Hockey Trade Rumors - NHL Rumors from around the league

UPP LOGO CONTEST!

Hey guys, i am looking for a LOGO for the UPP so I thought of organizing this contest in order to find one...

go inside for the details and prizes you could win.

RULES
The logo has to be nice looking and as professionnal as possible
The format has to be an easy-to-work with format.
The Name ''Ultimate Pool Preview'' and/or ''UPP'' has to be visible on the logo

PRIZES
The person who creates the winning logo will receive the following:
-A lifetime VIP membership to the UPP
-3 t-shirts of your choice at www.VintageVantage.com

You have up until September 7 to send me your logo at UltimatePoolPreview@Yahoo.com

thank you!
Marco Normandin
UPP Founder

Smolinski looking to come back to Ottawa

According to the HockeyBuzz, Bryan Smolinski is eyeing to return to the Ottawa Senators. It is said he is willing to accept a contract under a million to be back with the team.

Before Bryan Smolinski was traded, it was said by GM John Muckler that if a chance came where he could sign Smolinski back, he would do so in a heart beat. Smolinski was happy to hear that, but now with GM Bryan Murray, it is a mystery if he is willing to do the same.

Bryan Smolinski has admited that being traded to Chicago was the worst moment in his hockey career. He wanted to stay with the Senators, and is hoping they will welcome him back with open arms.

It is beleived that Smolinski has been getting offers from a few teams but is waiting out for what is going to happen with Ottawa and see if they are interested in him and have room in the roster. Smolinski will bring more scoring to the team and with his passion to return to the city, it seems he will being playing at the top of his game and be happy where he is.

Alex or Sidney?

I have been having a friendly debate with some friends over who is the best all around player in the NHL. Outside of Pens and Caps fans I would like to see what everyone believes without just saying their name. My vote goes to Alex Ovechkin and I will explain why.

Before you blast me I like to pride myself on being as unbiased as I possibly can. Everyone has their own definition of what being the best all-around player is and I hope that the responses will incorporate that.

TSN's Scott Cullen (http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=247112) gave a top 50 list of players with the most trade value. A little bit interesting - but even Cullen said these guys are essentially tied. Ovechkin got the #1 due to length of his contract and Sids injury. I will be doing a scouting "reportcard" comparing these two amazing players. An A will be elite talent (A+ is the single best), B will be among the leagues better half, C will be average, D below average, and F means it does not exist.
An example of an A would be Al Iafrate's slap shot.
An example of a B would be Saku Koivu's vision on the ice.
An example of a C would be PJ Axelsson's scoring ability.
An example of a D would be John Pohls offensive talent.
An example of a F would be Ryan Hollweg's disipline

Ovechkin Crosby
Shot/Pass Velocity A B+ 98.3 mph Ovechking at Allstar game
Shot Accuracy A+ A Both possess great shot
Shot Vision A+ A Both know where they want to shoot it
Scoring Execution A+ A- *
Passing Accuracy B A+ Sid is the best passer in the game.
Play Development A A+ Sid finds the open man. AO takes whats given
Passing Execution B A+
Selflessness C- B+ Sid needs to shoot a little more, AO needs to halt with 2 minute shifts
Fighting Ability D- D- I hope no one saw either of their fights
Hitting Ability B+ D
Hitting Aggression B D+
Two way ability B- C+ Ovechkin is more inclined to block a shot, **
Faceoffs D B Apples and Oranges (different positions played)

I am sure there is more to this than I am listing. But my thoughts are Ovechkin will always be tops in the NHL goal scoring while Sid will always be tops in points and assists. Ovechkin is the better hitter and can throw opposing stars off their game. Ovechkin plays the game like he is a 9 year old having a blast while Crosby plays to win and to find anyway to get an edge. As you see in * AO just has an amazing sense and Crosby is thinking 3 seconds a head of a play at any given time. AO will slide and block shots when the game is still in question, and has a little bit of a goalie sense as seen in #7 of **. Ovechkin plays a two way game but needs to learn that he doesnt have enough juice after 2 minutes of play to be an asset to his team. Crosby needs to put the puck on net a little bit more. Crosby and Ovechkin both take the pressures of linemates and make them better. These two players play different systems and have different supporting casts. It is very hard to strictly look at numbers to judge these two players. AO can win a game by himself (Right Habs fans) and Sid looked very poised this post season. I will say AO may challenge Gretz' goals, Crosby if healthy will challenge for #2 all time in points. Both are truly remarkable players and
have the chance to bring hockey back much like Big Mac and Sosa did to baseball (without cheating)

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzbmI6-YSnQ
**http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da-pZEr80BM&feature=related

Senators better than people think

The Ottawa Senators, the year after the Stanley Cup run were still the same team, but ended up bombing the season and playoffs. Deja View? Didn't the Ducks do the same thing? and what happend? Stanley cup 2 seasons later. Ottawa does not need to be rebuilt. It is still a young team and is very telented. Ottawa needs to spread out the scoring. They need to put Alfredsson on the second line and only reunited the big three on the powerplay. Foligno can really learn from Spezza and Heatley, so he could play the first line with them. This is what the lines would look like and tell me that we would not have 2 solid lines of scoring. We have the talent, we just need to find the chemesty. Why do ya think teams say Ottawa is a dangerous offensive team????

