NESN Feature on Kessel.

I included the video from last season's Stanley Cup playoffs because I think it was a break out game for Former Gopher Phil Kessel. This season Kessel has taken it up a notch and has become a big time goal score for the Boston Bruins and scored a boat load of goals against the Bruins hated rival the Montreal Canadians. This year the Bruins marched past the Hab's and into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since 1998-1999. Here is a nice story about Phil Kessel that was posted up on NESN.

For Kessel, what a difference a year can make
James Murphy ----- April 27th 2009

While Phil Kessel has learned much tougher lessons off the ice - battling and beating testicular cancer during his rookie season in 2006-07 — he learned a valuable lesson about life in the NHL in his first playoff experience last spring. After notching an assist in Game 1 of the Bruins’ first-round series against the Canadiens, Kessel was benched for the next three games. It wasn’t an enjoyable experience for the winger, but he handled it professionally.

“Obviously, I was mad,” Kessel said recently. “It was a tough situation. But I moved on from it and learned from it.”
Kessel put the benching behind him with three goals in Games 5 and 6, helping the Bruins force Game 7 after trailing 3-1 in the series. For the Bruins, that series was a lesson they could compete with their archrivals, which Boston proved with a sweep of Montreal this postseason.

For Kessel, last year’s series was a lesson that hard work pays off in the NHL, and that effort is required no matter how much talent and skill a player possesses. The latter is something Bruins coach Claude Julien made a point to convey to his budding star.

“That’s the thing that Phil understood at one point, that if coaches are on you a little more than maybe some other players, maybe it’s because we think that you’re capable of giving us more than some of those players,” Julien said during the Bruins-Canadiens series. “That comes with the territory. You want to be an elite player. You have to give us a little more. And he’s really understood that extremely well.”

Kessel’s understanding and acceptance of Julien’s criticism and coaching methods translated into a breakthrough season in 2008-09. The 2006 first-round draft pick lit the lamp 36 times and had 60 points during the regular season. Kessel has followed that up with four goals and six points in the playoffs. Counting the regular season, he will enter the second round in the midst of an eight-game points streak with nine goals and 13 points during that span

Calgary Flames 2008 Prospect Development Camp: (Chucko Focused)

Seems as if former Golden Gopher Chris Chucko made quite an impression during the flames prospect development camp. It is good to see Chucko doing well for himself.

Of all the players attending this year’s Prospect Development Camp, Dustin Boyd is the most likely to make the Calgary squad for any significant amount of time in 2008-09. Like everyone at camp, he had the occasional hiccough in practise, but all-in-all the 6’ - 190lber looked ready to go. Working with Group “A”, Boyd would often be paired with fellow talent Kris Chucko, and the two together showed the offensive flair and work ethic which caused them to be drafted in the first place.

Chucko stood out from the rest in numerous drills with an impressive scoring touch and excellent hand-eye co-ordination. He potted various “good” goals in one-on-one and two-on-one training, and generally worked well with team-mates in add-on scrimmages. Though the Burnaby, BC native has had offensive success in the past, it has not been his greatest strength in recent years. He nabbed 87 points in 53 games in the BCHL just before his 2004 NHL draft, but hasn’t broken the 30 point mark since. His dedication to his on-ice training at camp suggested Chucko is aiming to improve his game.

In one instance, the aggressive 6’2” winger spent a great deal of what seemed to be his own time working on his puck-tipping skills. Standing at the side of the net as another prospect ripped point-shots, Chucko looked calm yet focused as he made contact with a notable amount of rubber. The fact that he was practising with an empty net may make the feat may seem less inspiring, but it was a good challenge and absorbing to watch. Other skaters took turns giving it a try, yet none worked nearly as long or had a fraction of the success rate as the right-handed Chucko.
(Read the entire article here)

Former Gopher Jake Taylor signed by Falcons.

Former Golden Gophers defenseman Jake Taylor has signed a professional contract with the Springfield Falcons. The Springfield Falcons are the farm club of the Edmonton Oilers.

Springfield, MA – The Springfield Falcons, proud members of the American Hockey League, announced today that they have signed defenseman Jake Taylor to a two-year standard American Hockey League contract.

Taylor spent the 2007-08 season with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack collecting three goals and 10 assists for 13 points and 129 penalty minutes in 77 games played. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound native of Rochester, Minnesota ranked second on the Wolf Pack last year in games played by a defenseman and he also had a plus/minus rating of +15.

