2006 NHL Offseason Thread

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

The Sabres have scheduled a press conference for 4pm today to discuss the new jersey design for the coming year.

I'm scared...really scared. {crosses fingers}Please have swords in the design!!!{/crosses fingers}

sort of good news, I guess.
They are still changing their jerseys (not yet "officially" unveiled, but sounds like it is indeed the nasty-ass buffaslug).

but they are using their original jerseys as a 3rd jersey for 15 games.

[NoSkillz]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

sort of good news, I guess.
They are still changing their jerseys (not yet "officially" unveiled, but sounds like it is indeed the nasty-ass buffaslug).

but they are using their original jerseys as a 3rd jersey for 15 games.

Well, I'm willing to give them time on this, even though the managing director said the DTC (Donald Trump Combover ) logo is indeed the one they're going with on the radio today.

He says that the leaked logo wasn't 'complete' and missing some wordmarks. He also said that swords WOULD be part of the finished product.

Buffalo fans can breathe a sigh of relief!

[TurnerONU22]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

Guys, I was serious here.

Pushor will be the 9th defenseman, so his official title (and has been for the past 2 years) is Crunch veteran. He'll be helping out down there, and the only reason he saw time in a CBJ uniform last year was because of terrible injuries to the blueline. Surprisingly, he didn't look half bad, but I hope to never see him up here again.

[Pyser]

the van ryn signing made me think of this...the defensive pairings the devils could have that were given away in deals/fa...meanwhile, we had klee and aleblein back there last year:

niedermeyer - commodore
van ryn - souray
willie mitchell - jason smith

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Pyser

willie mitchell - jason smith

Whoa there chummy. Leaf fans are the only ones allowed to play "sweet jesus, our defence would be so much better if we hadn't dealt away Jason Smith" card.

[Simms]

Hasek to the Wings, according to Kukla.

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by Simms

Hasek to the Wings, according to Kukla.

It's on ESPN.com too...

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Simms

Hasek to the Wings, according to Kukla.

so much for the cancer being in remission...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Simms

Hasek to the Wings, according to Kukla.

Hrmm....

I have to think on this. He won a Cup here, which is hard to overlook, but he has betrayed me too many times in the past. He's also old and has a wonky groin...

I need to see a salary before drawing any sort of significant conclusion.

[Draft Dodger]

it's still going to get a pretty big HAHA from me, even if he's playing just for free Icy Hot

[Draft Dodger]

btw, pretty nice locker room shift for the Wings - Yzerman and Shanahan for Hasek. Aces.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I have thought more on this. (These views are subject to change)

The Hasek Situation.

Is it ideal? No. Not at all. He's a 41 year old goalie who is a known headcase and has a wonky, brittle groin.

That said, while healthy last year he played pretty well in Ottawa. He had solid numbers and was a quality starter.

Also, what were our other options? Giguere and his wonky hip and large contract? Nabokov and his massive deal and wildly inconsistent performance? Toskala a young, good goalie who would've likely cost an arm and a leg to get via trade? Biron, a young, good goalie with zero playoff experience and some unknown trade value? I really thought Biron was the only viable option (Toskala's price always seemed too rich for the Wings' blood).

With Hasek, the situation is clear. He's the starter. Osgood is the capable back-up. Ozzie is a vet who is comfortable in the back-up role and played pretty well for the Wings in the same role last year.

If Hasek's groin gives, we still have Osgood and we can then see how Liv or Howard are doing in the minors. If they're doing well, we call one of them up. If not, the Hasek deal will likely give the Wings enough cap space to go out and trade for a starting goalie. I forget the exact rule, but if a player is on IR long enough, then some (or all) of his salary is no longer counted against the cap. Ottawa could have done the same last year and didn't. That's what sunk 'em.

Assuming Hasek's deal is comparable to the deal Belfour signed with Florida, all in all, it's not that bad of a move. It makes some sense. Hasek totally out played Belfour (when both were healthy) last year. Just look at the numbers.

Of all the 40+ year old goalies out there with injury problems, I'd say we've got the best one! That's gotta count for something...

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

btw, pretty nice locker room shift for the Wings - Yzerman and Shanahan for Hasek. Aces.

You're not wrong. Well, at least our starting goalie is spending the summer as Paris Hilton's new boy toy.

