty wicked.Vokoun had a nearly identical season to Mason's, posting 27 wins, a .920 sa...
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Walker, Rivet and Horton off the market, Emery to have surgery...
2007-06-21 18:46:00
The Florida Panthers have re-signed restricted free-agent forward Nathan Horton.The deal will pay out a total of $24 million to the 22-year old over 6 seasons.The signing, per TSN, officially ends all speculation that Horton will be dealt at tomorrow's NHL Entry Draft in Columbus.Horton had a spectacular season at such a young age, ammasing 31 goals and putting up 31 assists while appearing in all 82 games.A star on the rise, Horton's season was awesome on the scoresheet, but some off-ice rumours a few months before the deadline, which consisted of Horton's unhappiness in the Sunshine State and his desire to be dealt to a contender, prompted speculation he would be dealt at the trade deadline (didn't happen) or at the draft.-Craig Rivet really like the weather in Western California, and he's going to be there for another 4 seasons.The Sharks officially signed their hard-hitting defenceman to a 4-year $14 million contract, a potential UFA, Rivet fit in well with the Sharks and b...
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2007 Mock Draft - Still With Colory Goodness
2007-06-21 15:42:00
1chicagoBLACKHAWKSpatKANERW, London, OHL The most people seem to believe that Kane is the best player in the draft, and the potential of he plus Johnathan Toews in a few years might not even be fair.2philadelphiaFLYERSkyleTURRISC, Burnaby, BCHL --> Wisconsin (NCAA)Turris has had interviews with the Flyers more than any other draft prospect, and while not a complete shock when talking about the Flyers, they've tipped their hand for once.3phoenixCOYOTESjakubVORACEKRW, Halifax, QMJHLThe Coyotes go to the Q for one of the more creative players in the draft, and should fit well down the line with touted centers such as Peter Mueller and Martin Hanzal4los angelesKINGSkarlALZNERD, Calgary, WHLI'd look for the Kings to trade down here, but I think this is Dean Lombardi's target. With established and improving forwards, Deano looks to build out from the net after drafting Johnathan Bernier last year. The prospect of a pair featuring JMFJ and K-TBA-A is very intriguing. 5washingtonCAPITALS...
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2007 Mock Draft - Now With Colory Goodness, 16-30
2007-06-21 15:08:00
16anaheimDUCKSbillSWEATT LW, Colorado College (NCAA)It's almost not even fair that the defending Cup Champs get to pick in the middle of the first round. They got this pick in a rather curious trade with the Lightning. Still, not to say that the Ducks don't need prospects in their system, but they can afford to take a chance here with an up tempo player and season his game in college.17new yorkRANGERSmikaelBACKLUND C, Vasteras, SwedenBacklund had a roller coaster year, where at any point some publications had him high and then completely off the radar. That tell me that someone will take a chance on him, and Glen Sather is always a willing player. The Rangers are also not afraid to draft overseas.18calgaryFLAMESbrandonSutterC, Red Deer, WHLIt's not a reach, and the parallels are too obvious. There isn't much more to say.19minnesotaWILDjimO'BRIENC, Minnesota (NCAA)The Wild are being totally lame and dumping their green color scheme for yet *another* red one. So I need to get my ...
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Stanley Cup takes a hit in SoCal
2007-06-20 12:47:00
Hold the presses...the Stanley Cup has been dented in sunny California!Jes Golbez writes:I know the Stanley Cup has been beat up more than a GW Bush piñata at Osama Bin Laden’s 50th birthday bash, but can’t these teams show a little more respect and care for the holy chalice?Nice choice of words Jes!Check out his post and take a look at the picture he included, clearly showing a dent.And here's a nice little cartoon I found while scanning the net, thanks to Offside Sports--BBR

5 questions on the Habs...
