Caeldan: Outside of Heatley possibly being dealt, I don't expect anything big from the Sens this year... especially not today - July 1 is where the GMs make the most mistakes chasing UFAs.

(See Gomez, Drury, Briere, Redden, etc - all these guys who are available were all big money July 1 signings in previous years)

The fact that three of those mistakes were all made by the same incompetent GM isn't a coincidence. As long as your GM is Sather-stupid when it comes to FA signings, July 1 isn't a scary day.

Look at Boston: signing Chara & Savard on July 1 was a huge step towards relevancy for the team. And I don't think either guy is overpaid by much (Chara's a little pricy but he damn near earns it - and Savard is under one of the best contracts in the league, IMHO.)

jekostas: a4dzac: jekostas: It better be a real short contract, then. Havlat was asking for less on a long term deal but Chicago couldn't bit because of Kane and Toews coming out of entry-level contracts after next year.

Yeah...

Strib's Russo: "TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting Marian Hossa is close to signing in Chicago. If true, Hawks may need to hire some mathematicians from MIT to get Kane and Toews done next summer. Unless he's signing another one-year deal."

Kind of creates an interesting dynamic, no? Chicago going after Hossa, Philadelphia getting Pronger, Bruins going after Kaberle... all these teams with good young players trying to gear up for a Cup run "right now" while they can still keep all those good young players and not lose them as RFAs.

If Chicago grabs Hossa on a one year deal like the Wings did, I think it's a brilliant move. It puts them in a real good position to make another run, then gives them a chance to evaluate exactly what they want to do next year with a lot of options and a lot of flexability.

How is Calgary going to dress a full lineup after signing Bouwmeester at $6.68 million per year? Are they going to put down players who get injured like they do with horses

I thought they couldn't even sign Cammalleri if they wanted to, but nhlnumbers.com is under too much load to check right now

I've got my fingers crossed hoping that Ben Eager doesn't get signed again in the NHL

He's a problem that can't wait 2 years for Bettman to be done, so that Colin Campbell can be fired as disciplinarian

The Sedins creep me out.

Kovalev gets 2-year, $8.8M deal... Habs also extend offers to Hossa, Gaborik and Havlat.

Hiro's Protagonist: How is Calgary going to dress a full lineup after signing Bouwmeester at $6.68 million per year? Are they going to put down players who get injured like they do with horses

I thought they couldn't even sign Cammalleri if they wanted to, but nhlnumbers.com is under too much load to check right now

I just got off the phone with Calgary's GM, he told me they are doing it just to spite you. :)

while not technically hockey related, while on tsn.ca to check for updates I noticed this picture about the Canadian Football League?


So the football players in Canada get a stanley cup too? That's rad.

palexc: The Sedins creep me out.

You know they tagteam twin puckbunnies back in the hotel.

Hiro's Protagonist: How is Calgary going to dress a full lineup after signing Bouwmeester at $6.68 million per year? Are they going to put down players who get injured like they do with horses

I thought they couldn't even sign Cammalleri if they wanted to, but nhlnumbers.com is under too much load to check right now

Two things . . .

1) Calgary's has plenty of room for Bo with Camm, Bert and Aucoin gone. (Not to mention Jokinen next year)

2) If Luongo signs his rumoured extension with the Sedin's new contract the Canucks aren't going to be swimming in cash either.

nikknaack1: I just got off the phone with Calgary's GM, he told me they are doing it just to spite you. :)


Or as it's called these days "pulling a Heatly".

Colton Orr to the Leafs for 1Mil/yr over 4 years.

Oshawa: nikknaack1: I just got off the phone with Calgary's GM, he told me they are doing it just to spite you. :)


Or as it's called these days "pulling a Heatly".

So true, so true

Caeldan: palexc: The Sedins creep me out.

You know they tagteam twin puckbunnies back in the hotel.

Dude fark you, first I got the vision of a some hot puck bunny twins in my head, and all was good.... then came the Sedins tag-teaming.... NOT COOL

lol.

Orr to the leafs for 1 mill a year/ 4 year term.

Oshawa: nikknaack1: I just got off the phone with Calgary's GM, he told me they are doing it just to spite you. :)


Or as it's called these days "pulling a Heatly".

That also applies to wrecking a Ferrari.

Hiro's Protagonist: How is Calgary going to dress a full lineup after signing Bouwmeester at $6.68 million per year? Are they going to put down players who get injured like they do with horses

I thought they couldn't even sign Cammalleri if they wanted to, but nhlnumbers.com is under too much load to check right now

After they signed Bouwmeester, Calgary had cap space of 4.4M left, so I don't know how they're signing Cammalleri without moving someone else.

jordawesome: Oshawa: nikknaack1: I just got off the phone with Calgary's GM, he told me they are doing it just to spite you. :)


Or as it's called these days "pulling a Heatly".

