NHL: Free Agency, Trade, Injury, and Rookie News!
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Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Wings' Osgood out with groin injury
Associated Press
9/21/2005 4:37:45 PM
DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Red Wings might start the season with only one veteran goaltender.
Chris Osgood, who was signed to compete with Manny Legace, could miss the exhibition season because of a groin injury.
"They tell me I'll be out two to three weeks," Osgood said Wednesday, two weeks before Detroit opens the season against the St. Louis Blues. "I've never hurt my groin before, so I really don't know how long I'll be out. An ultrasound showed that there was a small tear on my right side.
"The biggest thing is that I don't hurt it worse because there have been goalies that have missed the whole year with a groin injury."
Osgood said he was injured last week during training camp. With Osgood out, the Red Wings are left with Legace and rookie Jimmy Howard.
Detroit signed Osgood to a $900,000 US, one-year contract last month. He played with the Red Wings from 1993-94 through 2000-01 and was the number one goalie in 1998 when they won the Stanley Cup. He was a backup in the team's previous championship season.
Associated Press
9/21/2005 4:37:45 PM
DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Red Wings might start the season with only one veteran goaltender.
Chris Osgood, who was signed to compete with Manny Legace, could miss the exhibition season because of a groin injury.
"They tell me I'll be out two to three weeks," Osgood said Wednesday, two weeks before Detroit opens the season against the St. Louis Blues. "I've never hurt my groin before, so I really don't know how long I'll be out. An ultrasound showed that there was a small tear on my right side.
"The biggest thing is that I don't hurt it worse because there have been goalies that have missed the whole year with a groin injury."
Osgood said he was injured last week during training camp. With Osgood out, the Red Wings are left with Legace and rookie Jimmy Howard.
Detroit signed Osgood to a $900,000 US, one-year contract last month. He played with the Red Wings from 1993-94 through 2000-01 and was the number one goalie in 1998 when they won the Stanley Cup. He was a backup in the team's previous championship season.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Injuries, movements, rumors and newsmakers...
THE SCORE's CAMP NOTEBOOK
http://forecaster.ca/thescore/hockey/news.cgi?notebook
Here are the highlights [news I hadn't mentioned yet (except for one tidbit)]... go to the link above to read it all. It looks like The Score is updating the "Camp Notebook" every day now, instead of just once a week.
BRUINS
The B's hit the jackpot in 2003 with the selection of Patrice Bergeron in the second round (45th overall). Could they have done it again with Petr Kalus? The No. 39 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft is turning heads in training camp and was surprisingly granted immunity earlier in the week after the first set of roster cuts. Kalus, an 18-year-old Slovak who is capable of playing both center and wing, has enough size (6-1, 186 pounds) to survive the North American game.
COYOTES
A pulled groin--suffered during preseason action last weekend--will probably keep goalkeeper Brian Boucher out of action for the next few weeks. That means Boucher won't be able to compete with veteran Curtis Joseph for the starting job. Moreover, the backup job to CuJo will now fall to either journeyman vet Steve Passmore or hotshot rookie David LeNeveu. If the Coyotes want LeNeveu to play a lot in the early going, they'll likely opt for Passmore.
DEVILS (Here's that tidbit)
Heading into the regular season, the Devils are the team in the most trouble cap-wise. In fact, rumors suggest New Jersey must shed another $1.7 million in salary before October 1 in order to get under the cap. Otherwise, reports suggest the penalty would be the forfeiture of regular-season games. Then there's the murky status of Czech veteran forward Patrik Elias, who is expected to begin the season on injured reserve because of his bout with Hepatitis A. Regardless of the latter's situation, look for a trade involving one or more veterans off the Devils roster.
FLYERS (Tough break)
Defense prospect Freddy Meyer, who was a possibility to open the season as the No. 7 defenseman on the Flyers if veteran Derian Hatcher wasn't ready for Game 1, suffered a broken leg in the team's first preseason contest (an 8-6 victory over Atlanta). As a result, fellow rookie rearguard Randy Jones is now the front-runner to begin the season in the big league. Hatcher, who is battling a knee problem, will begin a three-game suspension as soon as he's healthy.
HURRICANES
Veterans working themselves back into shape, and hotshot rookies from the junior ranks looking to make a statement, are two of the main aspects of any NHL training camp. However, a third group of players are those that have been at it for a while but have yet to make their mark on the big league--with time running out on them to reach their final destination. Such is the case for Hurricanes center prospect Mike Zigomanis, who has arrived to camp this season ready for the challenge. He's so far been one of Carolina's best players, and may win a regular roster spot.
OILERS
The buzz in Oilers camp is hovering around center Robbie Schremp, who was named the first star in Edmonton's 2-1 shootout victory over Calgary last Sunday. In fact, Schremp earned a spot on the first line (with wingers Ryan Smyth and Jani Rita) for Wednesday's tilt against the Vancouver Canucks. While Schremp is still eligible to return to the OHL's London Knights this season, he may get the nod to begin 2005-06 in the NHL because of his offensive potential.
PANTHERS
The early reviews are great with regards to top prospect Rostislav Olesz in his quest to make the opening-night lineup. So far, Olesz has been placed on a scoring line at left wing alongside veteran newcomer Jozef Stumpel and promising power forward Nathan Horton. If the 2004 first rounder (No. 7 overall) is to make the big club this year, it'll likely be on the wing--Olesz is a natural center--because of Florida's glut of veteran talent down the middle.
PREDATORS
Despite Nashville's newfound depth of scoring wingers--newcomer Paul Kariya, Steve Sullivan, Scott Walker, Martin Erat and Scott Hartnell--the team is seriously considering keeping Russian teen Alexander Radulov around for the start of the 2005-06 campaign. However, the slick right wing will only make the club if he can crack one of the scoring lines. That said, Radulov may force the club to employ three scoring lines, with either Sullivan or Adam Hall switching from right wing to center to accommodate the rookie sensation.
