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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 7/11/2013

Boston Bruins 714058 Development Camp opens; prospects to get "earful" about social media 714059 Bruins, Rask make 8-year, $56 million extension official 714060 Bruins save Tuukka Rask for $56M 714061 Teen Malcolm Subban won’t rush his development

Buffalo Sabres 714062 Sabres sign three to minor-league deals, including Zigomanis of fax machine infamy 714063 Pysyk eager for challenge along Sabres' blue line 714064 Sabres prospects Pysyk, McCabe have something to build on 714065 Ristolainen says it's either Buffalo or Finland next season 714066 Zemgus Girgensons has high NHL hopes

Calgary Flames 714067 Flames sign forward Mikael Backlund to two-year, $3-million deal 714068 So it begins for the sixth overall pick — Monahan already meeting Flames fans everywhere 714069 Flames’ goalie prospect Berra using development camp to hone small-ice skills 714070 Flames prospect charged in bar fight to be tried in higher court 714071 Calgary Flames prospect Mark Jankowski scores invite to Hockey Canada's world juniors summer camp 714072 Mikael Backlund signs two-year pact with Calgary Flames 714073 Sean Monahan becomes centre of attention -- literally -- with Calgary Flames

Carolina Hurricanes 714074 Fanfare-Colleges: Wednesday's college and other sports news in brief

Chicago Blackhawks 714075 Singer Bieber creates a Stanley Cup stir 714076 Justin Bieber stepped on Blackhawks logo? OK, relax 714077 Blackhawks 6-9 Swedish prospect Svedberg feels big in small rinks 714078 Jake Chelios thrilled for Hall of Fame-bound father 714079 Blackhawks prospects McNeill, Danault ready to give it their best shots 714080 Chelios' son proud of dad's Hall of Fame honor

Columbus Blue Jackets 714081 Blue Jackets will host Pittsburgh to open preseason play 714082 Blue Jackets development camp: Jenner’s prospects look promising 714083 Blue Jackets notebook: Coach remembers pair of Jackets as children 714084 Michael Arace commentary: Blue Jackets' optimism no longer based on simply hope

Dallas Stars 714085 Stars appear done with changes for now, so what kind of lineup could they be looking at in October 714086 Tyler Seguin to wear No. 91, Shawn Horcoff to wear No. 10 714087 Don Cherry: Stars' Tyler Seguin 'one step away from being a superstar' 714088 Shawn Horcoff, Tyler Seguin help make over Stars’ center position in one week 714089 Nashville Predators sign Plano’s Seth Jones to three-year entry level contract

Detroit Red Wings 714090 Detroit Red Wings' Darren Helm 'pretty happy' with his back after skate with prospects 714091 Detroit Red Wings' defense prospects ready to join Griffins next season 714092 Agitator role is embraced at Red Wings development camp 714093 Red Wings prospects show promise on defense 714094 Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm anxious to hit the ice again in annual Development Camp 714095 Second-year defenseman Brendan Smith lone Detroit Red Wings player to file for arbitration

Edmonton Oilers 714096 Edmonton Oilers acquire David Perron from St. Louis Blues 714097 MacKinnon: MacTavish takes calculated risk in acquiring Perron 714098 The Essential Magnus Paajarvi: Top 10 Posts on PRV’s Oilers Career 714099 Paajarvi still developing, former Oilers forward will bring size and speed to Blues 714100 Edmonton Oilers trade Magnus Paajarvi to St. Louis Blues for David Perron 714101 LW David Perron looking forward to Edmonton Oilers-style hockey after being acquired from St. Louis Blues 714102 Acquisition of David Perron from St. Louis Blues not the bold move promised by Edmonton Oilers GM Craig MacTav

Florida Panthers 714103 Florida Panthers prospect Michael Matheson shows his smarts in college 714104 Panthers young goalie Michael Houser stops pucks and doubters

Los Angeles Kings 714105 I Was There #6: Slava’s overtime game-winner 714106 Four Kings file for arbitration

Minnesota Wild 714107 Wild announces six-game exhibition schedule 714108 He may only be 18, but Wild's Matt Dumba is shooting for the NHL 714109 Getting to know the Wild's new 'Cookie Monster' 714110 Minnesota Wild: Erik Haula's next step could be NHL 714111 Tom Powers: Matt Cooke should stir things up for Minnesota Wild

Montreal Canadiens 714112 Habs re-sign Dumont to two-year contract 714113 Exclusive: One-on-one with Canadiens’ Daniel Brière 714114 July 10, 2013 · 583 Comments 714115 Wearing the Habs jersey was a goal for Brière

Nashville Predators 714116 Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg bracing for full NHL season 714117 Nashville Predators open preseason with road doubleheader 714118 Seth Jones signs with Nashville Predators 714119 With contract signed, Seth Jones' sights now set squarely on NHL 714120 Preds will play just two preseason games at Bridgestone Arena

New Jersey Devils 714121 Marek Zidlicky re-signs with Devils 714122 Zidlicky stays with Devs

New York Islanders 714123 Islanders add Clutterbuck with four-year deal 714124 Griffin Reinhart working to reverse perceptions 714125 Time for Anders Lee to show Islanders what he can do 714126 Cason Hohmann, Evan Rodrigues, Ben Rosen grouped together at Islanders camp 714127 Jack Capuano getting to know newest Islanders

New York Rangers 714128 Coping With Wife’s Death, a Ranger Is Returning to the Ice 714129 Dominic Moore overcomes personal tragedy to return to NY Rangers 714130 Carl Hagelin re-signs with NY Rangers on two-year, $4.5 million contract; D Justin Falk inks one-year, $975,00 714131 Rangers re-sign Hagelin, Falk 714132 After losing wife to cancer, taking year off, center glad to be Ranger again 714133 Rangers: Dominic Moore ready for NHL return 714134 Rangers agree to deals with Hagelin and Falk 714135 After dealing with personal tragedy, Dominic Moore returns to Rangers 714136 Dominic Moore on the hell he’s been through, and on returning to the Rangers 714137 Rangers sign RFAs Carl Hagelin, Justin Falk to new contracts

NHL 714138 Shoalts: New Coyotes owner bought in when revenue-sharing model changed

Ottawa Senators 714139 Melnyk, Senators show ominous signs that it’s no longer business as usual 714140 Senators, Canucks to meet in game at B.C. Place 714141 Driedger bones up on skills in kitchen 714142 Hockey tough guy Laraque makes it official: he's now a politician, seeking election 714143 Ottawa Sens hit the outdoors 714144 David Dziurzynski sticking with Ottawa Sens 714145 Canucks to host Senators in Heritage Classic 714146 Borowiecki signs deal with Ottawa Sens 714147 Ottawa Sens coach Paul MacLean's son gets coaching gig

Philadelphia Flyers 714148 Oliver Lauridsen signed to two-year deal 714149 In Flyers pipeline, two young centers grow in confidence 714150 Flyers' chances to re-sign Gagne 714151 Hagg ready to work for NHL 714152 Flyers sign Oliver Lauridsen, still plentiful in defensemen 714153 Flyers hope Ray Emery finally nets them some luck 714154 Flyers Scoop: Team to pack its bags for Lake Placid during training camp (With Video) 714155 Flyers agree to 2-year deal with Lauridsen 714156 Youthful at 35, Mark Streit likes Flyers' grit 714157 Callahan: Son modest like NHL Hall of Fame dad 714158 At long last, Flyers pioneer coach Shero voted into Hall 714159 Flyers add leadership, experience

Phoenix Coyotes 714160 Phoenix Coyotes hire Newell Brown as assistant coach 714161 Sarah McLellan's Coyotes blog | azcentral sports 714162 Phoenix Coyotes top NHL draft pick Max Domi deals with diabetes, inspires others

Pittsburgh Penguins 714163 Penguins sign forward D’Agostini to 1-year deal 714164 Penguins sign forward Matt D'Agostini

San Jose Sharks 714165 San Jose Sharks sign goalie Alex Stalock, three other minor-leaguers 714166 Sharks notes: Wilson talks Pavelski contract, Havlat's status, etc.