Foligno-Spezza-Heatley
Alfredsson-Fisher-Vermette
Neil-Kelly-Ruutu
Donavan-McAmmond-Bass

This gives Ottawa 3 solid lines. 2 scoring lines and a solid checking line.
Also Bass, Donavan and McAmmond are an amazing energy line and Bass has shown he can bring lots of energy and get his team back in games.

For Defense, Ottawa is still solid and Meszaros and Lee will definitly bring some secondary scoring. Also look at Phillips to help as he is starting to get an act for scoring in the last few seasons. Schubert also has a bomb of a shot that will help on the power play. Ottawa's defense will be solid as long as the forwards can be accountable for playing at both ends of the ice. Volchankov and Smith are the top two shot blocking defenseman in the NHL and they will be amazing together on a PK unit.

For Goaltending, Gerber was the only player to show up for the Senators in the playoffs and stopped a lot of shots and kept Ottawa in those games for as long as he could. He was getting no help and was standing on his head for his team. Gerber is an asset for the Senators and he is been solid. He was overshadowed by Ray Emery and lost his confidence after the second game of the season when Toronto gave him a beating. Gerber got his confidence back but was not given a chance. Gerber is still a young goaltender and has only one season of being a starter before coming to Ottawa. Gerber stole the spotlight from Emery last season just like Emery did the previous season, but the only differance is that the team never played well for him and nobody could see how great Gerber was in goal. To win a game, you need to score goals and also keep them out of your net. Gerber for the most part was holding up his part, but the team was not scoring goals to win the games. Back to back shutout losses for the Sens and you blame the Goaltender??? NO.

Alex Auld is also a great back up and will be able to take the load for the team if needed, unlike Elliott who is not experienced in the NHL yet.

This team has added grit (Ruutu) and great leadership (Smith) and this has made there team better. The team needs to work hard to win, because you may be a great team, don't expect wins to he handed over to you on a silver platter.

The UPP Is BACK!

The hockey season is coming soon, and so are hockey pools. For this reason, the ULTIMATE POOL PREVIEW will be back for the 2008-09 season!

Go inside for all the details

That's right, folks we started working on the 2008-09 version of what has been called by many ''The best tool for hockey pools on the planet'' to give poolers the edge when it comes to make their fantasy team.

The release date for the UPP has yet to be set, as we are all quite busy with our regular day-jobs but updates will be announced from time to time here on HTR.

As usual, the UPP will be exclusively released FOR FREE on HTR once it's ready.

Want it earlier? it is now possible.

To thank everyone making a donation, I established a VIP Status.
Basically, the VIP Status is given to anyone making a donation.

Being a VIP gives you the right to request a copy of the UPP at any time before it's release. That means, if you have a hockey pool coming up and it's before the release of the UPP, you drop me an email and within 24 hours (usually way quicker than that) you will receive a beta version of the UPP right away and will be able to use what we've done so far in your hockey pool.

All VIP members will also receive the final version of the UPP BEFORE it's official release.

To become a VIP member, it's easy:

Simply make a donation, using Paypal, to DancinShoes77@hotmail.com
Once this is done, please make sure to email me at UltimatePoolPreview@Yahoo.com to request your VIP Status.

and that's it, you're all set.

If you guys have any question or comment, you can write it here or email me directly at UltimatePoolPreview@yahoo.com

Thanks!
Marco Normandin
UPP Founder

Just an IDEA....

Had an idea after reading all these articles about Sundin, and the pending status' of Shanahan, Sakic, Forsberg, not to mention what happend with Jagr. This doesn't particular pertain to their exact situations, but I did have an idea that seems almost reasonable. And its pretty much this:

Player over the age of 35 (or 36 or 37) have only 1/2 their salary count against the cap. This would not only help teams fit players more neatly under their cap, but it will keep guys around who still have juice left in their legs and can produce but are overlooked in a salary cap era. Teams would be able to plug holes more easily signing veterans at 1/2 a cap hit. Plus, I feel a lot of stud vets like Sundins and Sakics would make their decisions much quicker and favor coming back if they know they can get paid a decent salary, but only cost their team a marginal amount.

