The Philadelphia Flyers jumped the gun on the free agency logjam that was set to begin July 1st. For those just emerging from under their respective rocks, the Flyers acquired the rights to forward Scott Hartnell and defenseman Kimmo Timonen in exchange for the Predators first round pick (23rd overall) in the 2007 NHL entry draft.
I think that this makes for a rather historic marker in the new-NHL history books.
This deal invokes a few different things, and none of which are too terribly fantastic.
Let’s start with the most universal of the three: The acquisition of exclusive negotiation rights.
This is something I was recently pondering about, whether this would become a more common practice with the salary cap bearing down on every NHL team. No longer can the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers just bid, bid, bid their Bobby Holik’s and Martin Lapointe’s up to an illegitimate amount of money. Every team is held to that hard cap and I really believe that it opens the door to things like this. The only thing I ever remember happening like this is when the NHL used to offer compensatory draft picks for losing these type of free agents, so on around June 30th at 11:35 p.m. the NHL would announce a player like Curtis Joseph being traded from Edmonton to Calgary for a sixth round pick because the Flames would then receive a compensatory draft pick for losing CuJo the very next day, merely a housekeeping move. If I recall correctly, and please write in and correct me if you know otherwise, but I believe the Capitals acquired former defenseman Dimitri Yushkevich for a draft pick only to have him leave the NHL and leaving the Caps with a wasted draft pick, but that may have been just a wonderful dream.
Anyway, this trade may have an interesting effect on how unrestricted free agency pans out in the future, and by future, I mean as soon as June 30th, 2007. There may still be a chance to salvage something for an unrestricted free agent after deadline day has passed. Now the Flyers certainly overpaid for Scott Hartnell and Kimmo Timonen, not by an egregious amount, but they did overpay none-the-less. So, this leads me to believe that if a team is desperate enough to get a player and thusly over pay that player, they can get him before every team has a shot at him. I can’t tell if I like that idea or not. It’s not breaking the rules, in fact, it’s exceedingly clever, but is it in defiance of the rite of passage that is July 1st?
The Flyers gave up a first round pick to get these guys, which is hefty sum, especially when there is no way they could have talked to these players before hand without being accused of tampering. So, in no way is this plan foolproof, which is why the Flyers needed to overpay. Essentially, they needed to simulate the bidding war for these players and then come out on top of it and they did just that to secure these guys. If I may use the immortal Vin Scully’s words, “you talk about a roll of the dice, this is it.” What if you acquire these players and they don’t accept your offer? What if they aren’t interested in playing for you? What if they have an arrangement to sign with their preceding team and to help the team, he accepts the trade, gets the draft pick to his “old” team, then refuses to sign with the “new” team, and come July 1st he signs right back with his “old” team. Ethics and “codes” come in to play here, in the same way that they do for the dreaded RFA offer sheet.
It will be very interesting to see if this becomes a trend in the salary cap era of the NHL.
My other two points are fairly minor and self-explanatory, a relief to those who read through the marathon that was my first point.
As I mentioned above, the Flyers needed to overpay these guys. Unrestricted free agency following a career year or unrestricted free agency in general can be a once-in-a-lifetime pay day for any professional athlete. The Flyers had to offer a once-in-a-lifetime contract to grab these guys before they hit the open market.
Scott Hartnell is the youngest unrestricted free agent in NHL history at just 25 years old. That alone could be precedent-setter for the future as the Group III age continues to lower. Hartnell is coming off of a 22 goal, 39 point year (in 64 games) with Nashville. His career high for goals in a season is 25 (career total: 93), his career high for points is 48 (career total: 211 in 436 games). He made $1.75 million last season; this season he will make $5.2 million as part of an extremely front-loaded contract (cap hit of a very generous $4.2 million for the next six years). Now again, cue Vin Scully, this is a young kid, and with his numbers (just numbers wise) he’s really no better than a Scott Walker or Ryan Malone (who’s salaries would average out to about half of Hartnell’s). The Flyers have themselves a basket overfilled with eggs perhaps, they would look like geniuses because they may all turn out to be golden, but they may just roll out and shatter, but Paul Holmgren won’t have anyone to help him clean it up.
Kimmo Timonen is coming off a career year in Nashville. Highs in goals (13), assists (42) and points (55) raised Timonen’s contract by just that much. Defensemen have received some inflated contracts this side of the lockout, so it’s yet to be determined if Timonen’s cap number ($6.333 million) will be as outlandish as the numbers of years he signed on for (6). Timonen is 32, he’ll be 33 late this regular season, was it really that great of an idea to have this guy hitting your cap to the tune of more than $6 million per year passed the age of 36, 37, 38 years old? Timonen’s receive a heavily front-loaded contract as well; he’ll make $16 million over the next two seasons and $30 million over the next four.
What this kind of contract means to an “all-numbers” defenseman like Sheldon Souray and all-around defensemen like Brian Rafalski should have a very interesting answer.
Also, this marks the end of the Nashville Predators. The writing is on the wall, they are tearing this team down by the second. Hartnell and Timonen are already gone; expect Forsberg, Kariya, Arnott, Sullivan, Dumont, Zidlicky and Vokoun to follow suit through free agency or trade. This payroll will be slashed to near the salary floor. The Predators got all the pieces together to make one last run to save the team before anyone really knew what would happen this year (sans management), they failed to win the Cup, they failed to get the kind of recognition they needed and they will get a fresh start in Canada.
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Thursday, June 21, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Rumor Wheel Keeps on Turning, Proud Mikey Keeps on Burning
The Flyers are continuing to shake things up, or at least hint at the possibility. Some more draft news. As well as a slew of contract goings-on.
The Summer of the Offer Sheet? Pitkanen Departing? Draft Day Deal?
As general managers league-wide start to understand the benefits and consequences of a hard salary cap, it may be time that GM’s start to use every resource at their disposure: including the rarely used offer sheet.
For those unfamiliar with the business end of NHL dealings, I’ll summarize: An offer sheet can be offered to unsigned, but qualified restricted free agents. The current team may match any offer that an opposing team may offer and keep their player, or a player can reject any offer sheet and there is no consequence in either direction. However, if a player and a different team agree to an offer sheet and the player’s previous team does not match the offer, the previous team is compensated with draft picks. Compensation that ranges anywhere between a third round pick and four first rounds picks.
Anyway, the Philadelphia Flyers may be eyeing up Sabres winger Thomas Vanek. Vanek, 23, was fifth in the NHL in goals this season with 43 and first in plus-minus rating at plus-47. Vanek would likely receive a contract that would command multiple first round picks.
