Monthly Archives: May 2010

More Jackets / Leafs trade Talk

The rumor percolating in Canada that Toronto will offer defenseman to the Blue Jackets for the No. 4 pick appears to be just that — a rumor. But don’t be surprised, we’re told, if Toronto GM Brian Burke makes that offer in the days or hours leading up to the NHL entry draft, set for June 25-26 in Los Angeles.

The Pens trading Malkin. Good or bad idea???

I know there are some who want to lay the blame for the Pens playoff failure on Geno’s shoulders, but overall the team played the wrong system against the Habs and it cost them. Now come the rumors that could be had for the right price. I for one would put him out there to see what offers come in, and I will propose a couple for you to comment on, good or bad. I will try and maintain the salary cap, but if I put a wrong cap hit for a player, please let me know.

Oilers not cost-effective: Forbes

EDMONTON – At a cost of $1.71 million a victory, the Edmonton Oilers top the list of least cost-effective NHL teams that didn’t make the post-season.

Additionally, Forbes.comcontributor Dr. Patrick Rishe lists the Oilers as the worst-managed NHL team over the last five years.

By Pierre LeBrun

The Lidstrom decision


Nicklas Lidstrom
will deliver his decision on his playing future to Detroit GM Ken Holland in the upcoming week. The Red Wings have their fingers crossed that he’ll return, but the reality is, no one has a clue what he’s going to decide. If he decides to return for another season, the next step will be to sign a contract since he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He earned $7.4 million this season, and despite the fact that he remains a great defenseman at age 40, the Wings will hope to get him back for less money.

Aside from , the Wings are also talking to both camps for and and want to try to bring them both back. They’re both UFAs as well.

Jackets expect to pick coach within 10 days

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson nearly two months into a coaching search that has dominated the first part of a crucial off-season expects his exhaustive search to be finished in seven to 10 days.

With the Combine finishing and the order for the draft now all but determined here is what I think will happen on June 25th. I will include trades in this as well. There will undoubtedly be more trades than the ones I list, but I’m just going to put in ones that seem logical.

Burke asks Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin to 'retire'

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs do not have a first- or second-round pick at next month’s NHL draft, but that has not stopped the team from trying to land top-ranked prospects or .

Columbus holds the fourth pick in the NHL draft and there is all kinds of speculation around the Stanley Cup final that the Blue Jackets are under pressure to make the playoffs and may not have the time or inclination to wait for yet another player to develop. Don’t be surprised if Brian Burke makes an attempt to deal and more to Columbus to try and get an early pick … I guess size matters: The Maple Leafs don’t lead the NHL in any category other than size of front office …

bruins news and possible buyouts

The draft itself comes smack dab in the middle of the NHL’s two-week buyout window leading up to July 1 free agency. During Chiarelli’s four years on Causeway St., he has bought out the likes of , , and (a procedure crafted around the Aaron Ward trade to Carolina and the UFA acquisition of ).

Please feel free to stop by the new site forums. This is just new so please stop by and start a conversation or respond to what someone else has said to get the ball rolling.

The Penguins got good news when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the salary cap is expected to rise by about $2 million from its current $56.8 million. There had been concern about a possible precipitous drop in the cap for 2010-11 because of the sour economy.

Another priority for Shero among potential free agents is winger , who combines strong physical play with some skill. Shero said at 32 and coming off a strong season in which he matched his career high with 15 goals, might have to makes some choices between staying with a contending club where he is comfortable or pursuing a large, long-term contract for family security.

Caps and a possible NHL salary cap increase

The most interesting news to come out of Gary Bettman’s press conference on Friday afternoon in Chicago – other than that second Winter Classic headed the Caps way – was that the NHL salary cap could rise as much as $2 million or more next season. The final numbers won’t be calculated until all revenue for the 2009-10 season is accounted for after the Stanley Cup finals end. And Bettman admitted the rise is due in part to the strength of the Canadian dollar. But whatever the cause, the Caps would have a little bit of breathing room in their quest to sign their four remaining restricted free agents, two centers and a sixth defenseman. The salary cap was $56.8 million in 2009-10.

World Cup of Hockey 2011

The World Cup of Hockey is returning to an arena near you. It was announced earlier this year that the World Cup of Hockey would be returning in 2011. The teams consisted of 15 forwards, 8 defenceman and 3 goalies at the last tournament. Coming off an Olympic gold medal win Canada are definatley favourites heading into the next tournament.