NHL: Player News and Rumors (Thread finished)

[Teflon Billy]

Penguins going Canadian?
A newspaper in Pittsburgh is reporting the favourite in the race to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins has emerged from north of the border.

Jim Balsillie, chairman and co-CEO of Research in Motion, a company based in Waterloo, is the leading the chase to take control of the Penguins' franchise according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Balsillie nearly signed a letter of intent to buy the team in July but decided against it when he realized how difficult it would be to move the franchise to Hamilton.

It still isn't clear whether Balsillie will try to move the Penguins if he does take control of the ailing franchise.

Man, I would love that

I don't think any city in Canada (except maybe Halifax) deserves a NHL Franchise as much as Hamilton.

Hell, the CBC had a TV drama (Power play) about the fictional Hamilton Steelheads awhile back.

 

[Knightfall]

Lehtinen inks extension with Stars
Canadian Press
9/16/2006 10:46:12 AM

DALLAS (CP) - The Dallas Stars signed right-winger Jere Lehtinen to a two-year, US$8-million contract, the NHL team announced Saturday.

The new deal will keep Lehtinen under contract with Dallas through the 2008-'09 campaign.

"Jere has been a model of professionalism throughout his career," Stars general manager Doug Armstrong said in a statement. "He is one of the best two-way forwards in the game.

"Consistency and honesty are Jere's trademarks and he brings them to the rink every day. We're very excited to sign him to this contract extension."

Lehtinen has led Dallas in goals scored two of the last three seasons and has captured the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the league's best defensive forward three times, just one of three players to capture that award three or more times (the others are Bob Gainey and Guy Carbonneau).

Lehtinen, 33, of Espoo, Finland, has scored 20 or more goals six times in his NHL career and twice has been named to the league's all-star game.

Lehtinen was Dallas' fourth round selection (88th overall) in the 1992 NHL entry draft. He has appeared in 648 career NHL games, all with Dallas. He has registered 393 points, including 190 goals. He was a member of the Stars' Stanley Cup-winning team in 1999.

 

[Knightfall]

Sabres unveil new look for '06
Sportsnet.ca News
September 16, 2006

The new Sabres new uniform, unveiled on September 16, 2006, takes its inspiration from the original Sabres uniform (1971-96) and second uniform (1996-2005).

The design was a collaborative effort between the Sabres and Reebok International. The new 'blue and gold' colors have been altered to a deeper navy blue and richer gold that have a greater visual impact both in person and on television broadcasts.

Silver accents and a revised 'B-Sabre' logo were carried over from the team’s second uniform.

Unique in the NHL, the new uniforms also have player numbers on the front of the jersey and have been designed utilizing the most advanced material available from Reebok. Buffalo's new alternate jersey is the original blue uniform from the 1970s.

 

[devilbat]

Man, I would love that

I don't think any city in Canada (except maybe Halifax) deserves a NHL Franchise as much as Hamilton.

Ahem....

I don't know about deserving an NHL franchise, but there a few of us around here that think Winnipeg should get ours back. Yep, it's a pipe dream, but it's a nice one.

Teemu Selanne loves this town. Ed Jovonovski was recently quoted as saying Winnipeg should be in the league. Ok, Jagr really hated visiting here, but who really cares what someone named Jaromir thinks?

 

[Teflon Billy]

Ahem....

I don't know about deserving an NHL franchise, but there a few of us around here that think Winnipeg should get ours back. Yep, it's a pipe dream, but it's a nice one.

I would like to see Winnipeg get one back, but the truth is, you all had one already...and the interest wasn't there.

I recall the games being poorly attended, and enthusiasm being low enough that local interests couldn;t be brought on board as partners.

What I'm saying is Winnipeg had their shot already. I'd like to see Hamilton and Halifax get a turn (I boggle to think of the levels of support Maritimers would throw behind The Halifax Highlanders or whatever)

Teemu Selanne loves this town. Ed Jovonovski was recently quoted as saying Winnipeg should be in the league.

Jovanovski ws also quoted as saying that teams needed to "give 110%" and "Play one shift at a time" and "just do the things that they have to do to have success".