“Jake is a big, strong, physical defenseman who has the reputation of being tough to play against,” said Falcons president and general manager Bruce Landon. “Along with the physical presence he will add to our team, Jake also brings some valuable experience and leadership to our blueline.”

Taylor will be entering his fifth season of professional hockey and he has played in a total of 201 career AHL contests collecting four goals and 25 assists for 29 points and 442 penalty minutes. Prior to turning pro, Taylor spent the 2003-04 campaign with the University of Minnesota where he helped lead the Golden Gophers to a WCHA Tournament Championship. Taylor was originally drafted by the New York Rangers in the sixth round (177th overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Pens resign Taffe.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have resigned Jeff "after the Whistle" Taffe to a new contract.

Pittsburgh Penguins re-sign forward Jeff Taffe to a one-year deal
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins signed forward Jeff Taffe to a one-year contract on Monday, giving him a chance to play a second season with the team.

The six-foot-three, 208-pound forward debuted with the Penguins in December. In 45 games, Taffe had five goals and seven assists.

The native of Hastings, Minn., was originally chosen by the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the 2000 NHL draft.

In 145 career games with the Penguins, the Phoenix Coyotes and the New York Rangers, Taffe has 20 goals and 20 assists.

The Penguins also re-signed forward Jonathan Filewich to a two-year contract on Monday. He played five games with the Penguins last season, but spent most of the season with AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he had 10 goals and 21 assists in 71 games.

Defenceman Paul Bissonnette signed a one-year contract. He split time between Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and the Penguins' ECHL affiliate in Wheeling, W.Va.

Wyatt Smith Struck by Lightning.

Former Minnesota Gopher and Minnesota Wild player Wyatt Smith is on his way to the Tampa Bay lighting. During the past week the Tampa Bay lightning have been very active on the free agent market. Earlier this week the Bolts signed former SCSU star Ryan Malone to a nice contract.

Tampa, FL (Sports Network) - The Tampa Bay Lightning signed free agent center Wyatt Smith to a one-year, two-way contract on Thursday.

The 31-year-old Smith split his time between the Avalanche and Lake Erie of the American Hockey League last season. He had three assists in 25 games with Colorado, and appeared in one playoff game for the club.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pounder has scored 10 goals and tallied 22 assists in 221 career NHL games with Colorado, the Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes.

The Minnesota product was originally drafted

It's officical Wheeler signs with the B's

Joe Finley's hand shake dance partner has officially signed with the Boston Bruins today. The former 1st round draft choice of the Phoenix Coyotes Blake Wheeler joins former Gopher teammate Phil Kessel on the Bruins roster. It will be interesting to see if Wheeler can make the Bruins roster or if he will play in the Providence Bruins. It is going to be tough; the Bruins second year head coach Claude Julien has shown little patience for one dimensional players.

Boston, MA - Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced Tuesday that the club has signed forward Blake Wheeler to an entry-level contract. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

Wheeler, a Plymouth, Minnesota native, has spent the last three seasons playing for the University of Minnesota. In his 2007-2008 season, he led the team in scoring with 15-20-35 totals in 44 games, and was named to the third team, All-WCHA. Originally drafted in the first round (5th overall) by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, he will forego his senior season to enter the NHL. He did not sign with the Coyotes and became an unrestricted free agent.

The 6-4, 215 pound 21-year-old leaves the Gophers with career 42-54-96 totals in 127 games. In the 2006-2007 postseason, he earned the Tom Mohr Playoff MVP Award after tallying four goals and one assist. As a freshman, he recorded 9-14-23 totals at Minnesota, skating alongside fellow Bruin Phil Kessel. In 2005-2006 he also skated for the USA in the IIHF World Junior Championships, where he played in all seven games and scored two goals against Finland.

Before attending the University of Minnesota, Wheeler spent one season in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers, and led the team in scoring by notching 19 goals and 28 assists in 58 games. .

Wheeler is expected to attend the Bruins Development Camp which will be held July 8 -July 12 at Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington, MA.

Is Kessel on the trading block?

It appears that Phil Kessel might be on the trading block in Boston. The Bruins are rumored to be in the running for Marian Hossa and they would need to trade some salary to get Hossa.

The Bruins owe right wing Glen Murray $4.15 million and goalie Manny Fernandez $4.3 million this coming season while less-expensive players like forwards P.J. Axelsson and Phil Kessel [stats] are rumored to be on the trading block, which could also open valuable cap space.

"We do have some commitments out there, contractual commitments that put us at cap number that we can’t go after a $10 million (a year) player," Chiarelli added. "In that sense, if we decided to go after a $10 million player, we’d be in trouble."