Sharks cont'd 714167 Sharks sign Stalock, three others

St Louis Blues 714168 Hockey Guy: Perron gets fresh start as Blues retool 714169 Blues Bytes: Perron move makes dollars and sense 714170 Blues trade Perron to Edmonton 714171 Blues send Perron to Oilers 714172 Blues trade Perron to Edmonton for Paajarvi and a draft pick 714173 Goalie Vasilevskiy shows improvement in Lightning camp 714174 With Perron, Blues got a mix of high-end skill and a bit of frustration

Tampa Bay Lightning 714175 Drouin makes quite an impression at Bolts camp

Toronto Maple Leafs 714176 Maple Leafs sign Joe Colborne to one-year deal 714177 Four Maple Leafs invited to world junior development camp 714178 Maple Leafs camp: Time for Tyler Biggs to step up 714179 New Leafs David Clarkson and Dave Bolland named Toronto Indy grand marshals 714180 Petter Granberg latest in long line of Swedish Maple Leafs 714181 Maple Leafs see similarities between Josh Leivo and Joffrey Lupul 714182 Maple Leafs Carl Gunnarsson, Mark Fraser file for arbitration 714183 Maple Leafs have a tough call to make with Morgan Rielly 714184 Leafs counting on Steve Spott to make young Marlies NHL ready

Vancouver Canucks 714190 Castlegar native Travis Green would be a good fit as coach for Canucks farm team 714191 Gallagher: If the NHL can sell an ‘outdoor game’ in Vancouver, they should try outdoor pools in Yellowknife ne 714192 NHL announces 'outdoor' game at BC Place Stadium between Canucks, Senators 714193 If Travis Green is the Canucks’ AHL head coach, it’s one of their better moves this off-season 714194 Subban’s brothers blazed the way for him 714195 Bo knows: Horvat out to prove he belongs with Canucks

Washington Capitals 714185 Capitals re-sign Karl Alzner to four-year deal 714186 Tom Wilson taking summer of increased expectations in stride 714187 Potomac native Sam Anas working to stand out at Caps development camp

Websites 714196 ESPN / Is Winter Classic too much fun? 714197 USA TODAY / Tuukka Rask signs 8-year extension with Bruins 714198 USA TODAY / Blues trade David Perron to Oilers 714199 USA TODAY / Signings: Zidlicky stays; D'Agostini to Pittsburgh 714200 USA TODAY / NHL announces outdoor game in Canada

Winnipeg Jets 714188 Jets Bogosian, Wheeler among NHL players to file for arbitration 714189 Don Baizley memorial service draws hockey all-star list, including Teemu Selanne, Ulf Nilsson SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129

714058 Boston Bruins

Development Camp opens; prospects to get "earful" about social media

Steve Conroy

The Bruins kicked off their seventh annual Development Camp for their recent draftees this morning. Though goalie Malcolm Subban is the only first round pick (24th overall in 2012) in this year's crop and none of the lads toiling on the Ristuccia Arena ice are serious threats to make the team out of training camp, assistant GM Don Sweeney said that nothing should ever be assumed about a prospect.

“We've always had someone come out of this camp and sort of surprised us and put himself on the radar come September for the next phase, rookie camp, and then the main camp,” said Sweeney, using Milan Lucic as the prime example. “I think we'll have somebody emerge here that you might say is a little closer than what you had originally thought. If you're talking about a marquee name, yeah, we were in position to draft players like that in previous years and we weren't this year. That's sometimes where you are in your success. This year we fell short and Peter was quick to point that out to the guys in saying, 'This organization has had some success, but we didn't complete the job. The next wave of guys is coming through and the opportunities are going to be there. You clearly saw we made some changes and I think some younger guys, be it in this group or the next group coming in, should be excited about that.'”

Former Bruin Tyler Seguin has had his share of mistakes on Twitter during his time with the B's and just after getting traded on July 4 (Seguin has claimed that he his Twitter account was hacked after a homophobic Tweet came from his account over the weekend) and the B's will continue trying to educate their players on the dangers of social media.

“They have a seminar this afternoon – and they will get an earful on it,” said Sweeney with a grin, adding the issue has been addressed before. “It's here to stay. They have to understand it and acknowledge it and be careful about it. To tell you the truth, for me anyway, I have twin boys and I was sort of like 'That's their world.' But it's not. We as adults now have to change and adapt to it because the kids are so far advanced in these areas that we have to understand it better and we have to get them to understand and appreciate the impact some of their statements have and how quickly those statements get from point A to point B.”

As for Subban, Sweeney said he expects the goaltender will turn professional for this upcoming.

Boston Herald LOADED: 07.11.2013


Bruins, Rask make 8-year, $56 million extension official

Steve Conroy

The Bruins have signed goalie Tuukka Rask to an eight-year, $56 million contract extension, making official what most observers had expected since the end of the season. The deal will carry a cap hit of $7 million per season.

The deal ties Rask with Nashville Predator Pekka Rinne as the goalie with the highest cap hit in the league. Prior to last season, Rinne had signed a seven-year $49 million contract.

The B's had little choice but to pony up. With Tim Thomas going into semi-retirement after the 2011-12 season, Rask and the Bruins could not come to terms on a long term deal last summer and the two sides settled for a one-year $3.5 million contract. Rask still had a few things to prove -- and did he ever.

In the lockout-shortened 2013 season, Rask had a 19-10-5 record with a goals-against average of 2.00, a .929 save percentage and five shutouts. He then led all goalies in save percentage (.940) during the postseason while finishing fourth with a 1.88 GAA and tying for first with three shutouts. Rask had been the B's goalie for the playoffs in 2010 and started strongly in the first round series win over Buffalo, but faded badly when the B's blew a 3-0 lead to the Flyers.

But ths year Rask showed the he had matured physically to the point that he could handle the rigors of a two-month playoff run.

The 26-year-old Rask had arbitration rights as well, where he could have possibly been awarded an even higher salary than the one he earned today. It didn't come to that, though, and now the Bruins have their No. 1 goalie tied up into the next decade.



Bruins save Tuukka Rask for $56M

Steve Conroy

When Tuukka Rask signed a one-year deal worth $3.5 million last summer, the goalie showed he was willing to sing for his supper.

Yesterday, the Bruins paid him like he was Pavarotti.

Following a season in which Rask answered most any question the B’s may have had about his ability to be a true No. 1 goalie, the team officially signed him to an eight-year, $56 million contract extension that will carry a salary cap hit of $7 million per season. Rask’s actual salary fluctuates from $6 million at the start to as high as $8 million before tapering back down in the deal’s later years. He has a full no trade/no movement clause for the first four years and then it becomes a modified clause.

