Incorrect.

he's in jail?

Wendell Clark:)

Not yet but he was charged with assult days before the draft....beat up some kid at a party.

Bingo. Clark was primarily a defenceman in his junior days.

(P.S. "Wendell"? What kind of Leaf fan can't spell his freaking name?)

Bye, bye, Matty. Too bad Fistric won't have his experience. :(

Well...i usually call him Wendy :D

Sach...If the Stars are thin on D...why let Matvichuk go?

Someone wake up JFJ...i think he fell asleep waiting for the 90th:)

he sounds definitely too tough for the Avs.

He's had a couple of pretty bad years. I don't think they trust him much anymore, and for his price they don't seem to think he's worth it. If he has a stalwart d-man next to him, he'll be a bargin. In Colorado with Blake, or Detroit with Hatcher, well be wishing her was still here. But, I'm used to it. Can't keep the team together forever.

How much does he want?

Don't know yet. Probably not much more than 1.5, but they must think that's too much. Maybe they'll wait and see what sort of nibbles he's getting.

Sounds like he may be a good partner for Ken klee:)

Darft Dodger, any word on the Adam Foote front? Word is he may be headed to the Leafs.

The 1st problem is they suck ass at drafting in general. They need more young defensemen more than yet another winger to go along with the glut of forwards in the minors.

They haven't signed Vanek because he wanted to stay at Minnesota last year and why sign him yet with the CBA clusterfuck going on? He's better off spending his junior year at Minnesota than in the AHL with a lockout going on IMO.

I don't really see him going to Colorado. They've got several guys similar to him in style (Foote, Skraskins, Vannanen) - defensive guys without a lot of offensive punch. If the Avs need anything on the blueline, it's more scoring punch...like, oh, I don't know, a Derek Morris type. :rolleyes: Blake and Liles are both capable, but neither one could hit the net in the playoffs (granted, Blake was hurt in the 2nd half, derailing his Norris bid, but it was still a pretty dramatic dropoff).

the Avs need forwards. Selanne, Kariya & Nikolishin are all gone, and Forsberg of course is possibly gone too. Not a ton of talent on the horizon either...

no, but being about 2,000 miles away from Denver, I don't hear a lot of those rumors. Wouldn't surprise me though (see above post).
:D

http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=1829596
looks like the proposed rule changes (some of them quite quirky) are going on the shelf.

I'll go out on a limb and say not too many people got this one right.

Bonk traded to the Canadiens

You'll have to give me updates once he starts playing in Minnesota.

No doubt. A bargain at $2.5 million. ;)

Three way trade that brings Bonk to Montreal. I'm surprised as I didn't think Bonk was a Gainey type of player.

As per usual, some Flames fans are pissed that the Flames haven't gone for "obvious skill" with their first pick. Sutter obviously has a plan and since Button became head scout we've done fairly well so I'm not about to question players I've never seen play.

The real surprise is Oilers taking Dubnyk over Schwartz. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future.

Franchise values dropping...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...NStory/Sports/

Just say no... to a luxury tax...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...NStory/Sports/

Wow. Five posts in a row... ;) Quintuple dola?

Sorry Chub, that is not the story, Vanek would have left if the $ were right, Buffalo has a history of doing that(ie, they are cheap).

The reason for signing him? Would you rather have him in the AHL ready to go if and when there is a settlement, or playing in Minnesota?

Another year in College was a good decision, he defensively lacked the skills to play in the pros, and this gave him another year to also grow and mature. Offensively this kid makes all the moves, he's electric, excellent move to the net, exceptional passing skills, skates great and has size.

If you've bothered to read any articles on ESPN.com or The Buffalo News you'd know they haven't even offered A contract. The last articles I saw were talking about how they were "talking" but Vanek was quoted as not being offered a contract.

I think they would rather have him in Minnesota much like they had Miller stay at Michigan St.

He also plays against college kids, remember that. I'm not saying he won't be a stud, I hope he is.

Yes, that's right, they haven't even tried to sign him, yet if you had read it a few weeks ago, the GM made it sound like they were going to. They are CHEAP! You are getting the Sabre spin through these articles, from what I've heard, Vanek wants to go, but he isn't not going to sign for less then what Parise got.

I know he is playing against college kids, but it's a man among boys kind of deal offensively, he's ready to take the next step, but, we will gladly keep him for another year.