I love Ed as a d-man, but interviews with him were excruciating for their by-the-book qualities

If someone asked him if he thought Winnipeg should have a team, he probably would've said yes even if he had no idea where Winnipeg was.

Ok, Jagr really hated visiting here, but who really cares what someone named Jaromir thinks?

Heh

 

[Knightfall]

Krajicek ready to impress Canucks
Canadian Press
9/16/2006 4:33:16 PM

VERNON, B.C. (CP) - Being traded to the Vancouver Canucks was a rude awakening for defenceman Lukas Krajicek.

Literally.

Krajicek was at home in Prostejov, Czech Republic, when he learned he was part of the blockbuster deal that sent goaltender Roberto Luongo to Vancouver for forward Todd Bertuzzi, defenceman Bryan Allen and goalie Alex Auld.

"I woke up about five in the morning and my dad told me I was traded," Krajicek said before taking the ice on Saturday's second day of the Canucks training camp. "It was kind of weird.

"I was surprised and kind of happy. There is a much bigger chance to play in the playoffs here than in Florida."

Krajicek sometimes is the forgotten man in Vancouver's biggest trade in seven years. An offensive defenceman with just 90 NHL games to his credit, Krajicek could play an important role as the Canucks try to rebuild after a disastrous season which saw them miss the playoff for the first time in five years.

Of the six regular starting defenceman on last year's roster, only veterans Sami Salo and Mattias Ohlund are returning. Both missed games last year with injuries suffered at the Olympics.

Besides Allen being dealt to Florida, all-star Ed Jovanovski signed as a free agent in Phoenix and Nolan Baumgartner went to Philadelphia.

In an attempt to strengthen their defence, the Canucks signed free-agent Willie Mitchell. They also have promising rookie Luc Bourdon and Krajicek.

If new coach Alain Vigneault has any concerns about his defence he hides it behind a curtain of optimism.

"The two guys that are coming back in Salo and Ohlund are great players that log a lot of minutes," said Vigneault, who replaced the fired Marc Crawford. "Willie Mitchell is a very classy player.

"He comes to work, puts his work boots on and does his best. I think everything is going to fall into place. We don't have a lot of returning guys. We have a couple of good young guys and we're going to mix them with good quality veterans. It's going to work out fine."

Krajicek, 23, has already been pencilled in as one of the Canucks top four defenceman. He know his play on the ice will determine if his name is eventually written in ink.

"Pencilled in is one thing," said Krajicek, who signed a one-year, US$625,000 deal. "If it is going to be true I would like it. It would be a dream.

"There are still some games we have to play before the start of the season so I can show what I can do."

Canuck general manager Dave Nonis said he wanted Krajicek because of his youth and offensive potential.

"He should put up more numbers as he gets more experience because of his skill," said Nonis. "He's a very good passer and he can jump up into the play as good as anybody.

"He will continue to get better and better."

At six foot two, and 192 pounds, Krajicek isn't imposing on the ice. One of the criticisms against him is he doesn't play a physical game.

"I think the (new) rules help me a little bit," he said. "I was never a player that would look for the big hit. I try to play the smart game."

Krajicek left the Czech Republic to play junior hockey with the OHL's Peterborough Petes. He made the all-rookie team in 2001 and was a first-team all-star in 2003.

"My agent told me I would have a bigger chance to play in the NHL because the scouts watch the games a lot more here," Krajicek said.

Florida chose him 24th overall in the 2001 draft. Last year he played 62 games with the Panthers, scoring two goals, collecting 14 assists and 50 penalty minutes.

Luongo had the best seat in the house many nights to watch Krajicek work.

"He's a very offensive-minded defenceman," said Luongo. "He's got good skills and can move the puck really well. I think he can play on the power play.

"Last year was his first full season in the NHL and I think he did a lot of growing. I hope he shows up to camp really confident and shows his ability."

After spending the last year in the sun and surf of Florida, Krajicek is looking forward to playing in a hockey environment.

"It's not much about hockey there, it's weird," he said about Florida. "You put your shorts on very day and go it the rink.

"The atmosphere here, you can feel it more. It's Canada. It's a hockey world here. I'm just happy to be here."

 

[Knightfall]

Pre-Season!!!

