The OFFICIAL 2007 NHL Offseason Thread

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

off the top of my head, Hull and Hasek were in there somewhere

Didn't Pronger win one too?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

no surprise here: Pierre Turgeon retired today. It's only the official move that went into effect midway through last season, when a "calf injury" put Turgeon on the shelf and saved him from being a healthy scratch the rest of the way.

http://www.denverpost.com/avalanche/ci_6117474

Ah, The Tin Man. The League wont be the same without him. He turned that playoff run the Blues had in 00-01 into one hell of a deal. He really made a ton of money off those 15 games. He'd always been a productive player offensively, but the knock on him was that he was soft and had no heart (hence the Tin Man reference). He played lights' out hockey in 00-01, really stepping to the forefront for the Blues. He parlayed that into a huge contract from the Stars and never got anywhere near that form again.

[Honolulu_Blue]

TSN is reporting that Sundin re-signed with the Leafs. A 1 year, $5.5 million deal. That sounds about right.

[Draft Dodger]

yes it does.
Chelios is also reportedly close to re-signing with the Wings. Not sure if he's giving them an AARP discount or not

[Maple Leafs]

On the one hand, one year is a good deal, protects us a bit from his hip situation, and makes him a possible candidate to be this year's Ray Bourque candidate at the trade deadline.

On the other hand, I bet the league screws the Leafs by charging them for the cap value of his option instead of the extension.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up (list/idea borrowed from: http://japersrink.blogspot.com/2007/...-ufa-pool.html)?

Todd Bertuzzi
Jason Blake
Daniel Briere
Chris Drury
Peter Forsberg
J.-S. Giguere
Scott Gomez
Paul Kariya
Robert Lang
Brian Rafalski
Teemu Selanne
Mathieu Schneider
Brendan Shanahan
Sheldon Souray
Kimmo Timonen
Alexei Yashin
Dainius Zubrus
Ryan Smyth

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up

Toronto... they all take a hometown discount to sign there.

HAHA! Get it? Toronto fans always think every free agent is going to sign there! They're stupid!

</impression of every hockey forum on the web>

[bbor]

ML......Mats has a no trade in his agreement....i doubt he is going anywhere.....ever.

[bbor]

Dola...i think Kariya might be a good fit in Buffalo.

[Maple Leafs]

Originally Posted by bbor

ML......Mats has a no trade in his agreement....i doubt he is going anywhere.....ever.

Bourque had one too, so did Forsberg, so have a lot of guys... if this is his last year and if somehow the Leafs aren't contending, you don't think he'd waive it?

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up (list/idea borrowed from: http://japersrink.blogspot.com/2007/...-ufa-pool.html)?

Todd Bertuzzi
Jason Blake
Daniel Briere
Chris Drury
Peter Forsberg
J.-S. Giguere
Scott Gomez
Paul Kariya
Robert Lang
Brian Rafalski
Teemu Selanne
Mathieu Schneider
Brendan Shanahan
Sheldon Souray
Kimmo Timonen
Alexei Yashin
Dainius Zubrus

how did you drop Ryan Smyth from the list?

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Bourque had one too, so did Forsberg, so have a lot of guys... if this is his last year and if somehow the Leafs aren't contending, you don't think he'd waive it?

True he prolly would waive it if there was a $$$$ incentive......from the way this guy played the last half of the seaon i would say he is close to being done.5 mil for the name Sundin sounds good,but i don't think you will get 5 mil worth of productivity out of him any more.Which of course is perfect modus operendi for the Leafs

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Alright... Where do each of these unrestricted free agents end up (list/idea borrowed from: http://japersrink.blogspot.com/2007/...-ufa-pool.html)?

Todd Bertuzzi
Jason Blake
Daniel Briere
Chris Drury
Peter Forsberg
J.-S. Giguere
Scott Gomez
Paul Kariya
Robert Lang
Brian Rafalski
Teemu Selanne
Mathieu Schneider
Brendan Shanahan
Sheldon Souray
Kimmo Timonen
Alexei Yashin
Dainius Zubrus

Just a guess:
Columbus is desperate for a #1 C...and after missing out on Briere and Gomez will sign Yashin.

Also, Philly will sign like 2-3 of those guys.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

how did you drop Ryan Smyth from the list?

