Summit Series = Annoyance Series

I dunno about the rest of you, but the Summit Series is really getting to me. Media cannot stop mentioning it. I hear it all the damn time. Every time TSN or Sportsnet does a "Top Ten" thing, they always manage to squeeze in a play from the Summit Series. Yeah sure it was a good time and many people have fond memories of the series, but can we drop the media coverage of this thing? I mean Canadians have been relishing over this thing for years, and it still seems like it just happened yesterday. There's a TV series, there's a movie, there's a book, newspapers, magazines, interviews, etc, etc, etc. DROP IT ALREADY! We know how it happened, and all of us could probably retell the story while under the influence of heavy drugs and alcohol. It was 34 years ago! Can the hockey world focus on anything better and more recent than that? Apparently not.

Devils In Big Time Cap Trouble

Bob Mckenzie Posted a fanastic Article on tsn today about the salary cap troubles facing the New Jeresy Devils (http://www.tsn.ca/tsn_talent/columnists/bob_mckenzie/)

On further inspection of what the devils are facing, it seems they are in dire cap problems. Lets take a look at the players New Jeresy has signed.

Forwards:
Patrik Elias - $6.0 million
Scott Gomez - $5 million
John Madden - $3.893 million
Jamie Langenbrunner - $2.8 million
Sergei Brylin - $1.52 million
Jason Wiemer - $950,000
Jay Pandolfo - $836,000
Grant Marshall - $760,000
Zach Parise - $703,000
Cam Janssen - $450,000
Michael Rupp - $450,000

11 Forwards: $23.2

Defencemen:
Brian Rafalski - $4.2 million
Colin White - $3 million
Dan McGillis - $2.2 million
Richard Matvichuk - $1.368 million
Brad Lukowich - $1 million

5 Defencemen: $11.8

Goalies:
Martin Brodeur - $5.2 million
Scott Clemmensen - $500, 000

2 Goalies: $5.7

Retired/Not Playing:
Vladimir Malakhov - $3.6 million
Alexander Mogilny - $3.5 million

2 Players: $7.1

TOTAL: 48.0

Unsigned:
Brian Gionta - $3 Million *
David Hale - $1 Million *
Paul Martin - $1.5 Million *

* = Expected Salary requests


The Devils therefore have 18 players signed at 48.0 million, a team needs 20 players atleast at any given time. Lets say they sign all 3 restricted free agents at the asking prices. That will be 21 players on roster equaling out to $53.5 million. That is 9.5 million dollars over the cap. Lets cut the Devils some slack and say they will get out of Mogilny's salary for this year. That will knock them down to $50.0 Also John Madden has an injured Hernia, he will most likely not be ready till at least a month or 2 into season. That will buy the Devil some temporary Relief. Lets put them down to $46.1. However they are 1 forward short, so they will need to call up a minor league player at a salary of atleast $500,000. So they go back up to $46. 6. They are still $2.6 million dollars over the cap. They will now most likely trade Scott Gomez, getting a prospect or picks in return. That will take them down to $41.6 million + a player called up to replace gomez so back up to $42.1. So it is possible for the Devils to get under the cap, however when madden is ready to return he will need to be traded or salary equal to him must be dealt. The Devils were one of the better run teams during the last CBA. That can however not be said for the current state of the franchise. They overpaid for players such as Dan Mcgillis, John Madden, Brian Rafalski, Alex Mogilny and Vlad Malakov and they are paying for it now.

Leafs Cut Nine

The Toronto Maple Leafs have released a press statement annoucing 9 cuts made to the team, the following players have been assigned to the Marlies Training camp:

Forwards:
Jiri Tlusty
Robbie Earl
John Mitchell
Jeremy Williams
Kris Newbury

Defencemen:
Dominic D'Amour
Tyson Marsh
Jamie Sifers

Goalies:
Justin Pogge


That leaves Bates Battaglia, Ben Ondrus, Erik Westrum, Brett Engelhart, John Pohl and Alex Sugolobov fighting for 3 spots up front and Ian White, Carlo Colaiacovo, Staffen Kronwall, Marc Moro, Brendan Bell, Jay harrison and Andy Wozniewski fighting it out for 2-3 spots on defence. Along with the Battle for backup goalie between Mikael Tellqvist and J.S Aubin, this should be an interesting final week of camp

Leafs Trade Winds Blowing

The leafs are most likely to make some kind of trade before the rosters are finalized for the season. The leafs have 2 goalies in Aubin and Tellqvist who would have to clear waivers to be sent to the minors. They also have defencemen in Bell and Harrison who if they dont make the team will have to clear waivers. The Leaf goalies, who have looked excellent during the preseason, have started to attract attention around the league. Its very possible the leafs will package a goalie with a defenceman in an attempt to get some help up front or for a decent prospect or pick. The leafs do not want to lost these player for nothing on waivers.