General manager Peter Chiarelli and Rask will address the media on a conference call today.

The deal equals the average annual salary of the Nashville Predators’ Pekka Rinne, who became the league’s highest-paid goaltender last year when he signed a seven-year, $49 million contract, and went one year better.

The Bruins had little choice but to pony up. Rask had arbitration rights and could well have been awarded an even higher salary at that table. His numbers stack up favorably against Rinne’s, though the Predators goalie has more NHL experience.

In 138 regular-season games, Rask has a 2.15 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage. In 35 playoff games, Rask has a 2.14 GAA and a .930 SP. Rinne, in 293 regular-season games, has a 2.36 GAA and .920 SP. In 28 playoffs games, Rinne has a 2.41 GAA and a .916 SP.

Rask also could have waited another year to do a long-term deal and cashed in on an unrestricted free agency. But Boston is where he wants to be, and the Bruins want him here.

While he has still yet to go through an 82-game season as the No. 1 goalie from start to finish, the lockout-shortened 48-game schedule this past season was in its own way just as grueling. Rask went 19-10-5 with a 2.00 GAA, a .929 SP and five shutouts.

One of the bigger questions was how Rask would hold up to the rigors of a long playoff run. He was the B’s starting goalie in the 2010 playoffs and started strongly with a first-round series win over the Buffalo Sabres, then faded badly when the B’s blew a 3-0 series lead over the Flyers, who also came back from a 3-0 deficit in Game 7 of the conference semifinals.

While Rask fell two games shy of the ultimate goal this year, he showed he has matured enough physically to handle the rigors of the two-month postseason march. He led all goalies in the playoffs in save percentage (.940), finished fourth with a 1.88 goals-against average and tied for the most shutouts with three.

The B’s are now officially over the salary cap by $1,361,310, according to capgeek.com, but they have plenty of wiggle room with injured center Marc Savard’s $4.02 million salary and the bonus money from recently signed winger Jarome Iginla’s team-friendly free agent deal.

The B’s are expected to make a similar long-term commitment to center Patrice Bergeron in the very near future.



Teen Malcolm Subban won’t rush his development

Steve Conroy

WILMINGTON — The Bruins have their goaltender for the foreseeable future.

After a strong regular season and a run to the Stanley Cup finals, Tuukka Rask, as expected, signed a long-term extension yesterday.

So where does that leave Malcolm Subban, the goalie the B’s chose in the first round (24th overall) of the 2012 draft? Considering the 19-year-old has yet to play a professional game, the answer is not the most pressing thing on his mind.

“I’m not playing (in the NHL) yet. I’m not even in the AHL yet,” Subban said yesterday after the first practice of the B’s development camp at Ristuccia Arena. “I’ve still got a lot of work to do to get there before that even enters my mind. Right now, it’s getting ready to even contend at that level. I don’t think I’m there yet. I feel like I have a big summer coming ahead. Going from the OHL to the AHL or the NHL is a huge step and that’s my focus right now.”

Both Subban and assistant general manager Don Sweeney said the goalie is expected to forgo his remaining junior eligibility and turn pro for the upcoming season. He already signed his entry level deal and one would expect he’ll start the season at AHL Providence playing with Niklas Svedberg, who had a strong first season in North America.

Sweeney said Subban should only concern himself with what he can control.

“I think we’ll have that conversation (about the goalie’s place in the organization), but it’s something all players and goaltenders have to understand — there are no roadblocks in anybody’s way here,” said Sweeney. “You look at Tuukka and he’s been patient at times to be the understudy and understand it. And he’s had some ebbs and flows as well and some successes and steps back. That’s all healthy in a person’s development.

“I don’t think he’s in a rush, nor should he be,” Sweeney said of Subban. “He should just embrace what’s in front of him in that moment. I think he does a good job at that. I think he’s a really competitive guy, so he’s going to want the net. And you love that in a goaltender.”

Subban had some ebbs and flows of his own last season. Playing for Belleville of the OHL, he posted a 29-11-4 record with a 2.14 GAA and .934 save percentage. Though he was just as good in the postseason (2.00, .933), the Bulls were upset in the OHL playoffs. He also made the Canadian junior team, a nice feather in any youngster’s cap, but was one of the goalies for the first Canadian team not to medal since 1998.

It’s all part of the growing process, said Sweeney.

“He played a lot of hockey this year. The experience he went through, being challenged, having a little bit of disappointment, really sets him up well for that next phase of his career,” he said. “He’s going to go in against much better shooters than what he’s facing on a regular basis, day-to-day practice level. I think he experienced the pressure, now it’s going to continue to go up. . . . I know our goalie coach Bob Essensa is really looking forward to working with Malcolm. He’s such an athletic goaltender with so much promise. But you look at Tuukka’s path to where he is right now, it takes time for a goaltender to be in those situations and go through them and experience them.”

One of Subban’s goals last season was to stay healthy after suffering through groin and ankle injuries a couple of years ago.

“I haven’t been playing that long (he started in goal when he was 12) and I learn something every year and I try to take everything in,” Subban said. “As I’m getting older, I’m doing a lot of stretching and keeping my joints and muscles flexible and strong. That’s my focus right now.”

• • •

Tyler Seguin has had his share of mistakes on Twitter. The former Bruins winger claimed his account was hacked after a homophobic tweet was

attributed to it last weekend. The B’s continue to educate their players on the dangers of social media while living in the spotlight.

The team held a seminar yesterday, and the players “will get an earful on it,” Sweeney said with a grin.

“It’s here to stay,” he said. “They have to understand it and acknowledge it and be careful about it.”

Sweeney said it’s not the first time the issue has been addressed at development camp.

“Hopefully we’ll continue to get better at it and get the message across because at times it doesn’t always sink in,” he said. “We’ll point out the slip-ups that other guys have had over the course of time and they’ll learn from them. Hopefully they all do and they don’t make the same mistakes.”


714062 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres sign three to minor-league deals, including Zigomanis of fax machine infamy

July 10, 2013 - 4:10 PM

John Vogl

It took 14 years, but Mike Zigomanis is finally in the Sabres' organization.

The Sabres announced today they've signed Zigomanis, West Seneca's Alex Lepkowski and forward Frederick Roy to minor-league contracts with the Rochester Americans.

Zigomanis is the most intriguing of the trio. Buffalo selected him in the second round of the 1999 draft, and it had two years to sign him. They finally agreed to a deal about a half-hour before the deadline, but their initial contract exchange had a salary error. They tried to fix it and fax the deal into the NHL, but it didn't arrive before the deadline because the league's fax machines were overworked.

Zigomanis went back into the draft, got selected by Carolina in 2001 and has played for nine NHL and AHL teams, plus a squad in Sweden.

Zigomanis had seven goals and 28 assists in 65 games with the Toronto Marlies last season.

The Sabres selected Lepkowski in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, but they didn't sign him in the two-year window that expired last month. He remained close with the organization and is participating in prospect camp this week. The defenseman had nine assists in 60 games with Barrie of the Ontario Hockey League.

Roy played in 64 games with the Amerks last season, putting up eight goals and two assists.