Cutting and pasting error, I reckon. Will revise.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Holland announced that Hasek will return next season. He hopes to have a contract done by the NHL draft.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Florida trades Chris Gratton to Tampa Bay (the team that drafted him) for a second round pick in this year or next year's draft, Florida's option. Gratton seemed to find some comfort level in his role in Florida. I always liked Gratton, but found his career a bit odd.

TSN is reporting that the Flames are going to hire Mike Keenan as their head coach. Wow. Just, uh, wow. The league is always a little more interesting with Iron Mike in it, but I can't see this being a good move for the Flames. Playfair, despite being hand-picked by Sutter, was not a great head coach, but Mike Keenan?

[bbor]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Florida trades Chris Gratton to Tampa Bay (the team that drafted him) for a second round pick in this year or next year's draft, Florida's option. Gratton seemed to find some comfort level in his role in Florida. I always liked Gratton, but found his career a bit odd.

TSN is reporting that the Flames are going to hire Mike Keenan as their head coach. Wow. Just, uh, wow. The league is always a little more interesting with Iron Mike in it, but I can't see this being a good move for the Flames. Playfair, despite being hand-picked by Sutter, was not a great head coach, but Mike Keenan?

Playfair was fired?

[Karim]

Keenan will be announced as coach tomorrow. Playfair is to be retained in some capacity, likely as an assistant coach. Nothing like hours of hockey talk on the radio in the middle of summer. Only in Canada...

I absolutely love this move. I've always been a Keenan fan as a coach. If you can't have a Sutter kicking the team's ass, Keenan would be a good second choice.

[bbor]

How long till Keenan is GM too?I see major fireworks here.2 guys butting heads at every corner is a real possibility.

[Chief Rum]

I think it's just BS after winning the Cup, but take it for what it's worth: the Orange County Register reported the other day that Scotty Niedermayer is considering retiring while he's on top. Selanne is sorta saying the same thing. The article suggests they will make their decisions before free agency hits.

Ducks also signed playoff hero Travis "Pisani" Moen and George "Pornstache" Parros to extensions today. Opposing soft players shuddered everywhere.

Oh yeah, and we re-upped Carlyle for one more year, meaning he has two years now on his contract. Apparently winning the Cup isn't enough in the NHL anymore to get a longterm deal as a head coach.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Holland announced that Hasek will return next season. He hopes to have a contract done by the NHL draft.

I'd love to poke fun at this, but the truth is that Hasek seems to behave in Detroit. I keep waiting for his patented season-ending pout, but it doesn't seem to happen with the Wings.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

I'd love to poke fun at this, but the truth is that Hasek seems to behave in Detroit. I keep waiting for his patented season-ending pout, but it doesn't seem to happen with the Wings.

Because we're cool...

In all honesty, I'm fine with the move, but it's a huge gamble. Huge. It was a big gamble last year and paid off, but I fear trying to go to that well one time too many. Between his groin, his age, and his all around flakiness having back-to-back "problem" free seasons is just too much to ask.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Karim

Keenan will be announced as coach tomorrow...

I absolutely love this move.

Thousands of Oilers fans across the world agree with you.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Thousands of Oilers fans across the world agree with you.

QFT

[TurnerONU22]

Speaking of the Oilers, it is confirmed that Howson is becoming the new GM of the Blue Jackets. I keep hearing good things about this guy (Oilers don't seem to have any bad contracts on the team, of which he dealt with) and seem to think he will be a great fit in Columbus.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by TurnerONU22

Speaking of the Oilers, it is confirmed that Howson is becoming the new GM of the Blue Jackets. I keep hearing good things about this guy (Oilers don't seem to have any bad contracts on the team, of which he dealt with) and seem to think he will be a great fit in Columbus.

Sadly, what has Edmonton done save last season?

[Travis]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Sadly, what has Edmonton done save last season?

In fairness, the market that we're dealing with here has changed drastically in the last few years. Not just the implementation of the cap but also the recent rise of the Canadian dollar enabling the team to move from small market to really a no excuse area.

Given the market place that existed prior to the strike, being a relatively consistent 8th place finisher was pretty good bang for the buck.