RANGERS
While he isn't expected to make the team in his first attempt, 2005 first-round draft pick (No. 12 overall) Marc Staal has been a standout in training camp. In fact, he earned a spot in the lineup in the Rangers' preseason opener Tuesday night on Long Island against the Islanders. The Blueshirts don't have to rush Staal, since they boast several other solid defense prospects knocking on the NHL door, but his strong early performance bodes very well for the future.
SENATORS
Look out for Brandon Bochenski. The former University of North Dakota star has been impressive so far in training camp as the left wing on the No. 1 line alongside Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley. Coach Bryan Murray may stick with this combination, although Peter Schaefer and Antoine Vermette are also possibilities to play with Spezza and Heatley this season. The 23-year-old Bochenski may be favored because of the chemistry he and Spezza displayed with the AHL's Binghamton Senators during the lockout.
STARS
While the Stars' first two center spots are etched in stone (Mike Modano and Jason Arnott), the battle for the bottom two roles is heating up. In fact, incumbent Niko Kapanen might be in some trouble because of the outstanding play of Steve Ott--who may have finally found his NHL niche as a shutdown center. Also, rookie Swede Yared Hagos has looked good in his North American debut, which may further hurt Kapanen's chances of making the opening-night roster. Stay tuned.
THE SCORE's CAMP NOTEBOOK
http://forecaster.ca/thescore/hockey/news.cgi?notebook
Here are the highlights [news I hadn't mentioned yet (except for one tidbit)]... go to the link above to read it all. It looks like The Score is updating the "Camp Notebook" every day now, instead of just once a week.
BRUINS
The B's hit the jackpot in 2003 with the selection of Patrice Bergeron in the second round (45th overall). Could they have done it again with Petr Kalus? The No. 39 overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft is turning heads in training camp and was surprisingly granted immunity earlier in the week after the first set of roster cuts. Kalus, an 18-year-old Slovak who is capable of playing both center and wing, has enough size (6-1, 186 pounds) to survive the North American game.
COYOTES
A pulled groin--suffered during preseason action last weekend--will probably keep goalkeeper Brian Boucher out of action for the next few weeks. That means Boucher won't be able to compete with veteran Curtis Joseph for the starting job. Moreover, the backup job to CuJo will now fall to either journeyman vet Steve Passmore or hotshot rookie David LeNeveu. If the Coyotes want LeNeveu to play a lot in the early going, they'll likely opt for Passmore.
DEVILS (Here's that tidbit)
Heading into the regular season, the Devils are the team in the most trouble cap-wise. In fact, rumors suggest New Jersey must shed another $1.7 million in salary before October 1 in order to get under the cap. Otherwise, reports suggest the penalty would be the forfeiture of regular-season games. Then there's the murky status of Czech veteran forward Patrik Elias, who is expected to begin the season on injured reserve because of his bout with Hepatitis A. Regardless of the latter's situation, look for a trade involving one or more veterans off the Devils roster.
FLYERS (Tough break)
Defense prospect Freddy Meyer, who was a possibility to open the season as the No. 7 defenseman on the Flyers if veteran Derian Hatcher wasn't ready for Game 1, suffered a broken leg in the team's first preseason contest (an 8-6 victory over Atlanta). As a result, fellow rookie rearguard Randy Jones is now the front-runner to begin the season in the big league. Hatcher, who is battling a knee problem, will begin a three-game suspension as soon as he's healthy.
HURRICANES
Veterans working themselves back into shape, and hotshot rookies from the junior ranks looking to make a statement, are two of the main aspects of any NHL training camp. However, a third group of players are those that have been at it for a while but have yet to make their mark on the big league--with time running out on them to reach their final destination. Such is the case for Hurricanes center prospect Mike Zigomanis, who has arrived to camp this season ready for the challenge. He's so far been one of Carolina's best players, and may win a regular roster spot.
OILERS
The buzz in Oilers camp is hovering around center Robbie Schremp, who was named the first star in Edmonton's 2-1 shootout victory over Calgary last Sunday. In fact, Schremp earned a spot on the first line (with wingers Ryan Smyth and Jani Rita) for Wednesday's tilt against the Vancouver Canucks. While Schremp is still eligible to return to the OHL's London Knights this season, he may get the nod to begin 2005-06 in the NHL because of his offensive potential.
PANTHERS
The early reviews are great with regards to top prospect Rostislav Olesz in his quest to make the opening-night lineup. So far, Olesz has been placed on a scoring line at left wing alongside veteran newcomer Jozef Stumpel and promising power forward Nathan Horton. If the 2004 first rounder (No. 7 overall) is to make the big club this year, it'll likely be on the wing--Olesz is a natural center--because of Florida's glut of veteran talent down the middle.
PREDATORS
Despite Nashville's newfound depth of scoring wingers--newcomer Paul Kariya, Steve Sullivan, Scott Walker, Martin Erat and Scott Hartnell--the team is seriously considering keeping Russian teen Alexander Radulov around for the start of the 2005-06 campaign. However, the slick right wing will only make the club if he can crack one of the scoring lines. That said, Radulov may force the club to employ three scoring lines, with either Sullivan or Adam Hall switching from right wing to center to accommodate the rookie sensation.
RANGERS
While he isn't expected to make the team in his first attempt, 2005 first-round draft pick (No. 12 overall) Marc Staal has been a standout in training camp. In fact, he earned a spot in the lineup in the Rangers' preseason opener Tuesday night on Long Island against the Islanders. The Blueshirts don't have to rush Staal, since they boast several other solid defense prospects knocking on the NHL door, but his strong early performance bodes very well for the future.
