Free Agency Reactions Part One (RW77)

UPDATE: First, I found a few errors in the TSN Free Agent Tracker so I'm going to correct them now.

Day one of Free Agency is now over and there were a lot of moves. Most of them, I don't care about or know too little about to make any sort of opinion about.

However, there were a few moves and a rant about monetary worth that I will share with you today.

First, former MTU defenseman (sorta) John Scott signed a 2 year $1.25 million contract with Chicago. Uh....... You could have signed Adam Burish back for 2 years $1.15 million and had a better all around player. But I guess not. Surely there were better options than Scott? The guy is only barely better than Boogaard defensively and equal to Boogaard offensively (in otherwords, non existent). They claim he's versatile and can play forward or defense... I guess so. They never claimed Scott could play either position well.

Check this out: John Scott signed a $612,500/year contract for having some basic fighting skills and being over 6'4 in height. Tambellini, a scoring forward (at least in college) was on the market and went for $500k. That's right... a guy with more offensive upside than Scott went for less.

UPDATE: Ok, it's not as bad as it was originally, but I swear to god there HAS to be a better defensive option than Scott. They haven't locked up Hendry or Hjalmarssen (though both are expected to be back) yet but I really don't see Scott as an every day player... even if it is 3rd pairing. He's another Boogaard. $500k/year is all he's worth. Oh, and by the way, apparently Scott turned down MORE MONEY to be a Hawk. I wish I knew which team had the bigger moron.

Kudos to the Wild for not falling for this crap. Shame on the Hawks for seeing Scott as being more valuable than anyone with ANY upside other than fighting. Scott isn't going to replace Byfuglien. Byfuglien may fight but he's not KNOWN for it. He's know for driving everyone on the other team nuts. Burish could have done that.

New Jersey says goodbye to Paul Martin and hello to Anton Volchenko. Volchenko was, according to ESPN people, a top flight defenseman coming into free agency but is he as good as Martin offensively? Well, he's certainly cheaper than Martin. So Martin is gone for sure (Skoula is probably also gone) and they pick up Tallinder and Volchenko.

Detroit has basically standed pat. They resigned Holmstrom and Lidstrom. They do have a few names as RFAs and UFAs such as Abdelkader, Meech, Helm, Lebda, Lilja, and Maltby. I see the Wings resigning Meech, Helm, and Lebda for sure (I read somewhere that the only reason why they haven't resigned Abdelkader yet is because they're trying to figure out length of contract not necessarily money). The others.... Larssen might get resigned for goaltending depth but I don't know much about him. Maltby, Williams, Janik, and all are replaceable IMO. Lilja might even be replaceable if they can find the right guy. He's 34 and I'd love to see Detroit get at least a little younger.

Still quiet on the front of the Blackhawks and their goaltending. No word on Niemi to my knowledge and Huet's contract is one of the worst in the NHL.

This is what I said originally:
Montreal's backup (that term used loosely) is now Dan Ellis. He'll play the role of backup to Carey Price for about the first half of the season. Then when they are 6-8 points out of playoff contention, the Canadiens will start panicking and bench Price and then once again make the playoffs. I don't know if they'll go deep, but will they get the idea that, after two straight seasons of the act of simply benching Price gets them to the playoffs teach them? Probably not because Price's agent isn't a moron. The Canadiens will spend big bucks on Price to keep him around and the Canadiens will be just as screwed as the Hawks with Huet.

Update with this:

Montreal's backup goaltenders are now Curtis Sanford and Alex Auld. Yup. I think Montreal wanted to make definitely sure that there was NO ONE in Montreal that will outplay Price this coming season. Sanford is a career bubble player who never really played well enough to get a shot but on the other hand never played poor enough to spend his entire career in the minors. Alex Auld is a conundrum to me. I don't see him as having ever been any more solid a backstop as Sanford yet he's gotten more shots wherever he went...Vancouver...Florida...New York (somewhat less than the others)...and will surely get some shots when Price shows how much he sucks. He was one of the cogs in the Luongo trade if I recall correctly.

More to come later.

Ryan McDonagh going to sign with the Rangers?

Will Ryan McDonagh sign with the New York Rangers; this seems to be the 64,000.00 question this summer. There seems to be a lot of pressure on the kid from the Rangers organization to sign a professional contract.

But other than Pashnin and Stepan, perhaps the most intriguing player was D Ryan McDonagh, the Canadiens’ first-round pick in 2007 who was acquired at this time last year in the Scott Gomez trade and who the Rangers really want to turn pro rather than return for his senior season at Wisconsin. The Rangers do own his rights until August, 2011 but the bigger point is the 21-year-old stands a strong chance of making the team if he comes to training camp. At the beginning of the week, McDonagh said he was not going to make any decisions during the week but it definitely seemed like he was leaning toward returning to Wisconsin. That wasn’t the case when I talked to him today before he left.

“I can’t say enough about how much fun it was out here, everybody was great,” the 6-1 McDonagh said. “This group of guys got pretty close over five days. I’ll take a few days over the weekend for July 4 and set it in stone early next week, meet with (Wisconsin) coach (Mike) Eaves and have a decision after that. I was kind of leaning one way for sure. Coming out of here having fun obviously helps the process. But I still want to go back and think things through.”

Kreider, mentioned Thursday by GM Glen Sather as somebody ready to make the jump to the pro game, seemed a little more hesitant of leaving Boston College, which won the NCAA title last season over Wisconsin.

“We had a great year last year as a team,” said Kreider, who added 15-20 pounds of muscle over the course of the year working under both Boston College and Ranger workout structures. “Individually, I’m not sure I’m so ready.”

Still, Kreider insisted that didn’t mean he had made a decision one way or the other.[Ranger Rants]

Having watched Ryan McDonagh play for three seasons for the Wisconsin Badgers, I must say that I have been impressed with this kid’s game, the guy is a good defenseman and probably could make the Rangers out of training camp, but I also can't fault him for wanting to come back to play his senior year, college life is fun...

Bruins look to resign Stuart and Wheeler

I hope the Boston Bruins resign the former C.C. Tigers star Mark Stuart because he is a decent defenseman that plays a gritty game and will stick up for teammates and drop the gloves “if” he has to. As far as Blake Wheeler goes, I hope the Boston Bruins trade Wheeler to another team.

I was unimpressed with the former Minnesota Gopher Blake Wheelers play at the end of last season and during the Stanley Cup playoffs, the guy is your prototypical former Gopher, a soft player that doesn’t like to hit and plays a finesse game (albeit, not well either). Sure, Blake Wheeler is a big body but he lacks grit or much in the way of offensive talent. Like I said in a tweet last spring, "Wheeler couldn’t score in a brothel" and he lacks the ability to finish in the offensive zone, that makes him an offensive liability. Wheeler's strong point is he can play on the penalty kill and he is strong defensively.

[The Bruins Blog] The agent for restricted free agent Bruins winger Blake Wheeler and defenseman Mark Stuart, Matt Keator, said he plans to speak with Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli this weekend about both his clients, as the deadline to file for arbitration approaches 5 p.m. Monday.

Both players are eligible for arbitration.

“We’ll talk over the weekend and Monday and see where things go,” Keator told TheBruinsBlog.net.

Chiarelli said on Thursday he was confident he could re-sign Wheeler, Stuart and fellow restricted free agent Gregory Campbell and stay under the salary cap, even if it would be a “little tight.”

The list of transactions so far. (updated - 07/3/2010)

There have been some former division one college hockey players moving the first two days of free agency. TSN has a good break down at all of the trades right here.

