Jmess: Not a bad idea by Murray. This years draft isn't looking like the best for really good offensive talent so moving some of his picks may be a good thing. However there isn't much out there and I don't think they'd want Martin Havlat back
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Ottawa Shopping Picks
Senators: News out of Ottawa suggests that the Senators will be open to shopping some of the five picks they have in the first two rounds. It looks like GM Murray is looking for a scoring forward and is willing to part with some picks to get it.
Leafs Looking for Centre
Leafs: Reports out of Toronto are saying that GM Brian Burke's main priority this offseason is finding that elusive number one centre. The obvious candidate here is Brad Richards.
Jmess: I'm not completely convinced the Leafs have much of a shot of landing Richards this off season. The Stars ownership situation looks like it may be solved sooner than later, and Richards has publicly expressed his love for Dallas. I expect Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk to be working around the clock on getting Richards back, now that the Stars off season has started.
The Return
NRS is back and hopefully will be in full swing again. It's only been a two year hiatus but things have been stabilized and I am ready to get to informing the masses with all the trade and free agent rumors they could possibly need. Again excited to be back and let the rumors flow.
Friday, July 31, 2009
The Scolumn
New Look Flames
By Sconn
-For NRS
Arguably the busiest team in the offseason , the Calgary Flames have - until recently - been in the headlines nearly everyday signing free agents or pulling the trigger on trades. Despite all of this movement, the number of new names of the Flames with be quite small though the team should perform much better than last season.The bulk of the additions: Stefan Kronwall, Anton Strahlman, Garth Murray, Riley Armstrong, Jason Jaffray, Keith Seabrook, Colin Stuart will be playing for the Flames new AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat. Obviously, Flames management wants to not just burn their way through the NHL but brand their mark into the AHL ranks as well. While the Flamin' C's had great offensive punch for most of last season thanks in large part to 39-goal man Mike Cammalleri - who's career best performance priced himself right out of Calgary - and to role players stepping up - Rene Bourque (21 goals), David Moss (20) and Todd Bertuzzi (15). GM Daryl Sutter had to let Cammalleri go becuase of cap issues (he's making $6-million a season in Montreal now) while letting go of the aging Bertuzzi, who had modest comeback season, to get younger and faster up front. Fredrik Sjostrom, Nigel Dawes, Brandon Prust and Brain McGratton are the only truly new NHL forwards the Flames have brought in. This raises the question, who will score the combined 54 goals between the departed Big Bert and Cammalleri? You can reasonably expect 15 by Dawes, and say, 10 by Sjostrom should they gel with their linemates and make the most of their ice time (Prust and McGratton's scoreboard contributions will be nominal), though that still leaves 25 goals on the table from this forward group. The defence has been completely overhauled by simply one addition - Jay Bouwmeester. Sutter netted the jewel of the 2009 free agent crop by trading for his rights before July 1 when the UFA derby begins. The method, which has had mixed results, worked out for the shrewd GM and he was rewarded with the big, strong skating Bouwmeester who's defensively responsible while also filling the role of a puck-moving defenseman. The $6.6-million deal for Bouwmeester was steep, but a little under market value for the consistent operator (if Dion Phaneuf's deal is taken into account). Bouwmeester should bolster the rest of the blueline (look for Dion Phaneuf to flourish while not being the centre of attention), while also contributing to offsetting the team's loss of goal-scorers. Miikka Kiprusoff could also have a greatly improved season, as he will undoubtedly have more help this year from the defence as well as a coach who is less likely to ride him all year like Keenan or smear him in the local papers. You can expect certain Flames to be better this season, namely Jarome Iginla, Daymond Langkow and Phaneuf. For a team that was tied for sixth last season in total goals with 251, look for the Flames to fall out of the top 10 in that category while moving into the top 10 in goals against (they were 23rd last season) with a stronger blueline and better coaching. For better or worse, this Flames core will continue together: Iginla, Langkow, Phaneuf, Robyn Regehr, Bouwmeester and Kipsusoff. Langkow is the obvious weak link, but the Flames are short on apt centers in their prime. Sutter is staying commited to his formula of building around this formidible core, and the GM should be rewarded with a northwest division title by a comfortable margin. A number 1 seed in the western conference isn't out of the question, seeing as how the Red Wings are only getting older and San Jose just doesn't look as dangerous after yet another early playoff exit.
