Official NHL Regular Season Thread... Capitals win President's trophy
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DeadsetAce
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^ do it, man. should be a good game and great environment. just leave any NY/NJ gear at home
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Be ******ed not to go if you have the opportunity. How many people can say they went and saw a hockey game at Fenway Park?
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Great opportunity, I say go even if you are not a fan of either team.
DeadsetAce
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so they might move it to saturday now, because of the rain. problem is that saturday isn't looking much better
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Originally Posted by DeadsetAce
so they might move it to saturday now, because of the rain. problem is that saturday isn't looking much better
Uh-Oh.
Winter Classic in Sunny California 2012?
No rain on New Year's Day
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FrenchBlue23 wrote:
DeadsetAce wrote:
so they might move it to saturday now, because of the rain. problem is that saturday isn't looking much better
Uh-Oh.
Winter Classic in Sunny California 2012?
No rain on New Year's Day
They'd be swimming before 1st intermission
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Mike Green was snubbed
Team Canada...
Team Canada...
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I think Canada is taking the gold.
DeadsetAce
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bergeron and big joe
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Rangers' next move[/h3]
9:16AM ET
[h5]New York Rangers[/h5]
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Yesterday we linked you to the New York Post's Larry Brooks, who said the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyrNew York Rangers need big bodies -- "even if it means sacrificing some of the skill level that coach John Tortorella covets in his athletes."
But today, Puck Prospectus counters: "So what are we saying, trade Marian Gaborik for Colton Orr? Come on, the Rangers desperately need more skill players not less skill players. The numbers don't lie: other than Gaborik and the currently injured Vinny Prospal, the Rangers don't have any players over 20 points." The full text is below.
Brooks wrote that Tortorella doesn't given his big bodies, like http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=99Donald Brashear, a chance.
So, in the end, it's unlikely the Rangers will actually add big bodies. Instead, they'll probably go after skilled scorers -- something they desperately need -- as they have (unsuccessfully) been doing the last month.
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
They need skill, not less skill
[h3]No Staal trade coming[/h3]
11:49AM ET
[h5]Eric Staal | Hurricanes[/h5]
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There were whispers around the league that the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=stlSt. Louis Blues were looking to make a blockbuster trade with the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=carCarolina Hurricanes for http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2378Eric Staal, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun writes.
The Canes are in the process of tearing down their team, so it seemed to have some credence to it. But now it appears the Canes are looking to build around Staal, and not dump him.
The Canes are experimenting with Staal's versatility right now, and on the Blues' side, they have said they're not looking to deal their youngsters. It was rumored that that David Perron and other prospects, as well as draft picks, were being discussed.
http:// [h3]Price may be trade bait[/h3]
11:48AM ET
[h5]Carey Price | Canadiens[/h5]
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After a month of Jaroslav Halak trade rumors, the Habs may end up keeping Halak. In fact, they may not have a choice because of the way he's been playing.
So that means Carey Price might end up being the one who is traded.
The Hockey News points out that GM Bob Gainey was in a similar situation in 1992. He had El Belfour and an untested Dominik Hasek -- and he went for Belfour. So perhaps he'll try to make up for that by keeping Halak this time.
Previously, we told you Halak demanded a trade because he wasn't playing enough. But if he continues this streak, he'll have to play -- and that might push him to back off on his trade demands.
Gainey will try to net a top-six forward for whichever goalie he trades, like he tried to do with the Flyers.
http:// [h3]Hall emerging as No. 1 pick[/h3]
10:48AM ET
[h5]NHL Draft[/h5]
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[img]http://assets.espn.go.com/i/misc/2009_NHL_Draft_134x75.jpg[/img]
The No. 1 pick in the 2010 NHL Draft will likely be Tyler Seguin or Taylor Hall.
But Hall may now be emerging as the favorite, after his strong play as of late. On the big stage of the World Junior Championships, he scored a hat trick against Slovakia.
In addition, according to Hockey Canada's chief scout Al Murray (via the Edmonton Journal),"Hall is the last guy out of the zone. You'll never find him as first guy on the backcheck."
http:// [h3]Rangers shopping Higgins, others[/h3]
10:40AM ET
[h5]Christopher Higgins | Rangers[/h5]
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A girl wants what she can't have, or has to work at to have, and NHL GMs may be the same.
