Who will be #1; will Yakupov fall to #4 or #5?

    Is it just me, but the 2012 NHL Entry draft tonight going to be a gong show? For the first time in a long time, I’m actual going to be very intrigued with the actual prospects, draft position and every else going on in the back ground.

    I’m 110% convinced that having no obvious number one pick is going to be a ratings bonanza for TSN tonight. Will the Edmonton Oilers take Russian Nail Yakupov or will they take stud defenseman Ryan Murray? Lord knows they need a de-man a hole lot more than a forward. There are even some that are trying to suggest that Edmonton Oil Kings defeneman Griffith Reinhart could be the first overall pick.

If the Oilers take Murray, then the drama will begin

    Imagine this, lets say the Oilers take Ryan Murray. There are some reports out there today that say the Columbus Blue Jackets (2nd overall pick) will in no way pick Yakupov, some suggest they’ll take Filip Forsberg who is said to be a complete player. But again, if that is the case and the Jackets stay away from Yakupov, why not trade down to 4 or 5, which almost guarantees them to get Forsberg (if that’s who they truly want.) Again that is if the Oilers take Murray. The Habs would then have the third pick, and absolutely everyone has them taking centerman Alex Galchenyuk; mainly because everyone is convinced Yakupov and Murray are going 1-2. Same can be said for the Islanders and taking Reinhart with the fourth overall pick. That would leave Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs, they’d take either Yakupov or Forsberg (whoever the Jackets don’t take), but some experts suggest the Leafs might take defenseman Morgan Rielly with the 5th pick overall. And we all know Burky would love to move up or down, and if anyone could he’d be the man.

Year of the defenseman

    But even after the top five; we’ve got two or three more stud defenseman. There is Red Deer’s Matt Dumba the biggest wild card because he’s such a top offensively player and considered to be a big risk taker as well. The USHL’s Jacob Trouba is considered to be the biggest, nastiest defenseman in this years draft, drawing comparisons like Adam Foote & Derain Hatcher. Then there is Swedish de-man Oli Maatta, who is said to be the most NHL ready defenseman this year. Then there is the next three; Cody Ceci, Derrick Pouliot and Hampus Limdholm, all solid prospects who are likely to go in the top 15.  

The falling Russian

    Every year in the NHL entry draft, there is a highly touted Russian whose stock falls harder than the old Soviet Union. This year is the same and his name is Mikhail Grigorenko. Some say he’s NHL ready, but does he have the maturity at the age of 18 to be in the NHL? Some selfish off ice actions have teams staying away from the centerman. Some fellow Russians like Ilya Kovalchuk, Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin might push hard for there teams to draft Grigorenko. He could be in the top ten or 25 and on.

Big and nasty

    There are three big nasty forwards to be drafted in this years first round. Likely the highest touted is Latvian center Zemgus Girgensons, some compare him to Dale Hunter, while others suggest Bobby Holik. Plymouth Whalers right winger Tom Wilson will be coveted by the Flyers, Rangers and Senators, unlikely to be available for the Bruins at #24. Then third and final forward is Henrik Samuelsson, the son of Ulf Samuelsson; and if he’s anything like his dad he will soon be one of the most hated players around.

2 hours and counting

    Within 2 hours we’ll find out the fate of all of these top prospects; I’ll be tuned as will many of you.

Four UFA's; looking to make a difference as a role player

    What’s required to go deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, depth up front, players who can play at both ends of the us. We’re going to look at four of these players, who happen to be unrestricted free agents on July 1.

 

Jordin Tootoo

    Has the end of the 2011-12 season left a sour taste in Jordin Tootoo’s mouth, so much so he might want out of Nashville. The long time Predator was not a fan of sitting out eight playoff games as a healthy scratch.

    To some he’s an overrated forward with a “lack of skill”, but there are others like myself that think he’s undervalued. A career high 30 points in 77 games shows he more than a fourth liner. His willingness to fight the other teams heavyweight while being cruiser weight shows in passion to do anything to win.

    His salary will increase from his 1.35 million dollars in 11-12; look for a dozen or more teams to look his way. I suggest he could get a Maxine Talbot type contract (5 years totalling 9 million) or a Gregory Campbell type deal (3 years @ 1.6 million per).

 

Daniel Winnik

    Daniel Winnik’s stock was never higher than this past trade deadline. The San Jose Sharks acquired the veteran and he did what they expected him to do. Improve the bottom half of the lineup, unfortunately it was the top half that failed the team again. The former Coyote and Avalanche will likely be getting a 3 year, 5-6 million dollar offer. Just my opinion, Winnik is consistent night in night out, but there is not allot of upside. He doesn’t have the ability to score 12-13 goals, and cannot play in a top six role even temporally.

