NHL Silly Season thread

[Jonathan]

Now that the draft is over, it's time for all the free-agency madness to begin. Did you know there are more restricted and unrestricted free agents out there than there are players under contract? It's going to be a wild 45 days until training camps open.

By the way, nice to see Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts move to Florida like so many other Canadian senior citizens before them have done.

(actually, no it's not, since Florida and Carolina are in the same division)

[crank-e]

Wouldn't be surprised if Scott Stevens made it 3 (I think he's Candian?)

Others worth mentioning:
1. Peter Forsberg. The Other Great One.
2. Todd Bertuzzi. So he broke a thug's neck. Get over it, the dude can PLAY.
3. Chris Chelios. The best of the grizzled 'old timers' on the table.
4. Curtis Joseph. A piece of garbage. Please remove him from The Joe.

[paranoidandroid]

so you guys are the fan(s) we've been hearing about??

j
u
s
t

k
i
d
d
i
n
g
;)

[Jonathan]

Wouldn't be surprised if Scott Stevens made it 3 (I think he's Candian?)

Others worth mentioning:
1. Peter Forsberg. The Other Great One.
2. Todd Bertuzzi. So he broke a thug's neck. Get over it, the dude can PLAY.
3. Chris Chelios. The best of the grizzled 'old timers' on the table.
4. Curtis Joseph. A piece of garbage. Please remove him from The Joe.

1. Forsberg to the Rangers? That's what I heard. Which just shows that the Rangers haven't learned ANYTHING this past year. Forsberg would command the max salary (and they already have one player on their books, Jagr, making the max - they're probably just hoping that he'll actually make good on his threat to go play in Russia). Having two max salaries would be the Ranger way, I guess. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Some people never learn. Etc., etc., etc.

2. Bertuzzi is the classic case of Hockey Fan vs. New Hockey Fan vs. Non-Hockey Fan. Hockey Fan sees little to nothing wrong. Bertuzzi was protecting his team, defending honor. New Hockey Fan is a bit shocked...they've heard the stories from the past, but this is the first time something like this has happened since they've followed the sport, and it's a bit gruesome. Non-Hockey Fan, of course, is shocked, appalled, and can't understand why the NHL hasn't already banned Bertuzzi for life and executed, or at least publicly flogged, him.

3. I've heard Chelios wants to go play in Pittsburgh with Super Mario and Sid the Kid, and that he'll take less money for the chance to do it. I've also heard the same thing about Alexei Kovalev, Tie Domi, and...

4. Curtis Joseph, or "Shitty McFucknut" as I like to call him. I will never forgive that jackass for leaving the Leafs to go play for the Red Wings, of all people.

And yes, Scott Stevens is Canadian.

[shivui]

4. Curtis Joseph. A piece of garbage. Please remove him from The Joe.
i agree with jonathan. i won't forgive him for leaving the leafs either. but...
i watched those games where cujo kept detroit in it and recieved very very little goal support. they paid all those high profile forwards for what?

fyi,
cujo's playoff stats w/det.

2004
4-4 1.38GAA .939 & 1SO
2003
0-4 2.07GAA & .917

stats that low hint at crap goal support.

keep in mind that i loved every bit of the redwings losing so i was hoping cujo did bad. he didn't but the team still lost. oh well.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

the bluejackets signed foote which is good. they needed it, but at 4.5 mil for each of three years. that's probably too much for his age. he'll be 37 at the end of the deal. i hope they get more guys.

[Jonathan]

the bluejackets signed foote which is good. they needed it, but at 4.5 mil for each of three years. that's probably too much for his age. he'll be 37 at the end of the deal. i hope they get more guys.

Missed that one. That's a good signing for them.

Whether or not it's too much depends on how much they are able to sign Nash (an RFA) for. By my calculations, with the Foote signing, the Jackets are still 19 million under the cap with 13 players under contract. I don't know how much they can lowball Nash. I don't even know what he qualified at. But I'm guessing that they will be able to match whatever offer comes his way.

Funny how free agency isn't even twelve hours old and we're already talking about teams overpaying for players... ;)

[Jonathan]

Couple more big-name signings:


The Flyers signed Derian Hatcher. Not a surprise given his past ties with Ken Hitchcock. They also signed Mike Rathje from San Jose.
The Blackhawks signed Adrian Aucoin. Sucks on a personal level because I know he was a player the Canes were definitely interested in. He and Peter Laviolette have a good relationship from their time with the Islanders. But he got $4 million a year for four years from Chicago and the Canes weren't ever going to match that.
It's looking more and more like Mike Modano is going to the Bruins. Apparently, the Stars didn't even bother to tender him a contract offer. The Bs, Thrashers and Penguins all did. I don't care where he goes as long as it isn't Atlanta.

[crank-e]

You haven't forgiven CuJo for signing with the Wings, and I haven't forgiven management for bringing him there. I'll concede that they were outplayed every which way by the Flames, but I also distinctly remember "Shitty McFucknut" practically staring at least 2 goals into the net behind him. Manny Legace should have been btwn the posts for that entire series; much more in tune with the D, obviously.

Speaking of Wings wasting money... Darien Hatcher to the Flyers after playing a dozen or so games in DET. Such a shame--I was a huge fan of his at Dallas. (edit repeat)

And I might guess that Chelly stays with them WHEN (!!) Yzerman signs off on his last season.

Modano (edit repeat) and Naslund are two other great players that should have been snatched up in seconds.

Lindros???

[crank-e]

Ask and you shall receive..

"DETROIT -- Steve Yzerman will be back with the Detroit Red Wings for a 22nd season. The 40-year-old captain signed a one-year deal Tuesday with the Red Wings, the only NHL team for which the center has played."

And he'll be going out on top!

[wileE]

And he'll be going out on top!
on top of a stretcher.

[sabos_glasses]

Oh, hell yeah, good one!

