NHL Thread - 2009-10

[It's Damn Real!]

How is Arnott a good pick-up? He's been on a statistical decline for the last three seasons, has played fewer and fewer games in each of those years, will be 37 when the season starts, and he makes $4.5M a season (last year on the contract).

2007-08 – NSH – 79 GP – 28-44-72
2008-09 – NSH – 65 GP – 33-24-57
2009-10 – NSH – 63 GP – 19-27-46

Guy couldn't even score 20 fucking goals last season. That's not a "good pick-up" by any means – it's more scrambled posturing disguised as "reclamations" from Lucky Lou who's franchise is falling apart, and he has no clue how to fix it.

Tell me, man – what happens when Brodeur retires? Honestly... Who's the next in line for Jersey? Jeff Frazee? Please...

Time for Lou to get with the times and realize the old war-horses aren't worth more than pigs spit. Rolston, Shanahan, Arnott, Holik, etc. are/were all shells of their former selves, yet his self-delusion based off his ability to build a dominant team a decade ago tells us otherwise? Devils fans should be worried if you ask me.

 

[CH David]

Well, I have made it no secret that I don't like the Hawks deal of Byfuglien, Sopel, Eager, and prospect Akim Aliu to the Thrashers. Now I don't know too much about Aliu, so I won't miss him that much. Sopel is getting older, and his style of play will be missed, but can be replaced. Eager and Byfuglien are the two that I hate seeing leave. I understand why, salary cap issues, but it still doesn't change that I hate it.

Eager is one of those energy line guys. He goes out for 4-6 minutes per game, but he is out there to get the crowd into it. A big hit, being a pest to the opposing players, hard nosed hockey. That was him personified, and I'll truly miss him.

Byfuglien...he is the big body they need in front of the net. He is a seasonal player, not so hot during the regular season, but once the playoffs start, he is the big man getting in a goalie's head, landing big hits on the forecheck. That is his game, and now the Hawks don't have that for the playoffs. This sucks ass, and I understand the damn salary cap needs to be met, but FUCK!

Stupid Huet just sitting on his ass. No one is going to want him on the their team. A rookie beat him for the starting job, how does that make him look? Now they have to eat his contract. Fuckin' A.

 

[People's Champ]

Well knew this was going to happen. Nabby was told that he would not be resigned by the Sharks. With so many other free agents on the team like Pavelski, Steoguchi, Marleau and others, there was no way they could keep Nabby. He was making 6 million, too much for a goalie who never got us thru the Western Finals. However, he still is a great goalie, one of the top 10 for sure. But an example of money needing to go elsewhere. Griess looks like he get a chance to start.and they may add someone like a Turco or Leighton but that remains to be seen.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Well knew this was going to happen. Nabby was told that he would not be resigned by the Sharks. With so many other free agents on the team like Pavelski, Steoguchi, Marleau and others, there was no way they could keep Nabby. He was making 6 million, too much for a goalie who never got us thru the Western Finals. However, he still is a great goalie, one of the top 10 for sure. But an example of money needing to go elsewhere. Griess looks like he get a chance to start.and they may add someone like a Turco or Leighton but that remains to be seen.

Leighton would be a monumental mistake, as would Turco. Leighton is/was a total flash in the pan, and the only reason he was as hot as he was was because of how fantastic the Flyers defense is/was. Turco has been on the decline for years, and reminds me a lot of Kevin Weekes – a former starter who slowly but surely lost the same edge that earned him that position who'll end up being a dejected back-up who retires early to commentate or coach.

If I'm the Sharks, the only UFA goaltender I look at is Dan Ellis, otherwise I look to trade for a goaltender like Cory Schneider out of Vancouver, Tim Thomas (who I'd personally stay away from) out of Boston, or perhaps Vokoun out of Florida.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Well, I have made it no secret that I don't like the Hawks deal of Byfuglien, Sopel, Eager, and prospect Akim Aliu to the Thrashers. Now I don't know too much about Aliu, so I won't miss him that much. Sopel is getting older, and his style of play will be missed, but can be replaced. Eager and Byfuglien are the two that I hate seeing leave. I understand why, salary cap issues, but it still doesn't change that I hate it.

