Monthly Archives: October 2011
RUMOURS DU JOUR
The Jackets are trying to make changes, but GM Scott Howson hasn’t been able to find a trade partner. His refusal to fire coach Scott Arniel is curious, but a couple of more losses and Howson might not have a choice. The Jackets are fielding calls for D Kris Russell and C Derick Brassard … Tampa GM Steve Yzerman isn’t ready to push the panic button, but he does have concerns about the play of veteran G Dwayne Roloson. The Lightning could look to bolster its netminding before the trade deadline.
Scouts from several teams have been keeping close watch on Edmonton. Don’t be surprised if Sam Gagner winds up elsewhere — St. Louis? — before the trade deadline.
http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabres-nhl/inside-the-nhl/article612968.ece
Sean Avery could be on his way back to the New York Rangers.
According to multiple reports, the Rangers will place Sean Avery on re-entry waivers Monday.
Another team could claim Avery and have him for a portion of his salary and cap hit. However, the report suggests it would be unlikely to happen.
Woeful Start Could Spark Changes
The Blue Jackets, off to a woeful 1-9-1 start, may be on the verge of making substantial changes.
Multiple NHL sources have informed The Dispatch early Sunday that Jackets president Mike Priest has contacted Ken Hitch***** about returning as the club’s coach, and that former Calgary Flames general manager Craig Button has been contacted about taking on the same job with the Jackets.
The new Toronto Maple Leafs seem to be on a warpath and their objective is to end this playoff drought. Now its still only October and there is still plenty of hockey to be played but the stats show that only 18% of teams who are in the bottom 8 move up into a playoff position by April so its looking pretty good for us Maple Leaf fans but who should get the praises? My props go out to a few people….
Could the Maple Leafs have an unexpected challenge to their number one spot between the irons?
So the question is this: Which conference is more dominant this year?
Turris interests Sens
But don’t count on the Coyotes restricted free-agent centre wearing an Ottawa uniform anytime soon unless Phoenix GM Don Maloney makes a seismic shift in his stance on trading the 22-year-old Turris before the Dec. 1 deadline to sign him.
While reports Thursday confirmed Turris has indeed asked the Coyotes for a trade, it’s believed the Senators are one of six or seven teams — including Calgary and Vancouver — who have expressed an interest in Turris, but have been told he’s not going anywhere.
The Senators are trying to fill the void at centre behind No. 1 pivot Jason Spezza with Peter Regin out 6-8 weeks.
It’s been a bit of a jagged start to the year for Les Habitants. Getting two wins in a row certainly helps them in the standings and may keep the Francophone Faithfuls at sub-riot state, for the time being. What’s the reason for the panic among fans and media figures? Many will point to the less-than-inspired play of the young Carrey Price and even extend it to the ever-chirping P.K. Subban. The coaching staff has already lost one long term member (a shocking move considering the long term relationship between Pearn and Martin), and remain closely watched. The core of the offense has been characteristically unproductive and the team seems to lack cohesion. Let’s examine the state of affairs in Montreal.
Problems in the Flyers nets?
Bryzgalov: “I Have Zero Confidence In Myself”
Through the first 10 games of the season, it doesn’t look like $51 million well spent. Ilya Bryzgalov has allowed nine goals in a 24-hour span and an unfathomable 18 goals in his last four appearances. He has lost five straight and his biggest critic looks to be himself.
It may be time for the Columbus Blue Jackets to move their most precious asset. It may be time for the team to do the unthinkable. It may be time for the Jackets to trade Rick Nash.
An aside: there are 16 different scouts representing 15 different teams here tonight. As many as I’ve ever seen
https://twitter.com/#!/dantencer/statuses/129741504091660288
Boston looking to swing a deal?
Bob McKenzie reported on TSN.ca today that the Bruins may be looking to make a “hangover” trade in order to shake things up. It is mentioned that some of the Bruins players are not playing up to par and that a deal may be an option to wake the players up.