Teflon Billy
Explorer
Agamon said:
Yeah, it is a hell of a workload.
I remember they kept promising that to Pat Quinn while he was here in Vancouver (but they kept him doing both until he burned out)
NHL: Player News and Rumors (Thread finished)
- Thread starter Knightfall
- Start date
Yeah, it is a hell of a workload.
I remember they kept promising that to Pat Quinn while he was here in Vancouver (but they kept him doing both until he burned out)
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Stars sign defenseman Khomitski
Sports Network
7/12/2006 1:09:21 PM
Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - The Dallas Stars announced Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Vadim Khomitski to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
A fourth-round selection in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Khomitski has spent the past four seasons with CSKA Moscow in the Russian Super League. He also skated for Team Russia at the 2006 World Championships in Riga, Latvia, where he recorded three assists and two penalty minutes in seven games.
"Vadim has been a top player the last few years in Russia's Super League and he's also been a solid defenseman for the Russian national team," said Stars general manager Doug Armstrong. "He's a hard-nosed, two-way player who is an excellent skater and plays with a little bit of an edge. He is a prospect who is on the verge of making a solid impact in North America."
Sports Network
7/12/2006 1:09:21 PM
Frisco, TX (Sports Network) - The Dallas Stars announced Wednesday that they have signed defenseman Vadim Khomitski to a one-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
A fourth-round selection in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft, Khomitski has spent the past four seasons with CSKA Moscow in the Russian Super League. He also skated for Team Russia at the 2006 World Championships in Riga, Latvia, where he recorded three assists and two penalty minutes in seven games.
"Vadim has been a top player the last few years in Russia's Super League and he's also been a solid defenseman for the Russian national team," said Stars general manager Doug Armstrong. "He's a hard-nosed, two-way player who is an excellent skater and plays with a little bit of an edge. He is a prospect who is on the verge of making a solid impact in North America."
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Coyotes promote Keith Gretzky
Press Release
7/12/2006 12:49:17 PM
PHOENIX (AP) - The Phoenix Coyotes promoted Keith Gretzky to director of amateur scouting Wednesday.
The 39-year-old Gretzky, younger brother of Coyotes managing partner and coach Wayne Gretzky, spent the last five seasons scouting amateur players for the team. He will oversee all amateur scouting and will run the team's draft.
The Coyotes also hired Greg Malone as their head eastern pro scout. Malone, who scored 191 goals in 11 NHL seasons with Pittsburgh, Hartford and Quebec, spent the last 16 seasons as the Pittsburgh Penguins' head scout.
Press Release
7/12/2006 12:49:17 PM
PHOENIX (AP) - The Phoenix Coyotes promoted Keith Gretzky to director of amateur scouting Wednesday.
The 39-year-old Gretzky, younger brother of Coyotes managing partner and coach Wayne Gretzky, spent the last five seasons scouting amateur players for the team. He will oversee all amateur scouting and will run the team's draft.