Eager is one of those energy line guys. He goes out for 4-6 minutes per game, but he is out there to get the crowd into it. A big hit, being a pest to the opposing players, hard nosed hockey. That was him personified, and I'll truly miss him.

Byfuglien...he is the big body they need in front of the net. He is a seasonal player, not so hot during the regular season, but once the playoffs start, he is the big man getting in a goalie's head, landing big hits on the forecheck. That is his game, and now the Hawks don't have that for the playoffs. This sucks ass, and I understand the damn salary cap needs to be met, but FUCK!

Stupid Huet just sitting on his ass. No one is going to want him on the their team. A rookie beat him for the starting job, how does that make him look? Now they have to eat his contract. Fuckin' A.

You can blame Brian Campbell equally (or at least a large portion) for that nasty cap situation you're in too. Campbell is not – by any stretch– a defenseman worth more than Niklas Lidström, Duncan Keith, Chris Pronger, Shea Weber, etc. That $7.14M cap hit he carries is one of the biggest mistakes Chicago ever made. You'd be able to live with Huet had you just let Campbell seek employment elsewhere.

It's not like Chicago didn't have the foresight to see Duncan Keith coming. He was well on his way a year and a half before Campbell ever signed.

 

[People's Champ]

Leighton would be a monumental mistake, as would Turco. Leighton is/was a total flash in the pan, and the only reason he was as hot as he was was because of how fantastic the Flyers defense is/was. Turco has been on the decline for years, and reminds me a lot of Kevin Weekes – a former starter who slowly but surely lost the same edge that earned him that position who'll end up being a dejected back-up who retires early to commentate or coach.

If I'm the Sharks, the only UFA goaltender I look at is Dan Ellis, otherwise I look to trade for a goaltender like Cory Schneider out of Vancouver, Tim Thomas (who I'd personally stay away from) out of Boston, or perhaps Vokoun out of Florida.

I agree with you 100%. Signing either of those two guys would be a big mistake, unless they are signed to back up Griess. I really would like to see Griess given the starting job and see what he can do with it. Signing someone like a Turco who is defineatley past his prime would not be a smart move. I personally am all for Griess starting and maybe getting a Jose Theodore as a backup.

 

[People's Champ]

So the Sharks signed Antero Nittymaki minutes after free agency started. I think I like the move. The Sharks have had experience with Finnish goalies (ex.Kipprusoff & Toskala). Only once has he given up more than 3 goals a game on average in a season. They looked at his play in the minors and in the Olympics and liked what they saw.

Like I said, I think this was a good move for the Sharks. They saved money by not signing Nabby and used that to resign Marleau and Pavelski. And so there will be a competition between Nittymaki, Griess and Alex Stalock for goaltender.

 

[CH David]

You can blame Brian Campbell equally (or at least a large portion) for that nasty cap situation you're in too. Campbell is not – by any stretch– a defenseman worth more than Niklas Lidström, Duncan Keith, Chris Pronger, Shea Weber, etc. That $7.14M cap hit he carries is one of the biggest mistakes Chicago ever made. You'd be able to live with Huet had you just let Campbell seek employment elsewhere.

It's not like Chicago didn't have the foresight to see Duncan Keith coming. He was well on his way a year and a half before Campbell ever signed.

I can blame Campbell, but I won't as much. He at least helped the Hawks win the championship. Huet just sat on the bench in the playoffs. Now don't get me wrong, Campbell doesn't deserve the money he is getting per year, probably a good 2.5 million less, but he was essential to the Cup run for the Blackhawks. They don't take off without him helping with puck control, that is how they dominate on offense.