[crank-e]

on top of your mom! :D

Stevie is the toughest SOB in the league; if he's leaving the ice on a stretcher, he's dead.

[Jonathan]

Today seems to be the day where everyone stays put. Iginla re-signs with the Flames, Kovalev re-signs with the Habs, Naslund staying with the Canucks.

And it looks like the first sign of the new CBA bringing competitive balance when a star like Chris Pronger is traded to a team like the Oilers instead of away from them.

[crank-e]

And it looks like the first sign of the new CBA bringing competitive balance when a star like Chris Pronger is traded to a team like the Oilers instead of away from them.

Exactly! Spread some talent around and it'll be a toss up as to who will make the playoffs---it's becoming anybody's game!

Another darkhorse free agent: Darren McCarty. Pissed that the Wings would let him go, but that may open up some room for 'The Bear' to come on over from 'Nucks.

[shivui]

Exactly! Spread some talent around and it'll be a toss up as to who will make the playoffs---it's becoming anybody's game!

it always has been.
no one expected the canes, flames or ducks to make the finals in recent years. of course none of them won, but the flames and ducks couldn't have come closer.


penguins sign gonchar. AWESOME. i still think people are getting too much money though. if brodeur only makes 5.4, kovalev or demitra shouldn't get 4.5. and forsberg should NOT get 7+. he's too risky.

[GoWest]

Reports are Forsberg signed with the Flyers. They're over the cap so they're sending Roenick to L.A.

story (http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c=att&page=/nhl/news/ADN3972839.htm)

[unwanted_sound]

I'm extremely happy to see iginla staying put...He's the best thing in Calgary since, well, for a long time. At least that gives them a boost of momentum going in. Gotta root for the hometeam.

[Jonathan]

Back where it all began for Forsberg, eh? After 13 years, he finally gets to play for the team that drafted him.

JR being moved was only a matter of time. However right, wrong or out-of-context his comments might have been, Philly Phan was going to be all over him. Best that he leave town, I think.

[Jonathan]

I'm extremely happy to see iginla staying put...He's the best thing in Calgary since, well, for a long time. At least that gives them a boost of momentum going in. Gotta root for the hometeam.

Not only that, but the new pickups add some heft and more than offset the loss of Gelinas.

Apparently, the Canes were working to bring Gelinas back. I'm kinda sad it didn't happen, he was always a favorite and I know there were a lot of people here hoping the Flames would win the Cup for his sake.

We did get Cory Stillman. I'm not quite sure what to make of it. My friend the Blues fan was always complaining about him, but when he was with the Lightning he always seemed to kill the Canes. I'm kinda leery about signing a guy coming off of a career year (can he do it again?) but he has scored at least 20 goals in seven of the past eight seasons (and the one he didn't, he scored 12 goals in 38 games). So if he doesn't turn out to be an improvment over Jeff O'Neill, at least he'll be a replacement.

unwanted_sound, I'm curious to know your thoughts on Mike Commodore...

[crank-e]

it always has been.
no one expected the canes, flames or ducks blah blah blah.

Surely you have something better to do than disagree with EVERY post I write... :confused:

Others not mentioned as of yet:
Modano and Naslund to stay put. Fine and well.
Neidermayer to the Ducks. Is Federov still with them? He's pretty much dead to me these days.

Lindros: going once, going twice..

[Jonathan]

Lindros: going once, going twice..
...going on the scrap heap.

He's damaged goods. And his brain is so addled he doesn't realize he needs to stop playing.

Plus, he's a whiny little bitch.

[shivui]

Surely you have something better to do than disagree with EVERY post I write... :confused:

yeah, i actually started to notice that too. honestly, it's nothing personal. it's really just how i feel. since i'm passionate about hockey... well you know. sorry, just expressing myself.


echo jonathan regarding lindros. i've got an old flyers, pens game from the playoffs. the series where almost any game at a point could've been mario's last. anyway, one of the goals came off a play that started with a real nice lindros check on kasparitis down low. he can't play that aggresive anymore without risking it all. because of it, he's not nearly effective. shame, but a reality.

i like the neidermayer trade because now the brothers get to play together. i'm sucker for that story. federov's still there, but it's hard to gauge his ability since the last season played was a disaster for ALL the ducks.

i'm still waiting to see where kariya and mogilny go. fingers crossed it's either pens or jackets.

stillman. i watched some tampa playoffs last time around and i swear i saw him being a crybaby and a hack. maybe i'm wrong but that's impression in my head.

[Jonathan]

stillman. i watched some tampa playoffs last time around and i swear i saw him being a crybaby and a hack. maybe i'm wrong but that's impression in my head.
He probably is.

I do like how the Canes managed to get everybody to forget that Oleg Tverdovsky was in Russia for the past two years and then sign him. Our power play is happy for that.

Hopefully, we'll pick up one more top-six forward and see where we go from there...

[rcc94]

I do like how the Canes managed to get everybody to forget that Oleg Tverdovsky was in Russia for the past two years and then sign him. Our power play is happy for that.
That was pretty good. Now are we going to get any offense to go with our defense?

[The Hegemo]

I thought Mogilny announced his retirement a couple months back?

Pleased so far with the Jackets pick-ups. Foote adds stability on the blueline and hopefully can mentor Klesla into starting to live up to some of his potential. Berard adds a more legitimate scoring threat from the defense than Columbus has ever had. Prusek is a backup who can actually play and push Marc Denis to earn his starts. They are still sorely in need of another top six forward, preferably a center who can play on the first line. If they got that, it looks like a much more competitive lineup than ever before (depth is still lacking and injuries could hurt, yet again...but in the offseason we should be optimistic ;) )

I was disappointed that Ottawa missed out on Martin Lapointe, as it had been rumored they might get him. A real tough grinding forward with some offensive upside is precisely what that team has needed for the past few years.

[The Hegemo]

I thought Mogilny announced his retirement a couple months back?