SENATORS
Look out for Brandon Bochenski. The former University of North Dakota star has been impressive so far in training camp as the left wing on the No. 1 line alongside Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley. Coach Bryan Murray may stick with this combination, although Peter Schaefer and Antoine Vermette are also possibilities to play with Spezza and Heatley this season. The 23-year-old Bochenski may be favored because of the chemistry he and Spezza displayed with the AHL's Binghamton Senators during the lockout.
STARS
While the Stars' first two center spots are etched in stone (Mike Modano and Jason Arnott), the battle for the bottom two roles is heating up. In fact, incumbent Niko Kapanen might be in some trouble because of the outstanding play of Steve Ott--who may have finally found his NHL niche as a shutdown center. Also, rookie Swede Yared Hagos has looked good in his North American debut, which may further hurt Kapanen's chances of making the opening-night roster. Stay tuned.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Concussions force Deadmarsh to retire
Canadian Press
9/22/2005 1:02:30 PM
Adam Deadmarsh made the decision he didn't want to have to make.
The 10-year NHL veteran and former Stanley Cup winner said Thursday he's retiring because of post-concussion syndrome.
''I've kind of been holding on and hoping and praying that I'd recover from this concussion issue that I have and I haven't been able to do that,'' Deadmarsh said Thursday from his home in B.C.
''I think it's time that I kind of moved on and made a decision and faced the fact that my brain doesn't want to play hockey anymore.''
The 30-year-old from Trail, B.C., received his first serious concussion in November 2000 after a fight with Vancouver's Ed Jovanovski while he was playing for the Los Angeles Kings.
He suffered a more severe concussion two years later after accidentally being hit in the head by a teammate's knee.
Deadmarsh hasn't played a game since Dec. 15, 2002. The six-foot, 204-pound winger was an unrestricted free agent this summer.
''It's been the toughest decision I've had to make in my life, yet the easiest one,'' Deadmarsh said. ''I say that because I'm retiring from a game I love to play and played all my life, but I think three years with symptoms from concussions is a good indicator that it would probably be a smart move to call it quits.
''I have a family and that to consider as well.''
While he says he doesn't experience headaches, Deadmarsh says he has not yet fully recovered.
''It's one of the most frustrating injuries I think you could possibly have from a sports aspect,'' he said. ''Unless you have concussions it's kind of hard to explain to someone what it feels like, but you know it's something that's not supposed to be there.''
Deadmarsh joins a list of players whose NHL careers have been cut short by concussions, including Brett Lindros, Pat Lafontaine, Geoff Courtnall, Nick Kypreos and Jeff Beukeboom.
''Something has been taken away that I love to do and I don't think I'll ever quite feel comfortable with that, but it's a decision I have to make,'' Deadmarsh said.
Deadmarsh, a former first-round draft pick of the Quebec Nordiques, had 184 goals and 373 assists during his NHL career. He played a tough, hard-hitting game and was described as ''a scrapper who could score.''
Deadmarsh played six years with the Colorado Avalanche and won a Stanley Cup with the club in 1996, which he said is his career highlight. He was traded to the Kings for defenceman Rob Blake in 2001.
His mother was an American and he played for the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1998 and 2002.
Deadmarsh had the best year of his career in 2002, his first full season with the Kings, registering 29 goals and 62 points.
Deadmarsh, a distant cousin of former NHL player Butch Deadmarsh, said he has no immediate plans. He and his wife Christa have four-year-old twin girls.
''Now it's time to not analyse a symptom every second of the day and see if its there or not,'' Deadmarsh said. ''It's time to turn that page and move on.''
Canadian Press
9/22/2005 1:02:30 PM
Adam Deadmarsh made the decision he didn't want to have to make.
The 10-year NHL veteran and former Stanley Cup winner said Thursday he's retiring because of post-concussion syndrome.
''I've kind of been holding on and hoping and praying that I'd recover from this concussion issue that I have and I haven't been able to do that,'' Deadmarsh said Thursday from his home in B.C.
''I think it's time that I kind of moved on and made a decision and faced the fact that my brain doesn't want to play hockey anymore.''
The 30-year-old from Trail, B.C., received his first serious concussion in November 2000 after a fight with Vancouver's Ed Jovanovski while he was playing for the Los Angeles Kings.
He suffered a more severe concussion two years later after accidentally being hit in the head by a teammate's knee.
Deadmarsh hasn't played a game since Dec. 15, 2002. The six-foot, 204-pound winger was an unrestricted free agent this summer.
''It's been the toughest decision I've had to make in my life, yet the easiest one,'' Deadmarsh said. ''I say that because I'm retiring from a game I love to play and played all my life, but I think three years with symptoms from concussions is a good indicator that it would probably be a smart move to call it quits.
''I have a family and that to consider as well.''
While he says he doesn't experience headaches, Deadmarsh says he has not yet fully recovered.
''It's one of the most frustrating injuries I think you could possibly have from a sports aspect,'' he said. ''Unless you have concussions it's kind of hard to explain to someone what it feels like, but you know it's something that's not supposed to be there.''
Deadmarsh joins a list of players whose NHL careers have been cut short by concussions, including Brett Lindros, Pat Lafontaine, Geoff Courtnall, Nick Kypreos and Jeff Beukeboom.
''Something has been taken away that I love to do and I don't think I'll ever quite feel comfortable with that, but it's a decision I have to make,'' Deadmarsh said.
Deadmarsh, a former first-round draft pick of the Quebec Nordiques, had 184 goals and 373 assists during his NHL career. He played a tough, hard-hitting game and was described as ''a scrapper who could score.''
Deadmarsh played six years with the Colorado Avalanche and won a Stanley Cup with the club in 1996, which he said is his career highlight. He was traded to the Kings for defenceman Rob Blake in 2001.
