Archive for February, 2008
Yesterday was trade deadline day. Was anybody else bored? Even with the number of total players on the move, I expected even more movement.
Surprise Deal of The Day
I was a little surprised Glen Sather of the NYR traded highly touted goalie prospect Al Montoya to The Coyotes along with Marcel Hossa. The Rangers got back Fredrik Sjostrom, goalie prospect David Leneveu and tough guy Josh Gratton along with a conditional draft pick.
Winner: In this trade it has to be Phoenix.Hossa is a pretty good player and Montoya is going to be a great goalie one day If all his hype and scouting reports are true.
The “Are You Kidding Me” Trade of the Day
I thought the oddest trade was the Islanders trading Chris Simon to the Minnesota Wild for a 6th rounder in 08.The winner the Islanders. Great job in even being able to find a trading partner for this guy. Let alone getting a 6th rounder.
How many enforcers do the Wild need?
The Wild have one of the toughest guys in the NHL in Derek “boogie man” Boogaard. They also Have a guy that will toss em’ with anyone in the league in Todd Fedoruk. And now they have Chris Simon.
I would cut off my left pinky finger for a Anaheim Ducks and Minnisota Wild playoff series.
Most Interesting Trade
The “hmmmmmmmm” trade of the day has to be Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to the Pens for Angelo Esposito, Colby Armstrong and Erik Christensen along with a 1st round pick in 08.
On paper the Penguins power play looks absolutely stunning. Having to penalty kill against Sidney Crosby-Hossa-Evgeni Malkin with Gonchar and Whitney on the blue line will make any opposing team pee a little bit with fear. But who knows, maybe Hossa won’t fit.
This trade looks good but it’s all going to be in the in chemistry. Please remember the New York Rangers all those years with those “money” players. They couldn’t gel. Even ask the St.Louis Blues from that one year they had Gretzky and all those stars.
NO CHEMISTRY= NO CUP!
The Winner (as of right now?!) I would give a slight edge to the Penguins but not by much.
Colby Armstrong is a pretty decent third liner. Angelo Esposito seems to have the upside of Alexander Daigle. Christensen has 20 pts in 49 games this season. Plus they got a 1st rounder in 08 in what is looking like a really deep draft. So that 1# pick could turn out to be really good.
And who knows, will Marian Hossa even re-sign there? Can the Penguins afford to keep him after this season?
Bonehead Deal of The Day
Guess who is the number one goalie for Montreal Canadiens going into the playoffs?
Carey Price!
Montreal traded Cristobal Huet to the Caps for a 2nd round pick in 2009.
Bob Gainey couldn’t even get a 2nd round pick in the much deeper 08 draft? WOW
If I was Carey Price right now I would have the biggest ego and a huge mass of confidence.
The most successful franchise in NHL history just put a massive amount of confidence in him and gave him the number one goalie, franchise tag.
I don’t really understand this move by Gainey.
Ok Ok you’re probably thinking “well, don’t they have insurance in a backup goalie?”
No. Jaroslav Halak is the back up. remember Halak…the one who recently required “farm conditioning”.
Hey Mr.Gainey…..Why didn’t you get a back up that had experience at least?
I have watched Montreal a lot on TV this year (thanks again CBC for Toronto- Montreal games every week)
I thought Montreal was the team to beat in the East. They have wonderful chemistry on that team. But to win you need a goalie and I am sorry, Carey Price will be good one day, But he is not going to lead this team all the way.
Winner: CAPS
One of Tampa’s “BIG THREE” Was Finally Moved
Brad Richards along with goalie Johan Holmqvist are off to the Lone Star State to become “Stars”. The Lightning got back a promising goalie in Mike Smith, Shootout master Jussi Jokinen, along with Jeff Halpern and a 4th rounder in 09.
I see this being a pretty good trade for Dallas. If Marty Turco gets over his choking epidemic in the playoffs, we could be seeing the Stars going deep in the playoffs this spring.
Brett Hull wanted to make a big deal and he did make a big deal and a great one too.
Winner: Dallas
The “Wait and See” Deal of The Day
Buffalo Sabres fans have been pretty spoiled the last few years being able to cheer for a highly entertaining and winning team.
What I want to know is what the heck did Sabres fans do to the hockey gods!!!!
While the Sabres were the team to beat last year, they just simply ran out of gas.