Cup appearance was due to a lot of luck mixed in with the skill, but that same luck more than bit back last year with all the injuries. Only fair to really evaluate the team based on the performance put in over the next 2-3 seasons.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Travis

In fairness, the market that we're dealing with here has changed drastically in the last few years. Not just the implementation of the cap but also the recent rise of the Canadian dollar enabling the team to move from small market to really a no excuse area.

Given the market place that existed prior to the strike, being a relatively consistent 8th place finisher was pretty good bang for the buck.

Cup appearance was due to a lot of luck mixed in with the skill, but that same luck more than bit back last year with all the injuries. Only fair to really evaluate the team based on the performance put in over the next 2-3 seasons.

While I agree, Edmonton has not kept their better players (in fairness, some unforseen circumstances) and their drafting of players has been suspect. I know he's only been Lowes assistant, but I find it hard to give him the benefit of the doubt at this time. We'll see though, as I'd like to see Columbus do well so Detroit plays 8 games more a year that mean something.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by TurnerONU22

Speaking of the Oilers, it is confirmed that Howson is becoming the new GM of the Blue Jackets. I keep hearing good things about this guy (Oilers don't seem to have any bad contracts on the team, of which he dealt with) and seem to think he will be a great fit in Columbus.

Was he involved in the Pisani or Horcoff deals?

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

While I agree, Edmonton has not kept their better players (in fairness, some unforseen circumstances) and their drafting of players has been suspect. I know he's only been Lowes assistant, but I find it hard to give him the benefit of the doubt at this time. We'll see though, as I'd like to see Columbus do well so Detroit plays 8 games more a year that mean something.

I agree. The Oilers have drafted very poorly of late. They have a ton of first round picks in the next couple of years. Law of averages says they get at least one quality player, but given the assets they've traded for these picks, you'd really hope they can use these next two drafts to build a solid core/foundation for the future of the club.

One of Columbus, St. Louis, or Chicago have to get better at some point. As a Wings' fan, the league is always better when St. Louis and Chicago are good.

[DeToxRox]

With his fifth Norris win, can we start saying Nick Lidstrom is the best European player in NHL history? His resume is just absurd and I think its time he gets his due

[bhlloy]

Very disappointed that Sami Pahlsson didn't get the Selke. Obviously I haven't seen Brind'Amour all that much, but even he sounded real surprised to get it. I absolutely cannot believe there was a better defensive forward that Pahlsson this season.

[Suburban Rhythm]

Originally Posted by bhlloy

Very disappointed that Sami Pahlsson didn't get the Selke. Obviously I haven't seen Brind'Amour all that much, but even he sounded real surprised to get it. I absolutely cannot believe there was a better defensive forward that Pahlsson this season.

Agree both Pahlsson and Jay Pandolfo were more deserving than Rod. Not sure of the season ending numbers (maybe Pumpy can help us out?), but at one point in March or so, Pandolfo had 8 pim! That is ridiculous for a guy matching up against the opposition's top line every night.

Unfortunately, I think too many voters looked at offensive numbers too on this award.

[Draft Dodger]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

With his fifth Norris win, can we start saying Nick Lidstrom is the best European player in NHL history? His resume is just absurd and I think its time he gets his due

give him his due how? by giving him a Norris trophy or something? oh wait.
I don't get the sense that Lidstrom is underappreciated at all.

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

give him his due how? by giving him a Norris trophy or something? oh wait.
I don't get the sense that Lidstrom is underappreciated at all.

People consistently look past Lidstrom. He isn't a flashy player so it makes sense, but any time I hear greatest European Player ever I hear guys like Jagr, never Lidstrom and is appalling. He's the second greatest defensemen ever, but you wouldn't know it outside of diehard NHL fans.

[MikeVic]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

People consistently look past Lidstrom. He isn't a flashy player so it makes sense, but any time I hear greatest European Player ever I hear guys like Jagr, never Lidstrom and is appalling. He's the second greatest defensemen ever, but you wouldn't know it outside of diehard NHL fans.

Hmm, I don't think I'm qualified to mention better defensemen... but 2nd best ever? He's good, but there has to be more than one person (I'm assuming you mean Orr) better than him?