Jul 3 Giroux, Alexandre LW Washington Edmonton $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Mitchell, John C Toronto Toronto $750K 1 $750K
Jul 2 Quincey, Kyle D Colorado Colorado n/a 2 n/a
Jul 2 Winnik, Daniel C Colorado Colorado n/a 2 n/a - New Hampshire
Jul 2 Montoya, Al G Phoenix Phoenix n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Lepisto, Sami D Phoenix Phoenix n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Craig, Ryan C Tampa Bay Pittsburgh $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Andrew Ebbett n/a Minnesota Phoenix n/a 1 n/a-Michigan
Jul 2 Lombardi, Matthew C Phoenix Nashville $10.5M 3 $3.5M
Jul 2 Winchester, Brad LW St. Louis St. Louis $700K 1 $700K-UW
Jul 2 MacIntyre, Steve LW Florida Edmonton $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Konopka, Zenon RW Tampa Bay NY Islanders n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Parenteau, P.A. RW NY Rangers NY Islanders $600K 1 $600K
Jul 2 Jurcina, Milan D Washington NY Islanders $1M 1 $1M
Jul 2 Eaton, Mark D Pittsburgh NY Islanders $5M 2 $2.5M-Notre Dame
Jul 2 Higgins, Christopher RW Calgary Florida $1.6M 1 $1.6M-Yale
Jul 2 McCormick, Cody C Buffalo Buffalo $500K 1 $500K
Jul 2 Strudwick, Jason D Edmonton Edmonton n/a 1 n/a
Jul 2 Kubina, Pavel D Atlanta Tampa Bay $7.7M 2 $3.85M
Jul 2 Jackman, Tim RW NY Islanders Calgary n/a 2 n/a-MSU-M
Jul 2 Ivanans, Raitis RW Los Angeles Calgary n/a 2 n/a
Jul 1 Prospal, Vaclav LW NY Rangers NY Rangers $2.1M 1 $2.1M
Jul 1 Scott, John n/a Minnesota Chicago $1M 1 $1M-MTU
Jul 1 Boyd, Dustin C Montreal Montreal $650K 1 $650K
Jul 1 Nystrom, Eric LW Calgary Minnesota $4.2M 3 $1.4M-Michigan
Jul 1 Reich, Jeremy LW NY Islanders Boston n/a 1 n/a
Jul 1 Raycroft, Andrew G Vancouver Dallas $1.3M 2 $650K
Jul 1 Cullen, Matt C Ottawa Minnesota $10.5M 3 $3.5M-SCSU
Jul 1 Burish, Adam LW Chicago Dallas $2.3M 2 $1.15M-UW
Jul 1 Koivu, Saku C Anaheim Anaheim $5M 2 $2.5M
Jul 1 Tambellini, Jeff LW NY Islanders Vancouver $500K 1 $500K-Michigan
Jul 1 Leopold, Jordan D Pittsburgh Buffalo $9M 3 $3M-Minnesota
Jul 1 Hamhuis, Dan D Pittsburgh Vancouver $27M 6 $4.5M
Jul 1 Volchenkov, Anton D Ottawa New Jersey $25.5M 6 $4.25M
Jul 1 Jokinen, Olli C NY Rangers Calgary $6M 2 $3M
Jul 1 Mason, Chris G St. Louis Atlanta $3.7M 2 $1.85M
Jul 1 Foster, Kurtis D Tampa Bay Edmonton $3.6M 2 $1.8M
Jul 1 Tallinder, Henrik D Buffalo New Jersey $13.5M 4 $3.375M
Jul 1 Sanford, Curtis G Montreal Montreal $550K 1 $550K
Jul 1 Whitney, Ray RW Carolina Phoenix $6M 2 $3M
Jul 1 Lydman, Toni D Buffalo Anaheim $9M 3 $3M
Jul 1 Martin, Paul D New Jersey Pittsburgh $25M 5 $5M -Minnesota
Jul 1 Boogaard, Derek LW Minnesota NY Rangers $6.5M 4 $1.625M
Jul 1 Ellis, Dan G Montreal Tampa Bay $3M 2 $1.5M
Jul 1 Shelley, Jody RW NY Rangers Philadelphia $3.3M 3 $1.1M
Jul 1 Morris, Derek D Phoenix Phoenix $11M 4 $2.75M
Jul 1 Malhotra, Manny C San Jose Vancouver $7.5M 3 $2.5M
Jul 1 O'Donnell, Sean D Los Angeles Philadelphia $1M 1 $1M
Jul 1 Perrault, Joel C Phoenix Vancouver $510K 1 $510K
Jul 1 Niittymaki, Antero G Tampa Bay San Jose $4M 2 $2M
Jul 1 Armstrong, Colby RW Atlanta Toronto $9M 3 $3M
Jul 1 Auld, Alex G NY Rangers Montreal $1M 1 $1M
Jul 1 Michalek, Zbynek D Phoenix Pittsburgh $20M 5 $4M
Jul 1 Tanguay, Alex RW Tampa Bay Calgary $1.7M 1 $1.7M
Jul 1 Gonchar, Sergei D Pittsburgh Ottawa $16.5M 3 $5.5M
Jul 1 Paille, Dan LW Boston Boston $2.15M 2 $1.075M
Jul 1 Biron, Martin G NY Islanders NY Rangers $1.75M 2 $875K
Jun 30 Leighton, Michael G Philadelphia Philadelphia $3.1M 2 $1.55M
Jun 29 Barch, Krys LW Dallas Dallas $1.675M 2 $837.5K
Jun 26 Wallin, Niclas D San Jose San Jose $2.5M 1 $2.5M
Jun 26 Nichol, Scott C San Jose San Jose $760K 1 $760K
Jun 25 Recchi, Mark RW Boston Boston $1M 1 $1M
Jun 24 Boychuk, Johnny D Boston Boston $3.75M 2 $1.875M
Jun 24 Marleau, Patrick LW San Jose San Jose $27.6M 4 $6.9M
Jun 22 Plekanec, Tomas C Montreal Montreal $30M 6 $5M
Jun 22 Darche, Mathieu RW Montreal Montreal $550K 1 $550K
Jun 22 Cooke, Matt LW Pittsburgh Pittsburgh $5.4M 3 $1.8M
Jun 21 Pyatt, Taylor LW Phoenix Phoenix $2M 2 $1M
Jun 17 Aucoin, Adrian D Phoenix Phoenix $4M 2 $2M
Jun 17 Bouillon, Francis D Nashville Nashville $2.7M 2 $1.35M
Jun 16 Bertuzzi, Todd RW Detroit Detroit $3.875M 2 $1.9375M
Jun 15 Rome, Aaron D Vancouver Vancouver $1.5M 2 $750K
Jun 14 Backlund, Johan G Philadelphia Philadelphia $1.6M 2 $800K

Wild sign former SCSU Huskies Star Matt Cullen and Michigan Wolverine Eric Nystrom

The Wild signed former SCSU star and Moorhead Minnesota Spud Matt Cullen to a three year contract with the Minnesota Wild. This is a very good move by the Minnesota Wild. The Wild also signed former Wolverines star Eric Nystrom.

MINNEAPOLIS - The Minnesota Wild have signed center Matt Cullen to a three-year contract.

The team announced the deal on Thursday night. Cullen, who won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, finished last season with the Ottawa Senators. The 33-year-old forward is a native of Minnesota who played at Moorhead High School and St. Cloud State University.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Cullen joins his sixth NHL team, bringing 169 goals and 292 assists in 880 games.

Last season, Cullen had 16 goals and 32 assists in 81 games for Carolina and Ottawa. He was traded in February and added three goals and five assists in six playoff games.

Don't count on a BTHC anytime soon...

From time to time you hear rumblings about some teams in the Big Ten wanting to start a BTHC. Well don't count on that happening anytime soon, only five schools in the Big Ten have hockey and Notre Dame said no to joining the Big Ten Conference. I think that is good news for the WCHA and the CCHA. Or is it?

The Big Ten has long coveted Notre Dame, but that's unlikely to happen anytime soon. The Big Ten added Nebraska as its 12th member recently and would love to bring Notre Dame into the conference, too.

But Notre Dame, armed with its own TV contract and a national following and recruiting base, seems inclined to remain an independent.

"Being independent is a part of our history," said Litchfield's John Carlson, a tight end with the Seattle Seahawks. "It's something we take pride in. From that standpoint, I would like to see Notre Dame stay independent.

"Additionally, our other sports are in the Big East so that would kind of throw a wrench into some established rivalries that already exist in those other sports."

Eden Prairie's Mark LeVoir, an offensive tackle with the New England Patriots, said it would be a "travesty" if Notre Dame joined a conference
[Red Star and Sickle]

Whos going to be the Wild's goon now that Boogey is gone?

According to TSN's Bob McKenzie and Minnesota Wild beat writer Mike Russo former Wild Goon Derek Boogaard is now a Rag (Ranger). Question: So who is going to be the Wild's tough guy/enforcer/goon/equalizer now that the Derek Boogard has been signed by the New York Rangers?

TSNBobMcKenzie: Darren Dreger reporting Boogard to the NYR is done.

Of course there will be some that will applaud the move and say that Boogey is nothing more than a one dimensional player that adds nothing on the score sheet. I think that is partially true but the skilled Wild players feel when Boogaard is on the bench they know that the Boogey man has their back. Personally, I loved watching Boogaard beat the be-jesus out of people and it made for a nice side show…

Sean_Leahy: Derek Boogaard, he of 14 points in 255 career gms & 5:09 in avg career TOI, now makes $1.65 million a year for the next four. HA

Apparently the Wild were given a chance to match the New York Rangers offer and the Wild front office said no.

I am told Boogaard's peeps called Wild for one last chance to sign him, and it was a no thanks at that number.

Matt Cullen to the Wild?

This move makes a lot of sense to me. It would appear that the Minnesota Wild are interested in signing former SCSU star and UFA Matt Cullen, according to an article in today's Red Star and Sickle.

Maybe three times will be a charm for the Wild and Matt Cullen.

For the third time in Cullen's career, he will become a free agent when the clock strikes 11 Thursday morning. For the third time in Cullen's career, the Wild -- in need of a center -- is expected to pursue him.

The Wild couldn't lasso him the previous two times, but the team might have a better chance this go-around.

"To be honest, at the point I was at four years ago, I don't think I could have handled playing in Minnesota," said Cullen, a former St. Cloud State standout who played in three consecutive boys' hockey state tournaments with Moorhead in the '90s. "But just growing and maturing as a person and a player, to the point of having a young family now, I think I'm at a good spot where I can handle it and excel there.