I'm not going to live with Huet just sitting and collecting his check. He did not do anything to deserve the money he was given, and hasn't played his way into making people think he has. When he is good he is good, when he is bad he is shit. He lost the job to Antti Niemi, who will now be the starter. Huet is getting 5.6 million to sit on the bench. Campbell is out there controlling the puck, Huet isn't blocking the puck.

 

[The People's Peep]

A few days ago, the Devils opened up their checkbooks and signed defensemen Henrik Tallinder and Anton Volchenkov, but also let Paul Martin go. To make matters worse, Martin signed with the Pens. The defense does need some help, and it needs even more help now that Martin is gone. He was our top defenseman and was very good at moving the puck, especially into the offensive zone. I dont know much about Tallinder and Volchenkov, but I think they do bolster the D a little.

The Devils are also doing something quite surprising to me. They are still in the Kovy sweepstakes and are actually one of the frontrunners along with the Kings. The Devs are not known to be big spenders, but they are really pushing to get him signed. This excites me, but also makes me a little nervous. I'm not sure if its that his contract is up or if he is looking for a new one, but Zach Parise needs a new contract. If signing Kovy causes any problem with Zach's contact, I'm not sure if I want Kovy signed then.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

A few days ago, the Devils opened up their checkbooks and signed defensemen Henrik Tallinder and Anton Volchenkov, but also let Paul Martin go. To make matters worse, Martin signed with the Pens. The defense does need some help, and it needs even more help now that Martin is gone. He was our top defenseman and was very good at moving the puck, especially into the offensive zone. I dont know much about Tallinder and Volchenkov, but I think they do bolster the D a little.

The Devils are also doing something quite surprising to me. They are still in the Kovy sweepstakes and are actually one of the frontrunners along with the Kings. The Devs are not known to be big spenders, but they are really pushing to get him signed. This excites me, but also makes me a little nervous. I'm not sure if its that his contract is up or if he is looking for a new one, but Zach Parise needs a new contract. If signing Kovy causes any problem with Zach's contact, I'm not sure if I want Kovy signed then.

The Kings are out as of a day or two ago. Kovalchuk's asking price is ridiculous. No reason on earth he deserves to be paid more than Crosby or Ovechkin – period. UFA or not.

From what I understand it's down to the Rangers and the Devils, with the Devils offering upward of $8.7M annually to retain his services. For that price, you'd out-bid the Rangers far and away, since Sather is in no place to be awarding a damn-near-$9M yearly salary to anyone on the roster – in doing so, he'd be opening the door to RFA encroachment that the team wouldn't be able to counter seeing as they'd be at their summer cap-ceiling.

If/when the Devils do sign Kovalchuk, the one saving grace (if any) is that both Langenbrunner ($2.8M) and Arnott ($4.5M) are off the books next season, which makes re-signing Parise, Zharkov and Salmela much easier.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I can blame Campbell, but I won't as much. He at least helped the Hawks win the championship. Huet just sat on the bench in the playoffs. Now don't get me wrong, Campbell doesn't deserve the money he is getting per year, probably a good 2.5 million less, but he was essential to the Cup run for the Blackhawks. They don't take off without him helping with puck control, that is how they dominate on offense.

I'm not going to live with Huet just sitting and collecting his check. He did not do anything to deserve the money he was given, and hasn't played his way into making people think he has. When he is good he is good, when he is bad he is shit. He lost the job to Antti Niemi, who will now be the starter. Huet is getting 5.6 million to sit on the bench. Campbell is out there controlling the puck, Huet isn't blocking the puck.

Granted, but it doesn't excuse Tallon's failure to see the future budding fast in Keith who was putting up fantastic numbers at the time. Campbell, IMO, was a rather pointless signing for a lot of money, and while he did help the team regardless, he wasn't nearly as important to their offensive game as Seabrook & Keith were come playoff time, and wasn't nearly as important to the SC win as Toews and Kane were.