That also applies to wrecking a Ferrari.

Now that's a hit below the belt, a warning and no point.

/I lol'd

nikknaack1: I think it will be interesting to see what Hossa does. I don't know of many teams that will be contenders in the next couple years who will offer him what he wants.

I think his best be it to try to pick the best team that is on the right track to be a contender like 5 years down the road.

If he is willing to take a discount to be on a contender, he should call Ken Holland back and ask "Any chance we can talk about that offer again?"

Which is why he's looking to sign with the Black Hawks because of all the young talent.

/Just dreading watching Huet falling on his ass 6 times a game in the 09-10 season.

palexc: The Sedins creep me out.


Who the fark is this "palexc" calling us creepy?

thefireandpassion: nikknaack1: I think it will be interesting to see what Hossa does. I don't know of many teams that will be contenders in the next couple years who will offer him what he wants.

I think his best be it to try to pick the best team that is on the right track to be a contender like 5 years down the road.

If he is willing to take a discount to be on a contender, he should call Ken Holland back and ask "Any chance we can talk about that offer again?"

Which is why he's looking to sign with the Black Hawks because of all the young talent.

/Just dreading watching Huet falling on his ass 6 times a game in the 09-10 season.

I posted that before I even considered the Hawks. I was expecting Hossa to go looking for a long term deal. This has to be a short term deal or that young talent won't be around for long if they don't take a significant discount.

jekostas: Hiro's Protagonist: How is Calgary going to dress a full lineup after signing Bouwmeester at $6.68 million per year? Are they going to put down players who get injured like they do with horses

I thought they couldn't even sign Cammalleri if they wanted to, but nhlnumbers.com is under too much load to check right now

After they signed Bouwmeester, Calgary had cap space of 4.4M left, so I don't know how they're signing Cammalleri without moving someone else.

It could be worse. You could be paying for Scott Gomez.

Flogster: Hiro's Protagonist: How is Calgary going to dress a full lineup after signing Bouwmeester at $6.68 million per year? Are they going to put down players who get injured like they do with horses

I thought they couldn't even sign Cammalleri if they wanted to, but nhlnumbers.com is under too much load to check right now

Two things . . .

1) Calgary's has plenty of room for Bo with Camm, Bert and Aucoin gone. (Not to mention Jokinen next year)

2) If Luongo signs his rumoured extension with the Sedin's new contract the Canucks aren't going to be swimming in cash either.

1) Calgary still has to sign a first-line winger and a second-line winger with Cammalleri and Bertuzzi gone.

2) If Luongo signs the extension, with the Sedins re-signed and Hodgson playing up next year, the Canucks will have 9M in cap space. The only glaring needs are a good defenseman and a reasonable second-line winger.

nikknaack1: I posted that before I even considered the Hawks. I was expecting Hossa to go looking for a long term deal. This has to be a short term deal or that young talent won't be around for long if they don't take a significant discount.

It has to be a short term deal...otherwise I don't get it.

I wonder how Hossa really likes being a "hired assassin".

jekostas: It better be a real short contract, then. Havlat was asking for less on a long term deal but Chicago couldn't bit because of Kane and Toews coming out of entry-level contracts after next year.

Another one year deal?

If that ends up true, then Hossa had better be ready to lose again next year. Chicago was good, but after seeing the WCF I think they're still not ready to win the Cup.

Killer Cars: nikknaack1: I posted that before I even considered the Hawks. I was expecting Hossa to go looking for a long term deal. This has to be a short term deal or that young talent won't be around for long if they don't take a significant discount.

It has to be a short term deal...otherwise I don't get it.

I wonder how Hossa really likes being a "hired assassin".

Yeah, how's that going to work? Unless they re-do the divisions the Wings can't beat the Hawks in the SCF

Oshawa: Orr to the leafs for 1 mill a year/ 4 year term.

GOD farkING DAMNIT!!!!!

why do all of the best fighting Rangers die in Toronto :(
you will be missed #28... with Mara gone, who the hell is going to stick up for Avery now? Voros?
/sigh

Killer Cars: nikknaack1: I posted that before I even considered the Hawks. I was expecting Hossa to go looking for a long term deal. This has to be a short term deal or that young talent won't be around for long if they don't take a significant discount.

It has to be a short term deal...otherwise I don't get it.

I wonder how Hossa really likes being a "hired assassin".