This is a move that I believe makes sense for the Wild. 1.) It gives the Wild a home grown kid on the Wild from the State of Hockey. 2.) Fills a needs in the offensive zone, for the Minnesota Wild are offensively challenged. 3.) It probably wouldn’t cost the Wild all that much and Cullen is a good two way center that plays both ends of the ice. You also can’t discount that he won a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Former Wild second round bust Patrick O'Sullivan traded again

Wow, this first second round draft choice worked out for the Minnesota Wild as well. Patrick O'Sullivan is another brutal reminder of the horrible drafting Doug Risebrough did when he was the General Manager of the Minnesota Wild.

General Manager Steve Tambellini announced today the Edmonton Oilers have acquired defenseman Jim Vandermeer from the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for forward Patrick O’Sullivan.

Vandermeer, 30-years-old, recorded 12 points (4G, 8A) in 62 games with the Coyotes last season as well as 60 penalty minutes.[Oilers NHL]

Patrick O'Sullivan never actually played a game for the Minnesota Wild and his best season was in 2007-2008 when he scored (22g-31a-53pts) with the LA Kings who quickly rewarded him the next season by trading him to the Edmonton Oilers. O'Sullivan hasn't come close to achieving that total since.

What about Paul Martin?

NHL Fanhouse blogger Bruce Ciskie has an interesting blog post about former Gopher Paul Martin and his free agency status. You would have to wonder if the Minnesota Wild wouldn’t entertain signing him to appease the State of Hockey. What do you think? Would he fit into the Wild’s plans? The Minnesota Wild need two top-nine forwards and have $11.5 million in free cap space to spend. The Minnesota Wild have 19 players signed so far.

Martin doesn't throw vicious checks, but he's still effective in his own zone. When the puck is on his stick, he makes smart, effective passes and has very little panic when faced with forecheck pressure. He isn't a high-scoring defenseman like Gonchar is, but he'll still make a good fixture on a team's second power play unit, and he is capable of 50 points over a full season if he's in the right system and can stay healthy.

He's a good player, and he isn't likely to cost an arm and a leg. Where's the love?

Perhaps Martin isn't considered an elite player, which makes perfect sense. Of course, then it makes no sense to have teams practically salivating over Hamhuis, who is virtually the same player minus a pretty serious injury this past season. Does Martin's rough contract year mean the Devils have the inside track on signing him because he's not a desirable player?

In the grand scheme of things, it seems Martin is being penalized because he broke his forearm blocking a shot -- a totally freak accident that is not a recurring injury. This isn't Marian Gaborik's groin. It's a broken bone suffered in a situation that is highly unlikely to ever repeat itself.

Outside of that, he's been a very steady player for a very good team for a number of years. Martin's exploits go all the way back to high school in Elk River, Minn., when he was one of the best players in a hockey-centric state. He was then a major part of two Minnesota Gopher national championship teams.


ShareHis consistency should get him some bites in free agency, assuming he's interested in leaving New Jersey. If a team like Phoenix, Atlanta, Minnesota or Toronto come calling with the right deal, it's going to be hard for Martin to say "no," regardless of where his NHL loyalties lie now. He can help those teams with his steady defensive hand, combined with his underrated puck skills on the power play.

Crossposted at the Hockey Wilderness.

Blais not impressed with new icing rule

If you haven't seen this yet, former UND and current UNO Maverick coach Dean Blais is spot on when asked about the proposed icing rule where the penalized team can't ice the puck during the penalty kill.

Among changes moved forward by the NCAA Ice Hockey Rules Committee is an amendment to the way officials enforce icing. The proposal calls for icing to be whistled, and play stopped, whenever a team dumps the puck the length of the ice out of its own zone — even when that team is on a penalty kill. If adopted, the rule would alter a critical tactic in killing penalties, and it could make it almost impossible for short-handed teams to change lines.

The idea aims to increase the time that a team on the power play spends in its opponent’s zone. That would likely lead to more scoring, which is a strong point of emphasis in most hockey rule changes. It’s also anticipated that the amendment might dissuade teams from taking penalties in the first place — thus cutting down on the obstruction infractions that prevent even-strength scoring chances.

At some levels, hockey already has flirted with this change. There are even rumblings that the NHL might eventually adopt the rule.

But Blais says the idea simply doesn’t merit a place in the NCAA rule book, and he can’t imagine the radical icing rule ever sticking in the NHL.

“It’s ridiculous,” Blais said. “What more do you want? You’re already on the power play, but then the other team gets the puck — what are they supposed to do with it? It sounds like whoever was involved with that rule and pushed it through, I don’t think they understand the game very well.”

Before it takes effect, the proposal would have to be approved by the NCAA’s Playing Rules Oversight Panel in July.

Blais doesn’t believe the icing change will pass that final test, and there have been reports indicating that the rules committee is considering removing the item before it goes up for final approval.

The outcry among coaches has been loud and clear, and many of them have raised concerns about player safety. With penalty killing being such a physically demanding part of the game, many fear that the icing ban would put tired skaters at greater risk when they can’t dump the puck and make a line change on the fly.

Here’s hoping Blais is right and the change never comes about.
[Mavericks today]

Minnesota gets to host yet another regional

Yawn! Boring... I have to agree with Chris Dilks from WCH it's the same old regional sites yet again. Wouldn’t you know it, entitlement hockey gets to host another regional. Last season the Gophers hosted the West Region at the Xcel Energy Center and with the Gophers falling on their nose and missing the west regional the games were played in a half empty arena. You have to wonder if Minnesota will finally be able qualify for the NCAA playoffs and get to play in the regional they are hosting?

The NCAA has named the 2012 NCAA tournament Regional locations.

Two of the sites will be repeats from the 2011 locations — The Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Conn., and the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wis.

Minnesota will host the West Regional, with the games being played at Mariucci Arena; and the Northeast Regional went to Holy Cross, with the games set for the DCU Center in Worcester, Mass. [College Hockey News]

Why even bother having applications for the regional tourney anymore if you’re just going to award/reward the regional sites to the same arena/teams/towns every year? Seriously!

Cox: Marc Savard talk risky business for Leafs

When I start hearing these rumors and as a Boston Bruins fan it kind of infuriates me, what is it with the Bruins management that makes them want to trade away their best goal scoring talent? My next question would be; if you were unhappy with Savard attitude or play why did you sign him to a long term contract? I would also ask the same question about their goaltender former Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas. In today’s salary cap NHL, there is little room for error when you’re signing players to long term contracts.

What it means in general is that the Leafs can consider financial commitments other franchises can’t. Today, what it means is that Burke and his hockey department are seriously examining the possibility of acquiring Boston Bruins centre Marc Savard and his mammoth contract, something franchises like Nashville, Florida, Buffalo and Phoenix would never have to bother spending even a moment considering.

Savard’s a very good player, a point-per-game pivot albeit one with warts, like a history of concussions and a background as a fellow a coach might not always enjoy having on the roster.

His contract is — excuse the expression, commissioner — coyote ugly, a seven-year deal that comes with a salary of $7 million in each of the next two years, with an annual salary cap hit of $4 million (all figures U.S.). The B’s gave him that deal a year ago when they loved him and before he’d been cold-cocked by Matt Cooke of the Penguins, and before they’d used the second overall pick this past weekend to draft his successor at centre, Tyler Seguin.

Stuck with Tim Thomas, a very expensive goalie they might not be able to move, the Bruins may be prepared to surrender Savard in a so-called “soft” deal. In other words, basically for free. [thestar.com]

2010 NHL Draft Results and Review (RW77)

Ok, a lot happened today (and yesterday) in Los Angeles at the NHL Draft, but before I go on I must say: NHL.com's live draft tracker: Awful.

Yup. They were spot on and super vigilant...until about the end of the 4th round. Then, it seemed like they either hit technical difficulties or they stopped caring. Then, at the end of the 5th round, they waited until ESPN had basically posted half of the 6th round to continue updating. In the end, I just sat and watched ESPN's website and hit reload a bunch of times. Nice work by ESPN.com covering a sport they care little about. Awful work by a website whose sole business is the NHL.

In any case, here are the results for all UND incoming recruits eligible for this year's draft:

1st Round, 15th Overall - Derek Forbort - to the LA Kings
1st Round, 30th Overall - Brock Nelson - to the NY Islanders
4th Round, 113th Overall - Mark MacMillan - to the Montreal Canadiens
5th Round, 149th Overall - Michael Parks - to the Philadelphia Flyers
6th Round, 156th Overall - Brendan O'Donnell - to the TB Lightning
6th Round, 165th Overall - Zane Gothberg - to the Boston Bruins
6th Round, 180th Overall - Nick Mattson - to the Chicago Blackhawks

Undrafted (eligible players): Danny Mattson

Ineligible Players: Dylan Simpson and Colton St. Clair (2011 Draft eligible)

Reaction:

First off, WOW hath Cam Fowler fallen. He and Gormley fell like stones.

Second, I'm amazed at where UND's recruits ended up. Forbort and Nelson were the only two that went right about where I thought they would. Gothberg and Mattson fell like rocks off a cliff.