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is not at liberty to comment on any specific free agents. However, he did say that, “we are looking at every conceivable way we can improve our team.”
In other Flyers news, the Flyers are greatly exploring the option of the trading the second overall pick in this Friday’s entry draft. The Flyers may be looking for an established top flight forward. They already have the 23rd pick in the draft from Nashville in the Peter Forsberg deal.
The Flyers are also not expected to re-sign defenseman Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen will, reportedly, be qualified with a $1 million contract on deadline day (June 25th). Pitkanen, a former fourth overall pick, made $2 million last season while racking up 39 assists and 43 points. The Edmonton Oilers have been trying to get Pitkanen for years, including at the 2002 draft where he was selected, this is could be Edmonton’s puck-mover that they sorely need.
High Sticks
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jose Theodore is likely to stick around Denver for one more season, despite poor play and a $6 million contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo is reportedly not even close on term or value in contract negotiations. The restricted free agent has been hampered by injuries throughout his career but is extremely promising. With nearly $20 million already tied up on the blueline in Toronto, Colaiacovo is vulnerable to an offer sheet.
Thrashers stay-at-home defenseman Andy Sutton is asking for a four-year, $16 million contract when he hits the open market July 1st. The Michigan Tech grad played in 55 games last season, scoring 16 points with a plus-6 rating while ranking seventh on the Thrashers in ice time per game. The sweet sound of inflation.
Point Shots
The Los Angeles Kings are expected to pursue Sabres center Daniel Briere should he hit the market on July 1st, the Kings join a list of 28 NHL teams that are interested in him, leaving out the Sharks (Thornton/Marleau) and the Penguins (Crosby/Malkin/Staal).
Sharks center Patrick Marleau is more than willing to stay in San Jose after his contract expires at the conclusion of this season.
The Calgary Flames have offered defenseman Brad Stuart a multi-year contract. If the Flames retain Stuart, a deadline acquisition, they will surrender a conditional fourth round draft pick to Boston.
The Chicago Blackhawks have made an offer to center Michal Handzus. Handzus, who played all of eight games last season before being injured, is reportedly asking for $4 million per season. The Blackhawks are not likely to bite on such a high number and that may send Handzus out to test the free agent waters. The Blackhawks are likely to pick Patrick Kane first overall in this Friday’s draft.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and hulking forward Evgeni Artyukhin will likely part ways. The Lightning have offered a one-year, $475,000 contract and a three-year, $1.575 million contract, both rejected by Artyukhin. Artyukhin is expected to return to Yaroslavl Lokotmotiv (RSL) for another season, meanwhile he has asked that the Lightning trade his rights away.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman and Conn Smythe winner Scott Niedermayer is considering retiring as soon as this summer. Despite the beard, Niedermayer is only 33 years old (will be 34 before next season starts however).
Much-maligned Los Angeles Kings goaltender Dan Cloutier has disappeared from the team’s roster page…in other news, “blogger concludes article with least newsworthy tidbit at his fingertips.”
The Summer of the Offer Sheet? Pitkanen Departing? Draft Day Deal?
As general managers league-wide start to understand the benefits and consequences of a hard salary cap, it may be time that GM’s start to use every resource at their disposure: including the rarely used offer sheet.
For those unfamiliar with the business end of NHL dealings, I’ll summarize: An offer sheet can be offered to unsigned, but qualified restricted free agents. The current team may match any offer that an opposing team may offer and keep their player, or a player can reject any offer sheet and there is no consequence in either direction. However, if a player and a different team agree to an offer sheet and the player’s previous team does not match the offer, the previous team is compensated with draft picks. Compensation that ranges anywhere between a third round pick and four first rounds picks.
Anyway, the Philadelphia Flyers may be eyeing up Sabres winger Thomas Vanek. Vanek, 23, was fifth in the NHL in goals this season with 43 and first in plus-minus rating at plus-47. Vanek would likely receive a contract that would command multiple first round picks.
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren is not at liberty to comment on any specific free agents. However, he did say that, “we are looking at every conceivable way we can improve our team.”
In other Flyers news, the Flyers are greatly exploring the option of the trading the second overall pick in this Friday’s entry draft. The Flyers may be looking for an established top flight forward. They already have the 23rd pick in the draft from Nashville in the Peter Forsberg deal.
The Flyers are also not expected to re-sign defenseman Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen will, reportedly, be qualified with a $1 million contract on deadline day (June 25th). Pitkanen, a former fourth overall pick, made $2 million last season while racking up 39 assists and 43 points. The Edmonton Oilers have been trying to get Pitkanen for years, including at the 2002 draft where he was selected, this is could be Edmonton’s puck-mover that they sorely need.
High Sticks
Colorado Avalanche goaltender Jose Theodore is likely to stick around Denver for one more season, despite poor play and a $6 million contract.
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo is reportedly not even close on term or value in contract negotiations. The restricted free agent has been hampered by injuries throughout his career but is extremely promising. With nearly $20 million already tied up on the blueline in Toronto, Colaiacovo is vulnerable to an offer sheet.
Thrashers stay-at-home defenseman Andy Sutton is asking for a four-year, $16 million contract when he hits the open market July 1st. The Michigan Tech grad played in 55 games last season, scoring 16 points with a plus-6 rating while ranking seventh on the Thrashers in ice time per game. The sweet sound of inflation.
Point Shots
The Los Angeles Kings are expected to pursue Sabres center Daniel Briere should he hit the market on July 1st, the Kings join a list of 28 NHL teams that are interested in him, leaving out the Sharks (Thornton/Marleau) and the Penguins (Crosby/Malkin/Staal).
Sharks center Patrick Marleau is more than willing to stay in San Jose after his contract expires at the conclusion of this season.
The Calgary Flames have offered defenseman Brad Stuart a multi-year contract. If the Flames retain Stuart, a deadline acquisition, they will surrender a conditional fourth round draft pick to Boston.
The Chicago Blackhawks have made an offer to center Michal Handzus. Handzus, who played all of eight games last season before being injured, is reportedly asking for $4 million per season. The Blackhawks are not likely to bite on such a high number and that may send Handzus out to test the free agent waters. The Blackhawks are likely to pick Patrick Kane first overall in this Friday’s draft.
The Tampa Bay Lightning and hulking forward Evgeni Artyukhin will likely part ways. The Lightning have offered a one-year, $475,000 contract and a three-year, $1.575 million contract, both rejected by Artyukhin. Artyukhin is expected to return to Yaroslavl Lokotmotiv (RSL) for another season, meanwhile he has asked that the Lightning trade his rights away.