A new cap figure for all NHL teams is expected to be announced shortly. The signing period for signing unrestricted free agents, such as Hossa, begins July 1 and teams like the Bruins are attempting to clear cap space in order to sign them.

"I’m not feeling squeezed but we’d have to move some money around to go after a really, really marquee player," Chiarelli said.

Interesting blog on Blake Wheeler

Check out this blog post from Gerry Bourdeau on Blake going to the Bruins. I have to admit that has a Briuns fan I am not as excited about this pick up as other Bruins fans. I guess I have seen the kid play in college and he just didn't stick out as being the type of player worthy of a first round draft choice. Just for the record I felt that Kyle Okposso was worthy of a first round pick.

According to the Boston Globe (and this site), the Boston Bruins have agreed to terms with Blake Wheeler, a solid power-forward prospect with lots of size, skating ability and an interesting name which lends itself out nicely to puns. Wheel we see him in the NHL next year? There are no guarantees of that, but Bruin fans have to be happy about getting this 6’4”, 5th overall draftee (selected by Phoenix in 2004) who turns 22 in August. The best thing about this, other than the possibility that I’ll get to call someone a wheelman in this blog next year, is that it cost the Bruins nothing player-wise to acquire this young talent. Low risk and high reward: how can you go wrong with that? You can’t, is what I’m trying to say, in case you didn’t piece that together.

In any case, the Bruins must wait until July 1 to officially sign Flex Wheeler (look at that, a weight lifting reference – and you thought all I could do was sci-fi) even though he does not have a previous contract. In case Blake Wheeler has second thoughts about joining the Bruins, I would like to remind him that the number 18 appears to be free. This should be enticing for several reasons. Firstly, it is the inverse of fellow ex-Gopher, Phi Kessel’s number. Secondly, and more importantly, it could give him a cool nickname like “18 Wheeler” or even “Big Rig” and he could use that in all kinds of situations, even away from the rink.

Peter Chiarelli said he wanted to improve the forward core of this team by getting some bigger players. With Carl Soderberg agreeing to come over to North America next season, the acquisition of Matt Marquardt, and now this acquisition, it would seem Peter Chiarelli is well on the way to achieving his goal.

Ex-Gopher Ryan Potulny sign deal with Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers signed another ex-college hockey player yesterday as Ryan Potulny signed a one year contract. Edmonton has a roster that contains numerous ex-college hockey players on their roster this past season. Potulny joins Shawn Horcoff, Dustin Penner, Dwayne Roloson, Matt Greene, Andrew Cogliano, Tom Gilberton the Edmonton roster. Marty Reasoner, Curtiss Glencross were also on the roster this past season but are free agents and remains unsigned.

Edmonton Oilers Press Release--The Edmonton Oilers have signed centre Ryan Potulny to a one-year contract.

The 6’0”, 180 pound native of Grand Forks, North Dakota was acquired by the Oilers on June 6th from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for defenceman Danny Syvret.

Potulny split the 2007-08 season between Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Phantoms, the Flyers’ American Hockey League affiliate. In his second full season as a professional, the 23-year-old forward scored one assist in seven NHL games with the Flyers and registered 21 goals and 26 assists for 47 points in 58 games for the Phantoms.

More on the Wheeler saga.

Here is an interesting story I found on the continuing Blake Wheeler drama over on the the Hockey news blog. The blog post even mentions what I thought might be a possibility for Blake Wheeler. It could be quite possible that Blake Wheeler might want to play for the home town team the Minnesota Wild. It will be interesting to see how this story plays out in the next month or two. When you read into this story more it would appear that making money isn't the most important part of Blakes decision.

(Read the whole story here)
Over the course of a three-year entry-level deal, that means Wheeler is potentially leaving $225,000 on the table.

“He isn’t chasing the money,” said Wheeler’s agent Matt Keator. “It’s about choosing where you want to play and where you want to live. It’s not about the money and I think that’s refreshing.”

Maloney did not return phone calls Thursday night, but perhaps he can take solace in the fact that the Coyotes will receive the 35th overall pick as compensation in what is regarded as a very deep draft.

Other executives around the league were baffled by Wheeler’s decision, given that the Coyotes seem to have some promising young players and seem headed in the right direction under head coach Wayne Gretzky. All things being equal – in fact more lucrative financially under his first contract – it seems strange to some hockey people that Wheeler would spurn the Coyotes.