However, I must say this regarding Zane's draft placement: I saw it coming. When I noticed all those European and MJ goaltenders going (some of them out of left field before Calvin Pickard even got drafted) I know Gothberg's stock was falling. I didn't know when he'd get drafted but I still had hopes he'd get picked in the 5th round. I'm not all that concerned really about Gothberg's draft position overall. I think this will take the heat off of him to be "better than Eidsness" (which has already been batted about at certain message boards) and I think it is rather risky to draft goaltenders before the 4th round anyways. I mean... Jeff Frazee, anyone?

In unrelated news: Sam Brittain is a big kid. 6'3 215. WOW. Minnesota will have to watch out when they inevitably "crash the net" (aka run the goaltender).

Mark MacMillan went a LOT higher than I thought. His stats and videos aside, I thought, if he got drafted at all, he'd be taken in the 6th or 7th round. Same with O'Donnell (which I was right). In my mind, however, I didn't have Parks getting drafted at all. And he goes higher than Mattson and Gothberg.

All in all, only Mattson, St. Clair, and Simpson are listed as UND recruits that have not been drafted. Simpson and St. Clair aren't eligible yet. Both St. Clair and Simpson have big years ahead of them regarding drafting.

Here's the WCHA breakdown of players drafted:

UND: 7 (highest: 1st rd. 15th overall)
UMN: 6 (highest: 1st rd. 19th overall)
UMD: 3 (highest: 2nd rd. 37th overall)
SCSU: 1 (5th rd. 148th overall)
UNO: 1 (7th rd. 196th overall)
MSUM: 1* (3rd rd. 88th overall)
UW: 2 (highest: 3rd rd. 82nd overall)
CC: 2 (highest: 1st rd. 14th overall**)
DU: 3 (highest: 1st rd. 20th overall)
UAA, BSU, MTU each had no recruits selected

* - Didn't count Pitlick. The guy is MJ property now so he's an MJ pick.
** - Jaden Schwartz was the top college-bound player picked

UND leads the way with 7 recruits. Minnesota on their heels (Lucia's totally lost all interest in the Gopher program based on his ineptitude, right? Please).

I remember when UMD didn't get that many draft picks. Don't you? Oh, and former UMD recruit Mac Carruth got drafted too.

How's them apples?

NHL Draft Results...

1 Edmonton Oilers - Taylor Hall, F, OHL
2 Boston Bruins - Tyler Seguin, F, OHL
3 Florida Panthers - Erik Gudbranson, D, OHL
4 Columbus Blue Jackets - Ryan Johansen, F, WHL
5 New York Islanders - Nino Niederreiter, F, WHL
6 Tampa Bay Lightning - Brett Connolly, F, WHL
7 Carolina Hurricanes - Jeff Skinner, F, OHL
8 Atlanta Thrashers - Alex Burmistrov, F, OHL
9 Minnesota Wild - Mikael Granlund, F, Finland
10 N.Y. Rangers - Dylan McIlrath, D, WHL
11 Dallas Stars -- Jack Campbell, G, OHL, American
12 Anaheim Ducks - Cam Fowler, D, OHL, American
13 Phoenix Coyotes - Brandon Gormley, D, QMJHL
14 St. Louis Blues - Jaden Schwartz, F, C.C.
15 Los Angeles Kings - Derek Forbort, D, UND, American
16 St. Louis Blues - Vladimir Tarasenko, F, Russia
17 Colorado Avalanche - Joey Hishon, F, OHL
18 Nashville Predators - Austin Watson, F, OHL, American
19 Florida Panthers - Nick Bjugstad, F, Gophers, American
20 Pittsburgh Penguins - Beau Bennett, F, Pioneers, American
21 Detroit Red Wings - Riley Sheahan, F, Notre Dame,
22 Montreal Canadiens - Jarred Tinordi, D, ND, American
23 Buffalo Sabres - Mark Pysyk, D, WHL
24 Chicago Blackhawks - Kevin Hayes, F, B.C., American
25 Florida Panthers - Quinton Howden, F, WHL
26 Washington Capitals - Evgeny Kuznetsov, F, Russian
27 Phoenix Coyotes - Mark Visentin, G, OHL
28 San Jose Sharks - Charlie Coyle, F, BU, American
29 Anaheim Ducks - Emerson Etem, F, WHL, American
30 Chicago Blackhawks - Brock Nelson, F, UND, American

11 American were selected in the first round the 2010 NHL draft that is a new record.
As a Wild fan I am disappointed in their first round pick. You could have at least drafted a North American with your first round pick.

Keith Ballard traded to the Canucks

Former Gopher Keith Ballard was traded to the hated Vancouver Canucks, so now Wild fans will probably boo him when he comes to the Xcel Energy Center.

LOS ANGELES -- After two seasons with the Panthers, Keith Ballard is moving once once more.

The former Phoenix Coyote is off to Vancouver after Dale Tallon traded him west for forward Steve Bernier and the No. 25 pick in tonight's draft.

This trade is not official nor has it been announced.

This is an obvious salary dump, with Ballard making $4.2 million in each of the next five seasons.

Bernier, who scored 11 goals with 11 assists in 59 games for the Canucks last season, is making $2 million next season and is a restricted free agent in 2011. [Miami Herald]

Bruins and Wild dealing?

Here is an interesting trade rumor, the Wild have said they would like to trade Brett Burn's big contract. You have to wonder if Blake Wheeler is included in the deal?

According to a source, the Bruins and Wild are talking trade, with a defenseman coming to the Bruins and a forward and a defenseman going to Minnesota. The source said that it would be partially a salary dump for the B’s. Attractive defenseman on the Wild would be Brent Burns or Nick Schultz. No word yet on who would be going to the Wild in return [Boston Herald]

Bruins yet to approach Savard regarding no-trade clause

This might Savard getting traded rumors to bed. One has to wonder where the rumors are coming from. I have read Toronto fans pontificating about how Savard would look good on a line with Kessel in Toronto. I would be very surprised if he was traded tonight or this summer especially with his no trade clause.

With tonight's first round approaching and picks remaining in play, the Bruins are expected to continue fielding inquiries for Marc Savard. However, the Bruins have yet to inquire with Savard about waiving his no-trade clause, which is a significant hurdle they must clear. [Boston Globe]

NHL Governors approve major penalty for hits to head

This type of hits will no longer be legal in the NHL anymore. This is the right decision by the NHL, people will argue that it will take hitting out of the game but that is incorrect. You can hit effectively hit someone without having to hit someone in the head.

LOS ANGELES – A passionate debate about hits to the head that has lasted the better part of a year was officially settled Thursday night when the NHL Board of Governors approved a new penalty for next season.

The penalty for a lateral, blindside hit to the head, which will be called "illegal check to the head," is a five-minute major penalty, as well as an automatic game misconduct. The League also will consider supplemental discipline.

t was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors during Thursday's meeting, the first for the body since last December. The rule was proposed during the spring edition of the General Managers' Meeting in Florida after several controversial hits during the season.

"I think we are really pleased with where it is," Columbus GM Scott Howson told NHL.com. "But I also think it is something really fluid and we will have to continue to work at it if we see the need."

Cam Neely, the freshly minted president of the Boston Bruins, also stressed that vigilance would remain necessary, but was happy to see a mechanism in place to protect the League's players.

"I think it was important for the League to try to address this as quick as possible," Neely told NHL.com. "The GMs got on board, the Competition Committee got on board. Obviously, for the health of the players, it is good to get a rule like this in place and try to get it out of the game and get to a situation where you are going to have fewer concussions because of it."

Blaming BC students? Not so fast

Rusty Para gave me a heads up on this story but it is an interesting turn of events. The MBTA trolley driver is some trouble for speeding and is facing charges of perjury. Now basically it boils down to some college students riding in a car where the driver was sober, there were passengers that are under age with open containers. It will be interesting to see if the Eagles hockey team disciplines any of these players.

Three members of the BC hockey team, which had just won the national championship, were passengers in the Jeep, and detectives found the vehicle strewn with beer cans and a bottle of vodka. “These students should be held accountable for their reckless and dangerous behavior,’’ railed the MBTA police chief the day after the crash.

All of which turned a relatively minor incident into national news, splashed across the pages and websites of The New York Times, USA Today, ESPN, and the Huffington Post, as well as every major media outlet in Boston. The hockey team not only failed to receive the customary White House invitation that national champions receive, it hasn’t gotten so much as a congratulatory sign on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

But since then, the story has taken several striking twists, far from the glare of the cameras. In May, with no fanfare, the MBTA suspended the trolley driver for two weeks after the agency’s investigators determined he was driving 35 miles per hour at the time of the crash, well over the 10-mile-per-hour speed limit, T officials confirmed yesterday.

Then, in a closed-door hearing in Brighton District Court last week, the most serious charges against Jane Stanton, the BC student driving the Jeep, were abruptly dismissed. Her toxicology tests showed she had not been drinking, her cellphone records showed she had not been texting, and she faced only three civil traffic infractions, officials and her lawyer said. [Boston Globe]

Sources: Flyers Inquire About Boston Goalie Thomas

This is a story that has picked up steam tonight on line. Redwing77 mentioned in an earlier blog post that the Boston Bruins are shopping their over priced former number one goalie around the NHL. The Bruins are going to be hard pressed to trade Thomas because of his age and his expensive contract.