NHL returns to Winnipeg on Sunday
Canadian Press
9/16/2006 7:16:51 PM

(CP) - Edmonton has made a radical roster makeover since getting to within one win of hoisting the Stanley Cup last spring, and the reconfigured Oilers make their debut Sunday night.

They'll face the Phoenix Coyotes in Winnipeg in one of four pre-season NHL openers.

Elsewhere, the Florida Panthers are at the Calgary Flames, the Nashville Predators are at the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Boston Bruins skate against the New Jersey Devils in Lowell, Mass.

The Oilers are convinced they're on the right path.

"I think we're better," says veteran Oilers forward Ethan Moreau. "We lost a couple of guys but we're a better team.

"The reason we're better is the guys have so much confidence from last year. We'll see."

Fact is, they've lost a lot more than "a couple of guys" - chief among them big defenceman Chris Pronger and pesky forward Mike Peca. There are a lot of openings. Big Russian winger Alex Mikhnov, Czech blue-liner Ladislav Smid and crafty American centre Rob Schremp are prime candidates.

Veterans to wear Oilers colours in Winnipeg will be Moreau, Jason Smith, Raffi Torres, Jarrett Stoll, Marty Reasoner, Steve Staios, Brad Winchester and newly-acquired defenceman Daniel Tjarnqvist.

There will be plenty of new faces during the exhibitions because league rules stipulate that each team need dress only eight veterans.

Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky has taken captain Shane Doan, Jeremy Roenick, Ed Jovanovski, Derek Morris, Owen Nolan, Nick Boynton and former Oilers Mike Comrie and Georges Laraque to Winnipeg.

Gretzky doesn't intend to use goaltender Curtis Joseph right off the bat, so fans in the 'Peg shouldn't expect to see Cujo step onto the ice.

Because Winnipeg was home to the franchise from 1979 to 1996, the 15,015-seat MTS Centre will be filled to capacity. Doan was eager to get there.

"The Winnipeg franchise gave me the opportunity to play in the NHL and that is something very special to me," said Doan, who was drafted seventh overall by the Jets in 1995. "You never forget your first team and your first games that you played.

"My first game was against the Dallas Stars in Winnipeg and I'll never forget that. A lot of the players coming into the league now don't remember the Jets because it's been a few years now and to be able to say that you played there is certainly something special and something I'm proud of."

In Calgary, new head coach Jim Playfair says that having only two days of workouts before the first exhibition game is no problem.

"If you look at the players we have coming into camp nowadays, they're in such top shape," he said. "They come in with great (fitness test) numbers, they get a couple of practices under their belts and they're ready to go."

Former Flames Joe Nieuwendyk and Gary Roberts are expected to be in Florida's lineup Sunday night.

New Flames left-winger Alex Tanguay will wear No. 40 instead of the No. 18 he wore in Colorado. Matthew Lombardi has had the 18 in Calgary so Tanguay doesn't mind switching back to the 40 he wore when the Avs won the Stanley Cup five years ago.

The Panthers also play in Edmonton on Monday night, and Todd Bertuzzi and Ed Belfour will likely play their first games with their new team.

The Toronto Maple Leafs also open Monday - at home against the Buffalo Sabres, who'll be sporting new logos and uniforms. Leafs fans should get their first look at new No. 1 goalie Andrew Raycroft.

Ottawa plays its first pre-season game against Pittsburgh at Halifax on Tuesday, and Nova Scotians will be eager to welcome home Penguins star Sidney Crosby.

Rookie centre Alexei Kaigorodov will be the centre of attention during the Senators' pre-season as he tries to prove he's capable of fulfilling the club's hope that he can skate on a line with captain Daniel Alfredsson.

Montreal enters the fray at home against Boston on Tuesday.

Injuries are already a factor in determining lineups for the exhibitions.

Nashville won't have Paul Kariya or David Legwand in the early going. Kariya has a strained hamstring from lifting weights, and Legwand continues rehab on a sore knee.

New Jersey won't use John Madden (groin) and Jim Dowd (shoulder) on Sunday, and leading scorer Brian Gionta remains unsigned.

The New York Rangers open at New Jersey on Tuesday, and Devils fans shouldn't expect to see Jaromir Jagr. The Rangers star had surgery on his left shoulder four months ago and coach Tom Renney has been holding him out of camp scrimmages.