 

Jay Mcclement

    The former St.Louis Blue center, is one of the more unsung, underrated centers. A top faceoff man, consistently scoring 10-12 goals a year along with 20-30 points. He’s absolutely not nearly as physical as Tootoo or even Winnik, but he does go about his game quietly. He as well would be seeking a three year contract, likely to earn 1.2-1.5 million per season. As a Leafs fan I would love to see him as our fourth line center.

 

Brandon Prust

    Make no mistake, Brandon Prust will get almost as many offers on July 1 as he did fights (21) last year. His salary of 800k will at least double, might it even triple?

    The former Calgary Flame has the ability to score 10 or more goals a year, be a premier penalty killer and be your enforcer; all at the same time. He reminds me of former NHLer Ian Lapierrere, all guts and no glory, it’s team first all the way.

    The Rangers will do whatever they can do to re-sign him, but teams like the Flyers, Leafs, Islanders, Canucks and Predators would love to have this addition to their bottom six units.

    He has no reported concussions in his NHL career, which should indicate the 28 year will be injury free for the next 3 or 4 years.

 

 

Five players who could be moved; not named Nash, Ryan or Luongo

    Big names are said to be available and a few of them could be dealt at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. It’s the other names that are not being discussed but are always dealt at the draft. In past years it’s been the Alex Tanguay’s and the Mike Cammelari’s; whom could it be this year? We’ve got five likely candidates from the Western Conference.

Are two longtime Stars on the market

    At last years NHL trade deadline there were a few long-time Dallas Stars who were widely speculated on the being “on the market”. As the Stars looked to get into the playoffs at the time those names were not moved, but what about now?

Captain Brendan Morrow

    Morrow is in the final year of his six year, 4.1 million dollar contract. The Stars have never been a free spending hockey club, throwing out the 7-8 year deals worth 50 million or more. So keeping Morrow around as a third/fourth liner while making 4.1 million doesn’t make much sense.

    The Caryle Saskatchewan native had his worst season since turning professional, scoring 11 goals and 26 points in 57 games. That dismal season makes the contract almost impossible to move, but clubs such like Vancouver, NY Islanders maybe even the Red Wings might consider the gritty veteran. The stars in all honesty would be lucky to get a late 2nd or 3rd round draft choice in return.

Steve Ott

    Ott market value is the complete opposite of Morrow. Up to 15 teams or more would love to have this two way, checking machine. The advantage the Stars would have in the negotiations is Ott has two years left at 2.950 million.

    Would the Stars accept a mid first round pick? Or are they looking for another 2nd/3rd liner who has more offensive potential. If Dallas were to get 14-20 overall for Ott; they could also part with their 13th overall pick to get into the top six of Friday’s entry draft. But would the two first rounders be enough to move up that high?

Niklas Hjalmarsson

    Lets not beat around the bush. The Chicago Blackhawks have their eye on the prize in veteran defenseman Ryan Suter, who’s hometown is less than two hours away from Chi-town. In order this even to happen the Hawks have to clear up cap space and move a top four defenseman. You know they will not trade Duncan Keith or Brent Seabrook, they just re-signed Johnny Oduya, which leaves only Niklas Hjalmarsson.

    Tons of talk this week about the Senators being interested and maybe parting with checking center Zach Smith. When it’s all said and done, the Hawks have to go with their gut instinct, do they have a realistic chance of signing Suter? If the answer is yes they have to move the Swede. But there could be five or six teams wanting in on Hjalmarsson, they’ll take the best deal possible or even take a trade were they can get rid of more salary which they consider dead weight.

Mason Raymond

    Once thought as a top flight speedster, the Cochrane Alberta native is now being taken to arbitration by his employee the Vancouver Canucks, and stock value is perceived to be lower than ever.

    At the trade deadline, the Canucks attempted to obtain Ott from Dallas for Raymond, but the Stars would have none of that. In 2009-10 Raymond had 25 goals in 82 games, but in the past two seasons he has 25 goals in 125 games. Their might not be tons of teams lining up for Raymond, only because he is the complete opposite of what teams are looking for, bigger and stronger players a.k.a players that helped the Kings and Bruins win the Cup.

    I’m of the opinion that teams like Carolina and Columbus are desperate for depth up front, and both teams tend to go for smaller skilled players.

