whereisian: What does the coach have to do with the signing?

Maybe i have a lack of understanding about the way the game is played, but i would think the coach has some input as to what players get signed and what players dont...

speedk0re: I call bullshiat on Brashear to the Rags... I know Torts is a little off his rocker, but signing the guy that basically ended your previous season with a cheapshot on your main PKing forward?

And at his age, I can't believe he's willing to stick up for Avery's BS.

"Damn it, Avery's acting like an ass again and pissed off the hornet's nest. Brash, get in there!"

Brashear: *groan* "I'm getting too old for this sh*t".

whereisian: speedk0re: I call bullshiat on Brashear to the Rags... I know Torts is a little off his rocker, but signing the guy that basically ended your previous season with a cheapshot on your main PKing forward?

What does the coach have to do with the signing?

Yep. To paraphrase Daryl Sutter from last year: The coach's job is to coach the guys he's given

Misch: I call it a belly flop

On the other hand, "Montador" is the new "Afinigenov", just easier to spell.

thefireandpassion: Killer Cars: TKovacs2: What other rental player can you think of that got that kind of love that quickly, and really from an entire fanbase? I think that might explain some of the hurt you constantly hear about.

Pittsburgh has good fans. I'm not too surprised about that.

What he did sucks, I won't deny that, but the vitriol with the "traitor" chants was a little much IMO from some of the 'Burgh faithful.

If he can't handle the chants how will he handle boos if/when he starts sucking here in Chicago? We're not really nice when it comes to bad players. I think that's mostly Cub fans though because we all know no Cub fan truly understands sports, or that the most beloved thing the Cubs had was a life long Cards fan, and got insanely drunk in the White Sox booth.

Who said he couldn't handle it?

Hossa's a good pickup. Just hope we can get some help at goalie.

Caeldan: Oshawa: Caeldan: Brashear to the Rangers apparently.

How to poison a locker room:

Step 1: Sean Avery and Donald Brashear (with his history vs. the ranger)
Step 2: ?
Step 3: Profit

2 years, 1.4M per year.
Per Daren Millar from Sportsnet

It's on TSN's board now. I guess that means confirmed.

Sather is just drunk with joy after moving Gomez.

Brashear to NYR is done. 2 years, $2.8 mil

speedk0re: I call bullshiat on Brashear to the Rags... I know Torts is a little off his rocker, but signing the guy that basically ended your previous season with a cheapshot on your main PKing forward?

TSN's put it on their tracker now as well.

DaScribbler: thefireandpassion: Killer Cars: TKovacs2: What other rental player can you think of that got that kind of love that quickly, and really from an entire fanbase? I think that might explain some of the hurt you constantly hear about.

Pittsburgh has good fans. I'm not too surprised about that.

What he did sucks, I won't deny that, but the vitriol with the "traitor" chants was a little much IMO from some of the 'Burgh faithful.

If he can't handle the chants how will he handle boos if/when he starts sucking here in Chicago? We're not really nice when it comes to bad players. I think that's mostly Cub fans though because we all know no Cub fan truly understands sports, or that the most beloved thing the Cubs had was a life long Cards fan, and got insanely drunk in the White Sox booth.

Who said he couldn't handle it?

Hossa's a good pickup. Just hope we can get some help at goalie.

It's not a good pick up when you get rid of the same style player in Marty Havlat who would have taken LESS money meaning theres MORE cap space for Toews, Kane, Keith, and Versteeg later.

We're also losing Sammy Pahlsson so we'll be down one center, but Pahlsson didn't do what he was was suppose to so good riddance.

I agree that the Hawks need goalie help. Huet isn't meant to start every game and he's going to need a good back up once he's being booed off the team for falling over too much.

TKovacs2: What other rental player can you think of that got that kind of love that quickly, and really from an entire fanbase? I think that might explain some of the hurt you constantly hear about.

Killer Cars: Pittsburgh has good fans. I'm not too surprised about that.

What he did sucks, I won't deny that, but the vitriol with the "traitor" chants was a little much IMO from some of the 'Burgh faithful.

As a lifelong Pens fan, I can agree with you entirely. The level of passion for hockey in this city is unprecedented (esp. compared to the previous Cups in the 90's - the turnout for the Cup parade was on par with the Steelers' 2005 champs parade) and certain segments of the population took out their frustration in interesting ways. Like this. For further vitriol, see here.