 

[devilbat]

I would like to see Winnipeg get one back, but the truth is, you all had one already...and the interest wasn't there.

I recall the games being poorly attended, and enthusiasm being low enough that local interests couldn;t be brought on board as partners.

What I'm saying is Winnipeg had their shot already. I'd like to see Hamilton and Halifax get a turn (I boggle to think of the levels of support Maritimers would throw behind The Halifax Highlanders or whatever

I don't disagree with you on your points TB, but I will play a little devils advocate...

Yes, Winnipeg had a team, didn't support it, and lost it. Exactly like Atlanta, Minnesota, Colorado and Ottawa did. Three of those cities were later awarded expansion franchises, and the fourth was allowed to relocate an existing team. All have had success since the arrivals of their second generation, NHL club.

When word went out that the team was being transferred, there was plenty of enthusiasm, and a huge "save the Jets" grassroots endeavor was attempted. Local interest, including our richest families the Richardsons and ther Aspers attempted to get involved. Sadly it was too little too late, and the NHL, i.e. Gary Bettman, wanted out of Winnipeg in a bad way.

I highly doubt that Hamilton will ever get a NHL team, because the process would have to include the owners of the Leafs and the Sabrees giving their OK. Buffalo will likely never let that happen, as they generrate beaucoup dollars through Hamilton. Also, Hamilton's arena is far less then suitable for a NHL team. Yes one can be buitl, but would it?

Halifax, with a population of 380,000 is too small for the NHL. One of the biggest things going against Winnipeg is our population base being to small to support the NHL. Our population of Winnipeg and surrounding area is at approx 700k. Let's say the did get a club though. Do you really think the Maritimers would support a losing, expansion team, who'se tickets would cost roughly between $50 - $200 a game?

In the end, it's a mut point. Winnipeg and Halifax won't ever be getting a team, and it's unlikely Hamilton will either. Winnipeg cannot or will not support a sport where tickets are $50-$200, and will always be a team that can't afford to keep it's top players, even in the days of a salary cap.

 

[Knightfall]

Nabokov, Toskala still vying for top spot
Associated Press
9/17/2006 12:39:49 AM

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Vesa Toskala spent most of the off-season on his new boat, peacefully cruising Finland's lakes.

The goaltender then returned to his day job this week in San Jose, where the situation isn't nearly as idyllic.

After leading the Sharks into the playoffs last season during the first sustained playing time of his NHL career, Toskala is back in competition with veteran incumbent Evgeni Nabokov for the starting job in San Jose.

The situation would be even more uncomfortable if the two goalies weren't longtime friends. Toskala and Nabokov both feel they deserve to be the Sharks' starter, and unless general manager Doug Wilson swings a trade, one will be unhappy when the regular season begins for the Sharks on Oct. 5.

"Everybody playing in this league wants to be a No. 1 goalie," Toskala said. "There are lots of rumours flying around, but it's not in my control what's going to happen.

"I'm happy to be a Shark, and I hope I stay here."

So does Nabokov, who has been steadily outstanding since winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in 2001. After signing a US$21.5-million, four-year contract extension last February, Nabokov figured he had a long-term future in San Jose. When Nabokov struggled after returning from the Olympics, Toskala seized the job with three remarkable months of play.

"It's always a competition," Nabokov said. "If you don't have competition, it's trouble.

"It's never going to be a free ride in this league. I don't pay attention to what the rumours are. Doug will do whatever he needs to do, and I'll keep playing."

Wilson has been understandably coy about his plans to clear this logjam. Ottawa and Detroit were among the clubs who spoke to Wilson about deals for either goalie, but Wilson didn't pull the trigger during the summer. Now he'll probably have to wait until another team's goalie gets hurt or struggles.

"I've always said it's a great problem to have," Wilson said on the Sharks' first day of training camp. "We're just zeroed in on not having too many distractions.

"They're very professional, and we'll go from there. We have such great depth, which very few teams have."

The Sharks' decision also affects Nolan Schaefer, the next goalie in the Sharks' seemingly inexhaustible pipeline. Schaefer, a Saskatchewan native, won five straight games for San Jose last season in limited action, and seems ready to be a full-time backup.