Buffalo News LOADED: 07.11.2013


Pysyk eager for challenge along Sabres' blue line

July 10, 2013 - 1:20 PM

John Vogl

Mark Pysyk has watched with interest as the Sabres made moves along the blue line this offseason. They drafted two defensemen in the first round, added two more in trades and re-signed another who was expected to walk out the door.

It's made things crowded, but Pysyk doesn't mind.

"It’s definitely exciting for the future," the 21-year-old defenseman said today at the Sabres' development camp. "A lot of defensemen, a lot of challenge to make the team, a lot of competition within the team, which will be good. I think it’ll push everybody to be that much better."

In his first year as a pro last season, Pysyk transformed from healthy scratch in Rochester to key player in Buffalo. He played in the 18- to 20-minute range during the Sabres' final seven games to seemingly lock down a spot for next year.

Now he'll have to work for it. Henrik Tallinder and Jamie McBain arrived via trade, No. 8 overall pick Rasmus Ristolainen will compete for an NHL job, and Buffalo re-signed Alexander Sulzer, who is coming off knee surgery. Add in Tyler Myers, Christian Ehrhoff, Mike Weber, Chad Ruhwedel and Brayden McNabb, and it's crowded.

"I’m just going to do the same thing as last year, come in in the best shape I can and be the best player I can be, and see what happens," Pysyk said in First Niagara Center. "I’m looking forward to it. I got a little taste. Once you get that taste, you’ll doing anything to get back there and keep playing there."

Pysyk participated in the first group of prospects this morning. The afternoon session, which will run from 3-4:30 p.m., will feature Mikhail Grigorenko, Justin Bailey, Sean Malone, McNabb, Ruhwedel and goaltender Andrey Makarov.



Sabres prospects Pysyk, McCabe have something to build on

John Vogl

July 10, 2013 at 11:20 PM

Mark Pysyk and Jake McCabe are still reveling in unforgettable years. Pysyk rose from minor-league scratch to dependable NHL defenseman. McCabe transformed from college project to international junior star.

They’ll spend the first part of the summer reliving their accomplishments. Then it’s time to prepare for an encore.

Pysyk and McCabe are two of the 40 players taking part in the Buffalo Sabres’ development camp this week. The opening day Wednesday was laid-back and filled with testing and light drills, which is fine for players coming off strenuous albeit exhilarating seasons.

Pysyk played in 19 of the Sabres’ 48 games after starting his first pro season in Rochester. He skated in the 18- to 20-minute range during the final seven games to seemingly lock down a spot for next year.

Now he’ll have to work for it. Pysyk has watched with interest as the Sabres made moves along the blue line this offseason. They drafted two defensemen in the first round, added two more in trades and re-signed another who was expected to walk out the door.

It’s made things crowded, but Pysyk doesn’t mind.

“It’s definitely exciting for the future,” the 21-year-old said in First Niagara Center. “A lot of defensemen, a lot of challenge to make the team, a lot of competition within the team, which will be good. I think it’ll push everybody to be that much better.”

Pysyk is joined by fellow holdovers Tyler Myers, Christian Ehrhoff, Mike Weber, Chad Ruhwedel and Alexander Sulzer, who is back on a one-year deal after having his season cut short by knee surgery. Henrik Tallinder and Jamie McBain arrived via trade. No. 8 overall pick Rasmus Ristolainen will compete for an NHL job, and Brayden McNabb hopes to finally make the leap from the Amerks.

“I’m just going to do the same thing as last year, come in in the best shape I can and be the best player I can be, and see what happens,” Pysyk said. “I’m looking forward to it. I got a little taste. Once you get that taste, you’ll do anything to get back there and keep playing there.”

McCabe should join the mix in a couple of years. The 19-year-old became a bona fide prospect when he led the United States to the gold medal at the world junior championships. The team captain had three goals, six assists and a plus-9 rating.

“It was awfully fun to bring that gold medal home,” McCabe said. “It’s cool to be so close to guys in a matter of two weeks, and now you’ve got something to share the rest of your life. I think that was pretty special.”

McCabe has always been looked to for leadership, but the tournament took that role to an entirely different level.

“I learned that I’m a bigger leader than I think I am,” he said. “I’ve always known I’m a leader, but I think that tournament especially made me realize I can step up in situations and lead by example as well as be vocal in the locker room.”

His focus for this season is to lead Wisconsin to the inaugural Big 10 title and win the NCAA national championship. He’ll spend the summer skating on campus with NHLers such as Joe Pavelski, Jack Skille, Adam Burish and Brian Elliott.

“It’s a good atmosphere around there,” McCabe said. “Go take a class and get bigger, faster, stronger.

“It’s been an awesome year, and hopefully it keeps getting better from here.”

...

The Sabres hoped to have Ristolainen in the organization next year, but it appears the only way that will happen is if he makes Buffalo’s roster.

After the Sabres drafted the Finnish defenseman, they said he had no contractual obligations overseas. Thus, if he didn’t make the Sabres, it appeared the team could develop him in Rochester.

“I think no,” Ristolainen said. “I’ve got a contract with my hometown team.”

The native of Turko, Finland, has spent the past two seasons in the Finnish elite league with TPS Turko.

...

It took 14 years, but Mike Zigomanis is finally in the Sabres’ organization.

The Sabres have signed Zigomanis, West Seneca’s Alex Lepkowski and forward Frederick Roy to minor-league contracts with the Rochester Americans.

Zigomanis is the most intriguing of the trio. Buffalo selected him in the second round of the 1999 draft, and it had two years to sign him. They finally agreed to a deal about a half-hour before the deadline, but their initial contract exchange had a salary error. They tried to fix it and fax the deal into the NHL, but it didn’t arrive before the deadline because the league’s fax machines were overworked.

Zigomanis went back into the draft, got selected by Carolina in 2001 and has played for nine NHL and AHL teams, plus a squad in Sweden.

The Sabres selected Lepkowski in the fifth round of the 2011 draft, but they didn’t sign him in the two-year window that expired last month. The defenseman remained close with the organization and is participating in prospect camp.

“There was talk beforehand that if I passed through the draft I still had a home here, which was a relief,” Lepkowski said. “It’s great to be part of this organization still.”

Roy played in 64 games with the Amerks last season, putting up eight goals and two assists.



Ristolainen says it's either Buffalo or Finland next season

July 10, 2013 - 7:28 PM

John Vogl

The Sabres hoped to have Rasmus Ristolainen in the organization next year, but it appears the only way that will happen is if he makes Buffalo’s roster.

After the Sabres drafted the Finnish defenseman eighth overall last month, they said he had no contractual obligations overseas. Thus, if he didn’t make the Sabres, it appeared the team could develop him in Rochester.

“I think no,” Ristolainen said today at development camp. “I’ve got a contract with my hometown team.”

The native of Turko, Finland, has spent the past two seasons in the Finnish elite league with TPS Turko. It appears he will head back there if he does not make Buffalo's roster -- unless the Sabres make him an offer he can't refuse.



Zemgus Girgensons has high NHL hopes

Kevin Oklobzija

BUFFALO — His hometown is an architectural masterpiece, a sight-seers paradise in the heart of Europe’s Baltic region.

Winter in Riga, Latvia, can be quite the sight, but there is even more splendor during the summer.

“It’s beautiful there now,” Zemgus Girgensons said. “Lots of tourists come there.”