Anaheim Ducks defenseman and Conn Smythe winner Scott Niedermayer is considering retiring as soon as this summer. Despite the beard, Niedermayer is only 33 years old (will be 34 before next season starts however).
Much-maligned Los Angeles Kings goaltender Dan Cloutier has disappeared from the team’s roster page…in other news, “blogger concludes article with least newsworthy tidbit at his fingertips.”
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Samsonov Gone and Muckler Too? Plus the Rest of the Recent Transactions
The Montreal Canadiens have finally traded Sergei Samsonov, find out where. Was John Muckler fired as Senators GM despite taking his team to their first ever Stanley Cup Finals? As well as the rest of the day’s signings and re-signings.
Montreal Finally Moves Samsonov
The Montreal Canadiens tried shopping him around most of last season, scratching him, even waiving him at one point. But they have finally cut ties with the Russian-born winger, all without buying him out.
The Canadiens trade Sergei Samsonov to Chicago in exchange for defenseman Jassen Cullimore and young winger Tony Salmelainen.
Samsonov was ostracized in Montreal after failing to produce the points that his $3.525 million per year contract would suggest. In 63 games last year, Samsonov netted nine goals and 17 assists. He was also a healthy scratch for 18 games and all of the team’s final 13 games.
“Considering we didn’t have plans for Sergei Samsonov in our organization for next season, our options were either buy out his contract or to trade him…” said Canadiens GM Bob Gainey.
The Blackhawks dumped defenseman Jassen Cullimore in the deal. Cullimore, who is a cap hit of $1.9 million, will be immediately bought out by the Canadiens. (I believe the cap hit for the buyout is $621,000 for the next two seasons, but I’ll confirm that later).
The Hawks also give up speedy young forward Tony Salmalainen. He will join his third organization in as many years after being Edmonton’s second round pick in 1999. Last season, Salmelainen, 25, scored 17 points in 57 games. His cap hit his $700,000 and he is scheduled to be a restricted free agent at season’s end.
Identical Up-Bringing, Identical Contracts
The Canadiens have re-signed defenseman Mike Komisarek and forward Chris Higgins to two-year deals worth $3.4 million a piece.
Each of the Long Island natives will make $1.5 million this season and $1.9 million the next (cap hit: $1.7M per season).
“Christopher Higgins and Mike Komisarek are two of the young players we consider to be building blocks for the long term success of our team,” said GM Bob Gainey in a statement about two of his former first round picks.
Higgins missed 21 games with an ankle injury last season, but still mustered 22 goals and 38 points in 61 games.
Komisarek, the stay-at-home, physical defenseman, set career highs in games (82), goals (4), assists (15) and points (19).
Hlavac Another Go
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed left wing Jan Hlavac to a one-year deal.
“Hlavac is a highly skilled player who we believe will fit in well within our group of top six forwards and a player we hope will develop some chemistry with Brad Richards,” said Lightning general manager Jay Feaster. “The new-NHL is tailor-made for Jan’s game…”
Hlavac, who will be 31 by the start of this season, hasn’t played in the NHL since 2003-04 with the New York Rangers. He spent the last three seasons with either Sparta Praha (CZE) and Servette Geneve (SUI-A).
Terms of the deal were not yet disclosed.
Quick Hits:
In a report that serviced after 1 a.m. Eastern Time, the Toronto Sun reports that Ottawa Senators general manager John Muckler has been fired. Confirmation and details to follow.
The Philadelphia Flyers have re-signed goaltender Antero Niittymaki to a two-year deal worth $2.45 million (cap hit: $1.225 million per season).
The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Ben Guite to a two-year deal and energy forward Cody McCormick to a one-year deal.
The Montreal Canadiens have signed defensive prospect Pavel Valentenko to a three-year entry level deal. Terms were not disclosed. Valentenko was the Habs fifth pick in the 2006 draft.
The Minnesota Wild have signed Austrian defenseman Andre Lakos to a one-year, two-way deal. The six-foot-six, 230-pound defenseman has never played a second of NHL hockey. The contract is worth $575,000 if he stays with Minnesota and $100,000 if he is sent to Houston (AHL).
The Bruins have fired head coach Dave Lewis.
The Calgary Flames have hired Mike Keenan as their new head coach.
Montreal Finally Moves Samsonov
The Montreal Canadiens tried shopping him around most of last season, scratching him, even waiving him at one point. But they have finally cut ties with the Russian-born winger, all without buying him out.
The Canadiens trade Sergei Samsonov to Chicago in exchange for defenseman Jassen Cullimore and young winger Tony Salmelainen.
Samsonov was ostracized in Montreal after failing to produce the points that his $3.525 million per year contract would suggest. In 63 games last year, Samsonov netted nine goals and 17 assists. He was also a healthy scratch for 18 games and all of the team’s final 13 games.
“Considering we didn’t have plans for Sergei Samsonov in our organization for next season, our options were either buy out his contract or to trade him…” said Canadiens GM Bob Gainey.
The Blackhawks dumped defenseman Jassen Cullimore in the deal. Cullimore, who is a cap hit of $1.9 million, will be immediately bought out by the Canadiens. (I believe the cap hit for the buyout is $621,000 for the next two seasons, but I’ll confirm that later).
The Hawks also give up speedy young forward Tony Salmalainen. He will join his third organization in as many years after being Edmonton’s second round pick in 1999. Last season, Salmelainen, 25, scored 17 points in 57 games. His cap hit his $700,000 and he is scheduled to be a restricted free agent at season’s end.
Identical Up-Bringing, Identical Contracts
The Canadiens have re-signed defenseman Mike Komisarek and forward Chris Higgins to two-year deals worth $3.4 million a piece.
Each of the Long Island natives will make $1.5 million this season and $1.9 million the next (cap hit: $1.7M per season).
“Christopher Higgins and Mike Komisarek are two of the young players we consider to be building blocks for the long term success of our team,” said GM Bob Gainey in a statement about two of his former first round picks.
Higgins missed 21 games with an ankle injury last season, but still mustered 22 goals and 38 points in 61 games.
Komisarek, the stay-at-home, physical defenseman, set career highs in games (82), goals (4), assists (15) and points (19).
Hlavac Another Go
The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed left wing Jan Hlavac to a one-year deal.
“Hlavac is a highly skilled player who we believe will fit in well within our group of top six forwards and a player we hope will develop some chemistry with Brad Richards,” said Lightning general manager Jay Feaster. “The new-NHL is tailor-made for Jan’s game…”
Hlavac, who will be 31 by the start of this season, hasn’t played in the NHL since 2003-04 with the New York Rangers. He spent the last three seasons with either Sparta Praha (CZE) and Servette Geneve (SUI-A).