Any way you slice it, Huet sucks most, but Campbell still sucks, too.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

So scratch that bit about the Kings being out of the Kovalchuk race – as of this morning they're back at the table.

Word is that they reached a breaking point in the discussions over salary/term which caused Kovalchuk's camp to walk away, but seeing how little of a market he has to actually work with, Kovalchuk & co. has gone back to the table with Lombardi and the Kings to work out a deal.

Rumor is that he does want to stay in the East, and that he's very interested in playing for the Rangers,*just as he has been for the last 8 years – including just prior to his having re-signed in Atlanta to begin with when Sather was prepared to send an offer-sheet to Atlanta for him but was talked about of it by then assistant GM Don Maloney because of the depth of the draft we'd have ultimately lost as a result – but Sather can't clear cap space enough right now to warrant signing him, and Lamoriello is in just as difficult a position money-wise.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

I am officially making my return to the Sports Stadium! It's very nice to see more NHL fans on this board so I think it's the best time right now to make my return.

Now let's get to NHL Free Agency:

1) Kovalchuk - SIGN ALREADY!!! There hasn't been much activity because everyone is waiting for Kovy to sign. He is ultimately the starting domino piece right now because he figures into a lot of team's plans. The teams that don't sign him will go and sign the other FA forwards and for the team who does sign him will have to make a trade which kick-starts the trade discussions. He is holding everything up and that's a fact. He wants the world and all it's money and he won't get it in the NHL. Now I'm hearing that Russia is still an option, but I don't believe that. He wants to play in the best league in the world and I just don't think that Russia is crossing his mind right now. I think it's between the Kings, Rangers, and Devils with the Kings signing Kovy.

2) Maple Leafs - I can't make a post without talking about my team. They made 2 good moves already by getting Versteeg and Armstrong, but that's not enough. They still need a playmaking center and a top-6 forward. I do believe they will get those players, but they have to wait for Kovy to sign. Kaberle will be traded for a top-6 forward and there are rumours that he may go to the Kings for Wayne Simmonds and a prospect. This seems more likely if Kovy signs with the Kings. Either way, Kaberle is gone and they'll get a player for him and then they can turn their attention to the rest of the FA crop. Get it done Burkie!

3) Paul Kariya - My favourite player is an FA right now and I really want the Leafs to pick him up, but unfortunately they don't have interest in him. Kariya still has some left in the tank and can be a huge help to any contending team. Right now the teams in the running for him are Pittsburgh and Anaheim. Pittsburgh would be an amazing fit for both sides as Kariya would give Crosby that winger he so desperately needs. Kariya is a great puck-handler and a gifted passer and playing with Crosby will help both players greatly. Of course Anaheim would be a homecoming for both players and the reunion would be great with the city and possibly Selanne. Either way, I hope he goes to a contender and gets a chance at a Stanley Cup.

Whew, it feels good to be back.

 

[People's Champ]

So Nabby (Nabokov) is going to the KHL and has signed with SKA St. Petersburg. The deal is reported worth 6 mill a year.

I loved Nabby here and it was a shame to see him go. On the other hand, I as many Sharks fans do too, feel that he took us as far as he could, and unfortuntely it wasn't far enough. Once the Sharks said they would not resign him, I think he felt that he would have a lot of options. However that just wasn't the case. Its rare now for teams to spend so much on a goalie, and with Nabby getting older, many felt he wasn't worth the risk.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

It didn't surprise me at all that Nabokov went to Russia. Nobody was going to pay him the kind of money that he wanted. The goalie market this off-season was pretty decent with a lot of goalies out there, but none were going to get the big money and there are some reasons for that:

1) The Stanley Cup Finals - The Blackhawks and the Flyers made it to the Finals on the backs of Niemi and Leighton/Boucher. Those names do not stand out to anyone as top tier goalies. These teams showed that if your team is built solid from front to back, having an average goalie will be enough.

2) Big money goalies not producing - Luongo signed a huge contract with the Canucks, but hasn't delivered them past the second round. Nabokov played well for the Sharks, but the fact is that his team never got over the hump.