And yet Girgensons will spend nearly all of his offseason in Buffalo. The Buffalo Sabres encourage their prospects to take advantage of the workout facilities at the First Niagara Center, and he is more than willing to take their advice.

He was home for maybe a month in May, and will return to Riga for two weeks before July ends. He’ll spend a little more time with his family: father, Aldis; mother, Ina; older sistser, Annija; and his grandfather, Janis. They all share the same house.

“It’s always nice to be at home and spend time with family and friends,” he said. “But this is my job. This is what I want to do. I will sacrifice some things to do whatever I need to do for my job.”

Not that this living far away from home is new to him.

Since Girgensons was 15, he has spent the hockey season in North America, first with the Green Mountain (Vermont) Glades of the Eastern Junior Hockey League in 2009-10, then the next two years with the Dubuque (Iowa) Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League, and then this past season with the Rochester Americans.

“Sometimes,” said the 19-year-old center/left winger, “you have to pass on the good things to achieve the greater things.”

For Girgensons, that would be skating in the National Hockey League. The question now: Whether he’s ready to graduate from the Amerks.

The three-day development camp that began on Wednesday at the First Niagara Center will give the coaching staff a few hints. The final answer will come during training camp in September.

“If I want someone’s spot (on the NHL roster), I have to be a difference-maker,” he said.

He showed he certainly can be that during the Amerks’ brief stay in the Calder Cup playoffs in the spring. He was dominant in all three games, on the wall or during puck pursuit.

“Playoff hockey is pretty important and I think I made a lot of good impressions on what I can do,” he said. “I hope I can keep that up at the beginning of next season.”

That showing of relentless work, whether in the offensive zone or on the backcheck, was an asset the Sabres knew they were getting when they drafted him 14th overall in 2012.

They didn’t rush him, though. He was eased into pro hockey, given time to adapt by playing the left wing, where his total-ice responsibilities were less than they would have been as a centerman.

Two injuries derailed his development a bit in terms of games played — he skated in 61 of 76 regular season games, posting 6 goals, 11 assists and 17 points — but his ice time increased every month.

“The coaches were giving me more and more and more ice time as the season went along,” he said.

By playoff time, he was playing in every situation.

“I wanted to be a leader,” he said.

That hasn’t changed, either, and that’s a quality the Sabres love.

Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 07.11.2013

714067 Calgary Flames

Flames sign forward Mikael Backlund to two-year, $3-million deal

July 10, 2013 4:06 PM

Staff Writer

CALGARY - The Calgary Flames have signed centre Mikael Backlund to a two-year, US$3-million contract.

Backlund played 32 games with the Flames last season, putting up eight goals and eight assists for 16 points along with 29 penalty minutes. He also struggled with injuries, missing four weeks with a sprained medial collateral ligament and suffering a foot fracture near the end of the season.

He was the Flames first round draft pick, 24th overall, in the 2007 NHL draft.

He has 23 goals and 39 assists in 170 career games with Calgary.

"Mikael really stepped-up last season and took advantage of the change in direction under a new coaching staff," Flames general manager Jay Feaster said in a statement. "He came into camp in very good shape and also had regained his confidence. He parlayed that into a strong season, and if it wasn't for his injury we believe he would have progressed even further in his development."

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 07.11.2013


So it begins for the sixth overall pick — Monahan already meeting Flames fans everywhere

Scott Cruickshank

So it begins for the sixth overall pick — Monahan already meeting Flames fans everywhere

Calgary Flames prospect Sean Monahan does the 10-second sprint test under the guidance of kinesiologist Grace Kary in the Human Performance Lab at the University of Calgary on Wednesday. On-ice sessions for the NHL team’s development camp begin on Thursday morning at Canada Olympic Park.

Now he knows — keep a Sharpie in his holster at all times.

Because if Sean Monahan had been wondering at all about Calgary’s status as a hockey market, he got certain validation this week.

The Flames’ top choice at the recent National Hockey League draft, Monahan has already been rattling off autographs for the team’s keen boosters — and they’re everywhere.

On the plane ride to Calgary — “There were people on the flight who knew who I was . . . it was pretty cool.”

Upon his arrival at the airport — “There were a few fans that wanted pictures and stuff. It’s pretty awesome how much support (the Flames) get.”

Meaning, for the 18-year-old, it has started. For signatures and beyond.

“They’re obviously supportive and loyal hockey fans,” said Monahan. “It’s really cool. I love being around those kinds of fans and doing things for them.

“It’s going to be a blast to play here in the coming years.”

On June 30, the rebuilding Flames had grabbed the Ottawa 67’s captain sixth overall. The highly regarded Monahan will get a long look at main camp in the fall.

But right now, the young centreman’s focus is the team’s development camp. Fitness testing took place Wednesday at the University of Calgary. Monahan — and 43 other prospects — will be on the ice Thursday at WinSport’s Ice Complex.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said the six-foot-two, 187-pounder. “I want to make the team . . . so I want to make an impression. I think getting to know the guys here, I’m doing everything I can to show that I’m a good player and a good person. I’m just excited to be able to do that here.”

Monahan’s group is scheduled for a morning session.

And for all his confidence, he acknowledges that there may be butterflies.

“I guess I’m a little nervous,” said the Brampton, Ont., native, who’s wearing No. 23. “I don’t really know what to expect right now. But I think I’ll be fine, come (Thursday), when I step on the ice.”

Camp features six days of team sessions, including a pair of scrimmages (Saturday and Monday).

“It’s just showing your commitment — being early, being the hardest worker,” Monahan said. “I try to be the hardest worker at whatever I do. By doing that, that makes a big impression and leaves a big statement. Being an all-around good person and getting along with everyone — obviously, the team wants a character guy. And that’s what I try to do.”

The Flames’ track record in the first round isn’t so hot. But it had been 15 years since they’d picked as high as No. 6, so the city has lofty hopes for Monahan.

“I think you have a little bit of pressure,” he said, “but I just try to be myself. That’s what got me here. So I’m just going to work hard and be the person I am and the player I am. That’s my goal.”

For Ottawa, Monahan had collected 78 points in each of the past two seasons. All told, through three winters, he put nearly 200 OHL games in the bank.

In other words, he’s ready to move on. That first step took place in Newark, N.J.

“It was crazy — come draft day, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Monahan. “Getting drafted by Calgary was pretty special. It was a place I wanted to play. Playing in a Canadian city is awesome. It doesn’t really sink in for a while, so it hasn’t really felt real. But I guess it’s starting to sink in now. I want to make an impact — so a lot of hard work.”

C-NOTES: C Mark Jankowski becomes the Flames’ third forward prospect to be invited to Canada’s world junior selection camp this summer. Monahan and RW Emile Poirier are also attending . . . The Flames, according to RDS, have offered a contract to LW Steve Begin, 35. He skated in 36 games last season, garnering eight points. His salary last season was $525,000 . . . Bodog.com has set the over-under for Boston RW Jarome Iginla’s production this season — 27.5 for goals, 61.5 for points . . . Toronto signed C Joe Colborne, of Calgary, to a one-year (one-way) deal worth $600,000.



Flames’ goalie prospect Berra using development camp to hone small-ice skills

Scott Cruickshank

Baby-faced teens, some chosen in the National Hockey League draft as recently as 10 days ago, are sauntering around him in sweat-drenched T-shirts.

Reto Berra’s own draft day? Way back in 2006.