Terms of the deal were not yet disclosed.
Quick Hits:
In a report that serviced after 1 a.m. Eastern Time, the Toronto Sun reports that Ottawa Senators general manager John Muckler has been fired. Confirmation and details to follow.
The Philadelphia Flyers have re-signed goaltender Antero Niittymaki to a two-year deal worth $2.45 million (cap hit: $1.225 million per season).
The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Ben Guite to a two-year deal and energy forward Cody McCormick to a one-year deal.
The Montreal Canadiens have signed defensive prospect Pavel Valentenko to a three-year entry level deal. Terms were not disclosed. Valentenko was the Habs fifth pick in the 2006 draft.
The Minnesota Wild have signed Austrian defenseman Andre Lakos to a one-year, two-way deal. The six-foot-six, 230-pound defenseman has never played a second of NHL hockey. The contract is worth $575,000 if he stays with Minnesota and $100,000 if he is sent to Houston (AHL).
The Bruins have fired head coach Dave Lewis.
The Calgary Flames have hired Mike Keenan as their new head coach.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
A Wide Range of Recent NHL Rumors
Dominik Hasek has made his decision on the upcoming season. What are the chances of Scott Gomez returning to New Jersey? Is Mike Keenan going to be a bench boss again? And tons more about free agency, trades and the upcoming draft.
Dominator Doesn’t Desert Detroit
Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek will return for yet another NHL season.
Hasek, 42, informed Wings GM Ken Holland that he “is excited and can’t wait to get to Traverse City (for training camp).”
“I’m feeling great physically and I felt great this season,” Hasek said. “I enjoy every NHL game and enjoy the playoffs and enjoy the competition.”
Hasek went 38-11-6 in 56 games last season. His goals against average was a rather anemic 2.05 and a save percentage of .913.
Contract negotiations are expected to start in about two weeks. Hasek signed a contract with a $750,000 base salary plus as much as $1.1 million in incentives this past season.
Gomez As Good As Gone
Scott Gomez has said that there have been no negotiations with the Devils since their second round exit at the hands of the Ottawa Senators and he will test the free agent market come July 1st.
“To have come this far, every hockey player wants to see what’s out there,” said Gomez. “It wouldn’t make any sense not to go all the way now.”
However, that doesn’t mean the Devils center is gone for good. “Just because I’m going to free agency doesn’t mean anything…[w]ho knows what’s going to happen?”
Blue Jackets Strike Oil?
The Columbus Blue Jackets may have found their new general manager. According to reports, the Blue Jackets will hire Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Scott Howson to try to right the Columbus ship.
Howson, 47, ran Edmonton’s farm club from 1994-2000 before being hired by the Oilers. By 2001, he was already promoted to assistant GM.
An announcement is expected to be made Friday at Nationwide Arena. However, up to this point, representatives from Columbus and Edmonton have not confirmed any such transaction.
Calgary Keen on Coach Keenan
After a lot of speculation surrounding Calgary Flames coach Jim Playfair’s dismissal during the course of the year, the Flames may finally extinguish any uncertainty.
The Calgary Flames may name well-traveled executive and coach Mike Keenan as their new head coach.
Keenan, who had his last job in Florida before last season, may join his eighth NHL team as soon as Thursday. “Iron Mike” has coached in more than 1,000 NHL games, including stints in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York (Rangers) that all saw Stanley Cup Finals appearances.
The Flames have declined to comment.
Gateway To…Some Place Else
The St. Louis Blues have a number of goalies that will be fighting for a spot with the team, perhaps one too many.
Manny Legace who signed a two-year, multi-million dollar contract the same day he had knee surgery last season, has been working hard and will be considered the starter heading into the 2007-08 season.
Meanwhile, Curtis Sanford, Jason Bacashihua and a recent signing, 30-year-old Juuso Riksman will be fighting for an NHL job.
“[It] needs to be better,” said Blues President John Davidson, referring to the backup goaltending. “Whether that means with the same people or not, we don’t know yet.”
Curtis Sanford’s thoughts, “I definitely do think that either Jason or myself is going to be out of the equation. I don’t see myself going back to Peoria (Blues AHL affiliate)…”
Jason Bacashihua concurred, “We had our opportunity to play well last year and try to make a stand, and hopefully we did that. It’s out of our hands now.”
If either play elects arbitration, it is suggested that Sanford could receive a one-way contract, while Bacashihua may not have such a luxury. It is also noted that interest in acquiring either goaltender has been quite slim around the league.
Coyotes Select…
Well, we don’t know that quite yet but Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky met with Calgary Hitmen (WHL) defenseman Karl Alzner recently.
In an interesting tale, the team trainer of the Hitmen asked if Karl had talked to Wayne yet, and a confused Alzner asked, “Who?” The trainer says Wayne is in the hall and Alzner recalls that he walked out there thinking, “Please don’t let this be a joke.”
It was not a joke, “We talked for a little bit, and he said, ‘I’m sure I’ll see you sometime in Columbus (the site of this year’s draft).’”
Alzner moved from eighth to fifth in the Central Scouting Ranks, the Coyotes own the third pick in this year’s draft.
Alzner also said he is not going to be attending college, he’s looking to jump right into professional hockey.
"My mom would love for me to go to school…but I…would love to get the taste of an exhibition game in the NHL, to see what it's like, see who I am, compared to the other guys, and go to the minors if that's what's best for me, wherever I can develop so that when I finally do make the jump, I'm kind of weathered."
Also, of note, the defenseman ranked one spot ahead of him in the CS rankings, Keaton Ellerby, who is the first cousin of Coyotes captain Shane Doan.
Rumor Mill
The Flyers are expected to re-sign goaltender Antero Niittymaki as soon as this weekend.
The Montreal Canadiens may be interested in former Islanders center Alexei Yashin.
The Panthers would have pursued Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom had he become an unrestricted free agent. “We’ll either go back with the same duo (Auld and Belfour) or explore some trades,” said Panthers GM Jacques Martin.
Panthers first round pick in 2006 Michael Frolik will be returned Rimouski (QMJHL). Noting that they didn’t want pull Frolik out of his development too early, like they did with Rostislav Olesz and Stephen Weiss.
The Chicago Blackhawks are strongly considering Patrick Kane as their first overall pick in next Saturday’s draft. The Hawks, however, have also talked to “maybe five teams” about trading that pick, neither of which were Philadelphia (2nd overall) or Phoenix (3rd overall).