Teams now would much rather spend the money on the back end (like Philly is trying to do now) and then get an inexpensive goalie who can hold his own behind a solid defence. Nabokov was asking for too much in this market and the only place willing to give it to him is Russia.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a signing tonight as they came to terms with D Brett Lebda. The deal is 2 years @ $1.45 million per year. Lebda was on the Red Wings as a depth defender, but because of the quality of the Red Wings defence, he just couldn't stick. He is actually a very solid depth defenceman that will help solidify the Leafs D. He's a quick player, but while not flashy gets the job done which is what you need for your 5th or 6th defenceman. As a fan, I like this signing, but I also realize the implications of this signing. The inevitable Kaberle trade.

The signing of another defenceman is a pretty clear sign that the Leafs are getting ready to trade Kaberle. Burke has said since the beginning that if he can't get a top 6 forward for Kaberle, he'll gladly keep him. This signing shows me that there is indeed a trade out there worth pulling off. As a fan, I'm very excited for this to unfold.

In other news, apparently the Kings are out of the Kovalchuk sweepstakes once again. The two teams involved now are the Devils and Russia. And the saga continues...

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Kovalchuk has officially re-signed with the New Jersey Devils. Contract terms are unknown at this point in time, as a rumor of 17-years as well as a rumor of 7-years are both being thrown out there, but I can say for sure if the 17-year deal is the case, Jersey fans better hope and pray it's structured in a way that'll drop the cap-hit tremendously, otherwise you seriously risk losing Parise to an offer sheet poaching.

Rumors are swirling however, that Rolston ($5.062M cap hit through to 2012/13 on an over-35 deal), Zubrus ($3.400M to 2013/14) and Salvador ($2.900 M to 2012/13) are all on the block in Jersey.

 

[gd]

Surely that didn't sign that ridiculous 17 year contract? What's the point? I'm sure he got a ton of money though, which I'm not sure is great for the Devils considering they may have to dump several others, like you said.

I know Kovalchuck is talented, but as a Pens fan, Parise always scared me more.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Scott Burnside of ESPN.com is reporting that the 17-year deal may be worth upward of $150M, which would make it the richest contract in NHL history with an aggregate cap-hit of $8.823M a season.

Bad news for the Devils, if that's the case – gonna have a very difficult time retaining their own talent.

 

[Big Sexy]

I have a feeling there has to be more to this deal then just the bottom line. New Jersey is one of the best, most successful franchises in the NHL and I don't see how they would make a move like this. It completely goes against how they built all of their Stanley Cup winning teams. Maybe the fact that they realize Brodeur only has a few years left in him has changed the way they do business but I'm not sure about this deal.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

I have a feeling there has to be more to this deal then just the bottom line. New Jersey is one of the best, most successful franchises in the NHL and I don't see how they would make a move like this. It completely goes against how they built all of their Stanley Cup winning teams. Maybe the fact that they realize Brodeur only has a few years left in him has changed the way they do business but I'm not sure about this deal.

You answered your own question.

First off, when was the last time they won anything? Nearly a decade ago now. That's a long time in hockey. The days of Jersey being one of the "best" teams in the NHL are long over, and the potential is spiraling downward with each year Brodeur ages. His retirement is approaching, like it or not, and as a result, Lou is likely looking to change the atmosphere of his clubs from the standard and traditional Jersey trapping style to a more up-tempo style like they played when Brodeur was injured two years ago.

Burnside has also updated his report to note that it's 17-years at over $100M, not $150 – the $150M came from total earnings over his career.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Simon Gagné ($5.25M cap hit through to 2011/12) has been traded by the Philadelphia Flyers to the Tampa Bay Lightning for Matt Walker ($1.7M cap hit through to 2013/14) and their 4th round pick in 2011.