Not that he’s offended by the company he’s currently keeping. Well, just a bit.

“Yeah, I feel a little bit old here,” the 26-year-old, smiling, said Wednesday after fitness testing at the University of Calgary.

But Berra had actually asked the Calgary Flames if he could attend this week’s development camp, knowing full well the wide-eyed status of the other participants. Simply put — the six-foot-five netminder needed to get some work on the smaller ice surface before main camp.

“I wanted to go on the ice . . . because the ice is different,” said Berra, a native of Bulach, Switzerland. “I have to get into it. I have to be ready when I come in September, so I thought it was a great opportunity for me to come here.”

Berra, part of the return in the Jay Bouwmeester trade with the St. Louis Blues, is in the mix — with Karri Ramo and Joey MacDonald — for the Flames’ starting role.

He likes the sound of that.

“(Playing in the NHL) was always my dream,” he said. “As a player, when it’s on the table, you have to take it. I’m going to prepare myself as good as I can and try to give my best. I’m really happy to be here. It’s a great chance for me to take the next big step in my career. Now I’m here. The coaches (especially Bob Hartley who spent 2011-12 in Zurich) know me from the Swiss league. So I’m really happy.”

Making the leap from Switzerland is not unthinkable, not after Berra’s recent star turn at the world championship — four appearances, goals-against average of 1.00, save percentage of .967.

“At the worlds, I played against a lot of NHL guys and I did pretty good,” he said. “That was a big stage — also world juniors (2006 and 2007). We did pretty well, Switzerland, this year (at the world championship). So, for sure, it’s a good point for my bag of things . . . the games that I played there. I felt really, really comfortable. I played with a lot of confidence.

“I think maybe that impressed a couple of people here and in Switzerland, too.”

With a chuckle, he did note that in the 4-2 win over the Czechs, he surrendered both goals to Jiri Hudler — someone, he dearly hopes, is a future teammate.

The transition from European hockey is not unmanageable. Just obvious.

“For sure, the smaller rink makes for a goalie a lot of different things,” explained Berra, “because the angles are different and everything. We will see this week how that works. At the world juniors, 2006 in Vancouver, I felt pretty good on the smaller rink. But now I’ve played for a long time not on smaller rinks. That’s a big difference and a challenge for me.”

Drafted by the Blues in the fourth round — seven picks after James Reimer went to the Toronto Maple Leafs — Berra attended two summer camps in St. Louis.

But that’s it.

“Now I can play maybe in Canada for Calgary — that’s better than in St. Louis,” said Berra, grinning. “I like Canada more. I’m really happy.”



Flames prospect charged in bar fight to be tried in higher court

Daryl Slade

The Crown’s office has opted to send Calgary Flames prospect Michael Ferland to trial in a higher court without a preliminary hearing on assault charges regarding a fight outside a Cochrane bar last summer.

Ferland had elected to face his trial at provincial court in Calgary and the dates were set for June 24-28, Then, in early June, defence lawyer Michael Bates notified the Crown that his client had chosen to have the trial heard at Queen’s Bench and the trial dates were changed to a preliminary hearing.

Very quickly, prosecutor Ron Simenik applied to the Justice Minister’s office to have the charges go by direct indictment without a preliminary hearing and the hearing was cancelled.

Ray Bodnarek, Deputy Minister of justice, signed the new indictment on June 14 and the Crown went ahead with the process. The provincial court charges were then stayed on July 3.

Ferland, 21, will now have the charges heard at the higher court by a judge and jury, as is the case with all direct indictments.

Recently, the Crown has been issuing a lot more direct indictments to eliminate preliminary hearings, which are used to determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial at Queen’s Bench.

“They’ve made it clear they’ll do their level best to avoid preliminary hearings and direct indict,” Bates said on Wednesday. “I thought we were going ahead with the preliminary hearing until this happened.”

Ferland is scheduled to be in Court of Queen’s Bench criminal appearance court on July 19, likely to set a trial date, said Bates.

Chief Crown prosecutor Lloyd Robertson said he could not comment about the Ferland case, but pointed to a section of the Criminal Code that is going to be used more often in the future.

The section notes that the Crown can apply to the Alberta Justice department at any time before the proceedings, stay the charges and reinstate them to go directly to the higher court.

Robertson said the process had seldom been used in the past couple of decades.

Ferland, currently taking part in the Flames’ prospect summer camp, is accused of assault against Wesley Bunn and aggravated assault against Jayson Eyma during the alleged incident outside Stageline Saloon on July 29, 2012.

Police have said a victim was struck in the face after trying to help a man who was pushed to the ground. The victim was taken to hospital with a fractured orbital bone around the eye, police said. The offender ran from the scene before police arrived.

Ferland, who played five years of junior with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League and spent time last season with the Flames’ top farm club, Abbotsford Heat, has always claimed he is not guilty of the offences.

In a written statement submitted to Bates late last year, Ferland maintained his innocence.

“It frustrates me to see that a court trial may be the only way to bring out the truth. Unfortunately, I can’t control what other people say or do. All I ask is that the police, the prosecutors and the court look at the evidence the same way they would if I wasn’t a professional hockey player,” said the statement.

Bates said at that time the defence was seeking additional witnesses. He said he was aware of at least two witnesses who have alleged someone other than Ferland committed the assaults.

“It’s not surprising to me, as a criminal defence lawyer, the versions of what happened are many and varied,” he said.

Ferland, picked in the fifth round by the Flames in 2010, playing briefly last season for Abbotsford, with no points in seven games before returning to the Western Hockey League.



Calgary Flames prospect Mark Jankowski scores invite to Hockey Canada's world juniors summer camp

WES GILBERTSON

July 10, 2013 06:51 PM MDT

Mark Jankowski’s summer schedule just got even more hectic.

In a good way.

The 18-year-old centre, who’s in town this week for the Calgary Flames’ annual development camp at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre, was a late invite to Hockey Canada’s world juniors summer camp in Montreal and a four-team international exhibition tournament in Lake Placid, N.Y.

“Thanks everyone for the tweets and support! Honoured to have the opportunity to throw on the red and white and represent my country!” Jankowski wrote on Twitter.

Jankowski, the Flames’ first-round selection in the 2012 NHL Draft, registered seven goals and 11 assists in 34 games as a freshman at Providence University this season.

The 6-foot-3, 170-lb. centre was originally an omission from Hockey Canada’s summer evaluation session, but with Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon and Tampa Bay Lightning winger Jonathan Drouin skipping exhibition games against Finland (Aug. 7), Sweden (Aug. 8) and Team USA (Aug. 10), Jankowski and Portland Winterhawks sniper Brendan Leipsic have been added to the mix.

Flames ’13 draft picks Sean Monahan and Emile Poirier will also attend the camp.

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 07.11.2013


Mikael Backlund signs two-year pact with Calgary Flames

RANDY SPORTAK

July 10, 2013 07:58 PM MDT

Mikael Backlund had the option of taking the Calgary Flames to salary arbitration, with the hammer of knowing he’s been pegged to be the top-line centre each of the past two NHL seasons.

Backlund could have dragged his feet on a new contract in the hopes of getting a bigger deal with a Flames squad that’s paper-thin up the middle.

Instead, Backlund was thrilled to ink a two-year pact worth US$1.5 million per season, announced Wednesday.