By Sconn
-For NRS
Arguably the busiest team in the offseason , the Calgary Flames have - until recently - been in the headlines nearly everyday signing free agents or pulling the trigger on trades. Despite all of this movement, the number of new names of the Flames with be quite small though the team should perform much better than last season.The bulk of the additions: Stefan Kronwall, Anton Strahlman, Garth Murray, Riley Armstrong, Jason Jaffray, Keith Seabrook, Colin Stuart will be playing for the Flames new AHL affiliate, the Abbotsford Heat. Obviously, Flames management wants to not just burn their way through the NHL but brand their mark into the AHL ranks as well. While the Flamin' C's had great offensive punch for most of last season thanks in large part to 39-goal man Mike Cammalleri - who's career best performance priced himself right out of Calgary - and to role players stepping up - Rene Bourque (21 goals), David Moss (20) and Todd Bertuzzi (15). GM Daryl Sutter had to let Cammalleri go becuase of cap issues (he's making $6-million a season in Montreal now) while letting go of the aging Bertuzzi, who had modest comeback season, to get younger and faster up front. Fredrik Sjostrom, Nigel Dawes, Brandon Prust and Brain McGratton are the only truly new NHL forwards the Flames have brought in. This raises the question, who will score the combined 54 goals between the departed Big Bert and Cammalleri? You can reasonably expect 15 by Dawes, and say, 10 by Sjostrom should they gel with their linemates and make the most of their ice time (Prust and McGratton's scoreboard contributions will be nominal), though that still leaves 25 goals on the table from this forward group. The defence has been completely overhauled by simply one addition - Jay Bouwmeester. Sutter netted the jewel of the 2009 free agent crop by trading for his rights before July 1 when the UFA derby begins. The method, which has had mixed results, worked out for the shrewd GM and he was rewarded with the big, strong skating Bouwmeester who's defensively responsible while also filling the role of a puck-moving defenseman. The $6.6-million deal for Bouwmeester was steep, but a little under market value for the consistent operator (if Dion Phaneuf's deal is taken into account). Bouwmeester should bolster the rest of the blueline (look for Dion Phaneuf to flourish while not being the centre of attention), while also contributing to offsetting the team's loss of goal-scorers. Miikka Kiprusoff could also have a greatly improved season, as he will undoubtedly have more help this year from the defence as well as a coach who is less likely to ride him all year like Keenan or smear him in the local papers. You can expect certain Flames to be better this season, namely Jarome Iginla, Daymond Langkow and Phaneuf. For a team that was tied for sixth last season in total goals with 251, look for the Flames to fall out of the top 10 in that category while moving into the top 10 in goals against (they were 23rd last season) with a stronger blueline and better coaching. For better or worse, this Flames core will continue together: Iginla, Langkow, Phaneuf, Robyn Regehr, Bouwmeester and Kipsusoff. Langkow is the obvious weak link, but the Flames are short on apt centers in their prime. Sutter is staying commited to his formula of building around this formidible core, and the GM should be rewarded with a northwest division title by a comfortable margin. A number 1 seed in the western conference isn't out of the question, seeing as how the Red Wings are only getting older and San Jose just doesn't look as dangerous after yet another early playoff exit.
Bertuzzi moving on
Bertuzzi: Reports out of Calgary are saying that Bertuzzi hasn't received a call from the Calgary Flames in three months. Bertuzzi said he accepts the fact that he probably doesn't fit in the Flames plans. Bertuzzi did confirm that he had received offers from three other teams.
Jmess: Bertuzzi is a solid third line player and can be a bargain if he signs around $1 million. However he hasn't had a season where he has played more the 75 games in quite sometime.
Jmess: Bertuzzi is a solid third line player and can be a bargain if he signs around $1 million. However he hasn't had a season where he has played more the 75 games in quite sometime.
Zherdev done in New York
Zherdev: Reports out of New York are saying that Zherdev has turned down a $3.25 million offer from the Rangers basically sealing the end to his Rangers tenure. Zherdev is looking for $4.5 million a year and it looks like he will have to find that contract on the open market as he hits free agency.
Jmess: I'm sure some team won't be able to resist Zherdev's offensive abilities. For some reason my gut is telling me Minnesota and Edmonton could be teams that might take a good look at him.