Thought the dude was the shot in the arm we needed last season, but the secondary scoring/experience level wasn't where it needed to be. Gary Roberts (bless the ol' lug) can only get you so far when the rest of your team is "soff".

cptjeff: Whamdangler: Phillip Ondiz: Anderson

Yep, they did.

http://www.9news.com/sports/article.aspx?storyid=118708&catid=345

Not who I was hoping for...but at least it's not Peter "Sieve" Budaj.

He was actually pretty damn good in Florida when he got the chance to play. Probably going to be pretty good as a starter.

Personally I think it is a great move. Low cap hit for a young goalie who put up very impressive stats while playing behind an argueably awful team. See my previous statement RE: youth movement for the Avs. Gustavvson wouldve been a great signing too, but he is unproven in the NHL and it would have cost more cap space (with bonuses).

Heres to hoping he further develops into a great goaler alongside a very young team.

Killer Cars: TKovacs2: What other rental player can you think of that got that kind of love that quickly, and really from an entire fanbase? I think that might explain some of the hurt you constantly hear about.

Pittsburgh has good fans. I'm not too surprised about that.

What he did sucks, I won't deny that, but the vitriol with the "traitor" chants was a little much IMO from some of the 'Burgh faithful.

Was it really any more despicable than the "Crosby sucks" chants heard around most NHL arenas? I didn't really think that Pens fans were particularly hostile towards him during the SCF while in Pittsburgh. Some booing, but that's to be expected. And yes, like any other fan base, we have our mouth breathers and window lickers.

We can't ALL be civilized....

\Except for Flyers fans. You're all garbage.

Awww, Scotty decided to stick it out with the ducks.

The Hossa signing is the new way to get around the cap. 12 years for a 30 year old player? And as the reports say, the first 7 years are the ones that matter. After that he can go to the KHL and receive a couple more big paychecks, and since he's gone from the NHL he'll be off the books as far as the Blackhawks are concerned.

I don't know what the contract limit is (assuming there is one) so I'm afraid of seeing more Euro players (who have the best way out of the league where they can keep playing) signing unrealistically long deals. (20 year deals a possibility? DiPietro already got his 15 years, Ovechkin his 13, although that's more realistic)

Only way to prevent this (other than limiting years) would be to change the cap hit to whatever the player is making that year, and not average the hit.

Catching up after being out with my girls late this afternoon.

Glad to see Colorado snagged Anderson. He's a good stop-gap that could be something more, and they've got two years to see, during which time they'll be rebuilding, so they can afford to take some chances in net.

That Hossa contract is crazy. And I'm the guy who will defend long-ass contracts. But I just don't see how Chicago hopes to retain their youth with Hossa eating up the dough for 12 years. Still, that could pay off immediately. They're almost guaranteed to lose in the SCF next season!

The Islanders made a solid step with Roloson, giving them some insurance with DiPietro.

And look at Tampa Bay. They went from no defense to adding Hedman and Ohlund (for $3.5M!). That is gonna be nice. If they can get halfway consistent goaltending they'll be able to turn it around fast (again).

IMDWalrus: nikknaack1: TSN: Darren Dreger is reporting the Chicago Blackhawks have apparently signed former Detroit Red Wings winger Marian Hossa. Details to follow...

Damn. I didn't want the Wings to keep Hossa - not at the amount of money he wanted, at least - but this is still a letdown, especially with him moving to another team in our division.

I promise not to pull an Idiot Penguins Fan and call him a traitor, though. Hossa seemed like a nice guy, and he definitely helped in the regular season.

I think this cements a Detroit/Chicago rivalry, for at least one season. The Hawks should sign Chelios, too, just to throw more fuel on that fire.

Well, to be fair, Hossa didn't jerk the Wings' chain before leaving and allowing us to lose other players. That's why Penguins fans dislike him. Overall I don't know why we still care since everything that happened worked out in favor either way, but it was the principle.

ducks are solid. they've got the talent to make another serious run at the cup this year, perhaps next...anyone know whether or not they signed beauchemin?

I_Love_Cheesecake: palexc: The Sedins creep me out.

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

I LOL'd. :)

But their heads are shaped funny, they look inbred.

NotEric: The Hossa signing is the new way to get around the cap. 12 years for a 30 year old player? And as the reports say, the first 7 years are the ones that matter. After that he can go to the KHL and receive a couple more big paychecks, and since he's gone from the NHL he'll be off the books as far as the Blackhawks are concerned.