Ryan Jones

    In the Tom Renney era in Edmonton, Ryan Jones has been in and out of the doghouse. But surprisingly enough his numbers offensively have been consistent (17-18) goals over the past two years. But it’s the stretches of 10-20 games where Jones is nowhere to be seen that is driving him out of Edmonton. He’s likely not be a top six forward, especially in Edmonton, because of this don’t be surprised if the Oilers find him another home.

    The asking price would be minimal, a fourth rounder or likely another depth forward with more nastiness to his game, someone such as Patrick Kaleta from Buffalo.

    But years and years of basement dwelling, Edmonton is aware eventually things need to be changed up.

 

 

 

 

Two cup finalists looking to be rewarded on July 1

    Throughout the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, there were two fourth line forwards that stood out above the rest. Both of these veterans were previous Stanley Cup winners in other stops, but they proved more so this time that are hear to stay in the NHL for many years to com. These two are unrestricted free agents, and are seeking a pay raise or even better a contract two years or more.

 

Ryan Carter

    Ryan Carter himself knows he’ll never be a top six forward, likely to never be a third line forward. But as we just witnessed with New Jersey, a team that one of the best fourth lines can go deep. Look at the Boston Bruins (2011 Cup Champs), L.A Kings (2012 Champs) & the Devils, this years runners up. Each one of those teams had the best fourth lines in hockey.

     The gritty American forward has a few good things going for him. His best performances come in the second season. His career high 4 goals during the NHL regular season, is secondary to his 5 goals in 23 games during this past post season. And it doesn’t hurt that his named is engraved on the Stanley Cup from the 2007 Anaheim Ducks win.

    He will not get a Joel Ward (3 million per year) contract, but he is likely to get a multi-year deal with a million or more a year. That makes him one of this years best buys after July 1.

 

Colin Fraser

    The Red Deer Alberta native is almost a carbon copy of Ryan Carter, with more grit and nastiness. That to some teams will make him more attractive. Fraser has some offensive ability but not allot. The fact is Fraser pays the price physically more than most fourth liners.

    The key thing that Fraser has going him, is he is this decades Billy Carroll. Who the hell is Billy Carroll you say? A fourth line forward from the mid 1980’s who won four Stanley Cups in seven years with the Islanders and Oilers. Fraser has two Stanley Cups in his four seasons in the NHL. That shows he’s somewhat of a winner. Expect to Fraser to get an Adam Burish, 2 year 2.3 million dollar type contract.

Five UFA's; seeking that one way deal

by Brandt Corbin 

 

   Last year it was Tim Brent and Anthony Stewart; two veteran minor leaguers who fought hard the year before and were rewarded with a two year guaranteed contract.

    We’ve got five players that are in the same boat.  In what we're about to discuss, the one common thing you’re about to hear is a one-way contract. That guarantees that player the same salary (a minimum 550k)

whether they play in the NHL or AHL. The following players are some of the top forwards available for about 600k-750k per year (very cap friendly). Remember this, a good fourth line in the long run can take you deeper into the playoffs, most of these guys can move up if necessary and play on a third line.

 

Zenon Konopka

    Can the annual penalty minute leader in the NHL finally get a two year, one way contract? For three straight years (Tampa, NY Islanders & Ottawa) he has gotten his one way deal. These three teams plus others could use Konopka; a cheaper alternative option for the fourth line. He is annually a top face off man in the league, which assures him he’ll be back somewhere in the NHL.

    His stock went up late in they year, when Senators coach Paul Maclean trusted him enough to be in the playoffs. Zenon rewarded Maclean with two timely assists in six games, in the last 5 games, Konopka’s faceoff percentage was 75, 73.3, 83.3, 63.2 & 77.8; that statistic is why he’s worth every penny a team will give him.

 

Scott Parse

    It has been a long and painful two years for Scott Parse. A large number of injuries have seen him play only 14 games in the last two seasons. Out of the players mentioned in this blog, he has the most potential to become a top nine forward. The unfortunate thing is this, because of prone to injury Parse might need to accept a two-way contract, or even a pre-season tryout. This offseason and the amount of time he has to train and get into “game shape” will dictate where his career will go.

 

Stephen Gionta

    No one will ever mistake Stephen Gionta for his brother Brian. But there is no questioning the career minor leaguer has opened NHL teams eyes for his potential as a preeminent fourth line forward. Can the Devils re-sign Gionta, or will he join Brian in Montreal. I would suggest Stephen to take a contract that gives him term and/or a guaranteed one way contract, no matter where that might land him.