The Carolina Hurricanes will not re-sign center Josef Vasicek.
Dominator Doesn’t Desert Detroit
Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek will return for yet another NHL season.
Hasek, 42, informed Wings GM Ken Holland that he “is excited and can’t wait to get to Traverse City (for training camp).”
“I’m feeling great physically and I felt great this season,” Hasek said. “I enjoy every NHL game and enjoy the playoffs and enjoy the competition.”
Hasek went 38-11-6 in 56 games last season. His goals against average was a rather anemic 2.05 and a save percentage of .913.
Contract negotiations are expected to start in about two weeks. Hasek signed a contract with a $750,000 base salary plus as much as $1.1 million in incentives this past season.
Gomez As Good As Gone
Scott Gomez has said that there have been no negotiations with the Devils since their second round exit at the hands of the Ottawa Senators and he will test the free agent market come July 1st.
“To have come this far, every hockey player wants to see what’s out there,” said Gomez. “It wouldn’t make any sense not to go all the way now.”
However, that doesn’t mean the Devils center is gone for good. “Just because I’m going to free agency doesn’t mean anything…[w]ho knows what’s going to happen?”
Blue Jackets Strike Oil?
The Columbus Blue Jackets may have found their new general manager. According to reports, the Blue Jackets will hire Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Scott Howson to try to right the Columbus ship.
Howson, 47, ran Edmonton’s farm club from 1994-2000 before being hired by the Oilers. By 2001, he was already promoted to assistant GM.
An announcement is expected to be made Friday at Nationwide Arena. However, up to this point, representatives from Columbus and Edmonton have not confirmed any such transaction.
Calgary Keen on Coach Keenan
After a lot of speculation surrounding Calgary Flames coach Jim Playfair’s dismissal during the course of the year, the Flames may finally extinguish any uncertainty.
The Calgary Flames may name well-traveled executive and coach Mike Keenan as their new head coach.
Keenan, who had his last job in Florida before last season, may join his eighth NHL team as soon as Thursday. “Iron Mike” has coached in more than 1,000 NHL games, including stints in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York (Rangers) that all saw Stanley Cup Finals appearances.
The Flames have declined to comment.
Gateway To…Some Place Else
The St. Louis Blues have a number of goalies that will be fighting for a spot with the team, perhaps one too many.
Manny Legace who signed a two-year, multi-million dollar contract the same day he had knee surgery last season, has been working hard and will be considered the starter heading into the 2007-08 season.
Meanwhile, Curtis Sanford, Jason Bacashihua and a recent signing, 30-year-old Juuso Riksman will be fighting for an NHL job.
“[It] needs to be better,” said Blues President John Davidson, referring to the backup goaltending. “Whether that means with the same people or not, we don’t know yet.”
Curtis Sanford’s thoughts, “I definitely do think that either Jason or myself is going to be out of the equation. I don’t see myself going back to Peoria (Blues AHL affiliate)…”
Jason Bacashihua concurred, “We had our opportunity to play well last year and try to make a stand, and hopefully we did that. It’s out of our hands now.”
If either play elects arbitration, it is suggested that Sanford could receive a one-way contract, while Bacashihua may not have such a luxury. It is also noted that interest in acquiring either goaltender has been quite slim around the league.
Coyotes Select…
Well, we don’t know that quite yet but Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky met with Calgary Hitmen (WHL) defenseman Karl Alzner recently.
In an interesting tale, the team trainer of the Hitmen asked if Karl had talked to Wayne yet, and a confused Alzner asked, “Who?” The trainer says Wayne is in the hall and Alzner recalls that he walked out there thinking, “Please don’t let this be a joke.”
It was not a joke, “We talked for a little bit, and he said, ‘I’m sure I’ll see you sometime in Columbus (the site of this year’s draft).’”
Alzner moved from eighth to fifth in the Central Scouting Ranks, the Coyotes own the third pick in this year’s draft.
Alzner also said he is not going to be attending college, he’s looking to jump right into professional hockey.
"My mom would love for me to go to school…but I…would love to get the taste of an exhibition game in the NHL, to see what it's like, see who I am, compared to the other guys, and go to the minors if that's what's best for me, wherever I can develop so that when I finally do make the jump, I'm kind of weathered."
Also, of note, the defenseman ranked one spot ahead of him in the CS rankings, Keaton Ellerby, who is the first cousin of Coyotes captain Shane Doan.
Rumor Mill
The Flyers are expected to re-sign goaltender Antero Niittymaki as soon as this weekend.
The Montreal Canadiens may be interested in former Islanders center Alexei Yashin.
The Panthers would have pursued Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom had he become an unrestricted free agent. “We’ll either go back with the same duo (Auld and Belfour) or explore some trades,” said Panthers GM Jacques Martin.
Panthers first round pick in 2006 Michael Frolik will be returned Rimouski (QMJHL). Noting that they didn’t want pull Frolik out of his development too early, like they did with Rostislav Olesz and Stephen Weiss.
The Chicago Blackhawks are strongly considering Patrick Kane as their first overall pick in next Saturday’s draft. The Hawks, however, have also talked to “maybe five teams” about trading that pick, neither of which were Philadelphia (2nd overall) or Phoenix (3rd overall).
The Carolina Hurricanes will not re-sign center Josef Vasicek.
Recent NHL Transactions
The Lightning bring back an old face…again. A series of largely unreported signings were made yesterday. Where are Alexeev and Arkhipov going? As well as some news about Randy Carlyle.
Lightning Strikes Thrice
The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired center Chris Gratton from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a second round pick in 2007 or 2008 (Florida’s option).
Gratton, Tampa Bay’s first pick, third overall in 1993, will join the Lightning for the third time in his career.
“Chris Gratton is the ideal third line center for our hockey team,” Lightning GM Jay Feaster said. “We have been pursuing Chris for some time now, and I honestly thought we were going to be able to get a deal done to acquire him at the trade deadline this past season.”
The six-foot-four, 221-pound forward netted 13 goals and 35 points last season for Florida, while leading the Panthers in faceoff percentage.
Panthers Go All-In on Allen
As previously reported on Faceoff Factor, the Florida Panthers have re-signed defenseman Bryan Allen to a five-year contract extension.
The deal is worth $14.5 million over the five seasons (cap hit: $2.9 million/year).
The defensive-minded defenseman did set career highs in assists (21) and points (25) last season.
“Bryan proved to be one of our top four defenseman last year and he will continue to play a vital role in our team’s future success,” said Panthers GM and coach Jacques Martin in a release.