“It took a little longer than I thought it would, but in the end, we got a deal and are happy,” Backlund said.

“It feels good. I’m excited. We looked around at other deals with guys with the same points. It worked out well. It’s good to be two years, because I love it in Calgary and excited to be part of the rebuild.”

Backlund, 24, is coming off a 16 point (8-8-16) season limited to 32 games. He missed a few weeks due to a knee injury. He played the final six weeks with a broken bone in his foot suffered while blocking a shot, although he didn’t miss a game.

“I improved my game in a lot of aspects,” said the 24-year-old centre chosen in the first round of the 2007 NHL draft. “Unfortunately, I got hurt twice, but I still made some progress. Now I want to keep getting better and better.”

“Mikael really stepped up last season and took advantage of the change in direction under a new coaching staff,” Flames GM Jay Feaster said in a statement. “He came into camp in very good shape and also had regained his confidence. He parlayed that into a strong season, and if it wasn’t for his injury, we believe he would have progressed even further in his development.

“We need Mikael to be one of our go-to players this year, and we are excited about watching him continue to evolve and take that step to the next level as a player.”

Barring a contract extension, Backlund will be a restricted free agent at the expiration of this deal, with salary arbitration rights.

He could become an unrestricted free agent after the 2015-16 season.

It’s been a wild couple of months for Backlund. He spent a couple of weeks in Sweden, having left the day of the flooding which affected much of Southern Alberta.

“It was crazy seeing it on TV,” said Backlund, whose place in Bridgeland was OK. “You never think it’s going to happen in your city. I’m sure a lot of people were shocked the same way.”

After a couple of weeks in Sweden, he returned to the Stampede City a few days ago.

He’ll head to Los Angeles for some hard training next week, return here for a spell and then go back to Sweden for a few weeks.

Among his activities overseas will be to cycle in a fundraising event for children afflicted with cancer.

“I’m involved with Kids Cancer Care here, and I wanted to do something in Sweden, too,” Backlund said. “I found this bike event, and it was good. I signed up for it and wanted to raise money. My goal was to raise $1,000 to start, and that went pretty quick.

“We raised $22,000.”

On the horizon, though, is the 2013-14 season and meeting bigger expectations.

“I’m going to try and push for the top line,” Backlund said. “I want to be a big contributor.”

It’s in his best interest with ’13 top pick Sean Monahan waiting in the wings.

“He’s a good player, so I’m excited to have him on the team this year or in the future,” Backlund added. “It’s good for the organization to have a good up-and-coming centre.”



Sean Monahan becomes centre of attention -- literally -- with Calgary Flames

WES GILBERTSON

July 10, 2013 05:51 PM MDT

Sean Monahan isn’t just a face in the crowd.

Not anymore.

At least, not in Flames Country.

“When I landed, there were a few fans there that wanted pictures and stuff,” Monahan said. “It’s pretty awesome how much support they get.”

In fact, the Calgary Flames’ sixth-overall selection from the 2013 NHL Draft was experiencing the white-hat hospitality even before his bird hit the runway for development camp.

“There were even some people on the flight that were going back to Calgary that, I guess, knew who I was,” Monahan said. “It was pretty cool. Calgary has a good fan-base, and I think it’s going to be a blast to hopefully play here in the next coming years.”

Many of those attending the Flames’ week-long prospects camp — the fun started with Wednesday’s fitness and medical testing at the University of Calgary — could walk across the midway at Stampede Park without ever being recognized as a property of the local NHL outfit.

Monahan, like rising-star winger Sven Baertschi and maybe a couple of others, is an exception.

More important than standing out in a crowd, though, is standing out on the ice.

The latest instalment of the Flames’ annual summer camp includes six days of skating at WinSport’s Markin MacPhail Centre, begin with sessions Thursday and featuring scrimmages Saturday and Monday.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I want to make the team next year, so I want to make an impression,” Monahan said. “Getting to know the guys here and doing everything I can to show that I’m a good player and a good person, I’m just excited to be able to do that.

“I think (the key) is just showing your commitment, being early and being the hardest worker,” Monahan added. “I try to be the hardest worker in whatever I do. I think, by doing that, it leaves a big impression and leaves a big statement.”

Seven members of the Flames’ latest draft class are attending development camp, a crew that also includes forwards Emile Poirier, Morgan Klimchuk and Tim Harrison and blueliners Keegan Kanzig, Eric Roy and John Gilmour.

A 6-foot-2, 187-lb. pivot who projects as a solid two-way type, Monahan will — literally — be the centre of attention for the next week.

No disrespect to his teammates with the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67s, but he isn’t interested in spending another season in the junior ranks. Monahan will turn 19 in mid-October and plans to celebrate that occasion as a full-time employee of the Flames.

The audition starts now.

“You have a little bit of pressure, but I just try to be myself. That’s what got me here,” Monahan added. “I’m just going to work hard and try to be the person I am and the player I am. That’s my goal.”


714074 Carolina Hurricanes

Fanfare-Colleges: Wednesday's college and other sports news in brief

Jul. 10, 2013 @ 10:44 PM

Staff Writer

SAN FRANCISCO — New York Mets right-hander Matt Harvey, a former UNC Tar Heel, will skip his scheduled start on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, making it even more likely he could start the All-Star game.

Manager Terry Collins made the announcement before the Mets’ series finale Wednesday with the San Francisco Giants. He says a minor blister has recently bothered the young ace.

Harvey is a top candidate to start the All-Star game for the National League Tuesday night at Citi Field, the Mets’ home.

Canes ink 2 defensemen

RALEIGH — The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with defensemen Mark Flood and Matt Corrente on one-year, two-way contracts.

Flood’s deal will pay him $550,000 on the NHL level or $175,000 on the American Hockey League level, with a guarantee of at least $225,000. Corrente’s deal will pay him $550,000 on the NHL level or $90,000 on the AHL level, with a guarantee of at least $105,000.

Flood, 28, played for Yaroslavl Lokomotiv in 2012-13, with a goal, five assists and 25 penalty minutes in 52 games.

The 6-foot-1, 190 pounder established NHL career highs in games played (33), goals (3), assists (4) and points (7) with the Winnipeg Jets in 2011-12.

Corrente (6-0, 205), 25, appeared in 11 games with Albany of the AHL last season, earning two assists and totaling 32 penalty minutes, but missed the majority of the season due to a shoulder injury. He was a first-round selection (30th overall) of the New Jersey Devils in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, and has played 34 career NHL games with New Jersey, totaling six assists and 68 penalty minutes.

Duke newcomer is MVP

DURHAM — Incoming Duke freshman Christina Gibbons scored two goals for the North Carolina squad over the weekend in the seventh annual Clash of The Carolinas at Blackbaud Stadium on Daniel Island in South Carolina.

The match featured high school standouts from North Carolina and South Carolina. Gibbons, from Raleigh, scored the first two goals of the 3-3 draw and was named the MVP of the North Carolina team.

Canes set preseason schedule

RALEIGH — The Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday announced their their six-game preseason schedule.

The Canes host Columbus at PNC Arena at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 and close the preseason with a 7 p.m. home game against Buffalo on Sept. 27.

In between are games at Buffalo (Sept. 19), against Montreal in Quebec City Sept. 20, at Montreal Sept. 21 and at Columbus Sept. 26.

Tickets go on sale Sept. 6.