[MikeVic]

Umm... I haven't been paying attention much... but where's Manny Legace?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Umm... I haven't been paying attention much... but where's Manny Legace?

Still a man without a home. Apparently he's talking to St. Louis and New York (Islanders). There's no way he'd be the starter in New York, so maybe St. Louis is the better bet. They have Curtis Sanford, who played well, but Legace is more apt to challenge him for the #1 than he is DiPietro.

[Maple Leafs]

What's the deal with Legace? He seemed fine last year. He has one iffy playoff series and suddenly he's kryptonite?

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

What's the deal with Legace? He seemed fine last year. He has one iffy playoff series and suddenly he's kryptonite?

Lol, that's why I asked. It just hit me: "Wait, why is Detroit looking for a goalie??" I always liked Legace, so I don't understand how Hasek/Osgood is a better situation than Legace/anyone.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

You're not wrong. Well, at least our starting goalie is spending the summer as Paris Hilton's new boy toy.

but at least pretty boy seems to understand the season isn't supposed to end in February

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Lol, that's why I asked. It just hit me: "Wait, why is Detroit looking for a goalie??" I always liked Legace, so I don't understand how Hasek/Osgood is a better situation than Legace/anyone.

The team lost faith in Legace and, more improtantly, Legace lost faith in Legace. He was interviewed on Detroit Sports Radio about a month ago. He did not come off well. He sounded kind of pathetic and broken. It was really uncomfortable to listen to. I hope he rebounds. He also made a number of comments during the Edmonton series and afterwards that you just really don't want to hear coming from your starting goalie.

Legace wasn't solely to blame for the Wings' early playoff exit, but he certainly didn't make any game saving type saves. Not once. He was very average in the series. He had that knock on him going on and did nothing to disprove it.

So now, he's been saddled with a reputation as not being able to handle the pressures of playoff hockey. That's a tough reputation to shake and even more difficult to get a starting job (or starter's money) with that rep.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

The Hasek Situation.Is it ideal? No. Not at all. He's a 41 year old goalie who is a known headcase and has a wonky, brittle groin.

See 05-06 Atlanta Thrashers for how that whole wonky, brittle groin thing works out.

I might very well be proven wrong once the season begins but at this point I think there's about a zero percent chance I would have even paid min sal to sign Hasek.

Then again, nobody from Detroit called me to ask my opinion.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

See 05-06 Atlanta Thrashers for how that whole wonky, brittle groin thing works out.

I might very well be proven wrong once the season begins but at this point I think there's about a zero percent chance I would have even paid min sal to sign Hasek.

Then again, nobody from Detroit called me to ask my opinion.

Seeing all the particulars of the Hasek deal, I'm more convinced than before that this was a decent move. In particular:

"Hasek will get a low base salary of $750,000 next season and, more importantly, his entire $1 million bonus clause is based on playoff performance, which, if attained, can count against the following season's salary cap."

So, for this season, the Wings are on the hook for only $750k of salary. They have a decent amount of cap room left and should still have some after they re-sign Franzen and sign one of Carter, Sykora, or Rucinsky. Therefore, if Hasek's groin gives they will be able to go out and trade for a goalie. The biggest risk, of course, is if Hasek's groin goes out post-trade deadline. Yeah, the Wings will be in a tough spot but they have a solid 1(b) in Osgood and you have to hope that either Liv or Howard will, over the course of the season, develop into a 1(b) or 1(a) goalie.

Given the other options available, I'll take the gamble on Hasek.

[NoSkillz]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=173003&hubname=

The Sabres continue to spend money, signing Max Afinogenov to a 3 year, $10 Million deal.

Darcy Regier is doing an absolutely phenomenal job keeping this team together and I'm very impressed that they seem flexible with their budget.

They still have to sign Ryan Miller (who will get big dollars) and Dmitri Kalinin and I won't be surprised to see Dumont and Biron packaged together in a deal but the core of this team is set after they officially accept the Briere arbitration ruling this weekend.

After years of shady ownership and lackluster upper management, this team truly gets it now and it's refreshing as hell for fans like myself.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=173003&hubname=

The Sabres continue to spend money, signing Max Afinogenov to a 3 year, $10 Million deal.

Darcy Regier is doing an absolutely phenomenal job keeping this team together and I'm very impressed that they seem flexible with their budget.