Introduction - doman

Hi everyone I just wanted to introduce myself. I will be contributing to this blog with Buffalo Sabres information. I would like to thank Derwood for allowing me to contribute my 2 cents and I will be back with much more.

John Madden Injured

New Jeresy Devil's Forward John Madden has not recovered from Recent Hernia Surgery and does not seem to be close to rejoining the Devils for Training Camp. The Devils are looking at placing him on the Long Term Injury list therefore freeing up his salary from the cap until he is healthy enough to return.

Leafs Need Bondra, or do They?

The Bondra idea is very perplexing. You can look at it from two different perspectives. On the one hand, you have a guy that could potentially score 30+ goals if played with Sundin. Or, you could have a Bondra that scores much less than 30, and just turns into another Czerkawski. So what I am try say is that JFJ is possibly is thinking the same thing. What do I think? I think that they should get Bondra onboard immediately, because as far as I am concerned he could either help the team, which would be nice, or he could just do nothing and be a scratched from the line-up for half the season. Bondra is a much better offensive talent than Czerakawski is/was, so I think, that put in the right situation, Bondra could still excell for one season, and help the Leafs come close to at least making the playoffs.

Bondra to Leafs or Wings?

Sportsnet.ca is reporting that both the Red Wings and Maple leafs are looking at signing Peter Bondra to a contract

http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_
hearsay/2006/09/20/leafs_looking_at_bondra/

Tie Domi Retires

Sources out of Toronto are reporting that Tie Domi has retired and the Leafs will shortly annouce a press conference.



(tsn.ca is now reporting this. Press Conference today at 4pm. http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=178047&hubname= )

Alexander Khavanov signs in Europe

Former Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Alexander Khavanov has signed a 1 year deal to play with Swiss team HC Davos. It will include an outclause if an NHL team wants to sign him.

Bloggers Wanted, New Site and Message Board

If anyone is interested in becoming a blogger on this site, joining me and Criss please let me know. It be great if your a fan of a team and would like to post daily/weekly comments about your team, any news as it happens, game day previews or even a story about the most recent game. Rumour blogging would be welcome also. I plan on doing any blogs for the maple leafs but if you interested in any other teams or just rumour blogging in general, please email me at derwood710@yahoo.com.


The new blog will be up and running shortly at http://insidehockeyrumours.com and also check out our message board there, http://insidehockeyrumours.com/discussion.

Derwood

Jere Lehtinen signs two-year extension

The Dallas Stars have signed Jere Lehtinen to a 2 year contract extension worth 8 million dollars.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=177671&hubname=


4 million does seem like an excessive amount for Jere Lehtinen, Lehtinen I would think would fall more into the 3 million dollar player range.

Matt Stajan Resigns with Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have resigned forward Matt Stajan to a 2 year 1.75 million dollar deal. He will earn $800,000 this year and $950,000 next year.

Brian Gionta to attend Devils Camp

The New York Post Reports Devils leading scorer Brian Gionta intends to attend training camp even if he is not signed. Gionta's agent, Steve Bartlett told the Post the restricted free agent is in the process of getting insurance to play.

Viktor Kozlov to the Islanders

The New York Post is reporting that Viktor Kozlov and the New York Islanders are in the process of finalizing a 1 year contract.

Radek Dvorak to St Louis.

Sources out of St Louis are reporting that the St Louis Blues will sign Forward Radek Dvorak within the next 24-48 hrs. He will help to Replace Vladimir Orszagh who is sidelined long term because of an upcoming knee surgery.

Ryan Kesler Signed to Offer sheet by Flyers

The Philadephia Flyers have signed Restricted Free Agent Ryan Kesler to 1 year , $1.9 million offer sheet. The Vancouver Canucks now have the right to match or will recieve a 2nd round draft pick as compensation.

Joffrey Lupul Resigned by Edmonton

Sources are pointing to Joffrey Lupul signing with the edmonton oilers today to a 3 year deal for around $7 million

Islanders Resign Rick DiPietro to 15 year Contract!!!

The New York Islanders have signed Goaltender Rick Dipietro to a 15 year $67.5 million that averages out to $4.5 millon a year.

<---- G.M. Garth Snow



For more information: http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=177223&hubname=



The New York Islanders continue to be run as an inept franchise where the owner obviousley thinks he knows alot more about hockey then the G.M. This is the most brutal contract that a team has signed a player too since the Islanders signed Yashin to a 10 year deal. The team better hop Dipietro has a healthy 15 years ahead of him. Garth Snow Have Fun!

Nashville Resigns Tomas Vokoun

Nashville Predators have resigned Goalie Tomas Vokoun to a 4 year deal. Terms not disclosed.