 

Joey Crabb

    Joey Crabb has become one of my favourites on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Why you ask? You know each and every night he’s going to give you 110%. Has the gritty forward turned enough heads around the league, to make them pay attention to him? As a bottom sixer, Crabb is more of proven forward during the regular season compared to Gionta. This past year Crabb scored 11 times with 26 points in 67 games. He’s likely not to get  what he wants from the Maple Leafs, so look for him to move anywhere in order for him to get his first one-way NHL contract.

 

Keith Aucoin

    Aucoin is a premier point producer in the American Hockey League, so much so he’s averaged better than a point a game in the AHL since 2005-06. At 33, he’ll never accomplish that in the NHL, but like Gionta and Crabb will accept any offer that will guarantee him one salary whether it be in the NHL/AHL.

    Half of the NHL clubs nowadays have a smaller skilled forward on the fourth line, who can play on the second unit on the powerplay; this is where Aucoin might fit in. He likely could be a late summer signing, instead of being signed right away on July 1.

NHL news and notes #1; "Lappy" retires, Canucks come to senses

 

Lappy retires

    One of the gutsiest NHL players of all time has “officially” retired as of Wednesday. Ian Laperriere hasn’t played in the NHL for the past two years, but has been on long term injured reserve, only for his salary not to count against the Philadelphia Flyers salary cap. 

    “Lappy” debuted in 1993-94 and went onto to play 1083 NHL games, scoring 121 goals & 336 points while accumulating 1956 PIMS.  He’s best know for his nine years in Los Angeles and most notably being apart of the Wayne Gretzky trade to the St. Louis Blues. His career came to an end in late 2010, after taking a blocked shot for a second time (that year) in a face.

    Players that pay the price like Laperriere don’t come around much anymore. He was and will continue to be one of my favourites ever in the NHL.

 

Raymond to arbitration

    Are the Vancouver Canucks finally coming to their senses? I’ve often said myself Mason Raymond is a nice complimentary player but not a great top six forward. After a 25 goal season in 2009-10 the Canucks grossly overpaid for Raymond. In the past two seasons the passive forward has scored 25 times in 120 games, while making 5.1 million dollars.

    Because of lack of consistency and goal scoring the Canucks have decided to take him to arbitration, seeking to slash his 2.6 million dollar salary from 2010-11 season. This has not come out nowhere, at the trade deadline there were rumors of trading Raymond. Now with todays news, is this the beginning of the end between these two parties?

NHL news and notes from June 13

Not this year?

    A little known fact is this.  Remember when the New Jersey Devils originally tried signing Ilya Kovalchuk to the 17 year 102 million dollar offer. The NHL did not approve the signing and said the Devils tried to circumvent the NHL salary cap (7 million to be paid over last 7 years, levelling out cap hit). The Eastern Conference Champs were then fined 3 million dollars, in 2011 was forced to relinquish their 3rd round draft pick and either in the 2012, 13 or 14 draft must give back their first round pick.

    Because the Devils are picking 29th overall in next Fridays draft, could this be the year they turn in the pick? Turns out they elected to keep it for this upcoming draft. Could the strong possibility of the Devils losing superstar Zach Parise, make them keep it for this year?

 

Slater back for three

   One season was enough to convince Jim Slater to stay in Winnipeg with the Jets. The former Atlanta Thrasher first round pick, bounced back last year playing 78 games scoring 13 goals.

  "I told my agent right from the beginning that Winnipeg was definitely tops of my list and if everything seemed to work out then that's the place I wanted to be," said Slater.

    The signing is fair for both teams, an average cap hit of 1.6 million for three years. Slater often plays on the fourth line with Chris Thornburn and Tanner Glass; one of the more effective checking lines in the game.

 

Wings get asset back for rights to Stuart

    Have the Detroit Red Wings found another Drew Miller? Last week they traded the rights to defenseman Brad Stuart to the San Jose Sharks, in return the Wings acquired a conditional 7th rounder & journeyman Andrew Murray. The former Columbus Blue Jacket forward has played parts of five seasons in the NHL. The Wings need more size on the bottom six forwards, they found their man in Murray.

The most overrated player in hockey is?

    Got a question for those hockey fans, of the two players I’m about to discuss who is more overpaid, lazy and closer to being out of the NHL?   

Dany Heatley

    At one point he was a poster boy for the NHL, less than 10 years later he’s become a second line millionaire. Shockingly he’s 10th in the NHL making an average cap hit of 7.5 million per year. Who are we referring to? One of if not they most overrated player today in the NHL, Minnesota Wild forward Dany Heatley.