The New York Rangers have put Christopher Higgins on the block, as well as Ales Kotalik, but NHL executives seem to think that it's a bit too easy to get these guys.
But there may be a reason. One executive told the Ottawa Sun, "All these guys can be had pretty easily. But there's a reason they're available: They make too much money and aren't playing well."
The 26-year-old Higgins is a $2.250 million cap hit, but he's an expiring contract. Meanwhile, Kotalik makes $3 million until 2012.
The Rangers have been trying to pick up a scorer, but it's unlikely either of these guys will net anything of much value.
http:// [h3]Kings want to trade Frolov[/h3]
10:22AM ET
[h5]Alexander Frolov | Kings[/h5]
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Alexander Frolov is on the trade block -- again.
Early in the season, the Kings tried to trade him but his strong play may have delayed a potential trade -- possibly to Montreal.
But now the Ottawa Sun writes that the Kings are looking to deal Frolov before they make their playoff run. The Sun points out that he was almost dealt to the Senators before the season, but that's unlikely now before the Sens probably don't want to stockpile underachieving forwards.
http:// [h3]Schneider will be claimed[/h3]
9:59AM ET
[h5]Mathieu Schneider | Canucks[/h5]
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The Canucks tried to trade disgruntled Mathieu Schneider but couldn't pull off a deal. There was, however, enough interest that they believe he will be claimed off waivers.
It's good news for the Canucks because if another team claims him, that team will have to pay Schneider's salary.
Schneider, 40, is being moved because he isn't happy about his small role on the team. Sp the Vancouver Province reported that Canucks GM Mike Gillis is trying to move his offseason acquisition.
Schneider had already left the team for "personal reasons," and the Vancouver Sun speculated that he may retire, but that appears unlikely right now.
http:// [h3]Blues' youngsters draw interest[/h3]
9:54AM ET
[h5]St. Louis Blues[/h5]
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Opposing scouts are apparently interested in the St. Louis Blues' stable of young talents, including David Perron, Patrick Beglund and T.J. Oshie, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports.
David Backes, Phillip McRae, Jake Allen, Lars Eller, Alex Pietrangelo and Ian Cole are also being tracked. But although these guys command attention, the Post-Dispatch writes that the Blues are holding to their plan of building on their youth.
The Blues, however, may try to rid themselves of their veteran talent to a playoff contender. Keith Tkachuk , Paul Kariya, Eric Brewer, Andy McDonald, Barrett Jackman and Brad Boyes could all come up in trade talks -- the biggest rumored trade is for Eric Staal. But most believe a big trade won't be made, because the Blues won't part with their young talent.
http:// [h3]Kaberle out, White in[/h3]
9:38AM ET
[h5]Tomas Kaberle | Maple Leafs[/h5]
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Already, the buzz that http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=427Tomas Kaberle will be dealt is getting louder, but 640 Toronto has another reason why this deal is imminent.
The radio station writes that the Leafs will have to give Ian White a raise this offseason when the 25-year-old becomes an restricted free agent. Problem is, the Leafs already have a lot of money committed to the blueline so dealing Kaberle's one remaining year at $4.25 million makes sense -- especially if the Leafs can get a first round draft pick out of it.
Kaberle was almost dealt for Phil Kessel before the season, but that deal ended up getting nixed.
Oh, but one more problem: Kaberle has a no-trade clause. However, there are indications Kaberle is willing to give GM Brian Burke a list of teams he wants to go to so Burke can pursue trades.
http:// [h3]More on Backstrom, Semin[/h3]
9:24AM ET
[h5]Nicklas Backstrom | Capitals[/h5]
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Puck Prospectus tells us that, thus far, the Caps have done OK -- as long as they sign Nicklas Backstrom to a long-term deal, which may happen soon.
The signs of a Backstrom extension are plenty. The Capitals traded Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina for Jason Chimera, which saves them cap space because Chimera earns less than Clark and Jurcina is an expiring contract.
Also, the Caps already signed http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=2139Alexander Semin to a one-year $6 million deal, which solidifies the cap situation a little bit for next season. It was a bit of a surprise because the Caps had been negotiating with Backstrom longer than they had with Semin, but that might just mean that a Backstrom deal is even more imminent.