Found the answer to my own question...guess it was just speculation at the time when he had his hip surgery:

Where Mogilny, who spent the past three seasons with the Maple Leafs, plays is another matter. He had hip surgery during the lockout but is recovering well.

"I've spoken to Alex and he is upbeat," Mogilny's agent, J.P. Barry, said. "He has been skating for the past couple of months and he feels good and he is making progress."

Whether Mogilny is ready for the start of the season is unclear.

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2005/07/21/1141243-sun.html

[shivui]

fingers crossed. i need to add another jersey to my collection. hopefully it'll be jackets or pens.

[robbie robot]

fingers crossed. i need to add another jersey to my collection. hopefully it'll be jackets or pens.
Looks like you got your wish. I see there's a report from TSN that Pittsburgh signed Palffy.

[Jabes]

You know, it's great seeing all this hockey news and excitment again except if you are a Wild fan. The only thing we've done that's note worthy is resign Fernandez. We failed to resign Park and Brunette. That's a poor move. I bet you could have gotten both for about $2 to $2.5 million. Nice move guys.

My other team that supported me while after the North Stars left, the Washington Capitals have probably done less than the Wild. The Pens are going to kill us this year.

Look for both teams to end up near the bottom of the heap this year.

[shivui]

minnesota will always be alright when lemaire's at the helm. i don't think brunnette or park have signed with anyone else soo... they could always come back. i think they are going to be just as good as they were. with brian rolston, they are just as dangerous. he's every bit as good as brunette. better i think. nazarov's not a bad pickup either.
to me the wild are like the devils. they lost some of their bigger names, but the coaches and the hard work always gets it done. of course with the new don't touch anyone offensive rules, that might not matter. we'll see. there's still lots of time before 10/5.

edits:
and oh yes i was skipping to my soccer game today, beaming about palffy.

[Jabes]

Oh yea, I keep forgeting they got Rolston way back when. That was a solid move. The Wild do have two damn good goalies so they probably won't be that bad. I just get jealous when I see Columbus signing Foote and Nashville getting Kariya

BTW, Brunette signed with Colorado.


Any predictions for the Stanley Cup?

Philly over Dallas in 5

[shivui]

hmm i didn't pick up on that. was that a post lockout move?

penguins over blue jackets in 6
haha

[Jabes]

Yeah there weren't many stories on it. Happened yesterday (Aug 6).

[shivui]

well you never know about park. i was actually hoping he went back to pitts, but i like minnesota too.


thoughts on head coach gretzky?

i don't have a clue as to how well he'll do, but if nothing else it's a great way to sell tickets. i bet people in the desert will buy tickets to see him behind the bench whether he wins or loses.

[Jonathan]

I just get jealous when I see Columbus signing Foote and Nashville getting Kariya
Don't remind me.

Kariya was also in talks with the Canes. And if he's willing to move to Nashville, that tells me he was willing to live in Raleigh, too. So what did the Canes do to screw it up?

The answer is money, I'm sure. Kariya signed a 2-year deal at $4.5 million per. If I had to guess, the Canes probably offered him $3 million, maybe $3.5 million. Don't they understand that they could have easily recouped that extra $2 million - $3 million in ticket sales, and merchandise? How many Canes jerseys with "KARIYA" on the back do you think they would have sold? I know I probably would have bought one. (Actually, I probably just would have taken one of the ones I already have to the team store to get his name put on, but still, that's cash in their pocket.) Pennywise and pound-foolish, that's the Canes.

But hey...all's not lost. We did sign Ray Whitney to fill that hole on our No. 2 line. Woo-hoo. I'm trembling with excitement.

[joebob]

Any predictions for the Stanley Cup?

Philly over Dallas in 5
Philly in 4 flat this year. :cool:

[shivui]

forsberg's health. #1 philly concern. oh then there's that thing called the cap and you usually need a goalie to play as well. i loathe the flyers.


cane's picked up matt cullen. i used to like this guy but felt he never really lived up to his potential. he's only 29 so you never know.
return to the finals?

[Handy Smurf]

Hmmm, I havent read the first 37 posts here, but let me just state that its refreshing to think that colorado and detroit arent going to dominate every damn year
I may even try to go to a Blue Jackets game this year

[Jonathan]

cane's picked up matt cullen. i used to like this guy but felt he never really lived up to his potential. he's only 29 so you never know.
return to the finals?
They actually signed him last year but, obviously, he has yet to play a game for the Canes. I'm glad they re-signed him because he had a very good year in Italy last season and I was looking forward to seeing what he can do. He should slot in as our third-line center.

[Patas]

There's a great write up for my Washington Capitals today on NHL.com

Link (http://www.nhl.com/futures/features/prospects_was081005.html)

Capitals anticipate
a youth movement
By John McGourty | NHL.com
Aug. 10, 2005

The Washington Capitals could be one of the most transformed teams when play returns in 2005-06 and that's part of the plan crafted by Chairman and Majority Owner Ted Leonsis and Vice President and General Manager George McPhee. The Capitals have a bumper crop of young talent.

"The nice problem we have is that we have so many good, young players," McPhee said. "We thought the right path to take toward the Stanley Cup would be one of economic flexibility combined with the acquisition of young talent. We are well on our way. We have more young talent that most clubs.

"The young players in our organization know the opportunity to make it to the NHL is the best here that they can hope for," McPhee continued. "Our young players will play games in the NHL. The organization divested the longer-term commitments and long-term contracts. We were able to do that by moving those contracts and getting young players and draft picks in return."

McPhee isn't kidding. The Capitals basically took every 10th player among the first 66 selections in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. They used the first pick to grab Russian sensation Alexander Ovechkin; the 27th pick (from Boston in the Sergei Gonchar deal) to take defenseman Jeff Schultz; the 29th pick (from Detroit in the Robert Lang deal) to take defenseman Mike Green; the 33rd pick to take forward Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Fame defenseman Raymond Bourque; the 62nd pick (from Detroit in the Lang deal) to take Russian center Michail Yunkov and the 66th pick to grab Finnish defenseman Sami Lepisto.