His mother was an American and he played for the U.S. Olympic hockey team in 1998 and 2002.
Deadmarsh had the best year of his career in 2002, his first full season with the Kings, registering 29 goals and 62 points.
Deadmarsh, a distant cousin of former NHL player Butch Deadmarsh, said he has no immediate plans. He and his wife Christa have four-year-old twin girls.
''Now it's time to not analyse a symptom every second of the day and see if its there or not,'' Deadmarsh said. ''It's time to turn that page and move on.''
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Nash healing; Harry steams
Canadian Press
Harry Sinden's rant concerning the increase in penalty calls and Gary Roberts views on fighting in the game all made training camp headlines on Thursday.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (CP) -- Blue Jackets star winger Rick Nash is recovering well just over a week after suffering a severely sprained right ankle.
Nash is off crutches and has stopped wearing a protective boot. He hopes to get back on skates by this weekend or early next week.
"'We're aiming for the (season) opener (Oct. 5 in Washington), but I'm saying that with some caution," Jackets GM Doug MacLean told the Columbus Dispatch. "We're not taking any gambles on this one."
Bruins president Sinden not keen on penalties
BOSTON (CP) -- Count Boston Bruins president Harry Sinden among those not in favour of all the penalties being called.
"Obviously, you've got to have penalty calls, or else you'd have anarchy out there," Sinden told the Boston Herald. "But if you just call it to a zero-tolerance level, it won't work. A game without any kind of incidental contact at all, players just allowed to skate around at full speed with no one ever laying a finger on them? It won't work.
"To me, minor penalties can absolutely destroy a game. Because instead of being a significant event in a game - 'OK, here we go, a power play' - it becomes a common thing. Everybody gets lots of them. You get a penalty and you don't even worry about it, because you know you're going to be getting one right back."
Sinden doesn't understand all the hype around the league about getting the "flow" back into the game.
"They all talk about flow, these new guys on the owners' board of directors," Sinden said of the discussions on how to improve the NHL game. "`We've got to get the flow back,' they all say. I asked them, 'Do you know what you're taking about? What do you mean when you say flow?' They're not really quite sure what to say."
"I say to them, 'Well, I think you mean this: One team comes down on the attack here, then the other team gets the puck and goes back the other way. That's the kind of flow you like. But I said, 'Can you think of anything that disturbs the flow of a hockey game more than a two-minute penalty? The flow ends as soon as you call the penalty."'
Roberts hopes fighting isn't gone
SUNRISE, Fla. (CP) -- There are some who believe the parade to the penalty box from the NHL's crackdown on fouls will endanger the role of the tough guy.
Panthers veteran Gary Roberts, for one, hopes that doesn't happen.
"I don't want fighting out of the game," he told the Palm Beach Post. "I think it's good for the game. When I say fighting, I mean an even fight, where guys drop the gloves and go. Not a punch from behind and something where someone really gets hurt. A fair exchange."
Kopitar goes back to Sweden
LOS ANGELES (CP) -- Centre Anze Kopitar, the Kings' first-round draft pick this summer, has returned to Sweden to play with Sodertalje of the Swedish Elite League, which he had told Los Angeles he would do.
"Certainly if he had decided to stay here, we would have been excited," Kings coach Andy Murray told the Los Angeles Times.
Westrum not happy with Wild
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CP) -- Erik Westrum, acquired from Phoenix last month, wasn't thrilled when he was cut by the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.
He'll be put on 24-hour waivers Friday.
"I knew coming in here that they were going to give their young guys, the guys that they've had in their system, a chance to make the team," Westrum told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I believe I can play in the NHL. If I can get picked up by someone, that's the best scenario."
Westrum, 26, played 12 minutes in one exhibition game.
"When you only play a couple minutes in a game, it's kind of hard to show what you can do," he said.
Said head coach Jacques Lemaire: "I feel there are guys ahead of him."
Kariya says he's fine
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CP) -- Star winger Paul Kariya says his groin injury is nothing serious.
"This is nothing major, nothing to be worried about at all," Kariya told the (Nashville) Tennessean. "At this stage you don't want to push it or something and make it worse. I'm just being cautious."
Kariya said he felt good skating on his own with injured teammate Marek Zidlicky (hip).
"You never want to be injured at anytime, but if you are going to be it's better to be in the pre-season than during the regular season or in the playoffs," Kariya said. "So I'll take my time here and make sure it's 100 per cent and then get ready to go again."
Gretzky not worried by slow start
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CP) -- His team has been outscored 17-7 in losing two of its first three pre-season games but Phoenix Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky is not concerned.
"Sure, we want to win and we want to establish a winning situation here, but (the pre-season) is not life and death like it will be when we play that first (regular-season) game in Vancouver," Gretzky told the Arizona Republic.
Blues recall two defencemen from minor league affiliate
ST.LOUIS (CP) -- The St.Louis Blues have recalled Doug Lynch and Dennis Wideman from Peoria of the AHL.
Lynch played in 74 games last season with the now-defunct Edmonton RoadRunners of the AHL and tallied 14 points on one goal and 13 assists. Wideman scored 13 goals and recorded 30 assists for 43 points and finished tied for seventh among AHL rookies in scoring last season with the AHL's Worcester IceCats.
Canadian Press
Harry Sinden's rant concerning the increase in penalty calls and Gary Roberts views on fighting in the game all made training camp headlines on Thursday.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (CP) -- Blue Jackets star winger Rick Nash is recovering well just over a week after suffering a severely sprained right ankle.
Nash is off crutches and has stopped wearing a protective boot. He hopes to get back on skates by this weekend or early next week.
"'We're aiming for the (season) opener (Oct. 5 in Washington), but I'm saying that with some caution," Jackets GM Doug MacLean told the Columbus Dispatch. "We're not taking any gambles on this one."