For Backstrom, however, a longer deal is likely being worked out. It may also be a $6 million deal, much like the one the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=chihttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=chiChicago Blackhawks gave http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3735http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3735Patrick Kane and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3669http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3669Jonathan Toews.
ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun previously wrote, "Like Kane and Toews, Backstrom is a front-line offensive star coming out of his entry-level contract. I don't think anything is imminent, but I'm told contract discussions have gone reasonably well between the Caps and agent Marc Levine. We should see a deal done before too long; certainly before the end of the regular season."
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
Backstrom > Semin
http:// [h3]Rangers' next move[/h3]
9:16AM ET
[h5]New York Rangers[/h5]
Top Email
Yesterday we linked you to the New York Post's Larry Brooks, who said the http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=nyrNew York Rangers need big bodies -- "even if it means sacrificing some of the skill level that coach John Tortorella covets in his athletes."
But today, Puck Prospectus counters: "So what are we saying, trade Marian Gaborik for Colton Orr? Come on, the Rangers desperately need more skill players not less skill players. The numbers don't lie: other than Gaborik and the currently injured Vinny Prospal, the Rangers don't have any players over 20 points." The full text is below.
Brooks wrote that Tortorella doesn't given his big bodies, like http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=99Donald Brashear, a chance.
So, in the end, it's unlikely the Rangers will actually add big bodies. Instead, they'll probably go after skilled scorers -- something they desperately need -- as they have (unsuccessfully) been doing the last month.
They need skill, not less skill
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Team Canada has been selected.
TSN here in Canada ran a good 3 hours of pre and post announcement analysis. Laughable. If this team doesn't win gold, there will be a bounty for StevieY's head.
TSN here in Canada ran a good 3 hours of pre and post announcement analysis. Laughable. If this team doesn't win gold, there will be a bounty for StevieY's head.
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Canadian team is so stacked.
Gold is waiting for them, pending a complete collapse.
Gold is waiting for them, pending a complete collapse.
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Still even if Thornton sucks, as he is known to do under pressure, they have more than enough to cover up the holes. Weiss isn't a better option thananybody on that team. I do think Bouwmeester and Stamkos should have made it though.
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its been a while since the flyers put a whoopin on somebody
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No real surprises on Team Canada other than Bergeron and Doughty. Props to Yzerman for selecting guys that are performing and giving some new players a chance.If Gretzky was still in charge this team would have no hope of winning gold.
Everyone (including myself) thinks that its between Canada and Russia but we all have to remember that the 2nd round of the tournament is single elimination soabsolutely anything can happen.
Any one see the Czech Republic squad? I have no idea what the GM of that team was thinking...he left off Hejduk, Prospal and Hudler for some strange reasons.I'm not liking their chances of making it far at all.
As for NHL news, I dont believe any of these rumors that Burke will trade Kaberle. It makes no sense to trade the best defenceman on the team to save somemoney when guys like Jeff Finger, Komisarek, Beaucheman, Van Ryn make pretty much the same amount annually as Kaberle.
Everyone (including myself) thinks that its between Canada and Russia but we all have to remember that the 2nd round of the tournament is single elimination soabsolutely anything can happen.
Any one see the Czech Republic squad? I have no idea what the GM of that team was thinking...he left off Hejduk, Prospal and Hudler for some strange reasons.I'm not liking their chances of making it far at all.
As for NHL news, I dont believe any of these rumors that Burke will trade Kaberle. It makes no sense to trade the best defenceman on the team to save somemoney when guys like Jeff Finger, Komisarek, Beaucheman, Van Ryn make pretty much the same amount annually as Kaberle.
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For the Czechs, I heard that Hejduk chose not to be part of the team, because he wasnt feeling healthy enough to compete. But thats just rumor, so I dont knowhow true it actually is.
Thing is about team Canada, who are you going to take off to add some of these guys. I agree that Green should have made it, but then whos going to be takenoff to make room? Its great that Stevie Y had options to choose from, and I think that he picked the best team he could. He could have made 5-7 differentchanges, and the team would still be a good team to pick. I just guess we gotta wait 6 or so weeks to see what this team is really made of.
Thing is about team Canada, who are you going to take off to add some of these guys. I agree that Green should have made it, but then whos going to be takenoff to make room? Its great that Stevie Y had options to choose from, and I think that he picked the best team he could. He could have made 5-7 differentchanges, and the team would still be a good team to pick. I just guess we gotta wait 6 or so weeks to see what this team is really made of.