LOS ANGELES – Goalie Tim Thomas is 36 years old and would cost $5 million a year in cap space, “if” someone decided to make a trade with Boston.

Sources at the Board of Governors confirmed on Thursday that Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren and Boston’s Peter Chiarelli have spoken about the netminder, who has three years left on his contract and has been replaced as a starter by Tuukka Rask.

Chiarelli is trying hard to unload Thomas and has spoken to a number of clubs. Neither Holmgren nor Chiarelli would comment.

Flyers’ sources say, however, they consider Thomas “too expensive,” despite his 2.56 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 43 games last season.

Outside sources say, however, the Flyers are willing to move two players “if” they decide to go the Thomas route and “if” it’s the right players to move. Those sources added the only untouchable Flyers are Mike Richards and Jeff Carter.

That said, these sources have the impression that, in the end, the Flyers may end up re-signing Michael Leighton...

Former Badger Joe Pavelski gets a big pay day...

Former Badgers star Joel Pavelski has been resigned by the San Jose Sharks. Joe Pavelski had a break out season with the San Jose Sharks scoring (25g - 26a - 51pts) in 67 games. Pavelski also had (9g - 8a - 17) in 15 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Pavelski was also on team USA that secured the Bronze Medal during the Olympic games.

Two days after announcing they wouldn't bring back unrestricted free-agent goalie Evgeni Nabokov, the Sharks came to terms with the two forwards they targeted that money for, re-signing unrestricted free agent Patrick Marleau and restricted free agent Joe Pavelski.

San Jose general manager Doug Wilson had told reporters earlier in the week that getting both men back in the fold would be "a home run," and he actually might have hit a grand slam. Wilson signed two of the team's most important players to four-year deals -- the Sharks are steering clear of the extra-long-term deals that are now hampering teams like the Blackhawks.

It appears he got particularly favorable terms with Pavelski, a rising star who will make $4 million per year on average. Many had thought it would take at least $5 million per year; Ryan Kesler's six-year, $30 million extension in Vancouver often has been the comparison point.

"You look at a lot of things, and the structure of our team is a lot different than Vancouver's, different forwards all making different amounts," Pavelski, 25, said on a conference call Thursday morning. "There are some areas you have to cut back, and if this helps, that's a good thing. This is a decent deal and I'm really excited to be here for four years. The biggest thing is winning."

Wilson won't talk specific financial terms, as per the Sharks' policy, but there's little question that San Jose is happy about how things worked out from a payroll perspective. [NHL Fan House]

NCAA Proposes End to Early Scholarship Offers

I saw this over at the fan house. I believe this is a good rule because it tell the college coaches hands off until the student athletes are juniors in high school and it also gives the kids more time to decide where they want to play.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- An NCAA committee wants to prohibit scholarship offers to recruits before July 1 of their junior season of high school.

Under the proposal, coaches would need to acquire five semesters or seven quarters of a high school transcript before making an offer.

It is the first recommendation to come out of the Recruiting and Athletics Personnel Issues Cabinet, which has been looking into recruiting conduct and would apply to all sports.

Committee chairwoman Petrina Long said Thursday that recruits and their families told the cabinet they felt pressured to make early decisions. Coaches also said they were under pressure to make the offers to "keep up" with competitors.

The Legislative Council will not vote on the proposal until at least January.

More News (RW77)

Not a lot on the news fronts, but there are some tidbits.

Former UND Defenseman Brad Bombardir has been named the Director of Player Development for the Minnesota Wild.

--> This is not a job I'd want. He has to look the Wild Administration right in their eyes and say "Our minor leagues have talent." On the flip side, he could get to help develop some real talent now that the moron Risebrough is gone and the Wild can now draft players that meet their needs rather than solely meet their "system."

Former UND Associate Head Coach Brad Berry was named the Assistant Coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

--> This is great news. I just hope things go better for him in Ohio than it did for Dean Blais.

Rumor has it that former UND forward Erik Fabian is the leading candidate for the vacant Assistant Coaching position for UND's women's hockey team.

--> FAAAAAAABIIIAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!

In more NHL News:

-- Chicago traded away the rights to Center Colin Fraser for a 2010 6th Round draft pick (Edmonton). Too bad because, with Byfuglien and Eager's departures, Fraser probably would have seen a lot more ice time with the Hawks. On the flip side, Fraser will be a 2nd line center with the Oilers. Not because he's 2nd line material... rather because the Oilers are that bad.

-- Tim Thomas' agent is looking for suitors for a trade out of Boston. Good luck. Nobody wants to touch that $5 million/year for 3 year salary.... well, unless the Minnesota Timberwolves rehire Kevin McHale and switch over to Hockey.

-- Rumor has it (and it's not all that much of a rumor really) that Montreal has started serious talks about re-signing Carey Price. I don't know why this is big on ESPN.com's Rumor Central (I don't have access to the Insider material...lousy budget!), but it's not like Montreal is going to go out and spend big money on anyone like Nabokov, Turco, or whoever. The upside of Price in Montreal is that you get to see him do incredibly stupid things like getting two unsportsmanlike conducts in the same game (one of which was while he was on the bench) and then rationalizing it much like fellow d-bag Matt Cooke by saying "Let 'em know you're there." Don't believe me? Watch this!

Ok, I admit wedging that last one in there because I missed it when I could have put it in a more relevant post. Oh well.

Johnny Boychuk resigns with Bruins

Bruins fans got some very good news today. Free agent defenseman Johnny Boychuck is back in the fold for another two season with the Boston Bruins.

CSNNE.com CSNNE.com has confirmed that the Bruins have signed 26-year-old defenseman Johnny Boychuk, who would have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, to a two-year deal. The agreement was first reported by New England Hockey Journal.

According to sources that spoke with CSNNE.com, the deal is for $3.75 million (with Boychuk set to make $1.75 million next season and $2 million in 2011-12) and doesn't have any no-trade provisions within the deal. The cap hit for Boychuk over the term of the two-year deal is for $1.875 million and keeps the physical, easy-going blueliner in the Boston fold for another two seasons.

The defenseman won a starting job with the Bruins over the second half of the regular season, and deftly stepped into the No. 2 defenseman role alongside Zdeno Chara once Dennis Seidenberg went down with a forearm injury. Boychuk averaged over 26 minutes of ice time during the 13 games he played during the playoffs, led the Bruins with 39 blocked shots and authored the "statement hit" of the postseason for the B's when he decked Buffalo Sabres forward Matt Ellis during Game 3 of the opening round.

What's up with the Savard rumors?

Darren Dreger seems to think that Bruins star center Marc Savard is available and on the trading block, first off Savard is signed for a very long time through the 2016-2017 season and a no trade clause for the 2010-2011 season. You have to wonder if Dreger is a leaf’s fan with a case of wishful thinking. The deal makes no sense what so ever unless the Bruins are going to replace Savard with another top line offensive player.

Prelude to another deal?

By landing Nathan Horton, the Boston Bruins had to punch a hole in their blueline by including defenceman Dennis Wideman in the deal with the Florida Panthers. This move has sparked speculation that the Bruins may not be done - and some believe Boston may now zero in on Toronto's Tomas Kaberle.

Now Leafs GM Brian Burke and Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli thought they had a trade involving Kaberle and Phil Kessel at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, but the deal was scuttled over confusion as to whether or not draft picks would be included.

Burke has publicly stated he wants a scoring winger as compensation for Kaberle, but according to league sources, star centre Marc Savard is available.

Boston and Toronto have yet to re-open talks involving Kaberle, but it's likely the Bruins will express interest and if Savard is in play, why wouldn't the Maple Leafs consider reuniting him with Phil Kessel?

Big Buff to the Thrashers

I guess I can cross Dustin Byfuglien off my list players I would like to see the Minnesota Wild sign in the offseason. Personally, I think the Thrashers got the better end of this deal. They get a mountain of a power forward in Dustin Byfuglien a serviceable tough guy in Ben Eager and a decent defenseman in Brent Sopel. The extra throw in player is Akim Aliu was the player that got into a major incident with Lightning Hack Steve Donnie over a hazing incident in juniors that lead to a fight in practice. The Chicago Blackhawks get the 24th, 54th picks over all as well as Marty Reasoner and Jeremy Morin.

TSN - Dustin Byfuglien, one of the breakout players for the Stanley Cup-winning Blackhawks last season, is in the process of being traded to the Thrashers, pending league approval.

Byfuglien, along with Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and Akim Aliu, will be headed to Atlanta in exchange for the 24th overall pick at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the 54th pick, Marty Reasoner and Jeremy Morin.

The picks that Chicago get in the deal were acquired by Atlanta in the trade that sent Ilya Kovalchuk to New Jersey last February.

The 25-year-old forward had 17 goals and 17 assists in 82 games with the Hawks last season.