Bruins president Sinden not keen on penalties
BOSTON (CP) -- Count Boston Bruins president Harry Sinden among those not in favour of all the penalties being called.
"Obviously, you've got to have penalty calls, or else you'd have anarchy out there," Sinden told the Boston Herald. "But if you just call it to a zero-tolerance level, it won't work. A game without any kind of incidental contact at all, players just allowed to skate around at full speed with no one ever laying a finger on them? It won't work.
"To me, minor penalties can absolutely destroy a game. Because instead of being a significant event in a game - 'OK, here we go, a power play' - it becomes a common thing. Everybody gets lots of them. You get a penalty and you don't even worry about it, because you know you're going to be getting one right back."
Sinden doesn't understand all the hype around the league about getting the "flow" back into the game.
"They all talk about flow, these new guys on the owners' board of directors," Sinden said of the discussions on how to improve the NHL game. "`We've got to get the flow back,' they all say. I asked them, 'Do you know what you're taking about? What do you mean when you say flow?' They're not really quite sure what to say."
"I say to them, 'Well, I think you mean this: One team comes down on the attack here, then the other team gets the puck and goes back the other way. That's the kind of flow you like. But I said, 'Can you think of anything that disturbs the flow of a hockey game more than a two-minute penalty? The flow ends as soon as you call the penalty."'
Roberts hopes fighting isn't gone
SUNRISE, Fla. (CP) -- There are some who believe the parade to the penalty box from the NHL's crackdown on fouls will endanger the role of the tough guy.
Panthers veteran Gary Roberts, for one, hopes that doesn't happen.
"I don't want fighting out of the game," he told the Palm Beach Post. "I think it's good for the game. When I say fighting, I mean an even fight, where guys drop the gloves and go. Not a punch from behind and something where someone really gets hurt. A fair exchange."
Kopitar goes back to Sweden
LOS ANGELES (CP) -- Centre Anze Kopitar, the Kings' first-round draft pick this summer, has returned to Sweden to play with Sodertalje of the Swedish Elite League, which he had told Los Angeles he would do.
"Certainly if he had decided to stay here, we would have been excited," Kings coach Andy Murray told the Los Angeles Times.
Westrum not happy with Wild
ST. PAUL, Minn. (CP) -- Erik Westrum, acquired from Phoenix last month, wasn't thrilled when he was cut by the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday.
He'll be put on 24-hour waivers Friday.
"I knew coming in here that they were going to give their young guys, the guys that they've had in their system, a chance to make the team," Westrum told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "I believe I can play in the NHL. If I can get picked up by someone, that's the best scenario."
Westrum, 26, played 12 minutes in one exhibition game.
"When you only play a couple minutes in a game, it's kind of hard to show what you can do," he said.
Said head coach Jacques Lemaire: "I feel there are guys ahead of him."
Kariya says he's fine
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CP) -- Star winger Paul Kariya says his groin injury is nothing serious.
"This is nothing major, nothing to be worried about at all," Kariya told the (Nashville) Tennessean. "At this stage you don't want to push it or something and make it worse. I'm just being cautious."
Kariya said he felt good skating on his own with injured teammate Marek Zidlicky (hip).
"You never want to be injured at anytime, but if you are going to be it's better to be in the pre-season than during the regular season or in the playoffs," Kariya said. "So I'll take my time here and make sure it's 100 per cent and then get ready to go again."
Gretzky not worried by slow start
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CP) -- His team has been outscored 17-7 in losing two of its first three pre-season games but Phoenix Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky is not concerned.
"Sure, we want to win and we want to establish a winning situation here, but (the pre-season) is not life and death like it will be when we play that first (regular-season) game in Vancouver," Gretzky told the Arizona Republic.
Blues recall two defencemen from minor league affiliate
ST.LOUIS (CP) -- The St.Louis Blues have recalled Doug Lynch and Dennis Wideman from Peoria of the AHL.
Lynch played in 74 games last season with the now-defunct Edmonton RoadRunners of the AHL and tallied 14 points on one goal and 13 assists. Wideman scored 13 goals and recorded 30 assists for 43 points and finished tied for seventh among AHL rookies in scoring last season with the AHL's Worcester IceCats.
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Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Injuries, movements, rumors and newsmakers...
The Score's Camp Notebook (for Sept 21st)
Chris Campoli wows 'em at Islanders camp; Leafs' Alexander Steen could emerge as an important rookie in 2005-06; Sidney Crosby debuts for the Pens; Red Wings' Chris Osgood goes down with a groin injury; and more...
CANADIENS
Is a new star born in Montreal? Not quite, but 18-year-old Guillaume Latendresse continues to impress. Tuesday night, he potted two goals and added an assist in a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Latendresse skated on a line with center Radek Bonk and right wing Marcel Hossa, which totaled 11 points on the night. It didn't secure a roster spot for Latendresse, but it did give him another shot: Thursday night at Toronto. Obviously, the Habs love the youngster's combination of size and skill up front, so the Latendresse decision may go right down to the wire.
CANUCKS
The Canucks surprised many when they opted for QMJHL defenseman Luc Bourdon in the first round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (10th overall), but the talented two-way rearguard is surprising them right back with a strong training-camp performance. In fact, Bourdon was even in the lineup for Vancouver's preseason opener at Edmonton on Wednesday night. However, if the 18-year-old blueliner is to start the season in Vancouver he'll have to outperform several others--including rookies Kevin Bieksa, Kirill Koltsov, Tomas Mojzis and Brett Skinner, as well as journeymen Sven Butenschon, Nolan Baumgartner and Jason Doig (training-camp invite).