The Coyotes also hired Greg Malone as their head eastern pro scout. Malone, who scored 191 goals in 11 NHL seasons with Pittsburgh, Hartford and Quebec, spent the last 16 seasons as the Pittsburgh Penguins' head scout.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Ice Chips for Wednesday, July 12
> Predators G Tomas Vokoun has stopped taking the blood-thinning drug coumadin in anticipation of his visit to the Mayo Clinic on July 24. If Vokoun is able to stay off the blood thinning medication, he could be ready for training camp in September. - Tennessean
> The Boston Bruins have added another promising prospect, signing free agent LW Chris Collins to a two-year contract. The Boston College standout, who was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season, tallied 63 points, including 34 goals which tied for the most in the nation with Minnesota's Ryan Potulny - The Boston Globe
> Blackhawks D Duncan Keith is close to signing a new four-year contract. - Arlington Heights Daily Herald
> Avalanche D John-Michael Liles avoided salary arbitration Tuesday when he signed a two-year contract, according to a source close to the situation. - Rocky Mountain News
> G Ed Belfour's contract talks have stalled with the Red Wings, but Belfour's agent remains optimistic that a deal can be worked out. - Detroit Free Press
> G Manny Legace says that he has been contacted by the St. Louis Blues, who are set to start the season with Curtis Sanford as their number one. - Belleville News Democrat
> The Oilers have cut the cord with veterans Rem Murray and Todd Harvey, knowing that all NHL teams have to start plugging in kids on the third and fourth lines. For now, the Oilers want to look at Jean-Francois Jacques, Brad Winchester, Marc-Antoine Pouliot and Swedish forward Jonas Almtorp as fourth-liners - Edmonton Journal
> Panthers GM Mike Keenan said Tuesday he expects LW Gary Roberts will remain with the Panthers, adding that Roberts' agent has confirmed to him the 40-year-old won't retire now. "I don't know if it's dead, but we're not making any progress, so we're putting it to rest as far as we're concerned," Keenan said about a potential trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs - Palm Beach Post
> Predators G Tomas Vokoun has stopped taking the blood-thinning drug coumadin in anticipation of his visit to the Mayo Clinic on July 24. If Vokoun is able to stay off the blood thinning medication, he could be ready for training camp in September. - Tennessean
> The Boston Bruins have added another promising prospect, signing free agent LW Chris Collins to a two-year contract. The Boston College standout, who was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award last season, tallied 63 points, including 34 goals which tied for the most in the nation with Minnesota's Ryan Potulny - The Boston Globe
> Blackhawks D Duncan Keith is close to signing a new four-year contract. - Arlington Heights Daily Herald
> Avalanche D John-Michael Liles avoided salary arbitration Tuesday when he signed a two-year contract, according to a source close to the situation. - Rocky Mountain News
> G Ed Belfour's contract talks have stalled with the Red Wings, but Belfour's agent remains optimistic that a deal can be worked out. - Detroit Free Press
> G Manny Legace says that he has been contacted by the St. Louis Blues, who are set to start the season with Curtis Sanford as their number one. - Belleville News Democrat
> The Oilers have cut the cord with veterans Rem Murray and Todd Harvey, knowing that all NHL teams have to start plugging in kids on the third and fourth lines. For now, the Oilers want to look at Jean-Francois Jacques, Brad Winchester, Marc-Antoine Pouliot and Swedish forward Jonas Almtorp as fourth-liners - Edmonton Journal
> Panthers GM Mike Keenan said Tuesday he expects LW Gary Roberts will remain with the Panthers, adding that Roberts' agent has confirmed to him the 40-year-old won't retire now. "I don't know if it's dead, but we're not making any progress, so we're putting it to rest as far as we're concerned," Keenan said about a potential trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs - Palm Beach Post
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Primeau's window is closing in Philly
Canadian Press
7/12/2006 4:12:33 PM
PORT HOPE, Ont. (CP) - The waiting period for Keith Primeau is almost up.
Post-concussion symptoms that limited the Philadelphia Flyers captain to just nine games last season have returned recently and thrown his potential return to the NHL team into question.
Primeau has two years and $6.84 million US remaining on his contract but knows the Flyers will need to have a decision from him soon because his salary is tying up valuable room under the team's cap.
''They're not going to wait for me forever,'' said Primeau, who was taking part in a charity golf tournament in this town east of Toronto on Wednesday. ''I know the window is quickly closing for me to make a return. I'm beginning to accept that as well.
''I just hope that my head responds by September and I can move forward.''
The big centre was one of the best players during the 2004 playoffs, leading the Flyers to within one game of the Stanley Cup final.
It's been all downhill from there. He didn't play during the league's lockout and appeared in just a handful of games last October before a hit from Montreal's Alexander Perezhogin caused him to sustain the most severe in a long list of head injuries.
The toughest thing for Primeau, who turns 35 in November, is that he thought he'd been through the worst part of the injury. Then the pressure in the crown of his head suddenly returned about 10 days ago.