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checks nhl.com, looks around, pinches himself, and understands.
On to next game eh?
Hey, at least your team isnt sitting in 9th for the first time in... its bad if I dont remember
Edit: I always loved Ryan Smyth, but the article on nhl.com makes me respect the man even more. Stand up my dude, even if you werent named to the team. Thatsthe definition of class
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Not mad at all about Green being left off......IMO he is a bit overrated. (Waits for my head to be taken off
). DoubleJs and I have had this convo plenty of times about Green, but I'mjust not totally sold on him. As stated, who would you take off for Green? I think a guy like Regehr or Bouwmeester deserve to be on it before him if anything.Real happy for Doughty to be on the team though
As for people saying Stamoks should've been on the team......no way, only room for 1 "young" guy and that is Toews hands down.
They were speaking about this all day, but if Doughty played in the Eastern Conference, he would be getting so much more exposure and there wouldn't be adebate on whether or not he should be on the team. Dude is a monster.
Either way, I'll be in Vancouver and attending one of Canada's games.
As for people saying Stamoks should've been on the team......no way, only room for 1 "young" guy and that is Toews hands down.
They were speaking about this all day, but if Doughty played in the Eastern Conference, he would be getting so much more exposure and there wouldn't be adebate on whether or not he should be on the team. Dude is a monster.
Either way, I'll be in Vancouver and attending one of Canada's games.
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*cracks knuckles*Originally Posted by cquan05
Not mad at all about Green being left off......IMO he is a bit overrated. (Waits for my head to be taken off). DoubleJs and I have had this convo plenty of times about Green, but I'm just not totally sold on him. As stated, who would you take off for Green? I think a guy like Regehr or Bouwmeester deserve to be on it before him if anything. Real happy for Doughty to be on the team though
As for people saying Stamoks should've been on the team......no way, only room for 1 "young" guy and that is Toews hands down.
They were speaking about this all day, but if Doughty played in the Eastern Conference, he would be getting so much more exposure and there wouldn't be a debate on whether or not he should be on the team. Dude is a monster.
Either way, I'll be in Vancouver and attending one of Canada's games.
jk....
I don't really feel like Doughty was deserving at this point. Green SHOULD have been selected over him, and arguably Jay B. As a matter of fact, if itcame down to Bouwmeester getting that last spot on the defense for Team Canada, you wouldn't have heard a peep from me. For a few of the questionableselections (Bergeron, Staal, etc), you can't tell me that an argument can't be made for Green to be included on this team. There isn't a better QBon the PP in all of the NHL, and team Canada could have used him.
*Also in Green's defense (no pun) the poll on TSN has him as the biggest snub left off of Team Canada's roster
You're a Met and Knick fan too right? Might as well get a trifecta of those
As for Team Canada...I don't know I've never been a big Jay Bouwmeester fan. I think he's one of the most overrated defenseman I've ever seenplay. I've always thought him playing decent to average on a bad team all those years had GM's thinking he'd be a really special on a good team. That 06-07 year had a lot of people fooled to me. Hasn't been playing that great this year either. I would put Green ahead of him.
And I'm probably in the minority but Boyle is still the best PP defenseman to me.
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A little bit shocked to hear that Backstrom might get the C over Ovechkin.
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Rangers stuck in trade market?[/h3]
11:51AM ET
[h5]Christopher Higgins | Rangers[/h5]
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Yesterday we told you a girl wants what she can't have -- much like NHL GMs. Today, Puck Prospectus tells us that there are just some players no one wants. (Read below)
The New York Rangers have put Christopher Higgins on the block, as well as Ales Kotalik, but NHL executives seem to think that it's a bit too easy to get these guys.
But there may be a reason. One executive told the Ottawa Sun, "All these guys can be had pretty easily. But there's a reason they're available: They make too much money and aren't playing well."
The 26-year-old Higgins is a $2.250 million cap hit, but he's an expiring contract. Meanwhile, Kotalik makes $3 million until 2012.
The Rangers have been trying to pick up a scorer, but it's unlikely either of these guys will net anything of much value.