CAPITALS
While several jobs are up for grabs in Washington this season, Czech-league veteran Petr Sykora should be able to stick if he adapts quickly to the North American game. Sykora is headed to Washington after finally securing his working visa. He's expected to join the team this weekend. The 26-year-old Sykora can play either center or right wing, which should enhance his chances of landing on one of the scoring lines in Washington when training camp breaks.
ISLANDERS
Defenseman Chris Campoli continues to make waves in the preseason. Tuesday night against the New York Rangers, the 21-year-old Campoli was arguably the best player on the ice in the Isles' easy 5-1 victory. He was paired with another rookie hopeful: 20-year-old rearguard Bruno Gervais. The duo was stellar together with AHL Bridgeport last season, but they may be fighting for the same spot (No. 6 defenseman) at this camp--with the loser heading back to the 'A'.
MAPLE LEAFS
Alexander Steen has done enough so far in training camp to be considered a candidate to crack the opening-night lineup. In fact, Steen has spent time at left wing alongside No. 1 center (and fellow Swede) Mats Sundin, which could be a sign of things to come. Even if Steen doesn't stay on the big unit, he could still emerge as the fourth-line center to begin the 2005-06 campaign. He's probably competing for a job with fellow youngsters Matt Stajan and Kyle Wellwood.
OILERS
J.J. Hunter's chances of breaking camp with the Oilers ended on Tuesday, after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the 6-4 loss to the Dallas Stars. Hunter was considered a long shot to make the big club anyway, and is now out indefinitely. Capable of playing either center or right wing, Hunter has a history of shoulder dislocations--which does not bode well for his NHL aspirations. He'll likely return to action in the AHL and may never get another shot with the Oil.
PANTHERS
One of the players on the bubble in this training camp is talented center Stephen Weiss, who played very well in a 5-4 exhibition win against Carolina last weekend. That's the good news. The bad? Weiss scored poorly on an anaerobic fitness test earlier in training camp, which has raised the ire of Panthers management. Weiss needs to continue to produce in the preseason, since the Panthers have four veteran alternatives at center: Olli Jokinen, Joe Nieuwendyk, Jozef Stumpel and Chris Gratton. If Weiss forces his way into the lineup, somebody will move to wing.
PENGUINS
Phenom Sidney Crosby made his NHL debut on Wednesday night in the Pens' 5-4 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins. Crosby used his speed to create several scoring chances throughout the contest, but came away with only one assist on this night. While he began the evening on a line with Ryan Malone and Mark Recchi, Crosby eventually played with captain Mario Lemieux. Look for the combination of Lemieux-Crosby-Recchi on the first line opening night.
RED WINGS
The Wings' goaltending picture got a little murkier this week, as veteran Chris Osgood will be sidelined for the next 2-3 weeks because of a groin injury. In his place, Manny Legace started on Wednesday night against the Colorado Avalanche and earned a 3-2 overtime victory. Look for Legace to begin the 2005-06 campaign as the starter, since Osgood will need to play catch-up once his injury heals. If Osgood cannot start the season, prospect Jimmy Howard is a possibility.
WILD
The Wild entered training camp with a nice problem at the center position: Three quality prospects vying for a roster spot. And then there was just one, after Patrick O'Sullivan suffered a separated shoulder during preseason action earlier this week. Meanwhile, Rickard Wallin was assigned to the AHL's Houston Aeros. That leaves Finn Mikko Koivu as the rookie pivot most likely to begin the season in St. Paul. He may even see time as a top-six forward right away.
The Score's Camp Notebook (for Sept 21st)
Chris Campoli wows 'em at Islanders camp; Leafs' Alexander Steen could emerge as an important rookie in 2005-06; Sidney Crosby debuts for the Pens; Red Wings' Chris Osgood goes down with a groin injury; and more...
CANADIENS
Is a new star born in Montreal? Not quite, but 18-year-old Guillaume Latendresse continues to impress. Tuesday night, he potted two goals and added an assist in a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Latendresse skated on a line with center Radek Bonk and right wing Marcel Hossa, which totaled 11 points on the night. It didn't secure a roster spot for Latendresse, but it did give him another shot: Thursday night at Toronto. Obviously, the Habs love the youngster's combination of size and skill up front, so the Latendresse decision may go right down to the wire.
CANUCKS
The Canucks surprised many when they opted for QMJHL defenseman Luc Bourdon in the first round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (10th overall), but the talented two-way rearguard is surprising them right back with a strong training-camp performance. In fact, Bourdon was even in the lineup for Vancouver's preseason opener at Edmonton on Wednesday night. However, if the 18-year-old blueliner is to start the season in Vancouver he'll have to outperform several others--including rookies Kevin Bieksa, Kirill Koltsov, Tomas Mojzis and Brett Skinner, as well as journeymen Sven Butenschon, Nolan Baumgartner and Jason Doig (training-camp invite).
CAPITALS
While several jobs are up for grabs in Washington this season, Czech-league veteran Petr Sykora should be able to stick if he adapts quickly to the North American game. Sykora is headed to Washington after finally securing his working visa. He's expected to join the team this weekend. The 26-year-old Sykora can play either center or right wing, which should enhance his chances of landing on one of the scoring lines in Washington when training camp breaks.
ISLANDERS
Defenseman Chris Campoli continues to make waves in the preseason. Tuesday night against the New York Rangers, the 21-year-old Campoli was arguably the best player on the ice in the Isles' easy 5-1 victory. He was paired with another rookie hopeful: 20-year-old rearguard Bruno Gervais. The duo was stellar together with AHL Bridgeport last season, but they may be fighting for the same spot (No. 6 defenseman) at this camp--with the loser heading back to the 'A'.
MAPLE LEAFS
Alexander Steen has done enough so far in training camp to be considered a candidate to crack the opening-night lineup. In fact, Steen has spent time at left wing alongside No. 1 center (and fellow Swede) Mats Sundin, which could be a sign of things to come. Even if Steen doesn't stay on the big unit, he could still emerge as the fourth-line center to begin the 2005-06 campaign. He's probably competing for a job with fellow youngsters Matt Stajan and Kyle Wellwood.