''There's no consistency to it,'' said Primeau. ''One day you feel good, one day you don't feel so good.
''I truly believe that I'm at the last stage of my concussion, but I don't know how long the last stage is going to take, whether it's a week or two weeks or a month or a year. That's the hardest part.''
Primeau flew to Philadelphia on Monday and met with team doctor Gary Dorshimer, who recommended he suspend his vigorous workout program immediately.
The doctor believed the symptoms were related to a virus Primeau had contracted. The player had been spending a lot of time in the gym trying to get his body back in shape for a potential playoff return and continued the regimen into the off-season.
''He pushed himself real hard during the playoffs to try and get himself back,'' said Flyers strength and conditioning coach Jim McCrossin. ''Is he pushing it too hard?
''Nobody knows what is too hard coming back from a concussion.''
There are just no certainties with this kind of injury.
Primeau said the Flyers have been extremely supportive and have not set a deadline for him to make a firm decision on whether he'll return or not.
The team would receive salary relief if he retired and could spend the money ear-marked for Primeau on other players. It's a situation he fully understands.
''I'm under contract and they'd love to have me back,'' said Primeau. ''I kind of put personal pressure on myself (to make a decision). I feel as though I'm under the gun personally not to hamstring them.''
Hulking defenceman Derian Hatcher assumed the captain's C in Primeau's absence last season, but no player could really fill his role in the locker-room.
''He's the leader of the team,'' said Flyers forward Simon Gagne. ''It's a big loss, you need to fill it. We didn't really have that type of player on our team (last year) close to what Primes was bringing to us in the 2004 playoffs.
''When he's not there, it's tough.''
It might be their reality next season and beyond.
For his part, Primeau is dedicated to resuming workouts when he gets the go-ahead again from Dorshimer.
The 15-year NHL veteran is trying to stay positive - even though he knows deep down there's no guarantee he'll make a comeback.
''If you get down, you start to lose your will,'' said Primeau. ''I don't want to be in a position where I lose the will to play.
''I continue to tackle it as though it's going to get better and I'm going to get a chance to play.''
The window is closing, but he's going to do everything he can to keep it open.
''I won't know unless I try.''
Canadian Press
7/12/2006 4:12:33 PM
PORT HOPE, Ont. (CP) - The waiting period for Keith Primeau is almost up.
Post-concussion symptoms that limited the Philadelphia Flyers captain to just nine games last season have returned recently and thrown his potential return to the NHL team into question.
Primeau has two years and $6.84 million US remaining on his contract but knows the Flyers will need to have a decision from him soon because his salary is tying up valuable room under the team's cap.
''They're not going to wait for me forever,'' said Primeau, who was taking part in a charity golf tournament in this town east of Toronto on Wednesday. ''I know the window is quickly closing for me to make a return. I'm beginning to accept that as well.
''I just hope that my head responds by September and I can move forward.''
The big centre was one of the best players during the 2004 playoffs, leading the Flyers to within one game of the Stanley Cup final.
It's been all downhill from there. He didn't play during the league's lockout and appeared in just a handful of games last October before a hit from Montreal's Alexander Perezhogin caused him to sustain the most severe in a long list of head injuries.
The toughest thing for Primeau, who turns 35 in November, is that he thought he'd been through the worst part of the injury. Then the pressure in the crown of his head suddenly returned about 10 days ago.
''There's no consistency to it,'' said Primeau. ''One day you feel good, one day you don't feel so good.
''I truly believe that I'm at the last stage of my concussion, but I don't know how long the last stage is going to take, whether it's a week or two weeks or a month or a year. That's the hardest part.''
Primeau flew to Philadelphia on Monday and met with team doctor Gary Dorshimer, who recommended he suspend his vigorous workout program immediately.
The doctor believed the symptoms were related to a virus Primeau had contracted. The player had been spending a lot of time in the gym trying to get his body back in shape for a potential playoff return and continued the regimen into the off-season.