Sitting Duck, Reigning Champ
The Anaheim Ducks have extended the contract of their head coach Randy Carlyle until 2008-09.
“Randy has been the perfect fit for this organization with hard-working, aggressive style,” said Ducks GM Brian Burke in a release.
Carlyle, 51, led the Ducks to a Stanley Cup championship this season, a fitting ending to a season that saw the Ducks break most of their major statistical franchise records.
Defenseman Boumedienne Rejoins Capitals
The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Josef Boumedienne to a one-year, $500,000 contract.
The 29-year-old Swedish defenseman signed a one-way deal with Washington. In prior seasons, Boumedienne was offered a two-way contract (saving the club money by greatly reducing the salary of a player when he is sent to the minors) which he rejected. Instead, the Stockholm-native spent the past three seasons in the top leagues of Sweden, Finland and Switzerland playing for four different teams in all.
“The hope is that [Boumedienne] can help us,” Capitals GM George McPhee said. “But if not, it doesn’t hurt us too much,” McPhee re-assures.
Thirty Seconds to Lars
The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed smooth-skating defenseman Lars Jonsson to a one-year two-way contract worth $600,000.
“He told us he wanted to come back,” Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. “We challenged him. He has to show us something more to be in the NHL…he needs to take that next step.”
The Flyers have also re-signed gritty forward Riley Cote to a two-way deal worth $500,000. Both players are expected to start the year with the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL).
Devils Sign a Pair
The New Jersey Devils have signed Karpat Oulu (SM-liiga [Fin]) center Jari Viuhkola, first round pick defenseman Matthew Corrente.
Viuhkola, 27, has spent the past seven seasons in the Finnish Elite League. He notched 38 assists and 45 points in 37 games last season.
Corrente, 19, was the last pick of the first round in 2006. He spent last season with Saginaw (OHL) and Mississauga (OHL) scoring three goals plus 23 assists in 43 games.
Terms of the deals were not yet released.
Avalanche Re-Sign Two
Role player Scott Parker and young defenseman Johnny Boychuk have been re-signed by Colorado.
Parker, 29, was acquired at the deadline from San Jose last season. He has signed a one-year, $475,000 contract.
Boychuk, 23, is the Avs second round choice in 2002 and spent last season with Albany (AHL). He received a one-year, two-way deal worth $475,000.
Blackhawks Lose Two
Former Blackhawks center Denis Arkhipov, who was not expected to be re-signed by Chcago anyway, signed with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League.
Deadline acquisition and former eighth overall draft pick Nikita Alexeev will also not be brought back after he signed to play in Russia for the upcoming season.
“We took a shot, but he just didn’t do anything for us,” remarked Dave Tallon, Blackhawks GM. “We weren’t happy with the way he played. We expected a lot more.”
Lightning Strikes Thrice
The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired center Chris Gratton from the Florida Panthers in exchange for a second round pick in 2007 or 2008 (Florida’s option).
Gratton, Tampa Bay’s first pick, third overall in 1993, will join the Lightning for the third time in his career.
“Chris Gratton is the ideal third line center for our hockey team,” Lightning GM Jay Feaster said. “We have been pursuing Chris for some time now, and I honestly thought we were going to be able to get a deal done to acquire him at the trade deadline this past season.”
The six-foot-four, 221-pound forward netted 13 goals and 35 points last season for Florida, while leading the Panthers in faceoff percentage.
Panthers Go All-In on Allen
As previously reported on Faceoff Factor, the Florida Panthers have re-signed defenseman Bryan Allen to a five-year contract extension.
The deal is worth $14.5 million over the five seasons (cap hit: $2.9 million/year).
The defensive-minded defenseman did set career highs in assists (21) and points (25) last season.
“Bryan proved to be one of our top four defenseman last year and he will continue to play a vital role in our team’s future success,” said Panthers GM and coach Jacques Martin in a release.
Sitting Duck, Reigning Champ
The Anaheim Ducks have extended the contract of their head coach Randy Carlyle until 2008-09.
“Randy has been the perfect fit for this organization with hard-working, aggressive style,” said Ducks GM Brian Burke in a release.
Carlyle, 51, led the Ducks to a Stanley Cup championship this season, a fitting ending to a season that saw the Ducks break most of their major statistical franchise records.
Defenseman Boumedienne Rejoins Capitals
The Washington Capitals have re-signed defenseman Josef Boumedienne to a one-year, $500,000 contract.
The 29-year-old Swedish defenseman signed a one-way deal with Washington. In prior seasons, Boumedienne was offered a two-way contract (saving the club money by greatly reducing the salary of a player when he is sent to the minors) which he rejected. Instead, the Stockholm-native spent the past three seasons in the top leagues of Sweden, Finland and Switzerland playing for four different teams in all.
“The hope is that [Boumedienne] can help us,” Capitals GM George McPhee said. “But if not, it doesn’t hurt us too much,” McPhee re-assures.
Thirty Seconds to Lars
The Philadelphia Flyers re-signed smooth-skating defenseman Lars Jonsson to a one-year two-way contract worth $600,000.
“He told us he wanted to come back,” Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said. “We challenged him. He has to show us something more to be in the NHL…he needs to take that next step.”
The Flyers have also re-signed gritty forward Riley Cote to a two-way deal worth $500,000. Both players are expected to start the year with the Philadelphia Phantoms (AHL).
Devils Sign a Pair
The New Jersey Devils have signed Karpat Oulu (SM-liiga [Fin]) center Jari Viuhkola, first round pick defenseman Matthew Corrente.
Viuhkola, 27, has spent the past seven seasons in the Finnish Elite League. He notched 38 assists and 45 points in 37 games last season.
Corrente, 19, was the last pick of the first round in 2006. He spent last season with Saginaw (OHL) and Mississauga (OHL) scoring three goals plus 23 assists in 43 games.
Terms of the deals were not yet released.
Avalanche Re-Sign Two
Role player Scott Parker and young defenseman Johnny Boychuk have been re-signed by Colorado.
Parker, 29, was acquired at the deadline from San Jose last season. He has signed a one-year, $475,000 contract.
Boychuk, 23, is the Avs second round choice in 2002 and spent last season with Albany (AHL). He received a one-year, two-way deal worth $475,000.
Blackhawks Lose Two
Former Blackhawks center Denis Arkhipov, who was not expected to be re-signed by Chcago anyway, signed with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League.
Deadline acquisition and former eighth overall draft pick Nikita Alexeev will also not be brought back after he signed to play in Russia for the upcoming season.