Just a rumour that's floating around here, but apparently Conroy has rejected a $6.75 million/3 year deal. Sutter's track record so far indicates he doesn't negotiate with UFAs. He offers them a deal, it's on the table and after a while it will be off. RFAs are more crucial to this team and that's where Sutter will spend the time negotiating.

If Conroy rejected that, he is a fool. I will be absolutely amazed if he gets more than that from anyone.

I'm sure you being from Minnesota has no bearing on your mistaken opinion now does it? ;)

How can you try to sign someone without offering a contract? It has nothing to do with being cheap. I wouldn't say ESPN.com puts a Sabre spin on anything. Jim Kelley certainly doesn't suck up to them either.

Who? You mean Paille? I don't blame Vanek for wanting as much as Paille, he deserves it. You're certainly not going to hear me bash Vanek. Are the Sabres free spending? Nope. Are they cheap? I don't consider them cheap under Golisano. They are still fighting that stigma that they rightfully earned under the idiot Rigas'.

Vanek likely to turn pro
BY BRUCE BROTHERS
Pioneer Press

Gophers hockey star Thomas Vanek is as good as gone.

Vanek, a two-year scoring phenom at the University of Minnesota who was a first-round draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres last June, reportedly has begun negotiations and is expected to sign a pro contract with the Sabres in the near future.

The 6-foot-2, 207-pound left wing from Austria led the Gophers in scoring as a freshman and a sophomore and was selected the most outstanding player of the Frozen Four when he led Minnesota to its second consecutive NCAA championship in 2003.

Sabres general manager Darcy Regier told the Associated Press he has had preliminary talks with Vanek's advisers, and said he believes Vanek, 20, is up to the challenge of pro hockey.

"I think you can always accomplish more no matter where you are. But I think there's another question and that's, 'Is there another step he's ready to make?' " Regier said. "And certainly I think he's ready to play at the American Hockey League level, and maybe even at the National Hockey League level."

The AHL affiliate of Buffalo, which drafted Vanek fifth overall last June, is the Rochester Americans.

Gophers coach Don Lucia, although he's not a believer of anyone leaving college to play minor league hockey, has always encouraged his players to take the big money if it's offered.

"I think it all boils down to is if Buffalo wants to sign him," Lucia told the AP. "And if they do in fact want to sign him, what kind of contract are they willing to give him to have him leave school?"

Vanek led all freshmen in scoring with 62 points in his first season and has 57 goals and 56 assists for 113 points in 83 games for the Gophers.

That article is from early June Chubby and being from Minnesota, I'm biased to a certain point, like I said, I'd love for him to play another season for the Gophers.

I'm also talking about Parise, NJ signed him right after the college season for the max possible, that is what Vanek is going to want.

"Sabres general manager Darcy Regier told the Associated Press he has had preliminary talks with Vanek's advisers, and said he believes Vanek, 20, is up to the challenge of pro hockey. "

Pre-lim talks, exactly like I said. They haven't offered a contract. "Likely" is the key word, the fact that you are Gopher supporter obviously clouds your judgement. If Vanek was so can't-miss he wouldn't have dropped off in production his sophomore year now would he? ;)

Nothing in that article shows Buffalo as cheap. There's been no contract offered. For all we know Vanek could be asking for some insane salary and bonuses, who knows. The Sabres are very tightlipped in regards to contracts anyways.

The fact that there are some talks going on seems to have given all the Gopher fans reason to think that he'll be gone the next day. Sabres don't work that way, nothing to do with being cheap.

Ahh ok, I heard about him. Thought you were talking about Paille who the Sabres just signed otherwise they would have lost his rights.

Comparing the Sabres to the Devils financially is foolish. I'm not saying Vanek doesn't deserve that kind of money but people need to realize that the Sabres don't have the $ that the Devils and some others do. You can't compare how much Colorado offers a guy to how much Edmonton offers someone. They aren't playing under the same rules.

That being said, Vanek will be signed. At this point it doesn't matter if they take their time or not. There's not going to be any NHL games for him to play in for a while. Personally, I'd rather see him in Minnesota another season if the NHL labor thing drags out.

So, because you're a Sabre supporter doesn't cloud your thinking?

Tell me, how many games have you seen Vanek play? I'm not some guy that tunes in a few games Chubby, I watch alot of hockey and go to alot of games, when someone is that good, even I can usually tell.