Then came the summer that broke the hearts of Sabres fans every where. “Little Munchkin” Danny Briere left to be with his Buddy, Marty Biron, in Philly. Captain Clutch, Chris Drury, left for his boyhood team in the Big Apple and Teppo Numminen hasn’t played a game this year due to health problems.
What else could go wrong?
Well yesterday another crack went into Sabres fans hearts.
All-star defenseman Brian Campbell left to San Jose along with a 7th round pick in ‘08 in exchange for Steve Bernier and a 1st rounder in 08.
Buffalo is known for being a soft team. With some moves this year I really hope they are moving in a more “tougher” direction. They picked up Nolan Pratt earlier this year to toughen the blue line. I know, it’s Nolan Pratt, but at least it’s a guy who hits. Clarke Macarthur was brought up and has looked good. Patrick Kaleta too. Yesterday they got a guy who will hit anything and is BIG force. He can put the odd puck in the net as well.
Positive signs?
Sure Brian Campbell is fun to watch skating up the ice doing his little 180 degree turns past defenseman. However, he also has a lot of bad passes, takes games off. In my opinion, I am glad the Sabres did this. Campbell was offered a 3 year deal believed to be in the neighborhood of $6M a year. The deal wasn’t long enough for Brian so he wouldn’t sign. Good! Brian you aren’t worth that money.
The experts say the Sabres got robbed in the deal…I don’t think so.
Why would Regier want to risk losing another player to UFA and not getting anything back in return? The Sabres got a player that has upside and that can play now.
They also got a 1st round pick in a deep ‘08 draft. Sure, the draft pick most likely won’t pan out for a couple of years, but in a draft with a lot of talent it’s worth the wait.
The Sharks get Brian Campbell. A mobile puck moving defenseman which is exactly what they need.
Winner: The Sharks are the winner as of right now, but who to say Campbell even re-signs there in the summer? If he doesn’t re-up with San Jose, then the Sabres will be the winner.
Canadian team Deadline Re-Cap
- Ottawa did nothing about their goalie situation.
- Calgary did nothing
- Kevin Lowe’s fax machine was broken or something
- Vancouver had an arsenal to deal, but did nothing.
- Toronto got rid of some salary and Mats Sundin can keep making chunky soup commercials in a Leafs jersey, not to mention play at the fine golf courses around the greater Toronto area.
- Montreal did make a deal, but moved backwards instead of forward.
That’s my take on the deals that were at the 2008 NHL Trade Deadline. For nhldigest.com…I’m Neil Bristow.
It looks like the Maple Leafs may have solved their goaltending woes.
Check out this video of the save Tomas Kaberle made on Ottawa’s Mike Fisher.
It’s been quite some time since we profiled an NHL look-a-like.
However, after seeing Johnny Depp walk the red carpet at the Oscar’s, I had an amazing Edward Scissorhands flashback!
It is always entertaining to profile celebrity look-a-likes, whether it is Alexander Ovechkin looking like Jaws from James Bond or the uncanny resemblance of Paul MacLean to Wilford Brimley, such similarities are good for a chuckle.
My personal favorite is how much, Edmonton Oiler’s suitor, Daryl Katz looks like Rob Schneider - they must have been separated at birth!
Do you have any favorite NHL look-a-likes? If so, send them on over using our contact form and we’ll post them up for you!
Jaci from Wicked Bruins Fan writes:
With the Bruins coming off an impressive 4-0-1 road trip, the GM Peter Chiarelli might not want to mess with team chemistry too much. On the other hand, there are some needs that could be addressed by tomorrow’s trade deadline that include acquiring a defenseman, a scorer or some extra depth.
Bruins Rumors
The Bruins haven’t been really mentioned much in rumors, that I can tell anyway. There was a rumor the Bruins were making a play for Marian Hossa in Atlanta with forward Phil Kessel going the other way. Chiarelli said in an interview with Rob Simpson before Saturday’s Lightning game that he won’t be trading Kessel. All I can think is back to last year when Brad Boyes was “reportedly” off the market.
Another player who has been mentioned is defenseman Aaron Ward. Ward will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. But I can’t see Chiarelli moving Ward as he has been a key component to the team this season.
That’s not to say Chiarelli won’t deal some minor players to get some depth for the rest of the season.
To keep updated on rumors, check here.
Chiarelli Speaks
Here are some quotes from the Bruins GM talking about the trade deadline and possible moves.