''He pushed himself real hard during the playoffs to try and get himself back,'' said Flyers strength and conditioning coach Jim McCrossin. ''Is he pushing it too hard?
''Nobody knows what is too hard coming back from a concussion.''
There are just no certainties with this kind of injury.
Primeau said the Flyers have been extremely supportive and have not set a deadline for him to make a firm decision on whether he'll return or not.
The team would receive salary relief if he retired and could spend the money ear-marked for Primeau on other players. It's a situation he fully understands.
''I'm under contract and they'd love to have me back,'' said Primeau. ''I kind of put personal pressure on myself (to make a decision). I feel as though I'm under the gun personally not to hamstring them.''
Hulking defenceman Derian Hatcher assumed the captain's C in Primeau's absence last season, but no player could really fill his role in the locker-room.
''He's the leader of the team,'' said Flyers forward Simon Gagne. ''It's a big loss, you need to fill it. We didn't really have that type of player on our team (last year) close to what Primes was bringing to us in the 2004 playoffs.
''When he's not there, it's tough.''
It might be their reality next season and beyond.
For his part, Primeau is dedicated to resuming workouts when he gets the go-ahead again from Dorshimer.
The 15-year NHL veteran is trying to stay positive - even though he knows deep down there's no guarantee he'll make a comeback.
''If you get down, you start to lose your will,'' said Primeau. ''I don't want to be in a position where I lose the will to play.
''I continue to tackle it as though it's going to get better and I'm going to get a chance to play.''
The window is closing, but he's going to do everything he can to keep it open.
''I won't know unless I try.''
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Canadiens sign Aebischer
TSN.ca Staff
7/12/2006 4:27:50 PM
MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender David Aebischer to a one-year contract.
As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Aebischer, 28, played in seven games with the Canadiens the past season, recording four wins and a 3.73 goals-against average. With the Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche in 2005-06, Aebischer ended the season, his fifth in the NHL, with an overall record of 29 wins, 17 losses and two overtime losses in 50 games. He posted a goals-against-average of 3.09, a .899 save percentage and recorded three shutouts.
In his career, Aebischer, a 6'1'', 185-pound goaltender, has played in 181 NHL games. His overall record is 93 wins, 61 losses, 12 ties and two overtime losses, with a 2.40 goals-against-average and a .914 save percentage. He has registered 13 shutouts.
Aebischer, a native of Fribourg, Switzerland, was acquired on March 8, 2006, in return for goaltender Jose Theodore.
TSN.ca Staff
7/12/2006 4:27:50 PM
MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens have signed goaltender David Aebischer to a one-year contract.
As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Aebischer, 28, played in seven games with the Canadiens the past season, recording four wins and a 3.73 goals-against average. With the Canadiens and the Colorado Avalanche in 2005-06, Aebischer ended the season, his fifth in the NHL, with an overall record of 29 wins, 17 losses and two overtime losses in 50 games. He posted a goals-against-average of 3.09, a .899 save percentage and recorded three shutouts.
In his career, Aebischer, a 6'1'', 185-pound goaltender, has played in 181 NHL games. His overall record is 93 wins, 61 losses, 12 ties and two overtime losses, with a 2.40 goals-against-average and a .914 save percentage. He has registered 13 shutouts.
Aebischer, a native of Fribourg, Switzerland, was acquired on March 8, 2006, in return for goaltender Jose Theodore.
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Avalanche ink Liles to two-year deal
Associated Press
7/12/2006 5:33:15 PM
Colorado Avalanche defenceman John-Michael Liles avoided salary arbitration after agreeing to a $2.65-million, two-year contract on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old U.S. Olympian set career highs with 14 goals and 35 assists last season while earning $450,000.
''John-Michael Liles is one of the top young offensive defensemen in the league,'' new Avalanche GM Francois Giguere said in a statement. ''He has been a key contributor to our blue-line in his first two seasons and is a very skilled defenceman who will continue to help our power play.''
