Sundin and Hedican Out To Lunch

Bubba From Canes Country Reports:

I’ve received a couple of recent emails asking me if I have heard anything about Bret Hedican. Has he signed anywhere yet? Has he retired? Is he playing in Europe?

To the best of my knowledge, the answer is no, no, and no.

I have not seen a single thing about him signing with any team yet. He seems to have been sucked into the “Mats Sundin vacuum”, as it appears that most NHL teams are waiting on Mats to make a decision before they go ahead and commit to spending money on other players.

The problem is, Sundin recently stated on Toronto radio that he hasn’t made up his mind yet whether or not he even wants to play. That’s a tough decision I’m sure, but how long will teams wait? Probably, awhile yet. That means that Hedican, and others like him, will probably be waiting right up until the last minute before training camp to see if they get offered a contract.

If he signs, the best bet still remains with the Kings, although if the Ducks trade Mathieu Schneider they may go for a veteran replacement. I doubt very much that he would ever sign to play in Europe since that would keep him away from Kristi and his daughters.

If he doesn’t sign anywhere and also doesn’t announce his retirement, he could always be picked up during the season by someone, for instance if a certain team’s defense succumbs to the injury bug.

Sakic and Sundin Keep Hockey Fans Guessing

Kings Dought-full

The Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on three-year entry-level contract with defenceman Drew Doughty, the club’s first-round pick in the 2008 entry draft. Doughty, chosen second overall, was one of four 2008 draft-eligible players on Canada’s gold medal-winning team at the 2008 world junior championships.

Sakic Still Sitting On Fence

Colorado Avalanche star Joe Sakic told a Denver radio station on Monday that it has been difficult deciding whether to return for a 20th NHL season, and he will make up his mind soon.  Sakic is the most decorated player in franchise history having won two Stanley Cups, the 1996 Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff most valuable player. Not to mention the Hart Memorial Trophy as regular-season MVP, Lester B. Pearson Trophy as top player voted by his peers and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship.

C’mon Joe, you’ve got one more left in you!

Teppo Keeps on Ticking

The Buffalo Sabres have re-signed Teppo Numminen after the defenceman missed all but one game last season following heart surgery.  The wily veteran will suit up for his 100th NHL season in 2008-2009.  Terms of the deal included a salary of $1.1 Million and the Sabres have agreed to have an oxygen mask available at all times on the players bench.

McCabe Shows Softer Side

Maple Leafs defenceman Bryan McCabe, who has a no-movement clause, has softened his stance on being traded, general manager Cliff Fletcher told the Toronto Star.

This is good news for the Leafs, but I am not sure who would want McCabe?  Honestly, he got burned more times on the Toronto blueline than Wade Belak.

Sundin Playing NHL Like a Fiddle

Mats Sundin may have been showing flashes of brilliance on the golf course in his native Sweden, but the veteran centre showed no signs of making a decision on his playing future in the National Hockey League.

We all know that Sundin is going to play the now famous “Selanne-Niedermeyer card” and use the first half of the season to rest his old bones while returning fresh and rejuvenated in the second half.  Stop all the drama and deal with it.

Biggest Trades in NHL History

With Wayne Gretzky’s trade from the dynastic Oilers to the Kings 20 years ago unassailably the most significant move in the NHL annals, Scott Burnside reveals the seven biggest swaps in history.

Other than this story, can you find the name of Louie DeBrusk anywhere else in the history of hockey media?

Toronto Tops Them All!

If you thought those trades were memorable…imagine what Leafs fans must feel like after this list of horrendous Leafs trades.  No wonder they continue to get worse and worse!