OILERS
J.J. Hunter's chances of breaking camp with the Oilers ended on Tuesday, after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the 6-4 loss to the Dallas Stars. Hunter was considered a long shot to make the big club anyway, and is now out indefinitely. Capable of playing either center or right wing, Hunter has a history of shoulder dislocations--which does not bode well for his NHL aspirations. He'll likely return to action in the AHL and may never get another shot with the Oil.
PANTHERS
One of the players on the bubble in this training camp is talented center Stephen Weiss, who played very well in a 5-4 exhibition win against Carolina last weekend. That's the good news. The bad? Weiss scored poorly on an anaerobic fitness test earlier in training camp, which has raised the ire of Panthers management. Weiss needs to continue to produce in the preseason, since the Panthers have four veteran alternatives at center: Olli Jokinen, Joe Nieuwendyk, Jozef Stumpel and Chris Gratton. If Weiss forces his way into the lineup, somebody will move to wing.
PENGUINS
Phenom Sidney Crosby made his NHL debut on Wednesday night in the Pens' 5-4 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins. Crosby used his speed to create several scoring chances throughout the contest, but came away with only one assist on this night. While he began the evening on a line with Ryan Malone and Mark Recchi, Crosby eventually played with captain Mario Lemieux. Look for the combination of Lemieux-Crosby-Recchi on the first line opening night.
RED WINGS
The Wings' goaltending picture got a little murkier this week, as veteran Chris Osgood will be sidelined for the next 2-3 weeks because of a groin injury. In his place, Manny Legace started on Wednesday night against the Colorado Avalanche and earned a 3-2 overtime victory. Look for Legace to begin the 2005-06 campaign as the starter, since Osgood will need to play catch-up once his injury heals. If Osgood cannot start the season, prospect Jimmy Howard is a possibility.
WILD
The Wild entered training camp with a nice problem at the center position: Three quality prospects vying for a roster spot. And then there was just one, after Patrick O'Sullivan suffered a separated shoulder during preseason action earlier this week. Meanwhile, Rickard Wallin was assigned to the AHL's Houston Aeros. That leaves Finn Mikko Koivu as the rookie pivot most likely to begin the season in St. Paul. He may even see time as a top-six forward right away.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Rangers' Blackburn announces retirement
Sports Ticker
9/25/2005 10:00:29 PM
NEW YORK (Ticker) - Due to nerve damage in his left shoulder, New York Rangers goaltender Dan Blackburn announced his retirement on Sunday.
Blackburn, New York's first-round pick in 2001, suffered the injury prior to training camp in 2003 and missed the entire 2003-04 season. He underwent nerve exploration surgery on his left shoulder on March 31, 2004 and attempted to return to the ice.
On February 1, Blackburn joined the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL and posted a 3-9-0 record with a 3.54 goals-against average in 12 games.
But in New York's recent training camp, Blackburn also suffered a strained MCL in his left knee on September 15.
"It just seemed like the right thing to do," Blackburn said before Sunday's preseason game against Boston. "I wasn't feeling comfortable with the way it was going."
"Danny has worked extremely hard over the last two seasons to do everything in his power to get his shoulder to a point where he would be able to play," Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said in a statement. "We are all very disappointed for him, knowing the effort he put in and the tremendous future he had. He is an exceptional athlete and a courageous young man and we wish him well."
In 63 NHL games, the 22-year-old Blackburn was 20-32-4 with a 3.22 GAA.
On October 10, 2001, Blackburn became the fifth-youngest goaltender to appear in an NHL contest at 18 years, 143 days. Five days later, he became the third-youngest goalie in league history to record a win and second youngest in Rangers' history when he recorded a 2-1 victory in his native Montreal.
Sports Ticker
9/25/2005 10:00:29 PM
NEW YORK (Ticker) - Due to nerve damage in his left shoulder, New York Rangers goaltender Dan Blackburn announced his retirement on Sunday.
Blackburn, New York's first-round pick in 2001, suffered the injury prior to training camp in 2003 and missed the entire 2003-04 season. He underwent nerve exploration surgery on his left shoulder on March 31, 2004 and attempted to return to the ice.
On February 1, Blackburn joined the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL and posted a 3-9-0 record with a 3.54 goals-against average in 12 games.
But in New York's recent training camp, Blackburn also suffered a strained MCL in his left knee on September 15.
"It just seemed like the right thing to do," Blackburn said before Sunday's preseason game against Boston. "I wasn't feeling comfortable with the way it was going."
"Danny has worked extremely hard over the last two seasons to do everything in his power to get his shoulder to a point where he would be able to play," Rangers president and general manager Glen Sather said in a statement. "We are all very disappointed for him, knowing the effort he put in and the tremendous future he had. He is an exceptional athlete and a courageous young man and we wish him well."
In 63 NHL games, the 22-year-old Blackburn was 20-32-4 with a 3.22 GAA.
On October 10, 2001, Blackburn became the fifth-youngest goaltender to appear in an NHL contest at 18 years, 143 days. Five days later, he became the third-youngest goalie in league history to record a win and second youngest in Rangers' history when he recorded a 2-1 victory in his native Montreal.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Datsyuk re-signs with Wings
Associated Press
9/26/2005 4:40:15 PM
DETROIT (AP) - Pavel Datsyuk is back with the Detroit Red Wings, spurning the chance to go home to play in Russia.
Datsyuk signed a two-year contract on Monday that will pay him $3.9 million US per season.
"We're obviously very happy that we got Pavel back," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "He's a talented young player that had a very good year for us two years ago, and we're hoping for more of the same. With the new rules, I think skilled players like Pavel are really going to be helped."