If you couple this with the fact the Flyers already took Andrej Mezsaroz' contract off Yzerman's hands earlier this off-season, these two trades combined break down to Gagné and TBL 2nd in 2011 for Meszaros, Walker and a 4th – a little lop-sided if I don't say so myself.

Philly now has 9 NHL caliber defensemen on the club – Timonen, Pronger, Meszaros, Carle, Coburn, O'Donnell, Bartulis, Krajicek and now Walker.

 

[Big Sexy]

You answered your own question.

First off, when was the last time they won anything? Nearly a decade ago now. That's a long time in hockey. The days of Jersey being one of the "best" teams in the NHL are long over, and the potential is spiraling downward with each year Brodeur ages. His retirement is approaching, like it or not, and as a result, Lou is likely looking to change the atmosphere of his clubs from the standard and traditional Jersey trapping style to a more up-tempo style like they played when Brodeur was injured two years ago.

Burnside has also updated his report to note that it's 17-years at over $100M, not $150 – the $150M came from total earnings over his career.

It's been 7 years since their last Cup win but they've still consistently been finishing seasons with over 100 points. Now that means jack shit when you are getting knocked out of the playoffs in the first or second round every year but it shows they are still having some success. I also agree that the style needs to be changed with Brodeur aging but this almost seems like a desperation move.

Kovalchuk is a great player but I wouldn't even put him in the top 5 of best players in the NHL. If this contract jeopardizes them being able to resign Parise then it is not a good move. The money being closer to just 100 million helps a lot so the move is looking a little better but they still need to at least get a Cup out of this in the next few years. If it's only 100 mill then that's about 6 mill a year and is a lot more reasonable but it still seems like a little overkill considering the contract will most likely be front loaded. I wanted New Jersey to resign Kovalchuk I just hope the price wasn't to steep.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

It's been 7 years since their last Cup win but they've still consistently been finishing seasons with over 100 points. Now that means jack shit when you are getting knocked out of the playoffs in the first or second round every year but it shows they are still having some success. I also agree that the style needs to be changed with Brodeur aging but this almost seems like a desperation move.

Kovalchuk is a great player but I wouldn't even put him in the top 5 of best players in the NHL. If this contract jeopardizes them being able to resign Parise then it is not a good move. The money being closer to just 100 million helps a lot so the move is looking a little better but they still need to at least get a Cup out of this in the next few years. If it's only 100 mill then that's about 6 mill a year and is a lot more reasonable but it still seems like a little overkill considering the contract will most likely be front loaded. I wanted New Jersey to resign Kovalchuk I just hope the price wasn't to steep.

Regular season success stories aside, they've been failing when it matters most and that's mostly in part to the fact they refuse to accept that defense no longer wins championships – offense does. You can't ride a 38-year old Brodeur for 70+ games and expect to win anything when you couple that with the fact you're looking to win every game 1-0 or 2-1.

They do have options, however – Salvador ($2.9M through to 2012/13) and Dainus Zubrus ($3.4M through to 2013/14) could be moved to make way for Parise. Keep in mind, the Devils are still under their summer cap (which allows teams to exceed the regular season cap by 10%, or roughly $5.9M). They'd undoubtedly match any offer sheet he signed and worry about moving salary to get back under the cap later.

 

[Big Sexy]

Regular season success stories aside, they've been failing when it matters most and that's mostly in part to the fact they refuse to accept that defense no longer wins championships – offense does. You can't ride a 38-year old Brodeur for 70+ games and expect to win anything when you couple that with the fact you're looking to win every game 1-0 or 2-1.

They do have options, however – Salvador ($2.9M through to 2012/13) and Dainus Zubrus ($3.4M through to 2013/14) could be moved to make way for Parise. Keep in mind, the Devils are still under their summer cap (which allows teams to exceed the regular season cap by 10%, or roughly $5.9M).

I agree a change had to be made and like I said as long as Parise gets resigned then this move could potentially be very good. However, anything less then a Cup in the next few years for them has to be considered a failure and will make this move look bad.