We'll just have to agree to disagree I guess about Sabre management, I think history is on my side, but YMMV.

You would rather see him play another season in the NCAA then playing in the AHL when/if the lockout is ended? If it was my favorite NHL team, I'd have to disagree with that thinking, again YMMV.

I said earlier you have history on your side. I also said I don't think Golisano is the same way as Rigas was.


I would. Even if it means I wouldn't get the chance to watch him 40+ times a year (he'd play here in Rochester). I'll use Miller as an example. He played 3 seasons at Michigan St then came here to Rochester and tore it up. Where'd that get him? A quick call-up to Buffalo where he's been hit or miss.

Vanek will not want to play more than a year in Rochester (AHL) and the Sabres won't want him to either if they are shelling out big $ to him. So yes, I'd much rather him develop more in college THEN play a season in the AHL before he goes to Buffalo instead of him playing this year in the AHL (where he won't get as much time as a normal season because of the lockout) then going to Buffalo next season. Another year of development is good for any prospect IMO.

The knock on Vanek is that he takes plays off, correct? It's been a while since I really looked into him so I'm not quite sure if I remember correctly. His numbers dropped last year at Minnesota. Now this may have been because his supporting cast wasn't as good, I don't know, you'd know better than I. But if he has the potential everyone says he does, I want him to be consistent NOT another Miro.

wow - Lalime to the Blues for a 4th round pick.

personally, I really like Lalime. Honestly, I'd much rather have him be the goalie for my team than Hasek. He needed a change of scenery though, and the Blues really make out because of this.

The Blues have secured the present, near present and future in goal. I think it was a good draft for St. Louis.

dola...

Hasek and Lalime have identical .930 save percentages in the playoffs...and Lalime has a better GAA.

Have any of you read the book "Net Worth" by Cruise and Griffiths circa 1992?

I remember it being all the rage back then and I always meant to pick up a copy. I finally purchused a used one off of Amazon because it is out of print.

It's quite shocking. The NHL has been easily the most backward and corrupt sports league in North America. For the better part of a century the league was a monopoly ran by the Norris and Smythe families and their minions such as Jack Adams and Clarence Campbell. The players were treated basically no better than cattle. And attempts to improve their situation, such as not wanting to play on Christmas was met with personal humiliation and possible retaliatory action such as permanent demotion. The owners and general managers were all in collusion to ensure player advances didn't occur. Meanwhile, they cooked the books to make it appear that player salaries were making hockey an unprofitable venture. It is little wonder players do not trust the owners.

I was also shocked to hear about the amount of interest in the US. Places like Louisiana and Florida were interested in hockey. In 1957, CBS had just offered the AFL a $26 million TV contract and was looking to offer the NHL a similar type deal. The owners were stuck in the 1930s and refused arguing about the difficulty in creating schedules, travel and dilution of talent. Among the minimal TV the NHL had, camera crues were bribed to take the night off instead of having to pay for a full broadcast. When TV networks asked to remove seats for better sight lines, the owners refused. Meanwhile, the other three sports were doing everything to accomodate television.

A fascinating read if you manage to get a copy.

The NHL has created all of the problems that are coming home to roost now. The current regime may not have done it, but it demonstrates how bad decisions over time have unintended consequences.

His production went down because of injury, and because he was the most shadowed player on the Minnesota roster and the players he played with were not able to put the puck in the net on his passes. Another factor is, every team that the Gophers played this season were out there to knock off the back to back Champs. Imagine the Yankees having to play Boston every game, that is what it is like for Minnesota hockey, every team in the WCHA wants to knock off Minnesota.

The knock on Vanek is defensive ability, plain and simple. Offensively, he's the only player to be out there as much as he wants, a rarity for a Lucia team.

Well, color me officially concerned about the Ducks now.

I knew management had given orders to drop the payroll from the $54.5 M (8th overall in NHL) last year, but apparently it's a pretty deep cut.

Gerber we all knew was going to go, because it just makes sense with Bryzgalov ready to back up Jiggy. But Havelid was a surprise. I think that's a big time indicator that some changes are going to happen.

Federov and Prospal will be making about $8 M less this year than last year, so the team payroll was down to $46 M before doing anything. But apparently that's not enough.

The team needs to decide on Carney's option this week, and will need to make qualifying offers to Vishnevsky, Salei and Neidermeyer as well to keep them. Right now, I'm not certain they will make any of those offers.