At 6'4, 257 pounds, the Minnesota native will bring his thunderous size and strength to the struggling Thrashers franchise.

Byfuglien was originally selected 245th overall by the Blackhawks in the eighth round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Blockbuster Blackhawk Deal

Well, everyone knew that something would have to break in the Hawk salary cap situation. The first step has dropped as the Blackhawks completed a massive trade with Atlanta.

What Atlanta Gets:

Dustin Byfuglien
Akim Aliu
Brent Sopel
The Rights to Ben Eager

Roughly a $5 million cap hit.

What Chicago Gets:

Marty Reasoner
The Rights to Jeremy Morin
2010 First and Second Round picks (acquired by Atlanta from New Jersey in the Kovalchuk trade)

A Cap hit of $1.12 million (above the $1.2 million contract of Reasoner)

Redwing77's Take:

A necessary evil, this seems to be something that was doomed to occur. My only regret is that the Hawks couldn't somehow get rid of Huet in the deal.

The roughest part is losing Byfuglien. He was KEY in the Stanley Cup victory. He completely unravelled Vancouver.

Losing Sopel and Eager aren't biggies. Eager was good and will continue to be a gritty winger. Losing Sopel won't be missed. Gaining Reasoner is a lot like gaining another Sopel. Unless Versteeg, Ladd, and Sharp aren't retained, I don't think Reasoner is going to be an every game player. He's a veteran and he is pretty reliable, but certainly more of a salary throw in.

The acquisition of Jeremy Morin is interesting. It's too bad he's not NHL ready yet because he'd be a good addition to the team instead of Eager.

What this DOES mean is: Eager and Byfuglien's departures means that this is Skille's and Fraser's (should Chicago re-sign them) chances to stick in the NHL.

The first rounder makes me wonder if they may now try to trade away their 30th overall pick in a package with some more salary.

Here's a list of remaining free agents the Hawks have left to decide upon:

Restricted Free Agents:

Colin Fraser (C)
Andrew Ladd (LW)
Antti Niemi (G)
Jordan Hendry (D)
Niklas Hjalmarssen (D)

A slew of minor leaguers headlined by Jack Skille, Hannu Toivonen, and Bryan Bickell

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Nick Boynton (D)
Adam Burish (RW)
Kim Johnsson (D)
John Madden (C)

3 minor leaguers: Mark Cullen, Danny Bois (awesome name), and Richard Petiot.

I don't know about Boynton or Burish, nor do I know about the minor leaguers but I doubt Johnsson (who spent most of the year injured) or Madden will return solely because of financial reasons.

I'd like to see Ladd, Hjalmarssen, Toivonen, and Skille at least re-signed. Colin Fraser is good too.

But right now the main things that Chicago needs to accomplish is:

1. Get some sort of solution regarding Huet.
2. Dump more salary
3. Start thinking about next year when Seabrook becomes a free agent.

Analysts make a big deal about Versteeg and Sharp but I don't see the Hawks getting rid of both if they can at all help it. To be honest, I'd love to see either or both on the Red Wings.

Nabokov's loss Stalock's gain?

During this spring’s run to the Stanley Cup playoffs it was pretty much proven that a team doesn’t need a top of the line, expensive and or over paid goaltender to advance to the Stanley Cup finals. Both goalies for the teams in the finals were relative unknowns and at times weren’t all that impressive.

Less than 24 hours after making his first trade of the offseason, Sharks General Manager and Executive Vice President Doug Wilson announced a major shakeup in the Sharks lineup: goalie Evgeni Nabokov will not be returning to the team after Wilson declined to offer him a UFA contract.

“We’ve made a decision to go a different direction on the goaltender,” explained Wilson in a meeting with Bay Area media on Tuesday at Sharks Ice. “I had a conversation with him this morning because he deserves that respect and he’ll get nothing but great reviews on what he’s meant to this organization."

According to Wilson, Nabokov’s reaction to the news was “professional” and “the type of emotion that would be expected.” The Sharks General Manager delivered the news at Sharks Ice in a face-to-face meeting prior to sitting down with the media.

“He’s been a big part of our successes and I have a great respect for him as a player, as a man, as a teammate and a guy who gets involved with his community. We’ve got some very good, young goaltenders that are trending up and Nabby certainly deserves credit for their growth.”

Wilson explained that after examining trends in the National Hockey League over the last three or four years --- in particular, the dollars that are spent on goalies --- the organization has decided to put their faith in 24-year-old Thomas Greiss, 22-year-old Alex Stalock and possibly a veteran goalie from the free agency market. [NHL.COM]

It would appear that the Sharks by not resigning the free agent goaltender Evgeni Nabokov; former Bulldog goalie Alex Stalock will be the one that benefits from this decision.

Miscellaneous Transactions around the League (RW77)

I'll leave the Bruins commentary to Goon, but I thought I'd report on the latest transactions around the league.

The big blockbuster today was that the Bruins traded away Defenseman Denis Wideman, their first round (15th overall) pick in this weekend's draft, and their 2011 third round pick to the Florida Panthers for star winger Nathan Horton and center Greg Campbell.

--> Reading around, the take on this trade is mixed. Some say that Chiarelli took Tallon to the bank. Others say it was a decent trade. I'm not sure. It really comes down to, imo, Campbell vs. the 15th overall pick (or you could argue that the pick was direct compensation for Horton and Wideman lines up with Campbell). Greg Campbell is an unknown to me, other than his stats show he's not much of an offensive center. If he's solid defensively, I think that will be good for the Bruins. What do you think, Goon?

Goon's Take: With Deni Wideman being traded to the Florida Panthers, the Bruins get rid of an offensive puck moving defenseman that was seen by some to be a defensive liability, to me personally Wideman was a brutal reminder of the bad Denis Wideman for Brad Boyes trade. By trading the 15th over all pick away the Bruins will not have their second first round draft choice that they were hording all of last season.

Nathan Horton has played in five NHL season and has never scored less than 20 goals. The Bruins need offense up front and Horton will probably play on one of the top three lines. Gregory Campbell is a bit of an unknown and from what I have read is more of the rugged type forward that will drop the gloves if he needs to. Campbell's last fight was against Av's hack/goon Cody McLeod.

The other trades weren't as noteworthy.

Minnesota acquired Brad Staubitz from San Jose for their 5th round pick in this weekend's draft.

--> I actually think this is a good move. Fletcher and crew need to rebuild fast. Late rounders could take longer to develop (and may not develop at all) than those taken in the first three rounds. Staubitz isn't a glamorous player. However, he is a pretty gritty defenseman and had over 100 PIM last season.

New Jersey reacquires Jason Arnott from Nashville for Matt Halischuk and their 2011 2nd round pick.

--> I have misgivings about this trade. I think if this trade was Arnott for Halischuk straight up, it would be a good deal for both sides. If the pick had been a lower pick, such as a 4th or even a 3rd rounder, I think it would have been ok. I think Halischuk and a 2nd round pick is too much for an aging Arnott, despite the fact that he did pretty well last year and he has shown great leadership on and off the ice.

Philadelphia and Nashville exchange young D -Ryan Parent for the rights to Dan Hamhuis

--> I think this is probably the most even trade out there. Good for both sides.

Former Michigan standout TJ Hensick is now a St. Louis Blues. Colorado gets AHLer Julian Talbot

--> TJ Hensick hasn't done much in limited time in the NHL. He came on fast and then swooned like nobody's business. He did come off his best year as an AHLer though. Who knows which direction Hensick will go. Colorado gets an unknown. The best part? Over the past 3 seasons, Talbot's AHL numbers have been steadily decreasing. So, who cares. Colorado is declared the loser in this trade and that's ok by me. They re-signed Peter Budaj so karma's a biznitch.

Already talked about the Halak trade.

In other news: San Jose has decided NOT to even attempt to re-sign goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. I think he'll probably end up in either Montreal or Washington.

Also, Future Hall of Famers Rob Blake and Scott Niedermeyer retired.

Uber Hack Matt Cooke signed for three more year with Pens.

Isn't that something? Uber Hack and disgusting life form Matt Cooke is best know for being a major league hack and cheap shotting Marc Savard with his dirty hit last March. Cooke is known for going after the little guys and skilled players and usually doesn't want anything to do with the heavy weights. Now, hopefully Cooke starts paying for his transgressions on the ice.

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Penguins and left wing Matt Cooke have reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year contract.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Tuesday that both sides agreed to the deal on Monday and that it will be made official once the NHL gives its approval.

Cooke could have become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has spent the past two seasons with the Penguins, posting 28 goals with 33 assists for 61 points.

The 31-year-old veteran has also played for Vancouver and Washington in 11 NHL seasons. He has 114 goals and 157 assists for 271 points in 738 games.

Cooke may be best-known for a hit he put on Boston's Marc Savard on March 7. Savard suffered a concussion on the play and did not return until the second round of the playoffs.

There was no penalty called on the play, but Cooke's shoulder hit to the head prompted the NHL to craft a new rules proposal regarding hits to the head area. A five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct has been proposed to any player who delivers a lateral, back-pressure or blind-side hit to an opponent where the head is targeted. [TSN.COM]

A couple of options for the Wild...