They still have to sign Ryan Miller (who will get big dollars) and Dmitri Kalinin and I won't be surprised to see Dumont and Biron packaged together in a deal but the core of this team is set after they officially accept the Briere arbitration ruling this weekend.

After years of shady ownership and lackluster upper management, this team truly gets it now and it's refreshing as hell for fans like myself.

I'm really happy. Buffalo is a team I grew to watch quite a bit on NHL Open Ice because of how they played. They have the team that fits perfectly with the system, and an excellent goalie who gives them a shot every night. I really am excited to see more of them this upcoming year. They have the core in tact (assuming Miller signs long term) to be one of the upper echelon teams for years to come.

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

I have thought more on this. (These views are subject to change)

The Hasek Situation.

Is it ideal? No. Not at all. He's a 41 year old goalie who is a known headcase and has a wonky, brittle groin.

That said, while healthy last year he played pretty well in Ottawa. He had solid numbers and was a quality starter.

Also, what were our other options? Giguere and his wonky hip and large contract? Nabokov and his massive deal and wildly inconsistent performance? Toskala a young, good goalie who would've likely cost an arm and a leg to get via trade? Biron, a young, good goalie with zero playoff experience and some unknown trade value? I really thought Biron was the only viable option (Toskala's price always seemed too rich for the Wings' blood).

With Hasek, the situation is clear. He's the starter. Osgood is the capable back-up. Ozzie is a vet who is comfortable in the back-up role and played pretty well for the Wings in the same role last year.

If Hasek's groin gives, we still have Osgood and we can then see how Liv or Howard are doing in the minors. If they're doing well, we call one of them up. If not, the Hasek deal will likely give the Wings enough cap space to go out and trade for a starting goalie. I forget the exact rule, but if a player is on IR long enough, then some (or all) of his salary is no longer counted against the cap. Ottawa could have done the same last year and didn't. That's what sunk 'em.

Assuming Hasek's deal is comparable to the deal Belfour signed with Florida, all in all, it's not that bad of a move. It makes some sense. Hasek totally out played Belfour (when both were healthy) last year. Just look at the numbers.

Of all the 40+ year old goalies out there with injury problems, I'd say we've got the best one! That's gotta count for something...

This is Hb turning chicken shit into chicken salad

[Suburban Rhythm]

Two items, just reading over at the HF boards--

JP Dumont awarded $2.9M in arbitration.

And, Tretiak declines to sign the IIHF transfer agreement. Which, would mean no Malkin (unless he bolts on his own), which could mean-

"With the 1st pick in the 2007 NHL draft, the Pittsburgh Penguins are please to select Angelo Esposito..."

[Maple Leafs]

This one is pretty random, but...

Last night some friends and I were talking about old goalies, and I mentioned an old (mid-90's) second string NHL goalie who had crazy sideburns and red hair. I think he played for a western Canadian team. I thought it was Troy Gamble, but I could be wrong. Nobody else could figure out who I meant.

Anyone have any idea who I was thinking of?

[Pumpy Tudors]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

This one is pretty random, but...

Last night some friends and I were talking about old goalies, and I mentioned an old (mid-90's) second string NHL goalie who had crazy sideburns and red hair. I think he played for a western Canadian team. I thought it was Troy Gamble, but I could be wrong. Nobody else could figure out who I meant.

Anyone have any idea who I was thinking of?

I know you're not talking about Trevor Kidd, but you just did a good job of describing him.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I know you're not talking about Trevor Kidd, but you just did a good job of describing him.

That was my thought as well.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

I know you're not talking about Trevor Kidd, but you just did a good job of describing him.

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it wasn't him. This guy has crazy mutton chops. It's possible he wasn't actually a redhead, but definitely had the burns.

Kay Whitmore?

[MikeVic]

Pokey Reddick.

Sorry, I love that name. Had to say it.

[MikeVic]

[Fidatelo]

Remember Pokey and the Bandit? What a glorious time!

[Chubby]

Considering Dumont was a throwin when we got him, I'll be more than pleased to see him + Biron for something decent.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Pumpy?

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Pumpy?

Pumpy Reddick! Or Pokey Tudors!

[Suburban Rhythm]

I thought this would already be in here--

Sabres walk away from Dumont's award.

I would imagine the Pens would at least look at him, our top 6 depth is still awful.