Nabokov starred for Russia at the Olympics after signing his extension with San Jose, but Toskala also got a new US$2.75-million, two-year contract in February. When Nabokov got hurt in his return from Turin, Toskala seized the starting job with a 17-2-2 run while San Jose chased a playoff spot.

"That was the first time I really proved that I can play every day," said Toskala, who finished ninth in the NHL with a 2.56 goals-against average. "Of course it built my confidence."

The Sharks are no strangers to this dilemma, thanks to their remarkable record of developing goalies under coach Warren Strelow, who is back in Sharks camp this fall after health problems kept him confined to his home in Minnesota last season.

Three years ago, Wilson traded Nabokov's backup, Miikka Kiprusoff, even though he knew he was dealing a likely superstar-in-waiting. Kiprusoff then led the Calgary Flames past San Jose in the 2004 Western Conference final before winning last season's Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender.

Wilson had faith in Nabokov, and he also knew Toskala, drafted one round ahead of Kiprusoff in 1995, had the makings of another starter.

"Me and Vesa, we always have a great time together," Nabokov said. "We always understand that whatever is happening on the ice, it can't affect what's happening off the ice.

"We're still going to be friends."

 

[Knightfall]

Wild expecting offence from their defence
Associated Press
9/17/2006 12:43:01 AM

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Minnesota Wild have always put defence first, but with the trio of Keith Carney, Kim Johnsson and Petteri Nummelin joining the club, the defence is expected to contribute more offensively this season.

Carney is known as a tough, stay-at-home defenceman who can play a lot of minutes; Johnsson is a strong puck handler who can lead a team's transition and quarterback the power play; and Nummelin brings experience and scoring punch from Europe.

"This might be the best squad we've ever had defensively and offensively. What we might have been lacking in the past, our all-around game defensively is going to be better," goaltender Manny Fernandez said after Saturday's practice at Parade Ice Garden.

Last year, the Wild ranked 23rd in scoring from the blue-line. So in the off-season, president/general manager Doug Risebrough said the team looked for "smart hockey players that can play both ways."

It looks like that's what they got.

Carney, 36, finished with two goals and 16 assists last year, appearing in 61 games for Anaheim and 18 with Vancouver. Entering his 15th season, Carney has 200 career points, including 40 goals in 877 NHL games.

Johnsson, 30, was named the Philadelphia Flyers most outstanding defenceman in 2003-04. He also was the top scoring defenceman for Philadelphia the two prior years. Last year, he scored 25 points in 47 games before post-concussion symptoms kept him off the ice.

"I've been good since May. It feels good to be out there and be among the guys again," he said.

Nummelin, 33, has spent the past five years in the Swiss League, amassing 232 points in 199 games, including 45 in 38 games last season. The five-foot-10 Nummelin, who played on the Finnish Olympic team, may be considered small, but Risebrough said he's got a strong shot and sees the ice extremely well.

"We need guys that can bring the puck out and make good plays and good first passes," said Fernandez. "I'm not saying that the guys we had here couldn't do that, but now we've got offensive-minded defenceman, or one-step ahead guys, that can see a lot of the play offensively and know the right place to be at the right time. Hopefully, that gets us out of our zone quicker."

The Wild hope that a quicker transition game can use the speed of a Marian Gaborik or Pavol Demitra to result in better scoring chances.

"I don't think we'll win 7-6, but we need to start winning the one-goal games and I think we've made the right steps towards doing that," said defenceman Brent Burns. Minnesota lost 28 one-goal games last season.

The threesome may also be a group that younger players, such as Burns and Kurtis Foster, can look to for advice.

"I've been fortunate to play with some great players and have learned from some very good defenceman. I just hope that through my play and some of my experience I can help out any way I can," Carney said.

Burns could benefit the most from his newest teammates. After splitting last year between forward and defence, he entered camp knowing he would play on the blue-line.

"I've been playing with Carney for two days and it doesn't look like he has to work hard. He doesn't panic ever, he's just so smart and knows the game so well and he reads the play well. Johnsson is so good offensively with the puck," he said. "It's good to watch those two guys to learn the tendencies of their games and incorporate them into mine."

Minnesota opens the pre-season against Detroit at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Xcel Energy Center.