That's a lot of talent from one age bracket. The Capitals also acquired first-rounder Shaone Morrisonn, a defenseman, in the Gonchar trade and Czech left wing Tomas Fleischmann for Lang, plus a fourth-round pick in 2006.

The Capitals' lineup is likely to include, no, make that, feature one of the best young players to enter the NHL in several seasons. After a strong year in the top Russian league, interrupted by stints with the Russian senior and junior teams, Ovechkin remains the gold standard among the class of 1985 births. A Moscow Dynamo team official said Ovechkin is the best player the organization has developed in years.

Ovechkin was the third-leading scorer at the 2005 World Junior Championship with four goals and seven assists and the eighth-leading scorer at the World Championships with two goals and seven assists.

Ovechkin is a terrific skater with size, muscle, grit and a strong determination to win. Like most Russians, his wrist shot is better than his slap shot but his slap shot is very strong. The wrist shot, though, is world-class, often rising to pass just under the crossbar.

Ovechkin has been playing two different games the past two seasons. He's a team leader at the junior level, a power forward at 6-foot-1, 212-pounds, who will crash the net, pound the boards, take and deliver hits while often being double-teamed. At the senior level, he gets by more on his skating skills, high-quality shots and top-shelf passing ability. Ovechkin can be the scoring star or the assist man, depending on his teammates and game situations.

His hockey intelligence is first rate and his courage unquestioned. He was probably ready for the NHL last season, if not the year before, and is expected to make a strong impression this season. The Capitals are looking forward to introducing Ovechkin to their fans after a couple of below-average seasons.

Ovechkin has a great chance to be part of an impressive sports revival in Washington. Baseball returned to the American capital this season and the Washington Nationals are the surprise first-place team in the National League East. Joe Gibbs is in his second season of his second term as coach of the Washington Redskins and hopes to lift that franchise back to past glory. Ovechkin is being counted on to return Washington to its former place atop the Southeast Division.
Eric Fehr
Eric Fehr was the 18th overall pick in 2003.

McPhee was impressed with Ovechkin's play in a variety of situations last season.

"He seemed to play very well in Russia this season," McPhee said. "Alexander continues to develop and seems to get better every year. He continues to be a real bulldog when it comes to getting the puck, driving to the net and overpowering people."

Ovechkin was obviously one of the best players at the World Junior Championships but he faced a variety of defensive countermeasures, including taking quite a pounding in the game against Canada.

"At that level, it's the way coaches designate some people to keep an eye on him," McPhee said. "He's quite a handful, if you give him any room at all."

Ovechkin had 13 goals and 14 assists in 37 games in the top Russian league as a junior playing against older, much more experienced rivals. McPhee said his scoring totals are more impressive than they look to a North American.

"Don't look at stats. They don't score much over there," McPhee said. "It's not a high-scoring league. He's only 19, playing with men and other NHL players. He's certainly doing more than just holding his own and he continues to exceed everyone's expectations."

Right wing Eric Fehr, the Capitals' first pick, 18th overall, in the 2003 Entry Draft, led the Western Hockey League with 59 goals and 111 points in 71 games. He also led the WHL playoffs with 16 goals and 16 assists in 24 games. Fehr, a 6-foot-3, 180-pounder, is another with a wicked wrist shot. He has good skating skills and excellent passing. He always plays on the power play and his defense is above average. He's also consistent and reliable. Fehr tied for second in the WHL a year ago with 50 goals. He missed only four games in three seasons.

...continued in next post.

[Patas]

"Eric has a tremendous gift around the net," McPhee said. "He scores goals. No one has matched what he did in that league for a good number of years. It's hard to find players with that gift and harder than ever to score at that level. We seem to have a young player who is going to be able to do it. He's a big kid with great range, long reach with good hands and good instincts. He's not necessarily a power forward, despite his size. For example, Ovechkin will go over the top of you while Fehr is more elusive."

Fleischmann was the second-leading rookie scorer in the WHL three years ago and jumped to 33 goals and 42 assists for Moose Jaw the following season. He was playing well for the AHL Portland Pirates last season when he broke his collarbone and was sidelined for the remainder of the year. Fleischmann has a lot of speed, which he uses to make plays that create scoring chances for him and linemates. He needs a little more size and strength and his defensive responsibilities may need some shoring up. But Fleischmann will add to Washington's offense.

"Last year was his rookie AHL season and he got hurt just when he was turning a corner," McPhee said. "He's a very clever player with excellent skills and hockey instincts. He also has a terrific attitude. He really enjoys playing the game."

Green, a Calgary native who played for the Saskatoon Blades, and Schultz, a Calgary boy who stayed home to play for the WHL Hitmen, are looking forward to playing together in Washington, but Schultz has another year left of junior eligibility. With two goals and 27 assists this season, Schultz would like to emulate Green's offensive development next season.

Green had 14 goals and 52 assists in 67 games to lead all WHL defensemen in scoring this season. He finished fourth in the WHL with a plus-36 rating, after leading that category for most of the season.

"Mike played very well this year and was far more productive than we anticipated," McPhee said. "We liked the way he competed the year before. He's good at moving the puck and reading the ice but we weren't expecting the offense he showed this year. It's good to have young guys who make good decisions. If we're going to create offense, we have to have the players that can do it. It's hard to say how far Mike is from the NHL, but we'll take a look at him in training camp."

"Schultz is a 6-foot-6 guy who has real nice range and good hockey sense," McPhee said. "He makes good reads and first passes. Schultz is a fairly well rounded player who skates his position very well. He had only two goals this season. We noticed he wasn't scoring as much and we don't know why."
Chris Bourque
Chris Bourque is the son of Hall-of-Famer Ray.