    Early in his career, he was the leagues top sniper. Over the past five years, his offensive numbers have steadily declined. The former 2nd overall pick from 2000 had back to back 50 goal seasons in 05-06 & 06-07. Since then he’s been a 40 goal scorer one time. The past two seasons he’s scored 50 goals (26 & 24) thrown in with a career low 64 & 53 points while playing 162 games during that period of time. In todays NHL there is no Craig Janney like playmaker that the Wild could acquire; so Heatley’s days of scoring 35 or more are over.

    At one point he was known as a decent two player, nowadays he’s a defensive liability. Back-checking is not in his repertoire. What his hometown fans get most annoyed with is his care free attitude, almost like “I’m a millionaire and your not.”

    Equate his 8 million dollar salary and his 24 goals last year, that means he got $333,333 per goal scored. The one last damming statistic is this. What’s the biggest grind during a hockey season? The playoffs of course, in his past 36 playoff games he was 5 goals and 21 points and is a –14. I rest my case.

Scott Gomez

    How many times over the past 15 years have the New York Rangers given a free agent a blank cheque and said “how much would you like today”. Wade Redden, Bobby Holik, Theo Fleury, and Chris Drury. As we all know we can add Scott Gomez to that list.

    Gomez during the first eight years of he was considered to be the leagues top playmaking center getting 388 assists in his first 629 games.

When looking further at this statistics, I was quite stunned to see the Alaska native only has been a point a game player once in his career. In 2005-06 he accumulated 84 points, and the same season scored 33 goals. Other than the 33 goal season, he’s not scored more than 16 goals in any other season.

    Very similar to Heatley, Gomez and his career has gone completely down over the past two years. In total he has got 9 goals and 49 points in his last 118 games. During the 2011-12 season he scored 2 times; with 9 assists in 38 games. At the same time he’s been injured often over that period. But it’s almost a forgone conclusion that the Montreal Canadiens (who acquired him in 2009) will either buy him out of his contract or bury him in the AHL.

Is there anyone more overrated in sports?

    Some of you might say there is others in the NHL that are just as if not more overrated. Others will make the argument that he could the most overrated in all  sports today. You take the salaries in question and the lack of production and it’s easy to conclude they’re overpaid and not worth half their wage.

Columbus Blue Jackets; 12 years and headed nowhere

by Brandt Corbin

     It was June 23, Calgary Alberta at the Saddledome; the 2000 NHL expansion draft. I was there as a  sports reporter the day the Columbus Blue Jackets officially joined the NHL. The teams first two selections were a sign of things to come down the road. Of all people they selected goaltenders Rick Tabaracci and Frederic Chabot, passing over guys like Mike Vernon. But they did get the great Jan Calhoun and a 9th rounder for not taking San Jose’s Evengi Nabaknov. Neither one of their first two selections would never take the net for the franchise.
     The team nowadays 12 years later is still playing like an expansion team. They’ve made the playoffs one time; but were swept in four straight against the Detroit Red Wings. In the past three years they been dead last in the Central division, and no higher then 13th in the Western Conference, including finishing dead last this past year.

    The NHL threw the Blue Jackets a life line, in letting them host the 2013 NHL All Star Game; but the fact remains, another dismal season in the Central could make it their last. Attendance is at an all time all; but who can blames the fans? Would you pay $2000 or more to see that team play every night?