I think the Wild should trade defenseman Brett Burns to another team so they can unload his fat contract and then pick up some offense talent. I think Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglien or Kris Versteeg would be nice additions to the Wild line up. The Blackhawks are going to have to move a few players to get under the salary cap. The rule that punishes the Blackhawks because Jonahtan Toews won the Conn Smythe, is a horrible rule.

Seis: It'll be interesting what Chicago does this week. Patrick Sharp, Dustin Byfuglien and/or Kris Versteeg could be cap casualties. The Blackhawks were over the cap about $2.5 million this year, and Jonathan Toews had a $1.3 million bonus for winning the Conn Smythe. And since they were already over, all this will be charged to next year's cap. So while the official number hasn't been released, the Blackhawks cap could be about $4 million lower than everybody else's next year.

In essense, a bunch of sportswriters' votes (Toews) cost the Blackhawks $1.3 million of cap space next year. Not that Toews didn't deserve it, but you know what I mean.

The Wild would love Sharp if he's available, but I'm sure so would about a dozen other teams. They'd like Byfuglien, too, but as his mom told me in that feature I wrote on Big Buff before the Finals, she doesn't think the Wild would be a good place for him. As she said, "too many relatives, too close by." I'm sure the Wild like Versteeg, but I just don't see it being "the fit."

I think Stephen Weiss is somebody the Wild would love, but I just don't know if Florida trades him. I've mentioned Carter before.

The Wild again is looking for a big center, but as I mentioned above, any significant trade that would include somebody like Burns I would guess has to be for somebody that's in his 20s with a good chunk of contract left. [Russo's Rants]

I still to this day can't figure out why the Boston Bruins sent the Chicago Blackhawks Kris Versteeg for Brandon Bochenski? That trade is a really head scratchier. No offense to former Fighting Sioux forward Brandon "Bucks" Bochenski but Kris Versteeg has scored 101 points in two plus seasons in the NHL and Brandon Bochenski has played with six NHL teams and never played more than 40 games in a season.

Competition committee recommends head hit penalty

I think this is the first step in the right dirrection.

TORONTO (AP)—The NHL’s competition committee recommended that the league’s referees will be given the power to hand out major penalties for hits to the head next season.

The 10-man group on Friday agreed on the new penalty during a meeting at the NHL’s Toronto office on Friday and passed it along to the league’s board of governors. The board meets next week in Los Angeles and must give final approval to the recommendation.

The specific wording of the new penalty wasn’t disclosed but NHL executive and former player Brendan Shanahan(notes) says head hits will be subject to a major penalty and game misconduct, as well as supplemental discipline.
[Yahoo Sports]

There is no way I cheer for my favorite team(s) if they sign d-bag Matt Cooke

First off it would be no way in hell. That being said; NHL hockey blogger Greg Wyshynski wrote an article on Puck Daddy an article on The 10 UFA left wingers you'd actually want on your team I have to disagree Greg, there is no way in hell I would keep watching my two favorite teams (Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild) if they drafted this disgusting douche bag, nothing pleased me more than watching Evander Kane drop that disgusting piece of human life form and give him what he had coming to him.

4. Matt Cooke(notes) (2009-10 Cap Hit: $1.2 million)

As insufferable as this idea might be, fans should be smiling if their team signs one of the NHL's best agitators.

"Best" in the sense that, well, he's a total pain in the ass -- although one wonders if the new ban on blindside hits means he'll need to alter his game a little. But also "best" in the sense he'll give you around 15 goals in a solid season; and, in the last two playoff campaigns with the Penguins, he has 13 points in 37 games.

The Penguins wouldn't mind him back, but signs are they aren't closing in on a new deal. The whole "you hate him as an opponent but love him on your team" thing can fall into hockey cliché sometimes, but it applies to Cooke. Hate him, but acknowledge he's a momentum changer.

I am interested in reading what others think? Do you think Cooke is a disgusting waste of skin or someone you could tolerate?

Tribal resolution on UND nickname also takes aim at REA

S/T and props to Sioux7NationalTitles for bringing this to my attention. I have to admit that I haven't been reading the Herald much this summer because there really isn't much news worthy in that paper except the sports.

A resolution passed by the Standing Rock Tribal Council took aim at Ralph Engelstad Arena and other off-reservation groups that have been “disruptive and divisive” influences on discussions about UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname and logo.

Jesse Taken Alive, the council member who made a motion for Thursday’s resolution, told the Herald on Friday that statement was included in the resolution because it puts everyone “on notice” that the nickname issue has been settled at Standing Rock.

But REA General Manager Jody Hodgson said the statement shows tribal officials are “frustrated by people who try and tell the truth” about the nickname issue.

Taken Alive made a motion Thursday for a vote on the resolution, which says that it shall be the final decision of the tribe that the nickname and logo are retired and no further discussion is necessary on the matter. That resolution was passed by the council 10-4.

It’s a decision that could remove the final obstacle to the retirement of the Fighting Sioux name.

‘False information’

Thursday’s 1½-page resolution included, among other things, a statement that the tribe “recognizes that off-reservation influences, including the Ralph Engelstad Arena, have proven to be disruptive and divisive to our people, are not necessary and will not be tolerated within our homelands.”

Taken Alive said it was included because tribal officials learned about a year ago that a nontribal member paid by REA was holding invitation-only meetings on the reservation.

“If it involves the majority of our people, which this does, we didn’t think that was appropriate to have those kinds of meetings,” he said.

The resolution’s language, Hodgson said, shows the tribal council is “frustrated by people who try and tell the truth.” He said anti-nickname people have spread “false information” about the issues — including the idea that UND is an “unsafe” and “terrible” place for American Indians because of its “racist environment.”

“They’ve scared the citizenry who haven’t had an opportunity to visit Grand Forks or visit the University of North Dakota,” Hodgson said. “That’s the campaign they’ve created. That’s the perception they’ve created.”

When asked about American Indian students at UND who have said the nickname has caused issues for them on campus, he said there are people “on both sides” of the issue.

“Those are their experiences and their perceptions,” Hodgson added.

The REA remains “strongly supportive” of the nickname and logo and “committed” to seeing the process through, he said. [Grand Forks Herald]

Boogaard's time over in Minnesota?

It looks like the Boogie's time in Minnesota might be over. The problem is that one dimensional goons aren't valued as much as they used to be, now the NHL GM's want tough guys that can fight, play hockey and score goals like Bruins tough guy Milan Lucic. While Boogaard is a popular player and I like his antics, some see him a side show that offers little on the score sheet but penalty minutes. When Boogaard is on the ice the skilled players know he has their back.

he big debate about Boogaard is putting a price on his limited ice time and role. Coach Todd Richards values the intimidation Boogaard provides, but he hasn't scored since 2006.

Asked if it's a necessity to possess an "enforcer" in today's game, Fletcher said, "It's a necessity in today's game to have grit and toughness in your lineup. Philosophically, if we can get to a team that could be a little bit more of a four-line team and be a team that had more depth and speed and grit throughout the lineup, that's where we'd like to get to eventually."

That could conceivably cost Boogaard his Wild job. Fletcher noted "there are several gritty players available" in free agency.

If the Wild goes the team toughness route over traditional enforcers such as Boogaard and fellow free agent John Scott, some gritty free agents include Manny Malhotra, Ryan Johnson, Arron Asham, Adam Burish, Colby Armstrong and Jamal Mayers.

Fletcher said he'll likely meet with Salcer during next weekend's draft in Los Angeles.

"Maybe we'll make a trade, maybe we won't, which could impact what holes we need to fill and how much cap space we have," Fletcher said. "So your reality can change between now and July 1."[startribune.com]

Bruins looking to trade Wheeler and Savard?

This is a rumor that was floated out there on Pro Hockey Talk. As a Bruins fan and a Gopher hater I would love to see Blake Wheeler sent packing but I don't see Marc Savard being trade especially when he has a no trade clause.

Pro Hockey Talk has learned of a possible trade in the works, with the Boston Bruins dealing Blake Wheeler and Marc Savard to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for the fourth overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. It's likely that the Bruins would also include their 15th overall pick in the deal as well, leaving Boston with both the second and fourth pick in the first round.

Talking to another source, PHT was told that the Blue Jackets are interested in trading away their pick, although as of now there is nothing concrete in the works as far as a trade goes. Considering how reliable our source is for the information regarding this trade proposal, it seems as though there is certainly something substantial in the works although there is no guarantee this is going down. It's also important to note that Boston including that 15th pick isn't certain, although you wonder if Wheeler and Savard alone are worth the 4th. So you'd think something else would have to come back Boston's way, although I doubt they're looking to take on much salary in this trade. [Read the rest of the article]

Apparently there is some merit to this rumor, you have to wonder if Columbus approached the Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and asked him if he would be willing to trade Wheeler and Savard for the fourth over all pick. Chiarelli probably said go pound sand up your ass. I don't think it makes any sense what so ever. Savard is one of the faces of the Bruins organization and one of their top forwards.