I don't know what the contract limit is (assuming there is one) so I'm afraid of seeing more Euro players (who have the best way out of the league where they can keep playing) signing unrealistically long deals. (20 year deals a possibility? DiPietro already got his 15 years, Ovechkin his 13, although that's more realistic)

Only way to prevent this (other than limiting years) would be to change the cap hit to whatever the player is making that year, and not average the hit.

there isn't a limit in hockey like there is in football which is why there are these 12 year contract signings.

I am so sad that Niedermayer just signed a 1 year $6mn + bonus contract in Anaheim

flecktarts: anyone know whether or not they signed beauchemin?

Here's hoping Tampa adds him to their growing list of D-men.

mansonozz: IMDWalrus: nikknaack1: TSN: Darren Dreger is reporting the Chicago Blackhawks have apparently signed former Detroit Red Wings winger Marian Hossa. Details to follow...

Damn. I didn't want the Wings to keep Hossa - not at the amount of money he wanted, at least - but this is still a letdown, especially with him moving to another team in our division.

I promise not to pull an Idiot Penguins Fan and call him a traitor, though. Hossa seemed like a nice guy, and he definitely helped in the regular season.

I think this cements a Detroit/Chicago rivalry, for at least one season. The Hawks should sign Chelios, too, just to throw more fuel on that fire.

Well, to be fair, Hossa didn't jerk the Wings' chain before leaving and allowing us to lose other players. That's why Penguins fans dislike him. Overall I don't know why we still care since everything that happened worked out in favor either way, but it was the principle.

Eh, I see that's been touched upon. Oh well.

Believe what you want and save the chatter, unless that's all you have to make yourself feel good. I'm sure not going to hang around to argue about it.

Hossa contract = Franzen loophole

It will be closed, just a matter of time. In the mean time, next year's salary cap might be in the mid 40s which will put most of the league in a serious bind

Killer Cars: speedk0re: I call bullshiat on Brashear to the Rags... I know Torts is a little off his rocker, but signing the guy that basically ended your previous season with a cheapshot on your main PKing forward?

And at his age, I can't believe he's willing to stick up for Avery's BS.

"Damn it, Avery's acting like an ass again and pissed off the hornet's nest. Brash, get in there!"

Brashear: *groan* "I'm getting too old for this sh*t".

I'll take Avery over Brash any day.

NotEric: The Hossa signing is the new way to get around the cap. 12 years for a 30 year old player? And as the reports say, the first 7 years are the ones that matter. After that he can go to the KHL and receive a couple more big paychecks, and since he's gone from the NHL he'll be off the books as far as the Blackhawks are concerned.



If he's over 35, how will he be off the books? I'm confused by this rule, but I thought that prevented that.

Hiro's Protagonist: Hossa contract = Franzen loophole

It will be closed, just a matter of time. In the mean time, next year's salary cap might be in the mid 40s which will put most of the league in a serious bind

Cap should be increasing not decreasing by salary trends from FA and resigns. If it does decrease then teams will be resigning players sooner rather than later to keep the current years cap.

I was under the assumption that his "retirement" and/or refusal to show up for camp would mean his contract would no longer count against the cap.

damn it is true; i can't believe the Rags let go of Orr, and signed his cheapshoting arch-nemesis for an extra 400,000/year. I haven't been this upset over a goon signing since Chris Simon wore a blue shirt :(

NotEric: I was under the assumption that his "retirement" and/or refusal to show up for camp would mean his contract would no longer count against the cap.

Yeah, I think you're right. I guess it only applies if the guy is 35 at the time he signs the contract.

I could still be wrong though.

This goes over the age 35 question a bit.

"Over 35 Signings: If a player who, as of June 30 of the upcoming season, is over the age of 35 signs a multi-year deal, the signing team will take a cap hit for each year on the contract, regardless of if the player retires. "

Example: "However, since Markus Naslund's 35th birthday was after June 30, he was 34 as of June 30, thus his retirement removes his cap hit."

So since Hossa signed the deal before he turned 35, the cap hit can and will be removed if and when he chooses to "retire".

So yes, loophole the size of Texas here.

Tampa keeps Krajicek. More D!

/keep McKenna, let Ramo go
//dare I say it? Khabi?

speedk0re: You mean this isn't what you thought Sather was talking about when he said suckering the Habs into taking Gomez would let him make other moves?