Twelve years and no depth to be found anywhere

    In their 12 years they have one top line forward (Rick Nash), and maybe one other actual top six forward in RJ Umberger, who’s got a 4.6 million extension for 4 years, and he’s average 24 goals over the past four years. After this you’ve got Vaclav Prospal & Derek Brassard; that’s it folks. Then you’ve got 5 or 6 depth players, who cannot score more than 7-10 goals in a year. One side note, for the first time they’ve got a semi-decent defense, but nothing to write home about.
Nash certain to be done     The news in Ohio is only going to get worse one would think. After 647 games as a Jacket; the teams only recognizable face is wanting out. Team captain Rick Nash does not want to wait for a rebuild yet again; and demanded a trade near the 2012 February trade deadline. While some reports
indicate the list of teams he’s willing to go is getting bigger, chances are they’re not going to land the big fish they need.  San Jose will not part with Logan Couture, same can be said with Toronto’s willingness to deal Jake Gardner. Do they accept a trade that gives them more assets or insist on playing a game of chicken and hope a team caves into their demands.
How does Scott Howson still have a job?     Where to begin? How he was hired in the first place is amazing to some. Just like several Edmonton Oiler players capitalized on their run to the Cup Finals in 2007; Scott Howson (then ass’t gm) did the same; being hired in Columbus as the teams 2nd ever general manager. I hate to be harsh but one must what good has be done since being hired in 2007? The drafting or lack there of; the trades; the free agent signings, the list is endless.
     His best ever first round pick was Jakub Voracek (7th overall in 2007). Howson traded him with their 8th overall pick in 2011 (Sean Coutuirer) and a 3rd round pick to the Flyers for Jeff Carter. After playing 39 games as a Jacket,  they trade Carter to the Kings for Jack Johnson and a first round pick (either 29th or 30th overall).
     Howson’s other first round picks consist of Nikita Filatov (2008- 6th pick overall, 2 goas in his last 36 games with the Jackets). Did you know that Tyler Myers (12th) & Erik Karlsson (15th) were taken after the useless Russian. John Moore in 2009, was taken 21rst overall; he might be a 5-6 de-man at best. Then in 2010 Ryan Johansen 4th overall; not a bad pick, but Howson and the rest of the organization is ruining this kids career just like others like Gilbert Brule and others.

    Rostislav Klesa was never going to win a Norris Trophy for best defenseman; but he was the best blueliner the Jackets have ever had. And Howson trades him to Phoenix for Scottie Upshall who played all but 21 games with the team before they let him go. Sergei Federov was never a great stud in Columbus, but when they traded him to Washington they got back in return Theo Ruth? Who? Exactly. In the same year, Howson trades prospect Curtis Glencross for defenseman Dick Tarnstrom who played 29 games with the CBJ. Would Glencross and his 15-20 goals not look nice in the Jackets lineup.

    Last but not least, Howson must be held accountable for the team’s goaltending woes. Steve Mason at one point in his career looked like the second coming of Ken Dryden. The only problem is this, it’s been three years and he’s consistently had a sub par 3 g.a.a with a below average .900 SP% or less. They’ve had absoutley no hope or chance over the past three years, that’s how bad it’s been. And who has is backups been over the past two years? Mathieu Garon and Curtis Sanford, almost as bad as the teams first two goalies Tabarachi & Chabot.

 

Who's the next coach to be hired

by Brandt Corbin   

 

    Two teams are still searching for their new head coach. Those two teams are the Washington Capitals and the youthful Edmonton Oilers. But who remains on the radar as head coaching candidates?

Veterans who have struggled in past assignments

    Lets get one think straight right off the bat. There is no chance in hell that Craig MacTavish could return to Edmonton as that teams next head coach. Is there any chance the Capitals would even consider him? I’d say no, he just doesn’t come across as the right fit for the team at this point. Therefore he will be again passed up for this years vacancies.

    The other veteran coach that remain unemployed is Marc Crawford, who was rumoured to be the runner up for the Montreal Canadiens head coach, who named Michel Thierren as there head man. I see “Crow” as a better fit for the Oilers; a very youthful team close to progressing to the next level. Can the former Nordique & Avalanche coach make the Oilers a contender sooner than expected? I said maybe; only reason I’d have doubts more because of the teams depth on the blueline and average goaltending.

    Brent Sutter’s name has been floated out as a possibility for the Oilers, only because of his ties to Alberta and being locally from Red Deer. Will his lack of success in New Jersey and Calgary hold him back from getting hired right away? I’d say likely, Sutter doesn’t come across as being a “players coach” and the Oilers come across as being fun loving kids having a good time.

Where is Washington looking at?

    Two names have popped up recently in regards to the Washington head coaching post. Of course last month, Captial great Dale Hunter stepped down as the teams coach. His assistant Dean Evason has been one of the names mentioned frequently as being a candidate. He’s been there for quite awhile, knows the players better than anyone, can the former Calgary Hitmen coach take it to the next level? The other named being mentioned is former Washington Capital and current New Jersey Devil assistant coach Adam Oates. He went deep into the playoffs as an assistant last year with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Could two deep runs in back to back years give him the leg up in Washington.

Other names not to forget about

    Could Davis Payne, Paul Maurice, Scott Arniel, Ron Wilson & Tom Renney all former head coaches recently also be considered? They likely would receive interviews, but could fall short in the interim. I see the first three named as being more mid-season replacements, than the off-season. Wilson is the most unlikely to be rehired. One hopes that Arniel & Payne, good minor league coaches would one day be reconsidered to get another job as the headman.

Two names I’d strongly consider, get ready to be shocked

    Two former NHL coaches that I think should be considered strongly are as follows.