2007-06-19 21:53:00
Decisions...decisions, the Montreal Canadiens success lies in GM Bob Gainey's hands, as he prepares to head into, perhaps, the most difficult and demanding offseason of his life.Hey everyone,Jibblescribbits tecently sent me 5 questions about the Habs, and I thought they'd be interesting enough to share with you, but beware, this is long and painful for some Canadiens fans out there.Here are my answers, via e-mail.First thanks for taking the time to answer some questions about certain Habs, and their play last season. I am looking at certain teams, and their potential unrestricted free agents. I can look at NHL.com for stats, but I like getting a first hand account of the players, and how fans of the team feel about those players.1) So as I can see, Montreal has 3 potential Free Agents that I think the Avs might have at least an inkling of interest in. Niinimaa, Souray, and Bonk. Which ones would you rather keep, and why? If you had to let one go who would you let go of first?There...
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Flyers sign Hartnell and Timmonen...already?!
2007-06-19 03:34:00
Our buddy and faithful hockey insider over at TSN, Bob McKenzie, is reporting that the Flyers have signed defenceman Kimmo Timmonen and forward Scott Hartnell to multi-year contracts.The terms of the deals?Hartnell, who was scheduled to become a free agent on July 1, signed with Flyers on a 6-year, $25.2 million deal for a cap hit of $4.2 million per year.The Flyers also agreed to terms with Timonen on a 6-year, $37.8 million contract for an annual cap hit of $6.3 million. Someone bring me some painkillers...did I just read right?Scott Hartnell and $4.2 million in the same sentence, in this universe?Oh God, that is huge overpayement for a guy that ammassed 39 points last year, 22 of them being goals. I understand the hype around him, but $4.2 million, at this point in this career is really overdoing it.Now, back to the main topic: FLYERS IGN HARTNELL AND TIMMONEN, ALREADY?!The Philadelphia Flyers have dipped into the free agent market a little early, thanks to the Nashville Predator...
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Julien gets another shot?
2007-06-19 03:18:00
Coaching changes and GM changes seem to be in style when it comes to the new NHL.A report out of the Fourth Period.com, quoted by Greg Wyshinski in his column over at AOL Fanhouse, suggests that the Bruins have hired former Devils and Canadiens head coach Claude Julie n to replace the failure that was Dave Lewis.Julien, if you remember correctly, was shockingly fired on the eve of the Devils playoff debut by Lou Lamoriello, who obviously saw something he didn't like.Julien had a terrific season behind the bench and it's time this guy got settled down somwhere, he's too good of a coach and too classy of a guy to be flimsing in and out of motel rooms accross the country, dragging his poor wife with him in the process.If the report is true, then Claude Julien will have a challenge and a goal to fulfill in Boston, that is, make the playoffs and turn the franchise's misery around.It's not that Dave Lewis was a bad coach, it's just that he was a sour-head who obviously doesn't fit i...
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Vanek Situation Creates Tense Times in Buffalo
2007-06-18 19:51:00
Reports are starting to filter out of Canada and Philadelphia that the Flyers intend to make a sizable offer sheet to Buff alo Sabres restricted free agent Thomas Vane k. Vanek, who led the NHL in plus-minus, led the Sabres in goals with 43 and was named a Second Team NHL All-Star. Now in the big scheme of things, a player with those type of credentials deserves that type of money. Unfortunately, this type of contract concern is gigantic when it comes to a 23 year-old forward who is the cornerstone of the Sabres future. Already saddled with the likely enormous demands of free agent co-captains Danny Briere and Chris Drury the conventional wisdom is that Vanel would get mid-range money for 4 years and then score big as an unrestricted free agent in his next contract.The reality appears to be that instead of having "affordable" young stars for two contracts team will have to pay top dollar almost immediately. This seems counter intuitive to what people expected from the Salary Cap era....
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Ruff and Regier Back For More
2007-06-18 19:47:00
Sorry I haven't posted. It has been a crazy ole time here in Buffalo. Anyway. General Manager Darcy Regier agreed to a two-year deal and Head Coach agreed to a three-year deal with an option year to return to the Sabres. Interestingly, both acknowledged they took under market-value deals to return. On face value this would seem to indicate a significant comfort level with the current Sabres organization. Hopefully this will translate into a willingness by owner Tom Golisano to pay top dollar to keep the franchise competitive.
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