I happen to think it would work. It would benefit teams and players alike. Chances are teams in big markets aren't going to run amock and be able to stock up on talent because how many players at that age are really going put teams over the hump? Plus, with some players getting offered ridiculous salaries (vancouver 10mil for Sundin) other teams can stay in the race and compete if only half will count towards their cap.

sounds good, lets do it....

Better the devil you know than the devil you dont!/Short List of available UFA&#

It's hard to say whether or not the Ottawa Senators need another forward for the upcoming season! Sure they have that amazing big 3 on the first line, but they still need to take up that secondary scoring up a notch! Vermette and Fisher are talented players, but they aren't top-end goal scorers! Despite their acquisitions in the off season, they were unable to replace Cory Stillman. Veteran guys like Kelly, Neil and Mcammond can pitch in a few, but rookies like Foligno, Lee and Bass are all gonna have to step up to pick up some of the slack. So how about bringing in someone to help them out! Someone who can help them develop, to serve as a guide, someone who loves the city, and someone, ironically, who's been here before!!

How about bringing in UFA forward Brian Smolinski!! He's got the leadership and determination the club's been looking for and he's just that type of player they need. He plays with heart and gives 100% every time he's on the ice. Not only that, but think about the chemistry!! I remember when he first got traded from the club to Chicago, it was reported that he had asked GM John Muckler If ever he was going to be back?! If I remember correctly Muckley said if ever he'd have the room he'd for sure make a pitch for him! I know now Murray took over the job and I don't know whether he'd want that or not but since Smolinski's available do you not think he'd be worth giving a shot?! The guy loves it here and I'm sure he'd be willing to come over at a bargain price!

It's hard to say though at this point with so many young players that will push for a spot at forward at training camp. Taking a look at some of them, Alexander Nikulin, Ilya Zubov, Jesse Winchester, Josh Hennesey, Peter Regin and a few more from Bingo will be driving in hard to take a spot in training camp!! Not sure what Murray's got planned but all these kids have great potential in the coming years and could very well steal a spotlight!!

As for they're Defence, If they can pen Meszaros under the ink, they'll be fine! Despite the loss of Redden and Commodore, they aren't that shaken up! With the addition of Smith and with Lee and Nycholat ready to make the Jump, they shouldn't have any major issues! Goaltending, well, as for Martin Gerber, he will again have to try and prove he can take the No. 1 job, which doubts are still anyone's guess!

So what do you think?? Should they go out and sigh a free agent. Smolinski doesn't have to be the answer. In my opinion he'd be a great choice, but lets not rule out anyone of the other available UFA's. There's still a few out there but which one's would fit in most with the sens current needs at a reasonable price?! I've mad a quick list of some of the most notable ones still available with their point totals from last year:

- Stu Barnes, Centre/Wing, 38 yrs old, 23 points in 79 games with Dallas
- Mathieu Darche, Wing, 32 yrs old, 22 points in 73 games with Tamba
- Martin Gelinas, Left Wing, 38 yrs old, 20 points in 50 games with Nashville
- Jeff Hamilton, Centre/Wing, 31 yrs old, 24 points in 58 games with Carolina
- Jan Hlavac, Wing, 32 yrs old, 35 points in 80 games with Tamba/Nashville
- Glen Muray, Right Wing, 35 yrs old, 30 points in 60 games with Boston
- Mark Parrish, Wing, 31 yrs old, 30 points in 66 games with Minnesota
- Randy Robitaille, Wing, 33 yrs old, 29 points in 68 games with Ottawa
- Martin Rucinsky, Left Wing, 37 yrs old, 16 points in 40 games with St-Louis
- Geoff Sanderson, Left Wing, 36 yrs old, 13 points in 41 games with Edmonton
- Josef Strumpel, Centre/Wing, 36 yrs old, 20 points in 52 games with Florida
- Josef Vasicek, Centre/ Left Wing, 28 yrs old, 35 points in 81 games with the NYI
- Stephane Yelle, Centre/Wing, 34 yrs old, 12 points in 74 games with Calgary
- Mike York, Centre/Wing, 30 yrs old, 14 points in 63 games with Phoenix

Now I know some or alot of these guys probably won't have a team to report to come September 20th, but I thought they'd be worth mentioning! (Hope I didn't miss any)

... There is of course Sundin, Sakic, Salanne, Forsberg, and Shannahan ... but we'll stay away from them!!!...

Lets not rule out the possibility of a trade as well. Rumours have been going around with names from Afinogenov all the way to Gaborik!! But who would Ottawa have to give up? What do do you think?! Would this better or Worsen the team?! Are they Better off left like this?! Those were my thoughts, now lets hear yours..

Start your Engines, almost time to hit the ice!!