I have been considering the state of the team's defense, and it may not be so bad, as we still have Ozolinsh and Skoula for offensive blueliners, and I don't think we'll let more than one of Salei-Vishnevsky-Carney go (we really don't have any other options there). Plus, we have highly-regarded Popovic ready to play for a role, and we drafted Smid (although he's supposed to be not ready for the NHL in 2005-06).

Still, that lack of depth is scary to me. If we bring back Carney and let's say Vish, we have our front four set, but a bunch of rookies and never-turned-out well prospects to compete for the fifth thru seventh defensemen spots. Are we really going to be depending on Malek (the D-man we got from the Canes for Gerbs), and Foster (this guy who never seemed to turn out with the Thrashers) and Popovic (the rookie) to fill key defensive roles? And that's if we even bring back Carney and one of the other D-man--nothing is set yet on that.

But what really concerns me is on offense. We had troubles there as it was, and now it looks like we're shopping both Prospal and Sykora. :(

What are we going to get in return to make moving them worth it? It's a buyer's market out there, because everyone knows the teams with something to offer are looking to cut costs in case of a lockout. I'm afraid we're going to just throw these guys away to someone (much as we just did Havelid).

And if we move those guys, who do we keep to staff our lines? Federov, Rucchin and Pahlsson are fine vet centers, but we will have real problems on the wings. Ugh, it's not a great time to be a Ducks fan. I hope we can get a CBA that helps address some of the problems that have contributed to this situation.

CR

Damn, I just saw this on Sports Sunday. That's what I get for skipping this thread too many times.

What a pickup!!!!

Todd

Man, what is it with you guys and goalies who fold faster in the playoffs than cheap lawn furniture. First Turek, then Osgood, now Lalime. I'd say "Who next {insert name here}" but I can't come up with anyone that would sound like hyperbole when put up next to them.

Seriously, tho, that's a nice pickup for you bastards. Unlike the previous two, I think Lalime just had a bad game at a bad time but it's not habitual.

SI

I can. They should go get Cechmanik, especially now that the Kings think they have their goaltender of the future in Garon. :)

CR

Yeah, tell me about it... although I really like Lalime. Now we need to sign Brett Hull and Brendan Shanahan. :)


Todd

That'd give you what, a $80 million pay roll and you'd still get knocked out in the first round! ;)

It will be interesting to see if Lalime will be the answer to the Blues prayers. He backstopped some very solid Ottawa teams and wasn't able to take them anywhere...

Hull is a goner. There is still some talk of Shanahan sticking with the Wings. The Wings declined to exercise his $6.5 million option, but are trying to bring Shanny back at a lower salary level. Shanahan wants to stay in Detroit. He's been here for 8 years now. That said, I reckon he may try to test the free agent waters to see what there is to see. The Wings are close to bringing back Draper. Schneider as well. Datsyuk is an unrestricted free agent and apparently he and the Wings are "far apart" at the moment.

The Wings didn't have a draft pick until the 3rd round. I don't really have much to chime in on their picks. Maybe in a few more years. Apparently the Wings have all their picks for next year though!

Numbers can lie.

For one, Lalime's GAA is one of the most misleading stats in the league. He always played behind an excellent defensive team in Ottawa, and he did it during the dead puck era. So of course his GAA is excellent, and even his save percentage is inflated thanks to the lack of tough second shots he was facing. And keep in mind that a good chunk of his post-season numbers came during his excellent series in 2002 against a Flyer team that was imploding and trying to get its coach fired.

Beyond that, last season was more than an off-year for Lalime -- it was the year that teams figured him out. The knocks against him are numerous: he "plays small", he's a poor puckhandler, and he can be beaten high on either side off the rush. His downfall really started in the New Jersey series in 2003, when the Devils forwards were skilled enough to pick him apart.

What's worse, he's one of those goalies who has a knack for giving up the bad goal. He'll play a great game for 50 minutes, even stand on his head some nights, but when his team is down by a goal and pressing he'll break their backs by giving up a softie. Eventually his Ottawa teammates had just stopped trusting him.

The good news for Blues fans is that he's still a good goalie (not great, but good) and he came cheap. He's still young (most goalies don't hit their prime until they're over 30) and a change of scenery could do wonders for him.

So in summary, it's a good gamble by the Blues and the price was right. But he's far from an elite goalie and expectations of him should be kept reasonable.