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by MikeVic

Hmm, I don't think I'm qualified to mention better defensemen... but 2nd best ever? He's good, but there has to be more than one person (I'm assuming you mean Orr) better than him?

Honestly I think he's a little overrated. I'd rather have Pronger than Lidstrom any day. I'd also put Bourque above Lidstrom in the all-time category for sure, and based on what I hear, Doug Harvey was no slouch back in his time either.

I'm also certain I'm missing some more guys.

[nilodor]

Originally Posted by bbor

Playfair was fired?

Nope, he's been demoted to assisstant head coach, I actually think he was never hired as the head coach, just iterim head coach, with the knowledge that if he did well, he would get hired on full status.

On the Keenan signing, I'd be happy if this was pre lockout when his style dominated the NHL. I hope he is smart enough (and I think he is) to bring a more progressive style of hockey to Calgary.

[Johnny93g]

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

People consistently look past Lidstrom. He isn't a flashy player so it makes sense, but any time I hear greatest European Player ever I hear guys like Jagr, never Lidstrom and is appalling. He's the second greatest defensemen ever, but you wouldn't know it outside of diehard NHL fans.

I dont think anyone looks past Lidstrom, he is the best defenseman in the game today, and has been for the last decade. Im sure most would agree with that. 2nd best ever though, that's absurd. No way.

Off the top of my head, i would take Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey, Paul Coffey, Tim Horton, Ray Bourque.

I would put Lidstrom in the same category as Dennis Potvin, or Al MacInnis. Great player, but in the 2nd tier of all-time defensemen

[Draft Dodger]

just got a stupid Eklund alert that the Bruins have fired the coach that looks like Hitler

[duff88]

I have posted a two round mock draft on the site I talked about earlier in the thread that included my 2007 NHL Draft Top 100 as well as Cup's excellent NHL Draft guide. If you want to look at it:

NHL Mock Draft

[Maple Leafs]

Very cool duff, nice work.

Is there any chance at all that Esposito somehow drops to the Leafs? If so do you think they take a shot with him?

[DeToxRox]

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

Very cool duff, nice work.

Is there any chance at all that Esposito somehow drops to the Leafs? If so do you think they take a shot with him?

Not that I am Duff but from all I have read it seems like its possible with the red flags going off around the kid. I kind of have him pegged as a more talented Robbie Schremp, not whether that means much, we'll see, but same type of deal, highly talened offensive player with awful attitude.

[Dr. Sak]

Any chance Chicago doesn't take Kane?

[duff88]

Originally Posted by bsak16

Any chance Chicago doesn't take Kane?

It looks like it's going to go down between Kyle Turris and Patrick Kane, with JVR having a small chance or maybe a trade possibility.

As for Esposito, hopefully he doesn't fall to the Leafs because I don't want to have the stress of seeing the Habs possibly picking him. I think we can pick two better players at 12 and 22, but in the end I obviously value Timmins' opinion more than mine. I think Esposito's attitude is overblown, his unimpressive development and questionable hockey sense are more worrying.

[Fidatelo]

Originally Posted by HiFiRevival

Pronger isn't even on the same planet as Lidstrom. You've got a guy who plays every facet of defense well, has done so for 15+ years, and who doesn't take penalties. Just a great defenseman with very few equals. Maybe not 2nd best ever, but definitely the best of this era.

Any d-man that wins a hart trophy is at least "on the same planet" as Lidstrom. I think Pronger will pick up a couple more Norris trophies in the next 3-4 years and you'll see the awards come closer to evening out.

[bbor]

If Chicago does'nt take Kane there should be an inquest.He defiantly is the best player available IMHO.

[duff88]

Sergei Samsonov traded to Chicago for Jassen Cullimore (who will be bought-out by Montreal) and Tony Salmalainen.

[Karim]

Originally Posted by bbor

How long till Keenan is GM too?I see major fireworks here.2 guys butting heads at every corner is a real possibility.

Sutter is just as strong a personality as Keenan so there is zero chance of Mike pushing Darryl around. Plus, they had a good working relationship when Darryl was Mike's associate coach in Chicago. They both have a similar vision of how a team/hockey should be played so I think that's something Mike will appreciate. In his press conference, he explicitly stated that the main reason (if not the only) reason he accepted the job was because Darryl was the GM.