Montreal Shoping for defencman

The Montreal Canadiens are shopping for a defenceman to add depth to a somewhat weak blueline which has lost Francis Bouillon till late november. According to La Presse out of Montreal they have spoke to former Buffalo Sabre Jason Woolley. Woolley is currently in negotiations with a Swiss Team.

Peter Bondra Update

Unsigned Free agent Peter Bondra continues to look for work. The Washington Capitals are no longer interested in his services and it seems likely Bondra will not find work until Anson Carter and Radek Dvorak have signed. He will most likely gain intrest from one of the teams that do not sign one of these players. Those interested may include Toronto and Detroit. Look for Bondra to sign sometime during training camp on a 1 year deal for between $500,000-$750,000.

Mike Keenan to......Toronto??

According to the Vancouver Province, Rumours should begin shortly speculating that Mike Keenan will join the Maple Leafs in some capacity. The most likely scenerio for this would be if the Leafs struggle early. Its very possible you could see something very similar to what happened last year with the Raptors. John Ferguson Jr. will be quickly fired and Mike Keenan would be hired on very shortly afterwards. Mike Keenan has always let it be known that Toronto is his dream job and JFJ is defintly on a very short leash in Toronto.

(Sources out of Florida are now suggesting that Mike Keenan was told by the owner of the Florida Panther, Alan Cohen, to either Resign Immediatly or be fired. Its becoming very obvious that Keenan lost a power struggle with Coach and Friend Jacques Martin.)

Shane Doan seeks Contract Extension

According to the Arizona Republic, upcoming unrestricted free agent Shane Doan has let the Phoenix Coyotes know that he would like to sign a long term Contract before the start of the season.

Radek Dvorak Update

The Ny Post reports the New York Rangers continue to talk to Radek Dvorak as they try to bring him back to the rangers. They believe he could help them greatly in a penalty killing role as they have lost quite a few of their regular penalty killers from last year. According to the Post the Detroit Red Wings and St Louis Blues also have intrest in Dvorak's Services

The Vancouver Canucks were very interested at one point, but that intrest has gone down as Dvorak has not lowered his asking price into a fittable amount for the Canucks payroll

Ilya Bryzgalov Signs 2 year Deal

Ilya Bryzgalov has signed a 2 year contract with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The contract averages about 1.25 millon over the 2 years. Bryzgalov will fight with J.S Gigure for the #1 goaltender spot on the team

Jim Dowd To Sign with Devils

The New Jeresy Devils are close to signing Jim Dowd. A depth move for New Jeresy as they are short on depth. Most likely will be a 2 way 1 year contract. This will be Dowd's second stint with the Devils.

Flames sign forward Andrei Taratukhin

The Calgary Flames have signed Russian Rookie Andrei Taratukhin to a 2 year deal.


http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20060905_141205_5776

Daily Maple Leaf Rumours

- The Anson Carter sweepstakes continues to wind down with with Toronto and Detroit the only teams seemly still showing intrest at this point. The Columbus Blue Jackets have denied any intrest at all in Carter. Most sources point to Carter most likely Signing with Detroit before the end of the week.

- The Leafs continue to finalize a 2 or 3 year deal with Matt Stajan. The teams will be for about 1 million to 1.25 million a year. Rumours also continue to swirl that the leafs trying to trade Stajan, a natural centre for a young fairly inexpensive winger. The latest rumour has Stajan going to Nashville for Martin Erat. This makes alot more sense then the Zherdev rumours from a few weeks ago and the contracts would line up quite nicely as Erat makes approx $1.6 million dollars.

Devils Come calling for Lachance

The New Jeresy Devils have invited Scott Lachance to trying camp on a try out basis.

Evgeni Malkin Signs Finally with Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed Evgeni Malkin to a 3 year rookie entry level contract


http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=176492&hubname=

Inside Hockey Rumours Message Board

The Inside Hockey Rumours message board is up and running. If you have a chance stop by and discuss anything you'd like about hockey. If your interested in being a moderator, email me and ill set you up.

Inside Hockey Rumours Message Board: http://www.insidehockeyrumours.com/discussion

Toronto Maple Leafs Preview

There has been much debate on sports shows, talk radio and fan blogs about what the maple leaf lines will look like this year. Below I present what I believe makes the most sense right now line wise for the Toronto Maple Leafs as the roster stands now. This could change with the addition of another free agent or a trade.