Hossa really needs a long term deal and an ability to settle in some place, otherwise, I don't see his problems with playoff production going anywhere. Eventually, teams on the cusp will stop paying for his services because they don't need him to get to the playoffs, they need him to get the over the hump in the playoffs.

nikknaack1: thefireandpassion: nikknaack1: I think it will be interesting to see what Hossa does. I don't know of many teams that will be contenders in the next couple years who will offer him what he wants.

I think his best be it to try to pick the best team that is on the right track to be a contender like 5 years down the road.

If he is willing to take a discount to be on a contender, he should call Ken Holland back and ask "Any chance we can talk about that offer again?"

Which is why he's looking to sign with the Black Hawks because of all the young talent.

/Just dreading watching Huet falling on his ass 6 times a game in the 09-10 season.

I posted that before I even considered the Hawks. I was expecting Hossa to go looking for a long term deal. This has to be a short term deal or that young talent won't be around for long if they don't take a significant discount.

Hawks wont resign Havlat or Khabibulin, maybe even Pahlsson included on the list, to keep Toews, Kane, and Versteeg when their rookie contracts expire. Which notably is why I dread watching Huet falling over 6 times a game. The Hawks need to find someone to pair with Huet as Huet shouldn't start every game.

jekostas: Killer Cars: nikknaack1: I posted that before I even considered the Hawks. I was expecting Hossa to go looking for a long term deal. This has to be a short term deal or that young talent won't be around for long if they don't take a significant discount.

It has to be a short term deal...otherwise I don't get it.

I wonder how Hossa really likes being a "hired assassin".

Yeah, how's that going to work? Unless they re-do the divisions the Wings can't beat the Hawks in the SCF

Isn't Bettman's term coming up here? This could be a possibility!

/Not really serious

Whamdangler: I don't know, but the Avs are finally aware that they need a world-class goalie, and there are several free agents out there.

Conklin would be good for them.

jekostas: Yeah, how's that going to work? Unless they re-do the divisions the Wings can't beat the Hawks in the SCF

WCF re-match?

thefireandpassion: Hawks wont resign Havlat or Khabibulin, maybe even Pahlsson included on the list, to keep Toews, Kane, and Versteeg when their rookie contracts expire. Which notably is why I dread watching Huet falling over 6 times a game. The Hawks need to find someone to pair with Huet as Huet shouldn't start every game.

That still doesn't mean that Hossa's going to be a long-term deal. As good as Hossa is, I don't think I'd take him over Kane, Toews, and Versteeg...and as the Wings just proved, keeping your young talent AND the high-priced superstar isn't easy in the cap era.

epyonyx: Whamdangler: I don't know, but the Avs are finally aware that they need a world-class goalie, and there are several free agents out there.

Conklin would be good for them.

He would be...but then he wouldn't be in the Winter Classic. We can't have that.

jekostas: Yeah, how's that going to work? Unless they re-do the divisions the Wings can't beat the Hawks in the SCF

Maybe he just really wants to try and stick it to the team he used to play for, no matter the "prize".

I can see it four one-year contracts from now..."YES! My 2013-14 Phoenix Coyotes finished 11th in the WC, just ahead of the LA Kings who paid me a crapload last season to fade down the stretch. VICTORY! SUCK IT KINGS! HAHAHAHA! I can retire a happy man now!"

IMDWalrus: epyonyx: Whamdangler: I don't know, but the Avs are finally aware that they need a world-class goalie, and there are several free agents out there.

Conklin would be good for them.

He would be...but then he wouldn't be in the Winter Classic. We can't have that.

Nor would he be able to loose in another SCF!

Christ, TSN just did a short piece on July 1 over the last few years... a BILLION dollars worth of contracts given out for the last three years.

I forgot to mention that I do NOT want the Wings to sign Hossa. They have enough talent to get to the playoffs. They just need to find some obscure player who is ok in regular season and a beast in the post-season. Re-sign Mathieu Dandenault. He is a safe pick to replace Hossa, and he is familiar with the Wings style of play. Keep Samuelsson. Let McCarty go. He isn't as effective as he used to be (I will still consider him a Wing wherever he went).

I just can't believe the Pens traded away Ocho Cinco.

jekostas: 2) If Luongo signs the extension, with the Sedins re-signed and Hodgson playing up next year, the Canucks will have 9M in cap space. The only glaring needs are a good defenseman and a reasonable second-line winger.