I don't think he's an elite goalie either. but I still think he's a pretty darn good one, and better, at this point, than Hasek.

There's really no way to say whether he's better than Hasek, given that Hasek has only played 14 games in two years. But if I'm a team with Stanley Cup hopes this year, there's no doubt in my mind that I want Hasek in net, not Lalime.

I'd rather have Cujo than either of them.
*ducks*

seriously, I can't argue with the Sens dumping Lalime - even though I think he's a good goalie, there was enough doubt among players/fans that this was necessary (granted, I would think they could have done better than a 4th rounder, but it's hard when everyone in the league knows the guy's going to get traded).

I just don't really think that Hasek is the answer. He's old, and he hasn't played much lately. Personally, I thought that even in his Cup year, his play in the postseason was pretty uneven (6 shutoust and 5 4+ goal games). At best, he's prone to injury (or, worse, prone to faking injuries). And, although you certainly don't look to goalies to resolve clubhouse issues (they are the equivalent to heavy metal drummers - flakes), putting this borderline cancer on that fucked up team can't be a benefit (what, Tom Barrasso wasn't available? oh wait, they tried that already).

All I know is, I wouldn't want to see this guy on my team. 3 or 4 years ago? absolutely. Not anymore.

Nikolai Khabibulin

I guess the question is: If not Hasek, who? Who's realistically available who would be a better fit?

Kolzig would be, but we don't know what the Caps' asking price is. Belfour would be better if he becomes a FA, but apparently they didn't want to take any chances on that happening.

Other than those two, who could the Sens get that's better than Hasek?

Missing in this is Osgood....is Lalime a step up from him? A 4th rounder for a possible starting goalie is a steal though...in my books anyways.

Interesting thing i heard on the radio this morning......First was Roberts and Nieuwendyk signing with the Panthers...the 2nd rumour is both of them heading to Ottawa...Now that would upset the Leaf nation.

Strachen writes in todays paper that the Leafs and Kariya may be a good fit together too.....

Strachan thinks anybody would be a good fit in Toronto.. ;-) He's easily the most biased and erroneous hockey-writer I know of.

Don't get the Ottawa Sun, do you?

Nope.. just read SLAM :) I'm in Sweden you know.

I 100% agree.....but this one sorta made sense to me too....this scares me more than anything that i agree with Strachan.:D

Interesting tid bit from Brian Burke during the draft. He said in last year's draft, he tried to acquire Kiprusoff but he and Wilson could agree on "insurance" (the conditionals attached to the number of games played or lack thereof). Sutter acquired him for a 2nd round draft pick before Christmas. Burke said he's obviously like to have that deal back.

bbor > I'm wondering if Vancouver wouldn't an interesting alternative for Kariya as well. Naturally it comes down to money, but he's a BC-boy and the Canucks don't know what's going to happen with Bertuzzi.

NHLPA sympathizer, Larry Brooks, mad about Bettman's rejection of proposal but willingness to use portions of it as a measuring stick for GMs in dealing with this year's draft picks...
http://www.nypost.com/sports/23957.htm

Very interesting...

Payroll problems for St. Louis and Anaheim... lots of "cap" space for Atlanta...
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...NStory/Sports/

If Bettman thinks that's fair in any way, shape or form, he's insane.

Canucks would be another logical fit if they can afford it...I have no idea as to what Kariya is worth right now...he had a horrible season last year.Would you pay him 8 mil a year coming off that season?

I think any deal having him come to the Canucks would have to include his brother making the team also:D

That is as good a reason as any to say he is better than Hasek. At least he is not a headcase, and has no reputation for bailing on his team. He may have problems, but he sticks around and deals with them instead of leaving the country.

We already knew that though...did'nt we? :D

If there is a "dispersal draft", I will consider walking away from following the NHL indefinitely. That would be taking things to an outrageous extreme. They might as well just fold the entire league and start over.

A dispersal draft? Interesting idea -- but just plain nutty unless all the teams have been warned in advance.

I just don't see it working. Right now, today, there is no cap. If the league expects the teams to adhere to a non-existent cap this off-season, that's collusion. The dispersal idea is creative, but it would serve the purpose of instituting the cap right now, and the PA would be all over it. Besides, what about the players who wouldn't be taken in the draft? They just don't get to play anymore?