“The only thing I can think of is that he wants to sign with the Minnesota Wild because he’s from there,” one executive said.

The 6-foot-4, 219-pound right winger was drafted after his junior year in high school and since then, has played three seasons at the University of Minnesota. But he dropped out of university after this season and under provisions of the CBA, Wheeler had the right to inform the Coyotes they had 30 days to sign him or he became an unrestricted free agent, something he did May 9.

What the heck is Wheeler thinking?

Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney has got to be shaking his head on this one, because it doesn't make any sense to me either. Maybe it makes sense to someone else? You really have to wounder what is going through Wheeler's mind? When you're offered a contract/job personally I like the take the one where I am going to make more money, but maybe Wheeler didn't want to play for the Yotes. Per Brad Schlossman: If Blake Wheeler had signed with Phoenix Coyotes, he could have signed for $984,200 with a $295,260 signing bonus. Now, the most Wheeler can sign for is $875,000 with and a $87,500 signing bonus.

Seriously, you have to wonder if Blake learned anything during his time in college classes? I suppose there could be more to this and we aren't getting all of the details. You have to wonder what his agent/family advisor is thinking? Just for the record Blake Wheeler was drafted ahead of Travis Zajac and Drew Stafford.

Yotes losing Wheeler to free agency
by Dave Vest - May. 29, 2008 09:00 PM
The Arizona Republic
The Coyotes shocked the NHL community when they selected Blake Wheeler, a 17-year-old high school player from Minnesota, with the fifth overall pick of the 2004 draft.

Nearly four years later, Wheeler has shocked the Coyotes by deciding not to sign with them, thus becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"I'm actually quite stunned," Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney said Thursday. "Quite frankly, we made him an offer significantly better than any other contract he can get (right now). But that's his choice. I think (he's received) bad advice, and I think he's making a big mistake because of the commitment we've made to our young players and the young players we're prepared to invest in."

Matt Keator, Wheeler's agent, issued a statement Thursday in response to a news release that the Coyotes issued earlier in the day. It read: "We appreciate the Coyotes offering the maximum amount. There is no question that they wanted to sign Blake and made every effort to do so but there was more than money involved in this decision. Per the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, it is Blake's right to pursue Unrestricted Free Agency. Most players wait until their late 20s to become Unrestricted and choose where they will live and play. Blake now has the opportunity at age 21, which is the biggest reason for him pursuing this route at this point in his career."

In a later e-mail, Keator added: "I did not expect Don to be pleased with this decision but he is a veteran hockey man and I am sure he will move forward with his rebuilding of the franchise just fine without Blake. Most people find it refreshing in this case that a professional player is not chasing the money but instead exercising his right to choose where he wants to play for a living."

Keator said Wheeler would not comment publicly until he signs with another team.

Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky could not be reached, but Maloney said Gretzky recently phoned Keator.

"The last thing we want in our organization are people that don't want to be here, and the last thing we're going to do here is beg people to play for us," Maloney said.

"We are very happy with the compensatory pick we will receive for Blake not signing, which will be the fifth pick in the second round (of this year's draft). This is a very deep draft, and we now have five picks in the first two rounds, which is very exciting."

Kyle Okposo's first NHL goal

I was wondering how long it would take? It also couldn't have happen against a better team than to have Kyle Okposo score his first goal against Sioux7's favorite team.

Kyle Okposo reporting for duty on the Long Island

New York Islanders photo
The much anticipated NHL debut of Kyle Okposo is upon us. Kyle's debut is going to take place tomorrow night when the Islanders and the Leafs play on long island. I wonder if there will be a lot of Gopher fans tuning in to see him play? I am going to try and tune in because it will be interesting to see how he will do. Since leaving the Minnesota Gophers in mid-Season Kyle has been developing his game in Bridge Port of the AHL.

Okposo scored eight goals and added 16 assists in 29 games in the AHL. After earning an assist in Bridgeport's victory on Saturday night, Sound Tigers coach Jack Capuano gave him the news that he was headed to the NHL.

KYLE'S FIRST SKATE--read the whole story here

Islanders 2006 first-round draft pick Kyle Okposo practices on a line with Park and Comeau at Islanders Iceworks. Donning jersey No. 21, Kyle Okposo took to the ice at Islanders Iceworks in Syosset, Monday afternoon, signifying his first step onto the NHL scene.

Today, Okposo joined his fourth team of the season after playing for the University of Minnesota to begin the 2007-08 campaign and representing the United States at the World Junior Championship. While in the Czech Republic, Okposo signed with the Islanders, and next suited up for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, where he recorded 24 points in 29 games. His final destination…Long Island.