Scott Niedermayer, Rob Niedermayer (?, take over the 3rd line), and Kyle Wellwood (RFA)

Scott knows Yzerman wishes he had the chance to play in Vancouver

IMDWalrus: jekostas: Yeah, how's that going to work? Unless they re-do the divisions the Wings can't beat the Hawks in the SCF

WCF re-match?

thefireandpassion: Hawks wont resign Havlat or Khabibulin, maybe even Pahlsson included on the list, to keep Toews, Kane, and Versteeg when their rookie contracts expire. Which notably is why I dread watching Huet falling over 6 times a game. The Hawks need to find someone to pair with Huet as Huet shouldn't start every game.

That still doesn't mean that Hossa's going to be a long-term deal. As good as Hossa is, I don't think I'd take him over Kane, Toews, and Versteeg...and as the Wings just proved, keeping your young talent AND the high-priced superstar isn't easy in the cap era.

More than likely it will be a 1 year contract. I don't think the Hawks will win their division next season. Losing Havlat and Khabibulin is a huge blow. I think the Hawks will make the playoffs, but might be a 6 to 8 seed depending on what they do about losing two key pieces to the puzzle.

/Still happy about being able to watch home games on tv though.

Hiro's Protagonist: Scott knows Yzerman wishes he had the chance to play in Vancouver

Why, does Stevie Y really like sushi?

Hiro's Protagonist: jekostas: 2) If Luongo signs the extension, with the Sedins re-signed and Hodgson playing up next year, the Canucks will have 9M in cap space. The only glaring needs are a good defenseman and a reasonable second-line winger.

Scott Niedermayer, Rob Niedermayer (?, take over the 3rd line), and Kyle Wellwood (RFA)

Scott knows Yzerman wishes he had the chance to play in Vancouver

I first heard that Niedermayer resigning with the Ducks isn't a certainty last night. That would be a pure cripple for them after ditching Pronger (even though they got the kitchen sink for him).

IMDWalrus: epyonyx: Whamdangler: I don't know, but the Avs are finally aware that they need a world-class goalie, and there are several free agents out there.

Conklin would be good for them.

He would be...but then he wouldn't be in the Winter Classic. We can't have that.

Well played. Marty Biron maybe or Mikael Tellqvist? Not seeing any better prospects out there who aren't too old. not sure what the Avs cap is though either.

thefireandpassion: I don't think the Hawks will win their division next season. Losing Havlat and Khabibulin is a huge blow.

Hawks could keep Khabibulin if they can ditch Brian Campbell's $7.14mn salary and be able to sign Kane and Toews next year

Oshawa: Hiro's Protagonist: jekostas: 2) If Luongo signs the extension, with the Sedins re-signed and Hodgson playing up next year, the Canucks will have 9M in cap space. The only glaring needs are a good defenseman and a reasonable second-line winger.

Scott Niedermayer, Rob Niedermayer (?, take over the 3rd line), and Kyle Wellwood (RFA)

Scott knows Yzerman wishes he had the chance to play in Vancouver

I first heard that Niedermayer resigning with the Ducks isn't a certainty last night. That would be a pure cripple for them after ditching Pronger (even though they got the kitchen sink for him).

Both Niedermayers have expressed an interest in playing in Vancouver (for a discount, no less) through their agents because of family issues.
Anaheim will make a hard pitch to keep them (Scott more than Rob, I would assume), of course.

Killer Cars: Hiro's Protagonist: Scott knows Yzerman wishes he had the chance to play in Vancouver

Why, does Stevie Y really like sushi?

Steve Yzerman - Place of Birth: Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada

Hmm. Maybe AK47 didn't re-sign with the Habs.

/he'd look great on Geno's wing

Katalyst: Hmm. Maybe AK47 didn't re-sign with the Habs.

/he'd look great on Geno's wing


27.

Hiro's Protagonist: Steve Yzerman - Place of Birth: Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada

I figured he was from BC, I was just being stupid.

Cranbrook is a long ass way from Vancouver though.

/I'd like to play in Vancouver just because it's a cool city.

regardings Luongo's extension, it seems like he and management are very close/happy. Luongo had a great time announcing Vancouver's first round pick in Montreal. I would speculate that Gillis has the go ahead to sign a superstar, and if he pulls it off then Luongo is prepared to be flexible in his own contract to make room

epyonyx: I forgot to mention that I do NOT want the Wings to sign Hossa. They have enough talent to get to the playoffs. They just need to find some obscure player who is ok in regular season and a beast in the post-season. Re-sign Mathieu Dandenault. He is a safe pick to replace Hossa, and he is familiar with the Wings style of play. Keep Samuelsson. Let McCarty go. He isn't as effective as he used to be (I will still consider him a Wing wherever he went).

Hate to break it to you, but I think Sammy is gone. He seems to want to take his chances on the market and will probably command more than the Wings can afford for him right now