It seems as if there are only two options, assuming a cap does become reality eventually -- either you grandfather it, or you make all contracts voidable for a limited time to let teams escape bad deals.

Real negotiation won't actually take place until after Sept. 15th. I suspect it's a lot of bravado now, so far away from the deadline and that the final agreement will be a lot different than anyone expects.

A dispersal draft would kill my team, as the article suggests, at least at the levels ($31 M) suggested there. So obviously, I'm not a big fan of that.

CR

the Rangers would have to fold. They wouldn't even be able to put 20 guys on the ice. :D

See? Added bonus.

SI

Chief may be interested in this...

NHL to Investigate Mighty Ducks
AP - New York Visibly hot under the collar, Gary (Never Call Me "Napolean") Bettman, head poobah of the NHL, today issued a statement saying that the Mighty Ducks' actions at the Entry Draft this past Saturday were unprecedented and warrant a full-scale investigation. Citing the fact that the Ducks passed on Lauri Tukonen, Drew Stafford, A.J. Thelen and Marek Schwarz to pick Ladislav Smid, Bettman fumed, "Not even the Rangers could be that damned stupid." In fact, Bettman went on to criticize the Ducks' selection in each round with the exception of the 4th and 5th rounds.***

Bettman also noted that the Ducks were looking to unload Petr Sykora, Ruslan Salei, Vaclav Prospal, the Equipment Manager, the Assistant Equipment Manager and the only National Anthem singer in Southern California who knew ALL the words to both the Canadian and the American National Anthems.
Bettman also felt that the fact that the Ducks re-drafted Tim Brent---after expending a cumulative 45 minutes during the past two years trying to sign him---bolstered his conclusion that something more than typical NHL stupidity was involved.

He then quickly cut to the chase. "It's obvious that the Ducks will be lucky to win 9 games next season, assuming, of course, that the season starts in a timely fashion." (Interestingly, most hockey mavens expect that, after a prolonged work stoppage, there will only be an eleven-game season next year. Obviously, this does not include all the best-of-three playoff series.) "It's clear that the Ducks are trying to position themselves so that they will be in prime position to draft Sidney Crosby in the 2005 Entry Draft."

When asked if he had a response to the Commissioner's comments, Al Coates, the General Manager, Business Manager, Head of Food Sales and Interim Equipment Manager of the Might Ducks, said, "Who's Sidney Crosby?"

***the Ducks had no picks in either the 4th- or the 5th-round

Dallas acquires forward Jaroslav Svoboda from Carolina in exchange
for a fourth round draft pick in 2005



Isn't he that big kid?

lol...what's that from? Snopes? :)

Interesting theory actually, although I find it hard to believe a team with Jiggy and Federov could finish in last. Besides, they have a lottery now, don't they?

That's pretty funny, though.

CR

funny stuff. I've been wondering about Crosby...

1) if there's going to be a season to just tank it, this coming season would be the one. teams thinking about cutting salary in anticipation of a new salary cap, might be incented to cut even further, and get a chance at Crosby.

2) if there's NO season (and I don't think that will happen), does Washington get Crosby? do they do another lottery?

3) is Crosby really as good as they say he is? (sounds like it)

A frustrated Ducks fan posted it on a Flames message board. :)

I've only seen him at the World Junior Championship and he was very impressive for just turning 16. He was also the youngest player to ever score in the tournament.

I'm not really wild about Smid either, but I haven't checked to see who else was available at that point. Was he a reach for the ninth spot?

CR

Crosby's hype is nearly identical in breathlessness to that of Jason Spezza 4-5 years ago. And like Spezza, from everything I've seen, he's very very good.

I would argue that Spezza has already justified his #2 overall selection and will be a very solid NHLer for many years. But he will never be confused for Wayne Gretzky.

My hunch is that Crosby will turn out similarly. He'll go high, ease his way into a first-line role, and be a solid 70-90 point guy for most of his career. Solid, occasionally spectacular, maybe an MVP or two....but he won't be rewriting any record books.

In other words, he'll be a 21st century superstar. :)

Spezzas' skating will hold him back.Now mind you Gretz was never a great skater but back in his day the NHL was a lot slower than now.

Unless Spezza works real hard on his skating/conditioning(from what i hear he is) he will continue to be at the point he is at now.

Crosby is already a better skater than Spezza and i think he will be an over all better player..

IMHO.