The restricted free agent, his agent and the Red Wings had been negotiating since before the NHL lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season.
The 27-year-old Russian signed a contract earlier this month with Avangard Omsk of the Russian SuperLeague. That deal was matched by Moscow Dynamo, another SuperLeague team that Datsyuk played with during the lockout.
Those moves created doubts that Datsyuk would return to Detroit this season.
He had a breakthrough season in 2003-04, finishing tied for the team lead with 30 goals and totalling 68 points.
Datsyuk was a standout during the past two regular seasons and lacklustre in the post-season, like most of his teammates. He didn't score a goal in the 2003 or 2004 playoffs and had just six assists.
Datsyuk is the final major piece of the puzzle Holland had to get into place under the league's new $39 million salary cap - about half of what Detroit has spent in the past.
Holland re-signed another restricted free agent, forward Henrik Zetterberg earlier this month and brought back veteran centre Steve Yzerman. Almost a month ago, Holland said he was not close to re-signing Datsyuk or Zetterberg, who was also a restricted free agent.
Detroit hosts the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 5 in the season opener.
Associated Press
9/26/2005 4:40:15 PM
DETROIT (AP) - Pavel Datsyuk is back with the Detroit Red Wings, spurning the chance to go home to play in Russia.
Datsyuk signed a two-year contract on Monday that will pay him $3.9 million US per season.
"We're obviously very happy that we got Pavel back," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "He's a talented young player that had a very good year for us two years ago, and we're hoping for more of the same. With the new rules, I think skilled players like Pavel are really going to be helped."
The restricted free agent, his agent and the Red Wings had been negotiating since before the NHL lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season.
The 27-year-old Russian signed a contract earlier this month with Avangard Omsk of the Russian SuperLeague. That deal was matched by Moscow Dynamo, another SuperLeague team that Datsyuk played with during the lockout.
Those moves created doubts that Datsyuk would return to Detroit this season.
He had a breakthrough season in 2003-04, finishing tied for the team lead with 30 goals and totalling 68 points.
Datsyuk was a standout during the past two regular seasons and lacklustre in the post-season, like most of his teammates. He didn't score a goal in the 2003 or 2004 playoffs and had just six assists.
Datsyuk is the final major piece of the puzzle Holland had to get into place under the league's new $39 million salary cap - about half of what Detroit has spent in the past.
Holland re-signed another restricted free agent, forward Henrik Zetterberg earlier this month and brought back veteran centre Steve Yzerman. Almost a month ago, Holland said he was not close to re-signing Datsyuk or Zetterberg, who was also a restricted free agent.
Detroit hosts the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 5 in the season opener.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Cap-strapped Devils deal Friesen to Caps
Associated Press
9/26/2005 5:17:40 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - Left wing Jeff Friesen was traded to the Washington Capitals by the New Jersey Devils on Monday for a conditional 2006 draft pick.
The deal gives the Capitals a proven forward and allows the Devils to trim salary so they can get under the NHL's new $39 million US cap. Friesen is set to make $2.28 million this season.
''Jeff brings speed, Stanley Cup-winning experience and leadership to our locker room,'' Capitals general manager George McPhee said. ''We look forward to having him on our hockey club.''
New Jersey went an allowed amount over the salary cap when they signed forward Alexander Mogilny last month but faced an Oct. 1 deadline to get under the threshold.
The six-foot-one, 205-pound Friesen has 208 goals and 285 assists in 10 seasons for San Jose, Anaheim and New Jersey.
His best season was 1997-98 with the Sharks, when he scored 31 goals and had 63 points. He has five 20-goal seasons.
In the 2003-04 season, Friesen had 17 goals and 20 assists in 81 games for the Devils. A year earlier, he helped New Jersey win the Stanley Cup, recording 10 goals and four assists in 24 post-season games. Friesen scored the winning goals in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals and Stanley Cup finals.
''It was a combination of things,'' Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said of the trade. ''His salary was certainly at a level that was, quite frankly, too high. And we felt comfortable that we had a good group of young players.
''We certainly appreciate what Jeff gave us. He was fantastic for his whole tenure here.''
A first-round pick in 1994, Friesen made the NHL's all-rookie team after making his debut with the Sharks.
Associated Press
9/26/2005 5:17:40 PM
WASHINGTON (AP) - Left wing Jeff Friesen was traded to the Washington Capitals by the New Jersey Devils on Monday for a conditional 2006 draft pick.
The deal gives the Capitals a proven forward and allows the Devils to trim salary so they can get under the NHL's new $39 million US cap. Friesen is set to make $2.28 million this season.
''Jeff brings speed, Stanley Cup-winning experience and leadership to our locker room,'' Capitals general manager George McPhee said. ''We look forward to having him on our hockey club.''
New Jersey went an allowed amount over the salary cap when they signed forward Alexander Mogilny last month but faced an Oct. 1 deadline to get under the threshold.
The six-foot-one, 205-pound Friesen has 208 goals and 285 assists in 10 seasons for San Jose, Anaheim and New Jersey.
His best season was 1997-98 with the Sharks, when he scored 31 goals and had 63 points. He has five 20-goal seasons.
In the 2003-04 season, Friesen had 17 goals and 20 assists in 81 games for the Devils. A year earlier, he helped New Jersey win the Stanley Cup, recording 10 goals and four assists in 24 post-season games. Friesen scored the winning goals in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals and Stanley Cup finals.
''It was a combination of things,'' Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said of the trade. ''His salary was certainly at a level that was, quite frankly, too high. And we felt comfortable that we had a good group of young players.
''We certainly appreciate what Jeff gave us. He was fantastic for his whole tenure here.''
A first-round pick in 1994, Friesen made the NHL's all-rookie team after making his debut with the Sharks.