Associated Press
7/12/2006 5:33:15 PM
Colorado Avalanche defenceman John-Michael Liles avoided salary arbitration after agreeing to a $2.65-million, two-year contract on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old U.S. Olympian set career highs with 14 goals and 35 assists last season while earning $450,000.
''John-Michael Liles is one of the top young offensive defensemen in the league,'' new Avalanche GM Francois Giguere said in a statement. ''He has been a key contributor to our blue-line in his first two seasons and is a very skilled defenceman who will continue to help our power play.''
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Lightning re-sign LW Afanasenkov
Sports Ticker
7/12/2006 5:40:50 PM
TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) - Dmitry Afanasenkov is back for another season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team does not seem terribly pleased about the situation.
The Lightning on Wednesday re-signed the Russian left wing to a one-year, $738,045 contract, then expressed reservations about his play.
The 26-year-old Afanasenkov collected a career-high nine goals and six assists in 68 games with the Lightning this past season. He also had one assist in five postseason games.
In 153 career games over four seasons - all with the Lightning - the 6-2, 200-pounder Afanasenkov has 16 goals and 17 assists.
"This is an incredibly important year for Affy," Lightning executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster said. "He needs to demonstrate that he has the ability to play consistently in a top-two line situation, play on the PP (power play) and be productive. With the departure of Fredrik Modin, it is quite possible that Affy will be given an opportunity to show he can play and finish on the Richards-St. Louis line.
"However, in a salary cap world he is running out of time to demonstrate that he can produce and do it consistently. This is the third or fourth consecutive year in which Affy has signed and returned his (qualifying offer). We would like to negotiate a longer-term deal with him at some point, but he has to go out and prove it to us first. The time is now and we are hoping for a big year from him."
Sports Ticker
7/12/2006 5:40:50 PM
TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) - Dmitry Afanasenkov is back for another season with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The team does not seem terribly pleased about the situation.
The Lightning on Wednesday re-signed the Russian left wing to a one-year, $738,045 contract, then expressed reservations about his play.
The 26-year-old Afanasenkov collected a career-high nine goals and six assists in 68 games with the Lightning this past season. He also had one assist in five postseason games.
In 153 career games over four seasons - all with the Lightning - the 6-2, 200-pounder Afanasenkov has 16 goals and 17 assists.
"This is an incredibly important year for Affy," Lightning executive vice president and general manager Jay Feaster said. "He needs to demonstrate that he has the ability to play consistently in a top-two line situation, play on the PP (power play) and be productive. With the departure of Fredrik Modin, it is quite possible that Affy will be given an opportunity to show he can play and finish on the Richards-St. Louis line.
"However, in a salary cap world he is running out of time to demonstrate that he can produce and do it consistently. This is the third or fourth consecutive year in which Affy has signed and returned his (qualifying offer). We would like to negotiate a longer-term deal with him at some point, but he has to go out and prove it to us first. The time is now and we are hoping for a big year from him."
Knightfall
World of Kulan DM
Gainey shakes up the Canadiens
TSN.ca Staff
7/12/2006 7:59:40 PM
MONTREAL - Bob Gainey had quite a day on Wednesday, changing the face of the Habs with two signings and two trades.
When the dust had settled, Gainey had signed free agent forward Sergei Samsonov, re-signed restricted free agent goaltender David Aebischer, acquired forward Mike Johnson from the Phoenix Coyotes and traded forward Richard Zednik to the Washington Capitals.
The big bombshell was the signing of Samsonov, one of the games premier skaters, to a two-year deal. Terms were not released.
Samsonov had 23 goals and 30 assists in 74 games with the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers last season. He added four goals and 11 assists in 24 playoff games during the Oilers run to the Stanley Cup finals.
In 533 NHL games, Samsonov has 169 goals and 223 assists for 392 points.
The Canadiens also added forward Mike Johnson i na trade with the Coyotes. Montreal gave Phoenix a fourth round draft pick in 2007 in exchange for Johnson.