Was Spezza really the most hyped in the last few years? The player I remember with the most hype surrounding him in recent memory was Vinny Lecavalier.

SI

Spezza was hyped since he was 15. I remember reading about him being drafted by the Missiuaga Icedogs.. and I'm in Sweden :).

He is without a doubt the best player I've ever seen at his age.

When he was at Shattuck, he was first line center, played PP and PK and he was only a freshmen. I've seen that done in normal HS settings, but not at Shattuck. Shattuck is a top flight private school with a midget hockey program. This kid had the kitchen sink thrown at him when he played there and he just never seem rattled, very composed for his age. If he can keep his feet on the ground he will be a spectacular NHL player.

A friend of mine who covers the NHL for a sports network asked them this exact question, and the official answer was "we don't know". I suspect the league has a plan in place, but won't comment publicly since that would amount to an admission that they don't expect there to be a season.

My guess would be another lottery, but keep in mind that if the work stoppage drags on there may not even be a 2005 draft. Drafts are covered in the CBA, so unless one is in place (or the players and owners can reach a separate agreement -- fat chance) there would be no draft.

I also read somewhere that if there was no season, but a CBA was reached prior to the draft, they would keep the same draft order for the most part, but would re-do the lottery. So there may be some changes in the top part of the order.

News from Ottawa: the Hasek deal is essentially done and will be announced tomorrow.

But here's some great news for Leaf fans: Matthew Barnaby, the Official Punching Bag of the Toronto Maple Leafs™, is apparently set to sign with the Sens.

That's right. In an effort to get tougher in order to beat Toronto, the Sens are ready to spend their limited free agent money on a guy who has been beaten to a pulp several times by virtually every Leaf player.

The apparent question that rises from these two announcements: Does Muckler know that there are other teams out there than Buffalo? Will anyone without a Sabres connection ever land in Ottawa?

Man...if Muckler could land Gil Perrault...Danny Gare...Rick Martin the Sens would be a definate contender:)

Dola....The Muckler picking up Sabres players reminds me alot of Riccardi picking up all the Oakland A's...and well...we see how that is turning out.

3.... 2.... 1.... and free agency is here!

(And in the final hours, the Leafs lockup Roberts, Niewy and Belfour! Woot!)

A couple of notes of interest about the Hawks. ESPN had them under their "Draft Winners" column, tho the article talks alot more about how they got character players and not how well they could do on the ice except for Barker. But, of course, the Hawks, never a team to have a silver lining without a cloud ("We did it because it's something we could." ?!? I could throw myself off a bridge but that doesn't make it a good idea):

Qualifying offers are two-way
The Blackhawks extended contract qualifying offers to Eric Daze, Jocelyn Thibault and Bryan Berard, but added a two-way stipulation on the vets, where if they were assigned to AHL Norfolk for say injury rehab, they'd receive a minor-league salary, which angered some who cited a lack of respect. Daze (back), Thibault (hip) and Berard (eye) have all been slowed by injuries in recent years. "Of course, it's disappointing," agent Bob Sauve told the Arlington Heights Daily Herald. "I wish it didn't happen, but nothing surprises me anymore in this league." Said general manager Bob Pulford: "We did it because it's something we could. Why not do it? If they're worried about playing in the minors, geez." Sauve indicated his clients Thibault and Daze would rather sign long-term if possible.

SI

Nice job by JFJ

Turek gives a big FU to the union. Are you listening Jarome?
http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgar...d-546991687586

That's pretty cool and good news for the Flames.

SI

I know this happened a while ago, but this is the most detailed report I've seen.

Poor Uncle Probie... For a while there, he was fantastic. The 87-88 season: 29 goals, 33 assists, 398 PIMs. Not too mention his performance in the playoffs that year: 16 games, 8 goals, 13 assists, 51 PIMs. What a force.

He's been troubled for a long while, but it seems as though he's hit rock bottom.

http://www.detnews.com/2004/wings/04...e01-200669.htm

Probert faces 3 felony charges
Ex-Wing is accused in Florida of battery and resisting officer

How far has former Red Wings player Bob Probert fallen?

When exhausted police in Delray Beach, Fla., finally subdued an enraged Probert with repeated jolts from a Taser gun on June 4, Probert was in his first day on the job as an attendant at a beach club.

All he had with him, according to police reports obtained by The Detroit News, was $37, and a Narcotics Anonymous key chain with a single key.