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
No one wants these guys
http:// [h3]Pens will let Gonchar walk[/h3]
11:36AM ET
[h5]Sergei Gonchar | Penguins[/h5]
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The Pittsburgh Penguins will let http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313Sergei Gonchar become a free agent this offseason, because they can't afford to keep him, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Gonchar wants his $5 million a season, while the Penguins want to make sure they can pay Kris Letang, who is a restricted free agent and will probably demand between $3 million and $4 million a season, the Buffalo News reports.
There are other option on the table, though. The Penguins could offer Gonchar a contract with performances bonuses, which might appease both sides. Or Gonchar could give the Pens a hometown discount -- but don't count on it.
Also, rumors have been floating around that Gonchar may get big offers from the KHL. ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun writes, "KHL money is big and tax-free, so that's an option Gonchar can't completely ignore, even if his heart is very much in Pittsburgh."
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
Health vs. Skill
http:// [h3]Bruins trade makes them contenders?[/h3]
11:02AM ET
[h5]Boston Bruins[/h5]
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The Boston Bruins will have a lot of assets once the trade deadline comes around.
They have a plethora of draft pick, and the Boston Globe writes that they also have youngsters, like Tuukka Rask, Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart, and Matt Hunwick, that might also serve as trade bait.
So today the Boston Herald writes, "Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, with a bundle of high picks in the next two entry drafts, will have enormous flexibility to acquire an impact player before the March 3 trading deadline -- the sort of acquisition that, for many teams, has been the catalyst of a championship."
The Bruins will be looking for a top-six forward, and the Globe speculates that Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk may be available so the Bruins might get in on the fun. Other possible targets include Teemu Selanne, Ray Whitney, Paul Kariya and Alexander Frolov.
http:// [h3]Schneider retiring?[/h3]
10:54AM ET
[h5]Mathieu Schneider | Canucks[/h5]
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The Canucks tried to trade disgruntled Mathieu Schneider but couldn't pull off a deal. Then they put him on waivers, hoping some team would take his cap hit, but no one bit.
Now, the Vancouver Province writes, he has to either play in the AHL or retire.
Schneider, 40, is being moved because he isn't happy about his small role on the team. So the Province reported that Canucks GM Mike Gillis is trying to move his offseason acquisition.
Schneider had already left the team for "personal reasons," and the Vancouver Sun speculated that he may retire.
http:// [h3]If Kovy leaves, ownership's fault?[/h3]
10:51AM ET
[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk | Thrashers | Interested: Flames?, Kings?, Flyers?, Bruins?, Maple Leafs?[/h5]
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Word out of Atlanta is that, for Ilya Kovalchuk, this contract negotiation isn't only about money. In fact, it appears he just wants to make sure the team isn't relocating or being sold.
[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs: They might save up and spend it all in one place.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings: There was a lot of buzz about this one, but two sources say this rumor is false.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyCalgary Flames: Calgary GM Mike Gillis' denied the rumors, as did other Flames sources in the media, but it's possible they are playing this one close to the vest.
KHL: KHL president Alexander Medvedev might also swoop in with a huge deal. He said he's already talked to Kovalchuk and can offer a better deal than the NHL because of tax laws.
Boston Bruins: Won't happen until February, but a possibility.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=colColorado Avalanche -- Here's why.
Pittsburgh Penguins -- No money, no space.
So the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Jeff Schultz writes that, if Kovy leaves, it's ownership's fault -- at least in part.
Schultz writes, "This has become abundantly clear, especially given Kovalchuk's recent comments about desiring to spend the rest of his career in Atlanta, and [GM Don] Waddell's contention that these talks are all about money. If Waddell believes that all Kovalchuk cares about is money, he's failing to recognize that it's the only thing the player can control."
Kovalchuk could sign a shorter deal that won't keep him stuck in Atlanta, in case something does happen. Waddell may be pulling out all the stops because, for the first time this week, he admitted that negotiations may be in trouble.
The most recent trade buzz has the Bruins as a highly-interested suitor, owing to the fact that they traded http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3479http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3479Phil Kessel away this offseason, and are in need of another sniper to take his place. But there could be a snag here, too. According to James Murphy of NESN.com, http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961Blake Wheeler and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405Tuukka Rask would have to be involved for Atlanta to part with Kovy, and B's GM Peter Chiarelli has essentially made Rask untouchable.
http:// [h3][/h3]
[h3]Backstrom over Ovi for 'C'?[/h3]
12:26PM ET
[h5]Nicklas Backstrom | Capitals[/h5]
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The http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=wasWashington Capitals traded captain http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=159Chris Clark, which brings up questions about who will take over the captaincy.