1> Andy Murray, is known as coming more prepared than most other coaches in history. Stories have been told of him putting the next games strategy & game plan underneath the door of the players hotel rooms. His shell life as a coach in one location is 2-3 years, before his preparation gets to be too much. The Oilers and Caps have their strengths and weaknesses; having someone like Murray would be a benefit to both teams both short term and long term.

2> Randy Cunneyworth, got the shaft in Montreal for not being French Canadian. He was a hardworking role player in his days with the Whalers & Senators, more than paid his dues as a head coach in Rochester & Hamilton (in the AHL). I think he deserves another kick at the can. I can see getting the job in Edmonton before in Washington. Only because if the Caps will hire a rookie coach it will be Evason or Oates before Cunneyworth.

    It’s unsure when the two teams will name their head man, but one’s likely to hear plenty of rumblings.

Hartley deserving, Official disrespected, various news & notes

 

Flames new coach former Cup Champion   

     After a six year hiatus he’s back. The Calgary Flames have named Brent Sutter’s replacement after hiring Bob Hartley as their new head coach. The former Avalanche & Thrasher head coach is no saint; not being known as a “players coach”. But, for the most part he’s been a winner every where he’s coach. Bob’s only stint of losing was in Atlanta, which in all fairness was the most mis-managed team by then General Manager Don Wandell.

    The Quebec born head coach, is his own man but unlike other NHL coaches with and without jobs he has a Stanley Cup ring. Flames GM Jay Featster hired the best man for the job. He could not hire a rookie head coach, and the only other options would have been Marc Crawford and Craig Mactavish, both of which have had little success in their past stints. The signing sends a clear message that the team is not wanting to start over and rebuild.

Van Massenhoven underated & unappreciated

    One of the most underrated and underappreciated NHL refs of all time is Don Van Massenhoven.

The former used car salesman (during the NHL lockout) for the second year in a row got passed over for the 2012 NHL Playoffs. His boss Terry Gregson, either has something against Van Massenhoven or is just an idiot? How does Brad Meier or Brian Pochmara get chosen for the playoffs?

    Van Massenhoven, got all the nasty, tough assignments as well this year, the Canuck-Bruin rematch; the season finale of Penguins and Flyers. Both games went without many incidents or scenes, that is the number one reason why he should be in the second season.

    My respect for Don goes back to November 21 2005, when he was one of many that saved the life of Jiri Fischer then a defenseman of the Detroit Red Wings. The Czech defenseman suffered a heart attack on the bench, Van Massenhoven used an AED and applied CPR.

   You know how some officials take 10-20 minutes to dish out and explain penalties after a brawl? Not the same for the former police officer; five or so minutes and the game would go on. More so than anything; whenever he was in charge you never seen a parade to the penalty box of cheesy calls where the ref is showing up the player, Meier as an example is the worst for getting back at the players.

    Take it for what it’s worth, but that is my two cents.

Journeyman flocks to KHL, Beukeboom unsigned

    Knowing his days of one way contracts were over in the NHL, penalty shot specialist Erik Christensen had signed with HC Lev Praha of the KHL. This past season the American was with the Rangers but was traded late into the season to the Minnesota Wild. Former NHLer Jeff Beukeboom’s son Brock has not been signed by the St.Louis Blues, and now is an unrestricted free agent. The 20 year old was acquired with a 3rd round pick for former Blues Captain Eric Brewer in 2010.

 

 

 

Kopitar or Malkin?

by Brandt Corbin

    Will Anze Kopitar ever win the Art Ross Trophy for most points during the regular season? Probably not. But, I’ve always considered him to be more of a complete two way player. I personally myself would rather the Slovenian that Penguin star Evgeni Malkin. Would you rather not know what you’re going to get each night (in Kopitar) compared to Malkin where he’s prone to take periods or entire games off. Does the Russian centerman have three 100 point seasons under his belt, yes he does. But, the Kings have two equal power play units (per power play) and do not play as wide open as the Penguins do.

    The fact us Kopitar only has missed five games in the last 5 years and  those games were last year after suffering a broken ankle. Compare that to Malkin who’s missed 61 games in the last three years. That proves one think, the Kings superstar is more durable and is willing to play through all bumps and bruises.

    Have you ever seen the centerman from the west coast bitch or complain due to a non call? That’s a common occurrence three or four times a night in Pittsburgh.  If one were to take a survey among NHL coaches and/or General Managers before the start of the playoffs, it would have been 75% for Malkin. Kopitar’s play along with the Kings dominance during their current 15-2 run, would likely have more of them taking Kopitar over Malkin. I’ll go as far as saying this, when both of their careers are done, I see the Kings and Kopitar with more Stanley Cups than Malkin and the Penguins.