At the police lockup, Probert punched the cell’s walls and window, stripped and plunged his clothes into the cell’s toilet, the reports say. He told one police officer, “I’m going to get you,” and began chanting “red and white, red and white.”

Police took Probert to the Palm Beach County jail, where he was booked, photographed and fingerprinted.

On Wednesday, the Palm Beach State Attorney’s office formally filed four charges against Probert: battery on a police officer, resisting an officer with violence, threatening a public official (each a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine) and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

No trial date has been set. Probert’s attorney, Robert Gentile of Palm Beach, declined to be interviewed. Probert could not be reached. He is free on $5,000 bond.

For much of his 18-year career with the Wings and Chicago Blackhawks, Probert was one of the NHL’s toughest enforcers. But he became known for his off-ice battles with alcohol and cocaine.

In 1989 Probert was convicted of attempting to smuggle a small amount of cocaine across the border between Canada and Detroit, and he served six months in a federal prison in Minnesota. The NHL banned him for life but rescinded that decision late in the 1989-90 season after Probert underwent rehabilitation.

In the summer of 1994, days after he signed as a free agent with the Blackhawks, Probert crashed his motorcycle while under the influence of liquor and was suspended indefinitely by the NHL. He finally was allowed to return for the 1995-96 season.

He retired after the 2001-02 season and, according to the Chicago Tribune, immediately checked into a residential substance-abuse treatment program.

About five months ago, Probert, 39, began living in Delray Beach, Fla., a resort town on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Palm Beach County.

The manager of the Colony Hotel and Cabana Club there said Wednesday that Probert had worked for the hotel’s beach club for exactly one day.

Witness Jamie Bowers told police she went to the Colony Beach Club for a “Full Moon Party” on the night of June 4 and met Probert, who she said seemed very nice. Just after midnight, Probert offered to give her a ride since she had walked to the club from her home a block or two away.

Instead, according to police reports, she, Probert and another partygoer took a detour down Atlantic Avenue, Probert saying he wanted to buy drugs. Probert pulled the white BMW SUV over to the wrong side of the road to talk to some men and was hanging out the window, yelling at them angrily, when a police car drove by, made a U-turn and pulled up behind Probert’s vehicle.

Several bystanders yelled at police that Probert was there trying to buy drugs and to come get him, reports say. Before they could get there, Probert had leaped from his car and started chasing one of the bystanders, trying to fight him.

Police intercepted Probert and said he began to fight them. Officer Thomas Tolbert used an “arm bar take-down” to bring Probert to the ground but was completely ineffective. Tolbert then used “several peronial nerve strikes,” but those didn’t affect Probert, either, the police reports say. Two other officers were helping Tolbert but could not handcuff Probert.

Tolbert drew his M-26 Taser, told the other officers to clear, and fired the two barbs into Probert’s chest. He fell backward on the street and rolled onto his side during the five-second electrical burst. But when officers approached, Probert fought back to his feet. Tolbert gave him “several more touch stun shots,” and finally officers were able to cuff him.

At the lockup, police tried to treat Probert for a cut beside his right eye. But Probert wouldn’t permit it. He said, according to one report, “that he’d been cut plenty of times in his life and did not need to be tended to.”

Other Wings news. The Wings tied up Draper with a long term deal. They did not come to terms with Devereaux, Shanahan, or Schneider. They are allegedly close with Shanahan, but not with Schneider...

Some interesting names in the Unrestricted Free Agent Pool. It's sad to see LA give up on Deadmarsh and Allison. Together with Palfy, they made a great line. You can't blame the Kings though. The chance that either player will ever really be healthy enough to play consistent hockey again is very unlikely.

I am on the side of the Blackhawks on those contract offers, but it would mean a lot more if we did not know that they were cheap bastards all around. It would have been nice to see it as a principled stand, instead of the cheapskate move that it really is.

In reference to my previous post about the Ducks, they went ahead and offered qualifying offers to Vitaly Vishnevsky, Ruslan Salei and Rob Neidermayer, and worked out a deal with Andy McDonald. They also tried to work out a multi-year extension with Carney, and when that didn't work out, they picked up his option. They let Jason Krog, Cam Severson and Pete Schastlivy go with no qualifying offers.

So apparently it's not so fast on that fire sale. No way they keep all those players if that were the case. Of course, I'm crossing my fingers on that one.

CR