Bourque, a short, blocky center, played as a freshman for Boston University, but left school after the season to join the AHL Portland Pirates, Washington's affiliate. He looked good there in six regular-season games and will also get a look in training camp. Bourque is eligible to play juniors this season. His father benefited from a powerful lower body and back and McPhee said the son is developing similarly. He's hard to knock off the puck.

"Boston University has an excellent program and the players are well coached," said McPhee, the 1982 Hobey Baker Award winner while at Bowling Green. "But school is not for him. He tried in his mind, but it didn't work out. We had him finish the season with six games in Portland and he played very well. He seems interested in playing at that level next year. He's a player we might find going pro rather than turning to juniors. He really has elite hockey sense and playmaking ability. There's a nice 'edge' to his game that you want most players to have. He's not tall but he's put together pretty well."

Fleischmann played on a line in Portland with center Jakub Klepis and veteran right wing Boyd Gordon until his injury. Klepis was the Ottawa Senators' first pick, 16th overall, in the 2002 draft. Ottawa traded his rights to Buffalo to get tough guy Vaclav Varada in anticipation of a playoff rematch with Philadelphia. Buffalo sent him to Washington in the deal for Mike Grier. Klepis played a year of juniors then returned to the Czech Republic for two seasons before his AHL rookie debut last year. He's a top-notch passer with average scoring ability. His defense is suspect and he finished minus-26. But he's the kind of player whose passes can speed up a power play.

"Jakub is a very creative player who can generate offense," McPhee said. "He shoots well and he skates well. We're really happy with the way he played this year. Klepis played one year of junior back in Czech Republic and one year of senior hockey."

Capitals center Jeff Halpern, from Potomac, Md., was the first NHL player developed south of the Mason-Dixon Line, but he could be joined one day by Chevy Chase product Stephen Werner, a six-foot, 200-pound right wing who jumped from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School to the U.S. National Development Team under coach Mike Eaves. He's played three seasons for Toot Cahoon at the University of Massachusetts. His freshman season of 16 goals and 22 assists is one of the best ever at the school. He led the ECHL in rookie scoring and was sixth in the nation. He had 14 goals and 13 assists this year.

"Werner has tremendous legs. He's a tremendous skater, really well built for the NHL," McPhee said. "He has great strength, but speed is his biggest asset. Owen Fussey, our third-round pick in 2001, is similar. He played with more authority this year. Owen has a big shot and is starting to learn how to compete every shift."

[Jonathan]

I was going to read all that, then I saw it was about the Capitals. So I figured, "what's the point?"

:D

[The Hegemo]

Lindros to the Leafs is now official after an eternity of rumors...

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=133156

With Lindros and Allison on the Leafs, at least the neurologists of the Toronto area shouldn't have to worry about a shortage of business.

[wileE]

Lindros to the Leafs is now official after an eternity of rumors...

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=133156

With Lindros and Allison on the Leafs, at least the neurologists of the Toronto area shouldn't have to worry about a shortage of business.
That stinks. I can't stand that guy (Lindros).

[Jonathan]

Lindros to the Leafs is now official after an eternity of rumors...

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?id=133156

With Lindros and Allison on the Leafs, at least the neurologists of the Toronto area shouldn't have to worry about a shortage of business.

I know you don't kill the messenger, but shit. Couldn't you bring any better news?

[Patas]

I was going to read all that, then I saw it was about the Capitals. So I figured, "what's the point?"

:D
Hey, I resent that.




So are we going to be able to listen to streaming audio of games this year for free or am I going to have to pay?

[Patas]

That stinks. I can't stand that guy (Lindros).
Lindros is one of my most hated hockey fans. I don't care where he goes as long as I can still boo him.

[Jonathan]

Hey, I resent that.
And I resent the busloads of Caps fans that come down for games at the RBC Center and cheer them on during Canes/Caps games. ;)

C'mon, it's just a little SE Division rivalry. We've got to do something to prove to all those other folks that we do take our hockey seriously in the southeast, right? Besides, it's not like I called them the "Crapitals". :p :D
So are we going to be able to listen to streaming audio of games this year for free or am I going to have to pay?
Boy, I sure do hope NHL.com will still stream games for free. I've actually wondered about that myself.

Chuck Kaiton, the voice of the Canes, has one of the best radio voices around, and he is so knowledgeable about the game. I could listen to him talk hockey all day long. He was rightly inducted into the broadcasters' wing of the Hall of Fame last fall.

[The Hegemo]

TSN and other sources are reporting Ottawa is trading Marian Hossa plus a defenseman (rumored to be Phillips or DeVries) to Atlanta for Dany Heatley. News conference supposed to happen around 5:30.

I've put up with a lot of shit from the Senators franchise over the past 15 years, but I think this may be it. I think I'm 100% Columbus now. :mad:

[Jonathan]

TSN and other sources are reporting Ottawa is trading Marian Hossa plus a defenseman (rumored to be Phillips or DeVries) to Atlanta for Dany Heatley. News conference supposed to happen around 5:30.

I've put up with a lot of shit from the Senators franchise over the past 15 years, but I think this may be it. I think I'm 100% Columbus now. :mad:

I'm not too happy with Ottawa, either, because they're strengthening the Thrashers. I don't need that. :mad:

Prediction: Atlanta Thrashers, 2006 Southeast Division Champions
Carolina Hurricanes, 2006 Southeast Division 4th-placed team.

[The Hegemo]

Reports now are that a first round pick will go to Ottawa along with Heatley. That makes it a little less anal-rape-like, but I still think Atlanta comes out ahead. With Heatley's knee and eye injuries, plus any lingering psychological effects of the accident, I question whether he'll ever be the player he could have been.

[Jonathan]

Doesn't surprise me that they're trading Heatley. Despite all the public welcoming-back, hugging and we-forgive-you's, it was inevitable that his future career in Atlanta was going to be a short one.