“Where I’m at, and from the information you pick up from other guys - and we’ve been in a couple of the larger discussions involving impact players - deals aren’t ready to go, unless someone steps up on the weekend,” Chiarelli said. – Boston Herald, today”There’s a possibility I won’t make a move. And I’m fine with that,” said Chiarelli. “I want to improve this team. But I also want our young guys to get that experience of the playoffs. And if you get in the playoffs, you never know what can happen.” – Boston Globe, today
“With us, I’m trying to get a little bit bigger up front,” said Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli. “If I can’t, I can’t. We’ve got a couple of things we want to try and do and I’ve had a couple of discussions with guys.” – Canadian Press, February 18th
“I would say that if we want, the chances of us getting a top-six forward are no longer slim,” said Chiarelli. “You get more certainty about what they want. Prices are still high. But before, you had no clue. Teams weren’t willing to even discuss concepts.” – Boston Globe Blog, February 21st
“I envision the bulk of the trades occurring on deadline day,” said Chiarelli. “I don’t know if it will reach that number (44), though. If this is any indication, at the GM meetings last year we were significantly further along in deals.
“I think there’s two big trades and maybe one unrestricted free agent - (Peter) Forsberg - that kind of will start the domino effect. The prices for those guys are very high. They’re looking for players, young players, prospects, picks.” – Boston Herald, February 23rd
Bruins Deadline Movement
Before Bruins fans prepare for tomorrow, let’s take a look back to the team’s previous deadline deals.
2007- Acquired D Aaron Ward from NYR in exchange for D Paul Mara
- Acquired D Dennis Wideman from STL in exchange for C Brad Boyes- Acquired F Marty Reasoner, F Yan Stastny, and a draft pick* to EDM in exchange for W Sergei Samsonov
*draft pick became Milan Lucic- Claimed F Sandy McCarthy (NYR) off waivers
- Acquired C Brad Boyes from SJ in exchange for D Jeff Jillson (to BUF) for Curtis Brown (to SJ)
- Acquired D Andy Delmore from SJ in exchange for future considerations (probably a draft pick?)
There were also some deals made days before the deadline in past seasons.
Maybe not all deadline deals are a bad thing.
Other Deals
The Bruins have also shown they have been active as the trade deadline was coming. The same can’t be said this year, so perhaps the Bruins will be making a little noise today and tomorrow.
2007 (26 days before) – Acquired a 4th round draft pick from WSH in exchange for D Milan Jurcina2007 (24 days before) – Acquired F Brandon Bochenski from CHI in exchange for F Kris Versteeg and a conditional draft pick
2007 (17 days before) – Acquired D Andrew Ference and F Chuck Kobasew from CGY in exchange for D Brad Stuart, C Wayne Primeau and conditional draft pick
2004 (6 days before) – Acquired D Sergei Gonchar from WSH in exchange for D Shaone Morrisonn and two draft picks
2004 (5 days before) – Acquired F Michael Nylander from WSH in exchange for a draft pick and future considerations
The best out of those deals is the Ference/Kobsew trade by far.
The trade deadline expires in less than 24 hours from now.
Will the Bruins make some moves? Will they make team chemistry a priority? What are your expectations? Do you want them to make some trades?
Post your thoughts in the comments.
Bubba From Canes Country Submits:
The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves about 48 hours away from the trade deadline still needing some help. There are plenty of players out there who are available, but at what cost? Adding to the dilemma is the fact that the Hurricanes are currently playing about the best hockey that they have all year long. Should they take a chance and add someone, but possibly disrupt the positive team chemistry in the process?
My guess is that Jim Rutherford will try to add someone if they can do so at a reasonable cost. By reasonable cost, I mean that I would be surprised if the Carolina GM offers anything more than a 3rd or 4rth round draft pick for his choice. There are just too many questions about this team at this point regarding injuries, to offer anything more.
On the other hand, the team has proven recently that they are perfectly capable of playing competitive hockey and it’s more likely at this point, more so than at any point in recent months, that the team could very well make the playoffs. The right player could strengthen this position and push the team over the top.
What type of player is Rutherford looking for? I think that you can forget about any major blockbuster type of deal including a big name player. While Patrick Marleau, Marian Hossa, Ollie Jokinen, Brad Richards, Matts Sundin, Brian Campbell, Dan Boyle, and other high priced players might be available, you won’t see Carolina make a move for them.
But with the Rod Brind’Amour injury, the Hurricanes are probably looking for some inexpensive depth at center. Names like Michael Peca, Sergei Fedorov, Jarret Stoll, and Yanic Perreault have been bantered about. Peca would probably be at the top of that list, but would the Blue Jackets give him up for a middle round pick?