Our story yesterday on the rumored trade proposal between Columbus and Boston caused a bit of stir and if nothing else left people scratching their heads a bit. Before writing up the story, I double checked with my source on the information he was giving me and then posted the proposed trade that would leave Boston with the 2nd and 4th pick in next week's draft. This morning I followed up, and was assured that this was a proposal that "has been discussed" by Boston and Columbus.[Pro Hockey Talk]

Honestly this sounds like something Eklund from hockey buzz would dream up e1, e2, e3, e4 something like, sounds good but not going to happen.

Tyler Seguin Bruins first pick in the 2010 NHL Draft?

This is the player the Boston Bruins will probably select in the 2010 NHL draft in a week. The Bruins have the Toronto Maple Leaf's first round draft choice they got in the Phil Kessel trade from last summer.

Official Fighting Sioux Hockey Schedule for 2010-2011 released

The University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux hockey team has officially released the schedule for the 2010-2011 season. The Sioux will help open two new building in Bemidji and in Duluth. The Sioux will also play two new league opponents in Bemidji State University and University of Nebraska Omaha.

Sun, Oct 03 Manitoba (Exh.) Grand Forks, N.D. 5:07 p.m.
Kendall Hockey Classic
Fri, Oct 08 Alaska Anchorage at Anchorage, Alaska 11:07 p.m.
Sat, Oct 09 Alaska Fairbanks at Anchorage, Alaska 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Oct 15 Bemidji State * at Bemidji, Minn. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Oct 16 Bemidji State * at Bemidji, Minn. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Oct 22 Maine at Orono, Maine 8 p.m.
Sat, Oct 23 Maine at Orono, Maine 8 p.m.
Fri, Oct 29 Denver * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Oct 30 Denver * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Nov 05 Minnesota Duluth * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Nov 06 Minnesota Duluth * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Nov 12 Wisconsin * at Madison, Wis. 7:07 p.m.
Sat, Nov 13 Wisconsin * at Madison, Wis. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Nov 19 Nebraska-Omaha * at Omaha, Neb. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Nov 20 Nebraska-Omaha * at Omaha, Neb. 7:07 p.m.
Subway Holiday Classic
Fri, Nov 26 Notre Dame Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Nov 27 Notre Dame Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Dec 03 St. Cloud State * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Dec 04 St. Cloud State * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Dec 10 Minnesota State * at Mankato, Minn. TBA
Sat, Dec 11 Minnesota State * at Mankato, Minn. TBA
Sat, Dec 18 U.S. Under-18 Team Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Thu, Dec 30 Minnesota Duluth (U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Game)at Duluth, Minn. 7:37 p.m.
Fri, Jan 07 Robert Morris Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 08 Robert Morris Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Jan 14 Minnesota Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 15 Minnesota * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Jan 21 Nebraska-Omaha * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 22 Nebraska-Omaha * Grand Forks, N.D. 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Jan 28 Colorado College * at Colorado Springs, Colo. 8:37 p.m.
Sat, Jan 29 Colorado College * at Colorado Springs, Colo. 8:07 p.m.
Fri, Feb 11 Alaska Anchorage * Anchorage, Alaska 7:37 p.m.
Sat, Feb 12 Alaska Anchorage * Anchorage, Alaska 7:07 p.m.
Fri, Feb 18 St. Cloud State * at St. Cloud, Minn. 7:07 p.m.
Sat, Feb 19 St. Cloud State * at St. Cloud, Minn. 7:07 p.m.
Sat, Feb 26 Bemidji State * Grand Forks, N.D. 3:37 p.m.
Sun, Feb 27 Bemidji State * Grand Forks, N.D. 3:37 p.m.
Fri, Mar 04 Michigan Tech * at Houghton, Mich. 6:07 p.m.
Sat, Mar 05 Michigan Tech * at Houghton, Mich. 4:07 p.m.
Fri, Mar 11 - Sun, Mar 13 WCHA Playoff First Round at TBA TBA
Thu, Mar 17 - Thu, Mar 17 Red Baron WCHA Final Five at St. Paul, MN
Fri, Mar 25 - Fri, Mar 25 NCAA Regionals at TBA TBA
Thu, Apr 07 - Thu, Apr 09 NCAA Frozen Four

Les Habitants De Montreal trade top goalie keep the sieve

Yesterday Redwing77 posted a story about the Habs trading their top goalie Jaroslav Halak to the St Louis Blues. It's a head scratcher, if you ask me, it doesn't make sense at all. I am sure most Bruins fans like myself are happy that they won't have to face Halak on a regular basis because frankly Carey Price is an unimpressive and horrible goalie.

Carey Price's representative almost dropped the phone when we spoke. Jaroslav Halak is stunned that Montreal never contacted him after the season, meaning the Blues didn't even try to talk contract before making the deal. Tom Laidlaw, who represents Chris Mason, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "They gave us every indication they wanted Chris to be the guy." [CBC.CA]

Seriously they never even contacted him, that's a slap in the face. Halak was the reason the Habs went as far as they did. Jaroslav Halak was impressive during the Stanley Cup playoffs posting a record 9-9 2.55 and .923 save percentage, without Halak the Habs would have been done in the first round of the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs.

If Carey Price doesn't play well this season the General Manager Pierre Gauthier can expect to feel the ire of the rabid Habs fans if Carey Price ends up imploding.

One reporter interrupted a Gauthier response on the conference call to say his wife didn't understand how the team could trade a goalie that got them to the playoffs. It was rude and annoying, but illustrates the sentiment.

Halak is the people's choice in La Belle Province. Price has zero room for error and I'm pretty sure he's aware of that.

Obviously, this is the biggest risk. So many people who've seen Price play at the world juniors and in the AHL believe he will still be a great NHL goaltender. They believe in his size, his athleticism, his skill. He showed a lot off-ice this season, too, getting into the best shape of his career, and being helpful to Halak as a backup.

The key question is: How will he handle the first boos? We all know they're coming. Price hasn't reacted well to that in the past. Patrick Roy even pulled him aside and told him, "Hey, I had to go through it, too, so don't let it bother you."

I'm one of those who are not convinced the best place for Price is Montreal. I think it would be better if he started over somewhere else. But that option is gone now, and he's being thrown into the ocean without a lifejacket. The danger in Gauthier saying you need two goalies now - as he did on the conference call - is that it will take one bad goal for the fans to start screaming for the other guy.

Great goalies, and great players, overcome that. It is Price's time to show his greatness. [CBC.CA]

Standing Rock council votes to keep UND nickname retired

This is not good and I am a fraid that we might finally start kicking dirt on the Fighting Sioux logo. If the Standing Rock Tribe doesn't allow it's members to have a reservation wide vote on the use of the Fighting Sioux nickname, I believe that the nickname and logo will die. I don't know what else they could be done?

The Standing Rock Tribal Council voted Thursday that discussion of UND's Fighting Sioux nickname is over and it should remain retired.

Archie Fool Bear, a nickname supporter who was at the meeting, told the Herald on Thursday night that the meeting was supposed to address the petition by supporters calling for a reservation-wide vote on the nickname. Another petition brought by nickname opponents also was to be discussed, Fool Bear said.

But before that could happen, council member Jay Taken Alive made a motion that it shall be the final decision of the tribe that the nickname and logo are retired and further discussion was not necessary, Fool Bear said.

The motion was seconded and the council approved it with a 10-4 vote, Fool Bear said.

While he wouldn't say what the next step is for nickname supporters, Fool Bear said they will pursue several options. "We are not taking this lying down," he said. "We do plan to see that our people's rights here on Standing Rock are recognized."

Earlier this year, the State Board of Higher Education voted to direct UND President Robert Kelley to start a process to retire the longtime UND nickname and logo.

 [Grand Forks Herald]

In Irrelevent but Unforseen NHL News... (RW77)

Montreal Goaltender Jaroslav Halak was traded today to the St. Louis Blues for their top prospect and Ian Shultz.

Yup. You heard that right. Halak is out of Montreal. That means perennial ubersieve disguised as Roy-like savior Carey Price is now assured the #1 goaltending position (barring something stupid like signing Nabokov or somesuch).

Former Habs GM Gainey is now laughing his backside off.

It is true that Halak was unhappy to start last season. He wanted more playing time and thought he deserved it compared to Price's play. Despite the fact that such a demand comes across as whiny and self-centered, Halak was right. And he proved it.

Well, the Habs will not make the playoffs next season unless something truly remarkable happens. Their top scorer is a free agent (Plekanec) and their best goaltender now in St. Louis.

In other news, this surely means the end of Chris Mason's tenure in St. Louis. Perhaps Montreal will sign him to back up Price?

Obviously, the winner here is St. Louis. The loser is the Habs. Eller is almost Plekanec-like in potential and Schultz is a huge question mark. Apparently he was a 2008 3rd round pick of the Blues and his junior eligibility is up. So, in essence, The Habs give up one of the best young goaltenders in the league for an NHL ready forward and a throwaway. With last year's performance.... I think the Habs could have gotten more for Halak than they did.

On the other hand, only a retard would trade Halak... oh... sorry Habs fans.