[shivui]

my big question is why?
hossa's only a couple of years older. ottawa had a great core. shame it's falling apart. hasek and heatley. i like both of them, but they are HUGE liabilities.

[SallyCinnamon]

Can a girl join this thread? I don't talk sports like you guys do, but I love hockey and I watch as much as I can when I can.

Just thought I'd peek in and see what's goin' on in here.

[sabos_glasses]

Can a girl join this thread? I don't talk sports like you guys do, but I love hockey and I watch as much as I can when I can.

Just thought I'd peek in and see what's goin' on in here.

Of course females are welcome, now please go fetch me a brewskie, eh. :p

No, really, of course we're happy to hear from everyone.

[Patas]

And I resent the busloads of Caps fans that come down for games at the RBC Center and cheer them on during Canes/Caps games. ;)

C'mon, it's just a little SE Division rivalry. We've got to do something to prove to all those other folks that we do take our hockey seriously in the southeast, right? Besides, it's not like I called them the "Crapitals". :p :D
Dude the southeast division gets no respect. I'm sick of it! But I do hate the div rivals. Especially the lightning and the canes.


Boy, I sure do hope NHL.com will still stream games for free. I've actually wondered about that myself.

They should take a page out of the MLS's book. The MLS streams live video coverage for free.

[SallyCinnamon]

Of course females are welcome, now please go fetch me brewskie. :p
That's "brewskie, eh."

[Patas]

I'm not too happy with Ottawa, either, because they're strengthening the Thrashers. I don't need that. :mad:
yeah no kidding. The thrashers use to practically be a walkover
Prediction: Atlanta Thrashers, 2006 Southeast Division Champions
Carolina Hurricanes, 2006 Southeast Division 4th-placed team.
It should be a real interesting year. I have high hopes for the caps young players

[Patas]

That's "brewskie, eh."
you should know you're from minnesota. Which team do you support?

[SallyCinnamon]

you should know you're from minnesota. Which team do you support?
That was more of a Bob and Doug McKenzie reference, but, what the hell. ;)

I've always been a Rangers fan (insert whatever insult you want here), but of course, I go for the Wild when they aren't playing the Rangers.

And even though this is the NHL thread, I'll say I'm a U of M Gophers fan too. I loooove WCHA hockey.

[The Hegemo]

Can a girl join this thread? I don't talk sports like you guys do, but I love hockey and I watch as much as I can when I can.

Just thought I'd peek in and see what's goin' on in here.

Hey, I'm a girl! :o

[chuxxter]

I've always been a Rangers fan .
I've always been an Islander fan so I guess it's over between us. ;)

[rcc94]

Hey, I'm a girl! :o
As am I! (And I've posted more in the Sports Forum than I couple of guys I can think of.)

So, you're quite welcome to join the party!

[SallyCinnamon]

I should've rephrased that as "Can another girl join this thread?" :o

[chuxxter]

I should've rephrased that as "Can another girl join this thread?" :o
If guys can be on the lez-out thread, then girls are welcome here. Even Ranger fans, though there is help available for all of you.

[Emperor Wog]

Hockey fans...

For PS2...

NHL 2k6?

EA NHL 2006?

I've read the reviews and heard that 2k6 is the way to go. Can't beat that $19 price either. Any advice?

[crank-e]

The only video game I've ever enjoyed playing was 'Blades of Steel', circa 1989. I'd recommend that.

[Jonathan]

Hockey fans...

For PS2...

NHL 2k6?

EA NHL 2006?

I've read the reviews and heard that 2k6 is the way to go. Can't beat that $19 price either. Any advice?

I dumped the EA franchise about two seasons ago. The 2K franchise has better gameplay, and it's cheaper. Can't go wrong with that.

I'll be picking it up the day it hits the stores.

[Jonathan]

The only video game I've ever enjoyed playing was 'Blades of Steel', circa 1989. I'd recommend that.
Heh...my first favorite hockey game.

Minnesota kicked ass on that game. As a North Stars fan, I loved that. Of course, there were only like 8 teams in the game, so I was just glad they were included.

I can't tell you how many time the North Stars won the Cup in BoS world...

[shivui]

Dude the southeast division gets no respect. I'm sick of it!
that's because the only good team is tampa. of course that might all change once the season starts. who knows?

I've always been a Rangers fan (insert whatever insult you want here)
will do, they suck.

i'm a pens fan so my heart's been breaking gradually over like the last 4 or 5 years. i feel their luck is changing though.

i say everyone's welcome here. never enough hockey talk.

btw,

i'll probably be starting up another yahoo fantasy league if anyone's interested. i think lanneyD was in it last time. it was either him or STB that kick the shit out of everyone.

[Seattle93]

btw,

i'll probably be starting up another yahoo fantasy league if anyone's interested. i think lanneyD was in it last time. it was either him or STB that kick the shit out of everyone.

I'm in!

I'm still a little bitter that Columbus blew an opportunity to get Jeremy Roenick for "future considerations"

A 1st line with Nash, Roenick & Zherdev would've been sooooooo nice.

[shivui]

dude just throw tyler wright in there. no worries.

[Seattle93]

dude just throw tyler wright in there. no worries.

I love Tyler to death - gritty on the ice, nice guy in public - but he's neither a "go-to guy" nor will he put up over 40 points a season.

Although, on a line with Nash & Zherdev he may get 40 assists... :confused:

[shivui]

I love Tyler to death - gritty on the ice, nice guy in public - but he's neither a "go-to guy" nor will he put up over 40 points a season.

Although, on a line with Nash & Zherdev he may get 40 assists... :confused:
mmm, i'm pretty sure a couple of years before the lockout he had a 20 goal season or close to it. i'm a fan as well, former pen and all.

[Patas]

i'll probably be starting up another yahoo fantasy league if anyone's interested. i think lanneyD was in it last time. it was either him or STB that kick the shit out of everyone.
I definitely want to be in a fantasy league.