"It feels pretty good being out there in my first NHL practice," said Okposo, following today's practice. "Knowing a few guys (from Bridgeport) I felt a little more comfortable today. The guys have been awesome and have taken me under their wing. The guys have been great."

Wearing an orange jersey, Okposo skated on a line with Richard Park and Blake Comeau, fitting in seamlessly with his older counterparts. Comeau, at 22, is the closest in age to 19-year old Okposo. But the age discrepancy was hardly noticeable as the talented Okposo impressed the coaching staff with his skill and maturity.

"He's an exceptional player that we're looking forward to see play at the NHL level," said head coach Ted Nolan. "There are certain players who have that instinct. He doesn't just skate and shoot the puck well, he also has that great hockey sense. Kyle has all of the ingredients good players have. We wanted to start him on a line with one of our most reliable guys in Richard Park. And considering Blake Comeau has good hockey sense, the three of them should form a pretty good line out there."

Another links to this story

Not all is well between Snow and Islander coach Ted Nolan. I am personally not surprised after watching how Snow acted during the whole Okposo mess. I have never been a fan of Garth Snow always thought the "Snowman" was a cry baby and a loose canon when he played in the NHL.

The coming of Kyle Okposo was the worst kept secret on the Isles in the last week or so. We all knew it was going to happen. Back when I, with my fellow blog boxers, questioned Garth Snow, who kindly allowed us a special session after we had already been in on the press questions, the question was broached. "Will be see Okposo before the season was out?"

Very possible, was the answer, and it showed Garth's general interest and excitement with a youth movement.

And in lieu of the Isles tailspin into the NHL season ether, with more rumors of a fracture within the team between Nolan and Snow. Albeit these are just rumors, but they seem to be coming at a steady stream now. Was Nolan's touch so golden? Did Garth Snow make more decisions, if not all, back over the summer? Are sides suddenly being taken?

Of course, the fact that they are wrought with injuries and a shell of themselves these days, does not help. The freefall in the standings now has many fans now more excited about what draft pick we'll get this offseason. So, is pressure is mounting within the Isles? There have been no clear words otherwise to stem a rumormill tide that is turning towards some sort of action. Whether to staunchly discount those rumors, or to make definitive changes.

So, while all this is happening, perhaps, is it any wonder why OkposoMania is running wild? I half expect Kyle to come out, rip off his t-shirt and then cup his ears to each side of the rink for cheers from eager OkposoManiacs.

Kyle Okposo to make NHL Debute? We will soon find out.

(AP Photo)
It appears that the Kyle Okposo era might begin as soon as next Tuesday night when the islanders play the Toronto Maple Leafs. I might have to tune to see how his NHL debute goes.

BY GREG LOGAN
(read the rest of the story here)
Eight players who have dressed for a game in Bridgeport this season are on the Islanders' current roster. But not the one on whom Islanders fans are pinning their hopes for the future.

That's about to change. No official announcement has been made, but all indications suggest Kyle Okposo, the seventh overall pick in the 2006 draft, likely will make his Islanders debut against Toronto Tuesday night at Nassau Coliseum.

Okposo left the University of Minnesota in January to sign a three-year entry level deal with the Isles. If he plays 10 NHL games, that deal begins this season. If he plays nine or less, next season is considered the first year of his contract. After the Isles' game Saturday night in Montreal, they will have only nine games left on the schedule, and since they are 13th in the Eastern Conference playoff race, it makes sense to evaluate Okposo against NHL competition to aid planning for next season.

Coach Ted Nolan said it's up to general manager Garth Snow to make the decision, but his smile said it all when asked if he would like to see Okposo come up. "Definitely," Nolan said. "Why not? But he's playing pretty well down there, and maybe a good finish down there [would be best]. He could just ride it out and try to get that team in the playoffs and give him a little taste. But here, it would also be good."

Golden Gophers coach Don Lucia claimed the Islanders pressured Okposo to go pro at the time of his signing. Snow fired back angrily, saying the 6-foot-1, 203-pound right wing could get better coaching and speed his development in the Isles' organization.

It was well-known in Minneapolis that Okposo was unhappy playing for Lucia and was languishing. But in 27 games with Bridgeport, Okposo is off to a solid start with eight goals and 15 assists for 23 points. He might not be the finisher the Islanders need at this point, but his playmaking abilities have been impressive and he requires a lot of defensive attention.