There is also a rumor out there that Rutherford could still be looking for more help on the blueline. There might actually be some truth to that rumor if Glen Wesley is unable to play again anytime soon. There is still no word about his condition, even after he did not return to Saturday’s game.
Who knows, even someone like Marc Recchi could be available since Atlanta GM Don Waddell seems about ready to deal half of the Thrasher squad right now.
So, what will Jim Rutherford do? Will he continue to make the team stronger in the present as well as for the future like he did with the Joe Corvo and Patrick Eaves deal, or will he pick up someone simply as a short term rental? Will he surprise everyone with something big, or will he stay pat and do nothing at all?
My guess is that Peca will soon be a Hurricane. What do you think? Feel free to leave a comment with your opinion and discuss!
In my last poll, I asked who you preferred be signed by the Hurricanes next year, Sergei Samsonov, Cory Stillman, Aaron Ward, Mike Commodore, or someone else. Samsonov won overwhelmingly with 76% of the vote. Aaron Ward came in 2nd.
Today we will ask who you prefer Jim Rutherford deals for before the trade deadline.
Today on The Neil Show, we sit down with Scott Taylor from scotttaylorsports.com to talk hockey.
Neil Bristow - With the NHL’s trade deadline fast approaching (feb.26th), there are a few big names that could be dealt.Out of the big names possibly available (Sundin, Hossa,Campbell) who do you see moving on or before Tuesday and where might they land?
If Sundin waives his no trade clause he’ll be gone – Anaheim or Detroit. Hossa could wind up in Montreal or New York. The Rangers would love to deal Jagr but I doubt anyone would touch him. I can’t imagine anyone will go out his way to deal a capable defenceman, but if you’ve given up this year, you might deal a veteran. I think it’s pretty tough to call. How about Jokinen in Calgary? That’s interesting.
Neil Bristow -Cliff Fletcher is playing the “face” of the Toronto Maple Leafs GM right now on a interim basis. Who in your opinion is the right person for that job with the candidates that are available, to become the next Leafs GM?
John Ferguson Jr. …OK, so maybe Dougie Armstrong. I think Tom Thompson, the assistant GM in Minnesota is the smartest guy in the game today, but he’s not a big enough name for the Leafs.
The brain-dead Toronto media would make his life a living hell because he’s not one of their pals. That franchise is so messed up, why don’t they bring in Sittler or Wendel Clark or Doug Gilmour? That’s the kind of guy Leafs fans want. T
he Toronto media wants Neil Smith, a guy the Islanders fired in about 15 minutes. Brian Burke would take the job. He’d eat that stupid Toronto print media for lunch.
By the way, what do the Toronto Maple Leafs have that the Montreal Canadiens will never have? Black and white photos of their last Stanley Cup.
Neil Bristow -New York Islanders tough guy Chris Simon made his way back into the Isles lineup after serving his 30 games suspension.Do you think the punishment Simon received was fair or not enough and why?
Sure it’s fair. It’s the longest suspension in NHL history.
As sports editor of Grassroots News, the country’s largest aboriginal newspaper, I’ve come to know the First Nations players a bit. If they can’t be the toughest guys on the team, they’re generally treated like crap, called soft and benched. That’s why Jordin Tootoo, Arron Asham, (Theo Fleury), D.J. King, Cody McCormick, Jason Bone, Chris Simon play the way they do. Simon screwed up, he was punished, he’s back.
End of conversation.
Neil Bristow -Who will be the buyers and who will be the sellers in the NHL’s trade deadline this year?
Everybody is a buyer this year, for different reasons. Toronto, Tampa, L.A., Edmonton, Florida, Chicago will all try to get younger. The top teams will be prepared to rent players, especially teams like Detroit, Dallas, Carolina, teams with some cap room.
Neil Bristow - The Philadelphia Flyers are in a bit of a tailspin lately going 1-8-1 in there last ten games. With all the tinkering they did with their roster this season,one would think they would be alot more “together” then they have shown. Why do you think they are under achieving?
Are they underachieving or is that what they are? Losing Simon Gagne, a class act and a leader, really hurts. Their tough guys aren’t as tough as the organization thinks.
No matter what happens, Riley Cote always gets pummeled by Colton Orr or Donald Brashear or Georges Laraque, and the rest of the team sags. Injuries have hurt them mightily. John Stevens is no Toe Blake. And, as always happens in Philly, the goaltending is never as good as the team had hoped.