[LanneyD]

i'll probably be starting up another yahoo fantasy league if anyone's interested. i think lanneyD was in it last time. it was either him or STB that kick the shit out of everyone.


I'm in. It was STB who was an unstoppable force the last season. I had a really good team, but couldn't hold on to first and ultimately lost out to STB.
(hopefully this fantasy team will make up for my absolute mediocraty i've been having in fantasy baseball)

[LanneyD]

Hockey fans...

For PS2...

NHL 2k6?

EA NHL 2006?

I've read the reviews and heard that 2k6 is the way to go. Can't beat that $19 price either. Any advice?

isn't EA the only hockey game made for computers? cause if so, thats what i'm gonna get.

[shivui]

I'm in. It was STB who was an unstoppable force the last season. I had a really good team, but couldn't hold on to first and ultimately lost out to STB.
(hopefully this fantasy team will make up for my absolute mediocraty i've been having in fantasy baseball)
you ended in second? i knew i was in at least the top 4, but lost in the first or second round of the playoffs. what killed me was nik lidstrom. he had a pretty subpar season, especially for his history.

[Jonathan]

isn't EA the only hockey game made for computers? cause if so, thats what i'm gonna get.
I don't know. I haven't bought a computer hockey game since I got my PS2.

It's entirely possible, though. I don't think 2K Sports is in the PC gaming business.

[wileE]

i'll probably be starting up another yahoo fantasy league if anyone's interested. i think lanneyD was in it last time. it was either him or STB that kick the shit out of everyone.
Man, I would love to do this and FA Premier league fantasy league, but I just don't have the time.
<scotty, God rest his soul>I need more time, cap'n</scotty, God rest his soul>

[LanneyD]

you ended in second? i knew i was in at least the top 4, but lost in the first or second round of the playoffs. what killed me was nik lidstrom. he had a pretty subpar season, especially for his history.


I don't know honestly. I was thinking about it more this afternoon, and I think I ended up in first for the regular season but got knocked down in the playoffs.

[shivui]

whoever was the spongebob team held first for what must've been like the last two months. i remember second not even being close.
either way...


i'm going to look into here in a few so... check back. i might have some sign up info for yalls.

[LanneyD]

whoever was the spongebob team held first for what must've been like the last two months. i remember second not even being close.
either way...


i'm going to look into here in a few so... check back. i might have some sign up info for yalls.

that was stb - he was spongebobhockeypants. i was czech yo head. that was too damn long ago. couldn't even find a thread on it, even though we must've discussed it somewhere.


I look forward to playing again this year.

[shivui]

no need to wait.

i've got us all set up.

the league's called SteelTown Boys, in honor of the champion and missed woxy friend.
the password's woxy
the league ID# is 24918 if they ask for it.

Sign up! (http://hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com/hockey)

i think i've got the max number at 16 right now, but i can always change it i'm sure. if need be.

i've got our draft date set at Tuesday October 4 @ 6:00PM.
now i just filled that out quickly to get it done. i can do that, but if anyone else can't pm me or just leave it here. i'm pretty sure that's the last date it can be done live(on the net) though, as the season starts the following day. it is possible to do it ourselves, but i see that being a hassle and difficult to do well. if anyone's done it before and thinks we can, i'm all ears.
any thoughts?

should be fun.

[Seattle93]

I just joined.

[blahdre]

no need to wait.

i've got us all set up.

the league's called SteelTown Boys, in honor of the champion and missed woxy friend.
the password's woxy
the league ID# is 24918 if they ask for it.

Sign up! (http://hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com/hockey)

i think i've got the max number at 16 right now, but i can always change it i'm sure. if need be.

i've got our draft date set at Tuesday October 4 @ 6:00PM.
now i just filled that out quickly to get it done. i can do that, but if anyone else can't pm me or just leave it here. i'm pretty sure that's the last date it can be done live(on the net) though, as the season starts the following day. it is possible to do it ourselves, but i see that being a hassle and difficult to do well. if anyone's done it before and thinks we can, i'm all ears.
any thoughts?

should be fun.


nice, im in too... :)

[LanneyD]

I'm in, but I can't do that time. (really not much before 8 or 9 would be good for me) so if its cool with everyone else, i'm okay with the computer picking for me.

[shivui]

computer pick for you? you'll end up with a bunch of high ranked suckers à la Lindros.

everyone post times when they can do it.

i'm usually open after 4 on weekdays, but not until later probably 8ish on sat & sun.

[blahdre]

i can do any time, but i can't do Oct 4th (it's my birthday)...

but i can always pre-rank players (and send lindros down the list to #50) if Oct 4th at that time is the best for everyone.

[LanneyD]

computer pick for you? you'll end up with a bunch of high ranked suckers à la Lindros.

everyone post times when they can do it.

i'm usually open after 4 on weekdays, but not until later probably 8ish on sat & sun.


good point. I'm going to say any time after 9 (if possible). if not, i'd say 7.30 at the absolute earliest...any day except wed.'s.

[blahdre]

lets try to get a couple more teams in there...it'll be more fun with at least 6 teams, otherwise squads just get STACKED with stars. Mike Knuble's gotta make it on one of the rosters! :)

[Patas]

computer pick for you? you'll end up with a bunch of high ranked suckers à la Lindros.

everyone post times when they can do it.

i'm usually open after 4 on weekdays, but not until later probably 8ish on sat & sun.
What about the boarders that are far far away. i really want to play but I'm in Florida.

[rcc94]

I've signed up: The Frozen Minnows.

Later in the evenings or weekends works best for me, too, for the draft. I've never done a live draft before, so if I can't make it, does the computer use my pre-ranked players?

[blahdre]

I've signed up: The Frozen Minnows.