And--Legace to the Blues

[NoSkillz]

Originally Posted by Suburban Rhythm

I thought this would already be in here--

Sabres walk away from Dumont's award.

I would imagine the Pens would at least look at him, our top 6 depth is still awful.

And--Legace to the Blues

Someone had to go on Buffalo and Dumont is the right choice. If Pittsburgh makes a play and he gets slotted in with Crosby, expect 35-40 goals if he can stay healthy.

He's not a very good defensive player but he is a pretty good hitter, well respected in the dressing room and has pretty good hands. He'll be missed in Buffalo but ultimately he can be replaced by a guy like Jason Pominville.

The Legace signing takes away another team that Buffalo can deal Biron to. Hopefully Regier can swing a deal with Los Angeles and get LaBarbera and a mid-round pick in return.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by NoSkillz

Someone had to go on Buffalo and Dumont is the right choice. If Pittsburgh makes a play and he gets slotted in with Crosby, expect 35-40 goals if he can stay healthy.

He's not a very good defensive player but he is a pretty good hitter, well respected in the dressing room and has pretty good hands. He'll be missed in Buffalo but ultimately he can be replaced by a guy like Jason Pominville.

We at least picked up a few guys, in Ekman and Moore, solid in their own zone, and lesser extent, Ruutu, who makes the effort.

Without Malkin, the 2nd line (assuming Ekman on the first with Crosby) would be some combonation of Recchi, Malone, and God knows who...possibly Erik Christensen or Michel Oullett.

Dumont on the top line with Crosby, who is decent defensively, and Armstrong, who makes an effort, but isn't a great skater, would be OK. As long as they don't overpay.

[Karim]

Alexei Kovalev is a Warrior...
http://www.warriorhockey.com/AK27_Ad.html

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Wings signed UFA forward Greg Johnson.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=174194&hubname=nhl

He played for the Wings at the beginning of his career. He was traded to Pittsburgh for Tomas Sandstrom back in '97.

He's likely to be a 4th/3rd line guy. Not a bad signing.

The Wings are still trying to sign RFA Johan Franzen and, presumably, would like to find a top six winger out there to score some goals, though the options have dwindled.

[Cards4ever]

Kessel to sign with the Bruins tomorrow, good luck to Phil in the NHL.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Malkin gave his 2 week notice to his Russian team. I still can't get over how funny that sounds.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Cards4ever

Kessel to sign with the Bruins tomorrow, good luck to Phil in the NHL.

Nothing against Kessel, as I sort of like him due to my EHM experiences with him, he has an amazingly punchable looking face.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Nothing against Kessel, as I sort of like him due to my EHM experiences with him, he has an amazingly punchable looking face.

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by DeToxRoxDVHStyle

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.

Hook a brother up, DeTox (via PM of coruse). You can even refer to your source "Pumpy Tooters" to keep him/her anonymous.

[sachmo71]

Originally Posted by DeToxRoxDVHStyle

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.

People said the same thing about Modano. No one punches Modano. Even if you want to. Really, really badly.

[Cards4ever]

Originally Posted by DeToxRoxDVHStyle

Believe me -- Not many people like Kess. I don't want to vent too much on the board but I (feel cool cause of this!) have a source who has first hands account of how big of an asshole Kessel is. If people are interested, feel free to PM me, but I don't want to go out of my way to upset my source.

I've heard things both ways about Kessel, isn't that the way it goes with most high profile guys? At the end of the day, if the guy isn't doing anything illegal, as long as he helps your favorite team win, what does it matter?

[JonInMiddleGA]

Thrashers get Vishnevski for prospect & picks

ATLANTA (August 17, 2006) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Karl Stewart, a second-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

[RPI-Fan]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Thrashers get Vishnevski for prospect & picks

ATLANTA (August 17, 2006) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Karl Stewart, a second-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Good trade... was hoping the Isles would get him.

[Chief Rum]

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

Thrashers get Vishnevski for prospect & picks

ATLANTA (August 17, 2006) -- The Atlanta Thrashers have acquired defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Karl Stewart, a second-round selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and a conditional fourth-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Sorry to see Vish go. He's one hell of a hitter. We had the cap room, but the budget was a bit lower. Honestly, I would have rather left Travis Green out there unsigned and keep Vish. We have kids who could have replaced the retired Hedstrom's fourth line role.