“We took a shot, but he just didn’t do anything for us,” remarked Dave Tallon, Blackhawks GM. “We weren’t happy with the way he played. We expected a lot more.”
The Bell of the "Bal"
Jim Balsillie. The bald-headed, blue eyed, Blackberry wielding picture arises in your head immediately. Now, perhaps it’s time to put his face to an NHL team, specifically, a Canadian NHL team.
As if the writing wasn’t on the wall already for the Nashville Predator faithful, but a “test plan” that will take the temperature of hockey interest in the Hamilton, Ontario area.
Balsillie plans on testing the marketability of the southern Ontario town. He will be gauging the interest in season tickets by soliciting deposits for the local Copps Coliseum. He’s asking people to actually put their money where their mouth is. This experiment, which will be much more accurate than any survey, is expected to begin as soon as today.
Deposits may range in price from the $500 for upper bowl seats, $1,000 for lower bowl seats to $5,000 for suites, according to a source.
The deposits are fully refundable and there is no obligation to purchase tickets when and if an NHL franchise makes its home in Hamilton.
As if the writing wasn’t on the wall already for the Nashville Predator faithful, but a “test plan” that will take the temperature of hockey interest in the Hamilton, Ontario area.
Balsillie plans on testing the marketability of the southern Ontario town. He will be gauging the interest in season tickets by soliciting deposits for the local Copps Coliseum. He’s asking people to actually put their money where their mouth is. This experiment, which will be much more accurate than any survey, is expected to begin as soon as today.
Deposits may range in price from the $500 for upper bowl seats, $1,000 for lower bowl seats to $5,000 for suites, according to a source.
The deposits are fully refundable and there is no obligation to purchase tickets when and if an NHL franchise makes its home in Hamilton.
The Latest Round of Rumors
Find out all the latest about the biggest names on the market. In this edition, the rumor mill churns out news on Keith Tkachuk, Alexei Yashin, Dominik Hasek, of course the big three and much more.
Tkachuk Tkaput
The Atlanta Thrashers will not offer Keith Tkachuk a contract before July 1st. Tkachuk was acquired from St. Louis in exchange for Glen Metropolit, a first round pick in 2007, a third round pick in 2007, a second round pick 2008 and a conditional first round pick in 2008 if Tkachuk re-signs in Atlanta. The Thrashers will focus more on keeping winger Slava Kozlov. Kozlov, who notched a career high 80 points this season, will reportedly draw the interest from Detroit, Florida and Washington.
The Atlanta Thrashers have been tied to Ottawa center Mike Comrie. Thrashers GM Don Waddell is a close family friend of the Comrie’s.
Cats Aren’t All That Curious
The Florida Panthers are not interested in the big name free agents, such as Devils center Scott Gomez and Sabres centers Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. Besides Slava Kozlov, the Panthers are reported to be pursuing (after July 1st of course) Carolina winger Scott Walker, Minnesota center Todd White, Islanders winger Viktor Kozlov and coveted Nashville winger Scott Hartnell.
In net, the Florida Panthers will consider Ducks goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere or a trade for one of the Sharks goaltenders, Evgeni Nabokov or Vesa Toskala; before they would consider taking Manny Fernandez from Minnesota or forty-year-old free agent Curtis Joseph from Phoenix.
Bruins Could Be Dealing Early at the Draft
The Bruins entertained a few top prospects this past weekend. Including Angelo Esposito, Tom Hickey, Keaton Ellerby, Kevin Shattenkirk and Zach Hamill. The Bruins have the eighth pick in the draft, and notably did not bring in any of the highest touted prospects (Turris, Kane, vanRiemsdyk). When Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was asked whether it would be safe to assume the Bruins will not be trading up on draft day Chiarelli responded, “No, that would not be the correct assumption.” He also noted that he has received calls for young goaltender Hannu Toivonen. Toivonen could be a ticket for the Bruins to move up a few spots in the draft. (Loose interpretation: The Los Angeles Kings, owners of the fourth overall pick, have been tied to Hannu Toivonen in sporadic reports). The Bruins may want to slide up a few spots to snag defenseman Keaton Ellerby.
The Boston Bruins have also been in talks with shifty center Sergei Zinovjev. However, there has not been a whole lot of progress. Zinovjev has an interest in returning to the NHL. The third round pick of the Bruins in 2000 has played 10 NHL games and 4 career AHL games between stints with AK Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League.
The Boston Bruins will not buy out any roster players according to Chiarelli. The Bruins will tender offers to restricted free agents Andrew Alberts, Brandon Bochenski and Dennis Wideman.
Where Could Yashin Be Cashin’ In?
Recently bought out center Alexei Yashin could be heading back to Ottawa. He has also been tied to Washington, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
In a rather unsubstantiated rumor, Eishockey News reports that Yashin may sign with Hamburg Freezers (DEL) of the highest German league.
New York State of Mind
For Edmonton Oiler winger Ryan Smyth may be remaining in New York after all. Sporadic, and largely unconfirmed, reports have seen Ryan Smyth rejecting long term, high money deals (5 to 8 years, $30 to $51 million) from the Islanders. The Rangers are reportedly willing to pay the price to have Smyth’s services. That price will likely be in the neighborhood for six years, $36 million. Among the other teams in the hunt for Smyth: All of them.
The Islanders are expected to pursue their former center Michael Peca. Ted Nolan also knows Peca from his days in Buffalo.
Samsonov and Son
The Montreal Canadiens are expected to buy out the remaining year of Sergei Samsonov’s contract. Samsonov scored 26 points in 63 games for Montreal last season. The former eighth overall pick’s contract is worth $3.525 million next season. A buyout would count as approximately $1.175 million over the next seasons against the salary cap for Montreal. Samsonov would become an unrestricted free agent if the Canadiens pull the trigger on this transaction.
No comment as to whether Samsonov would like one across his lip.
“Preissed” Out of Ottawa
Ottawa Senators defenseman Tom Preissing is expected to leave Ottawa as an unrestricted free agent. Preissing netted 38 points and a plus-40 rating this season. Preissing has family in suburbs near Chicago and he went to Colorado College before joining the San Jose Sharks as undrafted free agent in 2003-04.
Dominator’s Decision Decided?
An announcement is expected to made by the end of the week as to the status of Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek. Hasek’s agent Rich Winter has hinted the 42-year-old netminder will return to Detroit for another season.
Getting Off the Schneid?
The Detroit Red Wings and defenseman Mathieu Schneider will be actively working to put a new contract in place before Schneider hits unrestricted free agency on July 1st.