The biggest name is of course Alex Ovechkin, and Brooks Laich is the mouthpiece of the team, but the Washington Times writes that Nicklas Backstrom is the better choice. "Ovechkin is Washington's best player for the next decade, but Backstrom is a leader of the future. Laich is a professional who will be able to guide Backstrom through the process, but the young Swede has all the qualities you want in a captain while offering more talent than the well-respected Chris Clark."
If the Caps want to go with veteran leadership, 37-year-old Mike Knuble is the guy. But coach Bruce Boudreau may feel it's time to move on to a younger generation.
For Backstrom, this is probably another sign that the imminent contract he will sign is a long-term deal that will keep him in Washington for as long as they can manage.
http:// [h3]Stajan boosting value?[/h3]
12:23PM ET
[h5]Matt Stajan | Maple Leafs[/h5]
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Matt Stajan may be looking to boost his value and cash in during the offseason.
The Toronto Star previously pointed out that Stajan has improved his stock thanks to the arrival of Phil Kessel. Stajan is 21st in scoring among centers, which might mean he's due for at least $5 million a year -- a big number to swallow.
But that number might increase, because he says he's looking to be help the team be more consistent. He told the Toronto Sun, "As a team, we've got to find a way to score more goals consistently."
http:// [h3]Osgood will backup, even in playoffs?[/h3]
12:17PM ET
[h5]Chris Osgood | Red Wings[/h5]
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Chris Osgood has been relegated to the backup role as Jimmy Howard has played better as of late, which makes us wonder whether Osgood has permanently become the No. 2 goalie.
However, the Detroit News writes that once the playoffs come, Osgood will be the start -- no question about it.
"I've got a Stanley Cup because of Chris Osgood," coach Mike Babcock told the Detroit News. "He's been very, very good. ... He's got all the tools and he knows the ropes. He'll dig in and find a way."
However, it will be interesting to see what the Wings do with the 37-year-old Osgood if he struggling in the playoffs.
http:// [h3]Leighton may start Winter Classic[/h3]
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[h5]Michael Leighton | Flyers[/h5]
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Michael Leighton may start the Winter Classic game tomorrow for the Philadelphia Flyers, give his recent hot streak.
He and Brian Boucher have bene sharing goaltending duties with Ray Emery out with an injury, but Leighton has played well as of late, dampening rumors that the Flyers are looking to trade for a goalie.
The Philadelphia Inquirer's Sam Carchidi writes, "Nothing against Boucher -- a New England native who would love to start at Fenway -- but Leighton is in a zone and Laviolette should stay with the hot hand."
http:// [h3]Kings need to deal Frolov now[/h3]
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[h5]Alexander Frolov | Kings[/h5]
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Alexander Frolov is on the trade block -- again.
Early in the season, the Kings tried to trade him but his strong play may have delayed a potential trade -- possibly to Montreal.
But now the Ottawa Sun writes that the Kings are looking to deal Frolov before they make their playoff run. The Sun points out that he was almost dealt to the Senators before the season, but that's unlikely now before the Sens probably don't want to stockpile underachieving forwards.
Puck Prospectus tells us why the Kings need to cash in now:
[h5]Puck Prospectus[/h5]
Cash out, Kings
http:// [h3]Rangers stuck in trade market?[/h3]
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[h5]Christopher Higgins | Rangers[/h5]
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Yesterday we told you a girl wants what she can't have -- much like NHL GMs. Today, Puck Prospectus tells us that there are just some players no one wants. (Read below)
The New York Rangers have put Christopher Higgins on the block, as well as Ales Kotalik, but NHL executives seem to think that it's a bit too easy to get these guys.
But there may be a reason. One executive told the Ottawa Sun, "All these guys can be had pretty easily. But there's a reason they're available: They make too much money and aren't playing well."
The 26-year-old Higgins is a $2.250 million cap hit, but he's an expiring contract. Meanwhile, Kotalik makes $3 million until 2012.
The Rangers have been trying to pick up a scorer, but it's unlikely either of these guys will net anything of much value.