Later in the evenings or weekends works best for me, too, for the draft. I've never done a live draft before, so if I can't make it, does the computer use my pre-ranked players?


yup :)

ten characters

[shivui]

What about the boarders that are far far away. i really want to play but I'm in Florida.
it's all online, the draft and everything. go ahead and sign up.

[Patas]

it's all online, the draft and everything. go ahead and sign up.
awesome


31351

[shivui]

yeah that online draft date is not set in stone.

everyone tell me their available times and i'll pick the best one. we should probably get on it though. we've only got about a month. that should be plenty though.

[rcc94]

So should we start a new thread for the fantasy league so that this one can return to its regularly scheduled actual season discussion? :D

On that note, Carolina has named its captain - Rod Brind'Amour - and 3 alternates, including my favorite and fellow Miami alum, Kevyn Adams. I'm happy!

[eno is god]

I'm the owner of madvillains. Good luck, you'll need it !

[blahdre]

So should we start a new thread for the fantasy league so that this one can return to its regularly scheduled actual season discussion? :D

On that note, Carolina has named its captain - Rod Brind'Amour - and 3 alternates, including my favorite and fellow Miami alum, Kevyn Adams. I'm happy!

sounds good...my rangers look like they won't suck AS badly as last year (or should i say last two years). with the new rules and the addition of rucchin, straka, nieminen and malik, we just MIGHT make the playoffs.

[Cabbage Head]

i dont know about you guys, but i'm already ready for another strike.

these contracts are still outrageous.

[shivui]

i agree

"maybe we should forego the expensive dinner and just move on to sex"

[shivui]

check out a video of rules enforcement.

from nhl.com (mms://wm.nhl.na-central.speedera.net/wm.nhl.na-central/comp/feature/new_rules_700.wmv)

it doesn't surprise me that the nhl presents another flat effort. i thought that they were trying to be more appealing to fans. they should've gotten stephen walkom some red bull. he sounds like a robot.

[crank-e]

Couldn't they have gotten Barry Melrose to do that??

I could bet that as the season progresses, the refs will become fairly lenient. As usual.... I hope.

Cheers & Farewell to Scott Stevens!

[Seattle93]

SPORTSTICKER HOCKEY NOTE


*Former Devils owner McMullen dies at 87*
-----------------------------------------

MONTCLAIR, New Jersey (Ticker) - John McMullen, who was credited
with bringing NHL hockey to New Jersey, died Friday at his
home. He was 87.

The cause of death was not disclosed.

McMullen acquired the NHL's Colorado franchise and moved it to
New Jersey in 1982. Under his ownership, the Devils became one
of the league's most successful teams, winning Stanley Cups in
1995 and 2000.

"Everyone in the entire New Jersey Devils organization is deeply
saddened by the loss of Dr. McMullen," Devils general manager
Lou Lamiorello said in a statement.

"Dr. McMullen was an individual for whom we all had tremendous
respect. He will be remembered for doing everything first
class, with the highest level of integrity, passion, kindness
and professionalism. Dr. McMullen had an impact on all of our
lives and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers right now
are with the McMullen family."

McMullen sold the Devils after the 2000 championship season to
an affiliate of the New York Yankees' sports holding company for
$175 million.

McMullen previously owned the Houston Astros from 1979-92. He
sold the franchise to Drayton McLane Jr. for $115 million.


st 09-17-05 15:43 et

[Patas]

check out a video of rules enforcement.

from nhl.com (mms://wm.nhl.na-central.speedera.net/wm.nhl.na-central/comp/feature/new_rules_700.wmv)

it doesn't surprise me that the nhl presents another flat effort. i thought that they were trying to be more appealing to fans. they should've gotten stephen walkom some red bull. he sounds like a robot.
No kidding. The Walkom guy is soooooooo dry. And what the hell is up with the music. I'm I watching a war world 2 flick. But they are trying to use this rule inforcement to open up the skating of the NHL.

[Jonathan]

From the looks of things last night, Patas, I would recommend that your Capitals watch that video a few more times. They couldn't get the hang of the new enforcements policies. 14 times the Canes were on the power play, resulting in four PP goals and a 6-0 win that I in no way enjoyed... :p

[shivui]

it's the caps. their outlook is probably bleaker than pittsburgh's was before the last season.

when you're only "big" names are ovechkin, halpern, zubrus and kolzig... you're going to have problems. i hope for their sake hanlon's a damn good coach.

i will say i have enjoyed watching alexander semin play when i've seen him.

[Patas]

Aww, Come on people!! Give them some time. They're young.

[Jonathan]

They are a division rival. They get no breaks. Besides...they're the team that will keep the Canes out of the cellar this season.

Big game today...Canes vs. Panthers. The only other SE Division team we have a legitimate shot of finishing ahead of in the standings. Since it's the pre-season, I'm going to try out all my potential combinations of "Mike Keenan" and "wanker" in the same sentence to see which ones work the best when the games start for real. :D

[Patas]

Kieth Tkachuk has been suspended for reporting to camp overweight. hahhahahah!!

The caps played better last night. Lost 3-2 in overtime. And besides, the backup goalie gave up the three goals in the final period.

[shivui]

They are a division rival. They get no breaks. Besides...they're the team that will keep the Canes out of the cellar this season.
ha, that's funny. and probably true.

don't get me wrong, i'd somewhat love it if the caps did well. i love underdogs.

[alternachild]

Meh, I wish they would show preseason hockey on TV.

[Seattle93]

Columbus has looked pretty shitty lately. :(

Let's hope it was just the flu outbreak...

Nash will be back soon though, which is good.

[shivui]

columbus bright spot:

gilbert brule

he looks like another young star to put up points in losses just like nash and zherdev.

[Jonathan]

The season is almost here. Time to close the book on the Silly Season thread and migrate over here (http://www.woxy.com/boards/showthread.php?t=31498). :D

http://www.woxy.com/boards/images/buttons/threadclosed.gif