Neil Bristow - With GM meetings in Naples, Florida this week a number of things were discussed. One of them being maybe shrinking goaltender equipment to increase scoring in the League. Is it wise considering one of the best goaltenders in the game Canucks Roberto Luongo has said in the past that if they make changes he would retire.What is your take on the situation?
So what’s next? The paddle-down, butterfly goaltending style is made illegal? Only fat, out-of-shape goalies can play? No goaltenders? Soccer nets? The NHL has a problem.
Never before in the history of the game have goalies been in better shape, have been better trained or have had better equipment than they have today. Goalies are all marvelous physical specimens with a style that’s hard to beat and equipment that makes them absolutely fearless.
If the GMs decide to make goalies’ equipment smaller, they’d better take the curve out of the sticks and go back to wood. Scoring is down because goaltending has NEVER been better.
Neil Bristow - Drugstore millionaire Daryl Katz has a agreement to purchase the Edmonton Oilers pending League approval. Some Oilers have come out saying one owner opens up the possibility of attracting more free agents to the team. How is having one owner better then 30 owners? or is it better?
First of all, socialism doesn’t work. Especially among the rich. Too many egos, too many guys to answer to, too many people wondering why there is a cash-call every year. One owner means one decision maker.
One owner, means the GM knows exactly where to go without being second guessed by 29 other rich donkeys. One owner takes responsibility for his and the team’s actions. One owner can deal with the NHL at the governors’ level.
When the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are taken over by David Asper this year, that will be a tremendous franchise. One guy, one decision maker, one responsibility-taker. It’s the only way a pro sports franchise can work.
Neil Bristow - Teemu Selanne and Scott Neidermeyer are back with the Stanley Cup Champion Ducks after sitting out most of the season.What’s your take on players sitting out and coming back towards the end of the season? Do you think it’s a way to “cheat” the salary cap?
No, it’s a way to cheat age. Teemu and Scott are in their late 30s, heck Teemu is closing in on 40. A full season is meaningless. Games in October and November are so stupid, I’m surprised anyone buys a ticket.
The Ducks are what, 8-1 since Teemu returned? If you have skilled players like Selanne and Niedermayer, late in their careers, and you play .500 or a little better until they come back – fresh — in January and February, it’s a boost to the team and they can handle the travel, rough going etc., that comes with playing in the NHL.
It’s a brilliant move and I’m surprised more teams don’t take advantage of it. Older players are better in half a season than in a full season.
Neil Bristow - Ducks GM Brian Burke has suggested having 1 minute penalties in OT instead of two minutes. What do you think of that change?
That’s the ranting of a guy whose team leads the NHL in fights and penalties (and that’s a reason why they won the Cup last year). A minor penalty is a minor penalty. It’s two minutes. Deal with it. Here’s a good rule of thumb: Don’t get a stupid penalty in overtime.
Neil Bristow - What has been the biggest surprise for you this NHL season story wise?
The seeming belief among the “Mainstream Media Mob” (MSM) that there are not now, nor have there ever been, steroids in hockey.
The MSM mob is desperate to have Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds go to jail, but they refuse to question steroids and HGH in hockey.
Performance enhancing drugs are there, they are present today and if you’ve ever been in an NHL dressing room, you know they are present right now.
Neil Bristow - You have a wonderful career and are one of my favorite sports personalties. In your journey in the sports world, what is your “highlight” of your great career?
1. The 1988 Olympics, breaking the Ben Johnson scandal on CBC TV.
2. Covering the final game of the Winnipeg Jets for both the Winnipeg Free Press and TSN.
3. My column this Monday in the National Post.
Neil Bristow - Can you tell our readers at nhldigest.com about your website and where we can see and read your work?
Or online links…
goldeyes.com
manitobascore.com
grassrootsnews.mb.ca
nationalpost.com
cfl.ca
windtalkerhockeynews.com
Or in print…
Manitoba Score Magazine
The National Post
Grassroots News
Windtalker Hockey News
Or… (books still available at Chapters in Winnipeg)
Home Run: The History of the Winnipeg Goldeyes and CanWest Global Park.
The Winnipeg Jets: A Celebration of Professional Hockey in Winnipeg.
If you have any questions or comments, please share a comment on the site or email Neil Bristow at theneilshow(at)nhldigest.com.