Schneider, who turned 38 today (June 12th), made $3.5 million last season and with his 111 points over the past two seasons could expect a lot more on the open market. However, Wings GM Ken Holland said, “Mathieu has told me how much he wants to stay here, so I think he’s open to some compromise.”
“…[O]n the open market, he might get an offer of $5.25 million and that’s when our interest in a player becomes less,” Holland added.
It is reported that if the Wings must choose between Danny Markov and Mathieu Schneider, they will choose Schneider and slide young defenseman Kyle Quincey into Markov’s spot on the depth chart.
Center Robert Lang has not ruled out returning Detroit, but is concerned with his lowering ice time.
The Red Wings are interested in bringing back much-maligned winger Todd Bertuzzi if the price is right.
Young forwards Jiri Hudler and Tomas Kopecky could push Kyle Calder out the door come July 1st.
Stay tuned to Faceoff Factor, your source for the latest rumors all in one place, rumors that are never creations of imagination, published reports only.
Tkachuk Tkaput
The Atlanta Thrashers will not offer Keith Tkachuk a contract before July 1st. Tkachuk was acquired from St. Louis in exchange for Glen Metropolit, a first round pick in 2007, a third round pick in 2007, a second round pick 2008 and a conditional first round pick in 2008 if Tkachuk re-signs in Atlanta. The Thrashers will focus more on keeping winger Slava Kozlov. Kozlov, who notched a career high 80 points this season, will reportedly draw the interest from Detroit, Florida and Washington.
The Atlanta Thrashers have been tied to Ottawa center Mike Comrie. Thrashers GM Don Waddell is a close family friend of the Comrie’s.
Cats Aren’t All That Curious
The Florida Panthers are not interested in the big name free agents, such as Devils center Scott Gomez and Sabres centers Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. Besides Slava Kozlov, the Panthers are reported to be pursuing (after July 1st of course) Carolina winger Scott Walker, Minnesota center Todd White, Islanders winger Viktor Kozlov and coveted Nashville winger Scott Hartnell.
In net, the Florida Panthers will consider Ducks goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere or a trade for one of the Sharks goaltenders, Evgeni Nabokov or Vesa Toskala; before they would consider taking Manny Fernandez from Minnesota or forty-year-old free agent Curtis Joseph from Phoenix.
Bruins Could Be Dealing Early at the Draft
The Bruins entertained a few top prospects this past weekend. Including Angelo Esposito, Tom Hickey, Keaton Ellerby, Kevin Shattenkirk and Zach Hamill. The Bruins have the eighth pick in the draft, and notably did not bring in any of the highest touted prospects (Turris, Kane, vanRiemsdyk). When Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was asked whether it would be safe to assume the Bruins will not be trading up on draft day Chiarelli responded, “No, that would not be the correct assumption.” He also noted that he has received calls for young goaltender Hannu Toivonen. Toivonen could be a ticket for the Bruins to move up a few spots in the draft. (Loose interpretation: The Los Angeles Kings, owners of the fourth overall pick, have been tied to Hannu Toivonen in sporadic reports). The Bruins may want to slide up a few spots to snag defenseman Keaton Ellerby.
The Boston Bruins have also been in talks with shifty center Sergei Zinovjev. However, there has not been a whole lot of progress. Zinovjev has an interest in returning to the NHL. The third round pick of the Bruins in 2000 has played 10 NHL games and 4 career AHL games between stints with AK Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League.
The Boston Bruins will not buy out any roster players according to Chiarelli. The Bruins will tender offers to restricted free agents Andrew Alberts, Brandon Bochenski and Dennis Wideman.
Where Could Yashin Be Cashin’ In?
Recently bought out center Alexei Yashin could be heading back to Ottawa. He has also been tied to Washington, Atlanta and Los Angeles.
In a rather unsubstantiated rumor, Eishockey News reports that Yashin may sign with Hamburg Freezers (DEL) of the highest German league.
New York State of Mind
For Edmonton Oiler winger Ryan Smyth may be remaining in New York after all. Sporadic, and largely unconfirmed, reports have seen Ryan Smyth rejecting long term, high money deals (5 to 8 years, $30 to $51 million) from the Islanders. The Rangers are reportedly willing to pay the price to have Smyth’s services. That price will likely be in the neighborhood for six years, $36 million. Among the other teams in the hunt for Smyth: All of them.
The Islanders are expected to pursue their former center Michael Peca. Ted Nolan also knows Peca from his days in Buffalo.
Samsonov and Son
The Montreal Canadiens are expected to buy out the remaining year of Sergei Samsonov’s contract. Samsonov scored 26 points in 63 games for Montreal last season. The former eighth overall pick’s contract is worth $3.525 million next season. A buyout would count as approximately $1.175 million over the next seasons against the salary cap for Montreal. Samsonov would become an unrestricted free agent if the Canadiens pull the trigger on this transaction.
No comment as to whether Samsonov would like one across his lip.
“Preissed” Out of Ottawa
Ottawa Senators defenseman Tom Preissing is expected to leave Ottawa as an unrestricted free agent. Preissing netted 38 points and a plus-40 rating this season. Preissing has family in suburbs near Chicago and he went to Colorado College before joining the San Jose Sharks as undrafted free agent in 2003-04.
Dominator’s Decision Decided?
An announcement is expected to made by the end of the week as to the status of Red Wings goalie Dominik Hasek. Hasek’s agent Rich Winter has hinted the 42-year-old netminder will return to Detroit for another season.
Getting Off the Schneid?
The Detroit Red Wings and defenseman Mathieu Schneider will be actively working to put a new contract in place before Schneider hits unrestricted free agency on July 1st.
Schneider, who turned 38 today (June 12th), made $3.5 million last season and with his 111 points over the past two seasons could expect a lot more on the open market. However, Wings GM Ken Holland said, “Mathieu has told me how much he wants to stay here, so I think he’s open to some compromise.”
“…[O]n the open market, he might get an offer of $5.25 million and that’s when our interest in a player becomes less,” Holland added.
It is reported that if the Wings must choose between Danny Markov and Mathieu Schneider, they will choose Schneider and slide young defenseman Kyle Quincey into Markov’s spot on the depth chart.
Center Robert Lang has not ruled out returning Detroit, but is concerned with his lowering ice time.
The Red Wings are interested in bringing back much-maligned winger Todd Bertuzzi if the price is right.
Young forwards Jiri Hudler and Tomas Kopecky could push Kyle Calder out the door come July 1st.
Stay tuned to Faceoff Factor, your source for the latest rumors all in one place, rumors that are never creations of imagination, published reports only.
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