Johnson, 31, ended the 2005-06 season with 54 points in 80 games.
Johnson has played in 560 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Coyotes. He has scored 116 goals and added 223 assists for a total of 339 points, with 267 penalty minutes.
Johnson will make $1.9 million this season.
The Canadiens also re-signed Aebischer to a one-year, $1.9 million contract.
The 28-year-old Swiss netminder, who accepted his qualifying offer, played in seven games with the Canadiens last season after being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche on the eve of the trading deadline in exchange for Jose Theodore.
Overall, he went 29-17-2 last season with a 3.09 goals-against average and .899 save percentage. He'll battle Cristobal Huet for the starter's job next season.
Aebischer can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Gainey then cleared some room by sending forward Richard Zednik to Washington in return for the Capitals' third round draft pick in 2007.
During his five seasons with the Canadiens, Zednik scored 98 goals and added 85 assists for a total of 183 points in 322 games.
"I had some really good years in Washington in the beginning of my career, and now I'm excited to come back as a veteran," Zednik said in a statement.
Zednik will make $1.976 million this season.
TSN.ca Staff
7/12/2006 7:59:40 PM
MONTREAL - Bob Gainey had quite a day on Wednesday, changing the face of the Habs with two signings and two trades.
When the dust had settled, Gainey had signed free agent forward Sergei Samsonov, re-signed restricted free agent goaltender David Aebischer, acquired forward Mike Johnson from the Phoenix Coyotes and traded forward Richard Zednik to the Washington Capitals.
The big bombshell was the signing of Samsonov, one of the games premier skaters, to a two-year deal. Terms were not released.
Samsonov had 23 goals and 30 assists in 74 games with the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers last season. He added four goals and 11 assists in 24 playoff games during the Oilers run to the Stanley Cup finals.
In 533 NHL games, Samsonov has 169 goals and 223 assists for 392 points.
The Canadiens also added forward Mike Johnson i na trade with the Coyotes. Montreal gave Phoenix a fourth round draft pick in 2007 in exchange for Johnson.
Johnson, 31, ended the 2005-06 season with 54 points in 80 games.
Johnson has played in 560 NHL games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Coyotes. He has scored 116 goals and added 223 assists for a total of 339 points, with 267 penalty minutes.
Johnson will make $1.9 million this season.
The Canadiens also re-signed Aebischer to a one-year, $1.9 million contract.
The 28-year-old Swiss netminder, who accepted his qualifying offer, played in seven games with the Canadiens last season after being acquired from the Colorado Avalanche on the eve of the trading deadline in exchange for Jose Theodore.
Overall, he went 29-17-2 last season with a 3.09 goals-against average and .899 save percentage. He'll battle Cristobal Huet for the starter's job next season.
Aebischer can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Gainey then cleared some room by sending forward Richard Zednik to Washington in return for the Capitals' third round draft pick in 2007.
During his five seasons with the Canadiens, Zednik scored 98 goals and added 85 assists for a total of 183 points in 322 games.
"I had some really good years in Washington in the beginning of my career, and now I'm excited to come back as a veteran," Zednik said in a statement.
Zednik will make $1.976 million this season.
Agamon
Adventurer
Holy crud. Gainey was all, "Doo-do-do-do-do...doo-do-do-do-do...doo-do-do-do-do...surprise!!" 
Samsonov, cool. Hopefully he can produce and not end up a slightly more skillful Oleg Petrov. Johnson, excellent, just the type of player we need. And Zedder's gone. I knew he would be. Back to Washington. Sucks to be him, I doubt he'll be around by the time they get good. If he gets to play with Ovechkin, maybe he can get his game back.
Samsonov, cool. Hopefully he can produce and not end up a slightly more skillful Oleg Petrov. Johnson, excellent, just the type of player we need. And Zedder's gone. I knew he would be. Back to Washington. Sucks to be him, I doubt he'll be around by the time they get good. If he gets to play with Ovechkin, maybe he can get his game back.