No one wants these guys
http:// [h3]Pens will let Gonchar walk[/h3]
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[h5]Sergei Gonchar | Penguins[/h5]
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The Pittsburgh Penguins will let http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=313Sergei Gonchar become a free agent this offseason, because they can't afford to keep him, the Edmonton Journal reports.
Gonchar wants his $5 million a season, while the Penguins want to make sure they can pay Kris Letang, who is a restricted free agent and will probably demand between $3 million and $4 million a season, the Buffalo News reports.
There are other option on the table, though. The Penguins could offer Gonchar a contract with performances bonuses, which might appease both sides. Or Gonchar could give the Pens a hometown discount -- but don't count on it.
Also, rumors have been floating around that Gonchar may get big offers from the KHL. ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun writes, "KHL money is big and tax-free, so that's an option Gonchar can't completely ignore, even if his heart is very much in Pittsburgh."
Health vs. Skill
http:// [h3]Bruins trade makes them contenders?[/h3]
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[h5]Boston Bruins[/h5]
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The Boston Bruins will have a lot of assets once the trade deadline comes around.
They have a plethora of draft pick, and the Boston Globe writes that they also have youngsters, like Tuukka Rask, Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart, and Matt Hunwick, that might also serve as trade bait.
So today the Boston Herald writes, "Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, with a bundle of high picks in the next two entry drafts, will have enormous flexibility to acquire an impact player before the March 3 trading deadline -- the sort of acquisition that, for many teams, has been the catalyst of a championship."
The Bruins will be looking for a top-six forward, and the Globe speculates that Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk may be available so the Bruins might get in on the fun. Other possible targets include Teemu Selanne, Ray Whitney, Paul Kariya and Alexander Frolov.
http:// [h3]Schneider retiring?[/h3]
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[h5]Mathieu Schneider | Canucks[/h5]
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The Canucks tried to trade disgruntled Mathieu Schneider but couldn't pull off a deal. Then they put him on waivers, hoping some team would take his cap hit, but no one bit.
Now, the Vancouver Province writes, he has to either play in the AHL or retire.
Schneider, 40, is being moved because he isn't happy about his small role on the team. So the Province reported that Canucks GM Mike Gillis is trying to move his offseason acquisition.
Schneider had already left the team for "personal reasons," and the Vancouver Sun speculated that he may retire.
http:// [h3]If Kovy leaves, ownership's fault?[/h3]
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[h5]Ilya Kovalchuk | Thrashers | Interested: Flames?, Kings?, Flyers?, Bruins?, Maple Leafs?[/h5]
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Word out of Atlanta is that, for Ilya Kovalchuk, this contract negotiation isn't only about money. In fact, it appears he just wants to make sure the team isn't relocating or being sold.
[h5]Kovalchuk's rumored suitors[/h5]
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=torToronto Maple Leafs: They might save up and spend it all in one place.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=loshttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=losLos Angeles Kings: There was a lot of buzz about this one, but two sources say this rumor is false.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/clubhouse?team=cgyCalgary Flames: Calgary GM Mike Gillis' denied the rumors, as did other Flames sources in the media, but it's possible they are playing this one close to the vest.
KHL: KHL president Alexander Medvedev might also swoop in with a huge deal. He said he's already talked to Kovalchuk and can offer a better deal than the NHL because of tax laws.
Boston Bruins: Won't happen until February, but a possibility.
So the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Jeff Schultz writes that, if Kovy leaves, it's ownership's fault -- at least in part.
Schultz writes, "This has become abundantly clear, especially given Kovalchuk's recent comments about desiring to spend the rest of his career in Atlanta, and [GM Don] Waddell's contention that these talks are all about money. If Waddell believes that all Kovalchuk cares about is money, he's failing to recognize that it's the only thing the player can control."
Kovalchuk could sign a shorter deal that won't keep him stuck in Atlanta, in case something does happen. Waddell may be pulling out all the stops because, for the first time this week, he admitted that negotiations may be in trouble.
The most recent trade buzz has the Bruins as a highly-interested suitor, owing to the fact that they traded http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3479http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3479Phil Kessel away this offseason, and are in need of another sniper to take his place. But there could be a snag here, too. According to James Murphy of NESN.com, http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3961Blake Wheeler and http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/players/profile?playerId=3405Tuukka Rask would have to be involved for Atlanta to part with Kovy, and B's GM Peter Chiarelli has essentially made Rask untouchable.