I see now. Thank you.

speedk0re: damn it is true; i can't believe the Rags let go of Orr, and signed his cheapshoting arch-nemesis for an extra 400,000/year. I haven't been this upset over a goon signing since Chris Simon wore a blue shirt :(

Orr was so-so as an enforcer. Servicable, but young and frankly, he lost a lot of fights. The fans liked him, but won't be too broken up over this.

Brashear, is another matter though. He better let Betts take a free swing at him in training camp.

Sportnet Reports: Kaberle/Kessel talks are back on.

Spacek to Montreal.

I haven't paid much attention to them, but have the Sabres done anything besides lose players in the last few years? I feel like every year a few decent-to-good players end up walking away for nothing.

palexc: Orr was so-so as an enforcer. Servicable, but young and frankly, he lost a lot of fights. The fans liked him, but won't be too broken up over this.

I would say Orr is far better than so-so. Last year alone he had 12 Wins 4 Losses 2 Draws (according to hockeyfights.com) with wins over heavyweights such as riley cote, eric boulton, eric godard, mitch tritz, michael rupp to name a few. That stupid smirk he always carried, win or lose, to the penalty box will definitely be missed. The only guy who could consistently beat Orr was, well, Brashear

HaveBlue: Spacek to Montreal.

I haven't paid much attention to them, but have the Sabres done anything besides lose players in the last few years? I feel like every year a few decent-to-good players end up walking away for nothing.

LOL Doc is going to loose his mind.

K'bulin has tentative deal with the Oilers according to TSN...

TSN-Moderator: Bob McKenzie reports that the contract for Khabibulin is four years for $15 million in total.

jordawesome: K'bulin has tentative deal with the Oilers according to TSN...

4yr, $15M, TSN is reporting.

So is Huet the starting goaltender now for the Hawks?

LOL.

Good thing they got Hossa. They will need to score 5 or 6 goals a game to win.

speedk0re: palexc: Orr was so-so as an enforcer. Servicable, but young and frankly, he lost a lot of fights. The fans liked him, but won't be too broken up over this.

I would say Orr is far better than so-so. Last year alone he had 12 Wins 4 Losses 2 Draws (according to hockeyfights.com) with wins over heavyweights such as riley cote, eric boulton, eric godard, mitch tritz, michael rupp to name a few. That stupid smirk he always carried, win or lose, to the penalty box will definitely be missed. The only guy who could consistently beat Orr was, well, Brashear

True, I liked the way Orr carried himself a lot. I guess I don't remember his wins as much as his struggling years.

Random comment on some blog about the Brashear signing: "I'm just thankful we have Brashear on our side now to protect us from Ray Emery."

Wow, the Wild are so screwed. I thought CF was like, oh, I dunno. Maybe, perhaps, MIGHT DO SOMETHING?

Harding and Bouchard to CHI for Toews? Is that too much to ask?

palexc:
Random comment on some blog about the Brashear signing: "I'm just thankful we have Brashear on our side now to protect us from Ray Emery."

LOL, I'd take the Emery side of that fight any day of the week.

Pretty funny comment though.

SheepPr0n: Wow, the Wild are so screwed. I thought CF was like, oh, I dunno. Maybe, perhaps, MIGHT DO SOMETHING?

Harding and Bouchard to CHI for Toews? Is that too much to ask?

Way too much to ask.

Spacek to Montreal.shiat.

Canucks fan here, happy to see the Sedins are tied up again; losing Ohlund will sting, but I see we scooped a low-cost D-man, Aaron Rome, already that may help a little. (Anyone know anything about him?)
I'm hoping for another fast, scoring forward and/or a two-way defenseman - Luongo's a genius at stopping lots of shots, but honestly I'd rather see him facing less than 30 shots a game more often. Might keep him from the groin strains a little more.

Hearing Havlat to the Habs ...

Oshawa: HaveBlue: Spacek to Montreal.

LOL Doc is going to loose his mind.

Apparently picked up Steve Montador to replace him.

I'm withholding judgment on this one. Obviously he's not going to replace Spacek's goal-scoring, but maybe he can bring some much-needed physicality on the blue-line. The Sabres forum over at HFBoards seems to like the deal, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and wait and see.

Oshawa: HaveBlue: I haven't paid much attention to them, but have the Sabres done anything besides lose players in the last few years? I feel like every year a few decent-to-good players end up walking away for nothing.

If you paid attention to the Sabres last off-season, you would have seen them locking a lot of guys down into multi-year deals. Even some that they probably shouldn't have (i.e. Connolly). Clearly they were rattled and reacting to what had happened the previous summer.