Jmess: I'm sure some team won't be able to resist Zherdev's offensive abilities. For some reason my gut is telling me Minnesota and Edmonton could be teams that might take a good look at him.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Top suitors for Prospal
Prospal: Now that Vaclav Prospal is a free agent the reported top two teams going after him are the Minnesota Wild and the Nashville Predators.
Jmess: No way Prospal gets overpaid by any team in the league. Wiggle room for any team is hard to find so Prospal will need to take a pay cut.
Jmess: No way Prospal gets overpaid by any team in the league. Wiggle room for any team is hard to find so Prospal will need to take a pay cut.
Lightning GM comes clean
Lightning: Tampa Bey Lightning GM Brian Lawton admitted that the buyout of Vaclav Prospal was an effort to clear up cap space to sign a to six forward, according to reports out of Tampa.
Jmess: It sounds like Tanguay and Sykora are at the top of Tampa's list.
Jmess: It sounds like Tanguay and Sykora are at the top of Tampa's list.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Shanahan coming back for another season
Shanahan: Reports out of New Jersey suggest Shanahan is looking to return for another season and the Devils would be interested in signing him.
Jmess: It sounds like there is interest from several teams for Shanahan's services.
Jmess: It sounds like there is interest from several teams for Shanahan's services.
Flames freeing up cap space?
Flames: Reports out of Calgary are saying the Flames trading Wayne Primeau away has freed up just about $1 million in cap space. With rumours suggesting the Flames interest in Tanguay, this move could be a set up for another signing.
Jmess: After the cap problems Calgary ran into at the end of last season, for example only being able to dress 15 players for several games, they might want to have a little room going into this season.
Jmess: After the cap problems Calgary ran into at the end of last season, for example only being able to dress 15 players for several games, they might want to have a little room going into this season.
Prospal being bought out?
Prospal: Reports from Tampa Bay suggest the Lightning are buying out forward Vaclav Prospal at total cost of $7 million over six seasons. Prospal signed a $14 million- four year extension with the bolts before last season.
Sconn: Prospal usually bounces back every other season and he's coming off a bad one. A costly move for TB that they'll feel for a while. I see him ending up with another team at a much lower price.
Sconn: Prospal usually bounces back every other season and he's coming off a bad one. A costly move for TB that they'll feel for a while. I see him ending up with another team at a much lower price.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sutter says Flames will sign Boyd
Boyd: Reports out of Calgary say that Sutter has come out and said he will get a deal done with Dustin Boyd.
Jmess: I' with Sutter on this one Boyd will be a Flame next season.
Jmess: I' with Sutter on this one Boyd will be a Flame next season.
Brewer may not be ready for the beginning of the season
Brewer: Reports out of St. Louis are saying defenseman Eric Brewer may not be ready for the beginning of the 09-10 season following his back surgery.
Jmess: This could open the door for St. Louis to look for a free agent to fill the hole, although the Blues have stated that they will not spend to the cap this season.
Jmess: This could open the door for St. Louis to look for a free agent to fill the hole, although the Blues have stated that they will not spend to the cap this season.
Tollefson being added to already deep Flyers defence
Tollefson: Ole-Kristian Tollefson who spent last year with Columbus was reportedly in Philedelphia for a physical with the Flyers. It is reported if he passes the physical he will be signed by the team.
Jmess: Looks like reports of Randy Jones being on the outs in Philly are true if this signing happens. It seems like Jones would be the man on the move to fit Tollefson in under the cap. Jones could be traded or sent to the minors, it appears.
Jmess: Looks like reports of Randy Jones being on the outs in Philly are true if this signing happens. It seems like Jones would be the man on the move to fit Tollefson in under the cap. Jones could be traded or sent to the minors, it appears.
Bertuzzi or Jason Williams heading to Detroit?
Red Wings: Reports out of Detroit are saying the Red Wings are looking to fill a spot on their wings after losing Hossa, Samuelsson and Hudler. Some reported players the Wings are looking at are Todd Bertuzzi and Jason Williams. With only $1.6 million in cap space whoever they sign will have to be happy with $1 million salary or less.
Jmess: After being on the market for so long it wouldn't surprise me if either Bertuzzi or Williams take a $1 million salary or less, especially to play on a team that is at the high caliber the Wings are.
Jmess: After being on the market for so long it wouldn't surprise me if either Bertuzzi or Williams take a $1 million salary or less, especially to play on a team that is at the high caliber the Wings are.
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