Well, a few more weeks and the prospects will be taking to the ice in the prospects tournament in Kitchener. Time to see who will push the current players for a spot. Most of the players who were in Hamilton last year should be there. The US College players will only come if they pay their own way, so I think that it is safe to say McDonough and Fischer will be present, but some of the other guys may opt out. Who do you think will shine?

The ones who excel will be invited to the main camp and then Gainey and Carbo will have a good idea of who should make it, if not to start the season, then part way through. Then we may see some trades to set things up!

Players that should be nervous include, Dandenault, Begin, Boullion, and even Latendresse. Depending on how some of the centres play, Lapierre may be one looking over his shoulder. Gainey has already said that Chipchura has the 4th centre spot to lose. Plekanec and Koivu aren't going anywhere, so that leaves Begin and Lapierre walking on pins and needles!

If nobody steps up and Sundin decides to play with the Rangers as has been rumoured, or retires, Gainey may opt to make a trade! There really isn't much in the way of centres who would be available. At least not the kind that could be classified as impact players. There was a rumour that Edm and Mtl were going to trade high level prospects. Schremp was brought up by one poster, Ryan O'Mara was another. Someone else thought it could be Gagner, but that seems unlikely, although there is the London connection with Kostitsyn.

Of course there are those who want Bowmeester, or Schneider. One poster suggested Gaborik who would look good with his speed in the Mtl system. Who knows what Minnesota would ask for in return. Injuries are also a concern. If Mtl wants to take a chance on a skilled speedster, maybe Havlat would be worth thinking about, Chicago did well without him and talk was they would move him to add role players to play with their young core. As with Gaborik, injuries are a concern, but he did finally have the surgery to correct his shoulder problem, so who knows! neither player fills the big centre role, but Detroit proved that great two way centres are worth more than a big offensive centre.

So, should Mtl stand pat and take the wait and see position and give the young guys the chance to excel, or do you think they need to make the big trade now! The longer it takes Sundin to make up his mind, the less likely I think it is that he will be signing with Mtl.

Who would you move and for whom? How do you think Mtl stacks up against the competition in the East? Lot's of teams made changes, did Mtl keep up? Can the young guys prove that last year wasn't a fluke? It sure is going to be fun to watch them try!!

Adam Graves Retirement Night is more then worth it.

Adam Graves night will be Feb 3rd 2009 before the game against the Atlanta Thrashers.

But if you're looking for tickets don't even bother it'll cost you 400$ a ticket on sites like stubhub.com

His number 9 will be the last number from the 1994 Stanly Cup team to be retired.

I dare you to tell me he doesn't deserve this.
I personally am very excited about this and feel he was very deserving of this. Many people disagree but the truth is this guy even though he wasn't credited when you look at the replay Graves really scored the game winning goal for his second of the night in game 7 in 94'. The goal is given to Mess but Mess never touched it.

He was a pivotal player who was really underrated throughout the playoffs and all of the Rangers season.

His departure came after a very big drop in numbers due mostly because of the passing away of his infant child the year before.

Adam Graves has since then and has always helped in the raising of money for all charity's involved with the Rangers organization and more. He without a doubt has helped raise more money then any other NHL hockey player EVER for charity's mostly based around children.

With his solid Record and Stanly Cup rings and his charity work which has outlasted every single NHL player I dare a person to say he doesn't deserve a Ceremony to praise his work and efforts.

If you have ever been in the building when Graves enters a ceremony of any kind in MSG the building goes nuts. The building shakes more then it does when the Captain Mess steps out on the ice. Fans love this guy and praise him like a god.... And I tell you now. Graves was a god to many children he has helped literally survive.

Info Below:

According to http://rangers.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=379928

Graves set the franchise record for most goals in a season with his 52-goal campaign in 1993-94 (since broken by Jaromir Jagr in 2005-06), and ranks third in career goals (280) and 10th in points (507). Graves has also won several Rangers� awards in recognition of his contribution to the community, including the Steven McDonald Award (1992, 1993, 1994, 1999, and 2000), the Rangers Fan Club Ceil Saidel Memorial Award (1996, 1997 and 2000) and the Crumb Bum Award (1993).

Graves appeared in 1,152 career games with the Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks, registering 329 goals and 287 assists for 616 points, along with 1,224 penalty minutes. Graves was selected to participate in the 1994 NHL All-Star Game at Madison Square Garden, and was honored with the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (1994), the NHL Foundation Award (2000) and the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (2001).

Graves is also a two-time, Stanley Cup Champion in 1989-90 with Edmonton and in 1993-94 with the Rangers. He was an integral part of the Rangers� magical run to the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship, registering 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points in 23 matches.

Red Wings sign tough guy Downey to one-year contract

According the NHL.com, The Detroit Red Wings have signed Aaron Downey to a one-year contract on Wednesday.

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=379861&page=NewsPage&service=page