A look into game 3 for New Jersey; will the Devils pay their due?

by Brandt Corbin

 

    As the New Jersey Devils were completing their series victory over the arch rivals New York Rangers, some experts were saying the Devils where much like the Kings. “Big and Strong" they were claiming, I found it somewhat comical. Physically lets compare Alexei Ponikarovsky to Dwight King? Ask the Kings on how much “Poni” paid the price for the team last year? I’m not saying the Devils don’t have heavy and gritty players, because they do in guys like David Clarkson and Danius Zubrus; but the list is not long and plentiful like it is for the Kings.

Best fourth lines going at it?

    If I were the Kings coming into the finals, the battle of the fourth line would have made me a little bit nervous. The Devils have a quicker more skilled fourth line led by Ryan Carter & Stephen Gionta, and they are just as nasty compared to the Kings fourth line. When it’s all said and done, the Devils coaching staff could argue the fact that their fourth line has been much better than the third line.

Parise and Kovi must show up

    In game one, it was the Kings top line that won it for LA. Game two, Mike Richards and his linemates were the biggest factors in the win. This cannot be said in regards to the Devils and their better players. Devils captain Zach Parise is –4 and pointless in the last three games of the playoffs. Then you have Ilya Kovalchuk; where to start with the skilled Russian? You would assume being in the finals battling for the Stanley Cup, he’d be somewhat interested in playing? He’s only 4 wins away from silencing his critics. But instead he’s again not back checking, one hand stick checks. In game 2 he had Drew Doughty all lined up for a hit; but at the second laid up. Like the other players from Russia; he’s more concerned about his Olympic and World Championship Gold Medals than he is about a Stanley Cup Ring.

Keys going into game 3 are as follows

    Some how, some way.... the Devils need to score first and get a lead. Around 65% of the time the Kings have led during the course of the games in the 2012 playoffs, 30% of the time they’ve been tied; that means less than 5% of the time they’ve trailed.

    The Devils must make for of an effort to crash the net and make Jonathan Quick life a nightmare. Just like the Devils fans reminded the referees anytime the Kings crossed the line, it will be the other way around for games 3 & 4. New Jersey must get as many pucks on net as possible, that with the traffic will be key factors to them even having a chance to score.

    Looking at the playoffs stats; they’re somewhat shocking. Parise, Kovalchuk, Zajac & Elias are a combined –16. They need more production from Elias (4 goals & 7 points), Ponikarovsky (1 goal & 7 points) & Hendrique (3 goals). You need more than 2 goals in a game to even have a chance against the Kings.

    But, the fact of the matter is this. Neither the Devils nor the Kings have played their best hockey so far. That for the Devils is not good news, as they must win 4 out of 5 games, three of which will be at the Staples Center.

Richards for Schenn & Simmonds who won the trade?

by Brandt Corbin

    I was stunned and bewildered at the same time. Then Philadelphia Flyers center Mike Richards was always considered a top two-way  centerman in the NHL. When the LA Kings acquired him for top flight prospects Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn & a 2nd round draft pick; I again could not believe it, I had to read it four & five times over.

    As this last season went on, Simmonds was exceeding expectations while Schenn was having an ok rookie season; for the majority of the season Richards struggled offensively until his former linemate Jeff Carter was acquired (by LA) from Columbus.

    But the fact remains, the Kings did not trade for Richards to become the number one center, they got him to become the best 2nd line center in the league; to back up Anze Kopitar.

Who won the trade?

    This is my take on the trade. Simmonds and Schenn could become the second coming of Bobby Clarke and Bill Barber for all that matters, but when the LA Kings went onto win the 2012 Stanley Cup, the Kings will have the early victory on this transaction. It’s all about the Stanley Cup, nothing else matters. Could the Kings be as dominant if they did not Richards patrolling the second line absolutely not. For the Kings this could be the start of something special; Doughty, Richards, Carter, Kopitar & Brown all have 2 or more years left on their contracts. Jonathan Quick just signed a large extension and is going nowhere.

    For the Flyers they’ve got a deep young hockey team, but will again be hit with hard choices because of the salary cap and some bad decisions on some bad long term contracts they’ve handed out.

    Both teams have benefited greatly from this ballsy move. I admire that both these teams did what they did; others GM’s talk the talk but are always afraid to make that big move.