Forwards:
Alex Steen Mats Sundin Alexei Ponikarovsky
Darcy Tucker Kyle Wellwood Jeff O'Neill
Nik Antropov Mike Peca Chad Kilger
TBD Matt Stajan John Pohl

Defence:
Tomas Kaberle Pavel Kubina
Bryan Mccabe TBD
Hal Gill TBD


Goaltender:
Andrew Raycroft
TBD

Camp Battles:

Forward
There will be a battle in camp for a spot on the 4th line or higher depending who wins it at camp and how much potiential they show. There is also a bench spot available. This spot could belong to one of Alex Suglobov, Bates Battaglia, Ben Ondrus, Erik Westrum and even Robbie Earl or recent 1st round draft pick Jiri Tlustly. It would not be out of the question for Tlustly to make the team if he proves himself ready. He spent last year playing among men in the czech league. If he does not make the team this year, look for him to challenge for a spot in 07/08. Most scouts Say Tlustly is almost NHL ready. Early Favourites for the 2 free forward spots would point to Bates Battaglia because of his relationship with Paul Maurice and Alex Suglobov because of his scoring potential and contract. Another Battle will be who plays with Mats Sundin. Alex Ponikarovsky showed great chemistry late in the season with Sundin and should find himself lined up with him once the season starts. Antropov will also get a look on Sundin's Line. The Leafs would love to have Alex Steen prove in camp he is ready for a 1st line role and a year spent playing on a line with Sundin would do great for his development. Look for Kyle Wellwood to take a 2nd line centre postion this year and continue his development into a dynmaic Offensive centre. Jeff O'Neill and Darcy Tucker would provide scoring and toughness on the line to make up for Wellwood's smaller stature. Mike Peca will most likely centre a 3rd line shutdown line along with Chad Kilger who will look to knock the other team's #1 line off kilter most nights. Matt Stajan could also be added to this line to develop alongside Mike Peca much like Fernando Pisani did last year in Edmonton.

Defence
There is 3 available defence spots available as camp opens. Wade Belak will garner the spot as 7th defenceman/extra forward. That leaves Jay harrison, Ian White, Staffan Kronwall, Andy Wozniewski and Carlo Colaiacavo battling for 2 spots. While Kronwall may have more potential then any of these players, I truly believe he needs more seasoning in the AHL. Wozniewski is also a project still and not as NHL proven or ready as the remaining Candidates. Colaiacavo goes into camp expected to win a top 4 job on the Maple Leafs Blueline. If he is unable to make them team in camp, expect a trade as this is about his last chance to prove himself to the Leaf Brass. That leaves one spot for either Ian White or Jay Harrison. Both in their own ways proved last year they are ready for the NHL. Ian White looks like he could develop into another Brian Rafalski. Harrison on the other hand provided grit and a worth effort along the lines of Former Maple Leaf Defenceman Jason Smith. The job will go to the player the Leafs believe they need more, with the early favourite odds going to Ian White. Among the the top 2 defensive lines look for Kubina and Kaberle to play together as they showed a dynamic chemistry playing together on the Czech National team. Mccabe will most likely line up with White or Colaiacovo depending on who makes the team. Hal Gill will anchor the 3rd defensive line with either Wade Belak or another of the young defensemen.

Goaltender
Andrew Raycroft is unquestionably the #1 goaltender on the Maple Leafs. If he does not rebound from the disaster that was his play last year, the leafs go nowhere and are stuck with Jim Carey #2. If he can regain the form he had in his Calder Winning rookie year, the Leafs are set in goal for the next 3 years. Look for Raycroft to be closer to his Rookie Year then his injury plagued season last year. The backup fight is between J.S Aubin and Mikael Tellqvist. Most signs point to Aubin winning this job, as he proved himself very capable down the stech last season. Whoever doesnt make the team will likely be traded as Justin Pogge will be cemented as Greg Gilbert's #1 Goaltender in the AHL with the Marlies.

Mike Keenan Fired!

The Florida Panthers have fired G.M Mike Keenan. Keenan had 3 years left on his deal with Florida. This news comes as quite a suprise as no whispers were going around about the depature of Keenan.

For More:

http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=176329&hubname=






(Update: In a team statement sunday afternoon, The Panthers informed the media that Mike Keenan resigned from his post and has been replaced by Jacques Martin who will take a dual role as GM/Coach of the Florida Panthers)

Dvorak to New York Rangers?

Newspaper reports out of New York are claiming that the New York Rangers and Radek Dvorak are nearing a contract. Dvorak previous played with the Rangers a few years back before a trade to Edmonton. Its believed the Vancouver Canucks and possibly the Toronto Maple Leafs are also interested in his services.

Allison to Philly?

Jason Allison and the Philadelphia Flyers have had discussions the past few days and are 1 of 3 or 4 teams speaking to Allison at the moment. Allison will likely sign a deal soon with one of these teams on a 1 year deal for up to 1.5 or 2 million dollars.

Brian Leetch to Rangers?

It is seeming more and more likely that Brian Leetch will sign before training camp with the New York Rangers. This has been his wish all along and he has had numerous talks with G.M Glen Sather this past week. Leetch has already informed Edmonton that he has no intrest in signing with the Oilers. There is talk he could sign back with Boston, but this seems highly unlikely as Boston has much depth at the defensive position. If Leetch does sign with the Rangers, look for them to deal a defenceman. Possibly Michal Rozsival to Edmonton.