Former Blue Devils to play

DURHAM — The U.S. women’s national team, which features former Blue Devils Sarah Bullard and Megan Huether, is set to begin play at the 2013 Federation of International Lacrosse World Championship today against England in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.

The United States is chasing its seventh FIL World Championship title.

Doubles team is honored

DURHAM — Duke’s Henrique Cunha and Raphael Hemmeler have been selected as the 2013 Intercollegiate Tennis Association National Doubles Team of the Year.

Cunha and Reid Carleton won the award in 2010.

Cunha and Hemmeler earned 39 victories this season, second all-time by a doubles team in program history. They were ranked No. 1 nationally and lost in the national semifinals.

U.S. women win top seed

KAZAN, Russia — The 2013 USA Basketball Women’s World University Games Team (3-0) completed preliminary round play with a perfect record and will advance to the quarterfinals as the top seed from Group B after dispatching Brazil (1-2), 105-75, Wednesday at the Miras Sports Complex here.

Duke senior Tricia Liston recorded nine points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 16 minutes on Wednesday. In three games of pool play, Liston has averaged 12 points and 3.7 rebounds.

Next up for the USA will be a quarterfinal matchup at 2:30 a.m. EDT Friday against Group A No. 2 seed Russia or Sweden.

Ex-Phils’ star has cancer

PHILADELPHIA — Former Phillies All-Star catcher Darren Daulton has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Daulton has glioblastoma, a “highly malignant” form of cancer, according to the American Brain Tumor Association.

Daulton hosted a nightly radio show before doctors found two tumors on his brain on June 27. He had an operation to remove them on July 1.

WNBA Report

SILVER STARS 88, MERCURY 80 — Without Brittney Griner to protect the middle, San Antonio took advantage.

Danielle Adams scored 12 of her 19 points in the second half and the Silver Stars had 44 points in the paint to beat the homestanding Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday.

Griner was out with a sprained left knee, missing only her second game since injuring it in early June.

SKY 89, MYSTICS 85 — Epiphanny Prince and Sylvia Fowles led the host Chicago Sky to victory to overcome a tough shooting game for Elena Delle Donne.

Prince’s jumper with 38.3 seconds left put the Sky ahead to stay in a win Wednesday over the Washington Mystics. Fowles had 26 points and 18 rebounds and Prince scored 15 for Chicago, which has won five of six.

Delle Donne shot 5 for 19 with 18 points but hit two free throws with 4.2 seconds left to seal the win.

Herald-Sun LOADED: 07.11.2013

714075 Chicago Blackhawks

Singer Bieber creates a Stanley Cup stir

Staff Writer

2:25 PM CDT, July 10, 2013

Justin Bieber created quite a commotion Tuesday at the United Center, and it had nothing to do with the teen pop singer's performance on stage.

A photo posted to Twitter of Bieber posing with the Stanley Cup was bad enough for some Blackhawks fans, who tweeted their distaste for the bandwagon-hopping singer. Even worse was a photo of Bieber committing the faux pas of inadvertently standing on the Indian head logo on the Hawks' dressing room floor (see video)

Bieber also received a personalized Hawks jersey that is seen hanging in the locker of team captain Jonathan Toews.

Most photos of Bieber at sporting events feature him wearing the home team's logo. But there's extra outrage because he was seen wearing a Boston Bruins cap before the Stanley Cup playoffs while he was hanging out with Miley Cyrus.

Here's the photo that Blackhawks marketing executive Peter Hassen posted to his Twitter account (@PJHASSEN), along with another tweet he posted after he became aware of the fan backlash:

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 07.11.2013


Justin Bieber stepped on Blackhawks logo? OK, relax

RICK TELANDER

July 10, 2013 10:14PM

When Justin Bieber came to town some years back as a hairless-faced little kid with a guitar and the wee beginnings of an entertainment career, he showed a lot of talent.

He also was a jerk in progress.

At one Chicago recording house, he said he was thirsty and was brought a bottle of cold water.

He shunned it, stating that he only drank water at room temperature.

Du-ude.

Hey, if you want to see the now-19-year-old singer’s butt crack, just look. He posted an Instagram of it not long ago.

His ridiculous former traveling monkey? It’s out there, too.

The restaurant mop bucket he peed into? Ditto.

On a tour stop in Amsterdam, at the house of famed diarist and Holocaust victim Anne Frank, this is the fellow who wrote in the guest book: ‘‘Hopefully she would have been a belieber.’’

How this shirtless Canadian nincompoop survived the wrath of California neighbor and former NFL player Keyshawn Johnson a while back, after allegedly speeding crazily in his Ferrari through their neighborhood, is clearly a function of Bieber’s many peeps guarding him rather than his almost-nonexistent physical prowess.

‘‘He has to answer to the D.A.’s -office, and not me,” the irate Johnson said after going to Bieber’s house. “His handlers, his goons, whatever they are, his henchmen, they have to protect him!’’

Anyway, Bieber is a superstar singer/dancer living in a pop-rock shell, and his immaturity and -arrogance are things that may or may not vanish with age.

This wouldn’t matter an iota to sports fans — though the tiny Biebs has a decent handle and crossover for a pubescent point guard, FYI —except that while in town for shows at the United Center recently, he stood on the Indian head logo in the Blackhawks’ dressing room. For no more than three seconds, I’m told.

The Indian head logo!

Holy Cheli’s Chili!

You might have thought he had just bludgeoned a baby harp seal to death with a railroad spike. (Or had his peeps do it.)

Good lord, the outcry from outraged hockey fans!

The Blackhawks just won the Stanley Cup, you know, and all of Hawky-dom is on high red alert for violations of tradition, superstition and iconography. Even Chicago folks who knew almost nothing about hockey just two months ago weighed in on social media in rage.

No matter that having some kind of quasi-sacred symbol on the floor of a sometimes tape-littered, always-stinking locker room, in a place where you are supposed to walk, borders on the definition of insanity. Bieber was vilified as locker-room visitors seldom have been.

But here’s the thing.

He didn’t know he was besmirching something ‘‘sacred.’’

He was in the locker room in the first place because he wanted to see the Cup. The Blackhawks obliged him, and according to people who were there, Bieber was excited, respectful and ready to LOL!

So horrific was the response to a photo — taken by a fan — of Bieber standing on the logo while taking photos of the Cup that the Blackhawks felt compelled to offer an explanation and apology of sorts late Wednesday.

Referring to the ‘‘Bieber Incident,’’ the explanatory statement reads in part, ‘‘As frequently happens with guests into our room, Justin inadvertently stepped on the team logo on the floor but moved off quickly once immediately reminded. He was apologetic and understanding of the tradition.’’

People who were there said Biebs was clueless about the tradition.

And why shouldn’t he be?

It’s one of those silly things that seems to exist just to make visitors feel foolish and inadequate.

Several years ago, I stepped on the Indian head one time in a jammed postgame locker room and was firmly asked to get off it by none other than Captain Serious, Jonathan Toews. I instantly did, but the look in Captain S’s eyes reminded me of a parent staring at a child while hissing, ‘‘You spit your milk one more time, buster …’’

Put the logo on the wall. Put it under glass. Put it anywhere but right where people have to walk!

The Indian head at center ice gets skated on and hocked on and carved on. Why is just the carpeted one so sacred? It gets vacuumed all the time, you know

It’s not like the goofball did his mop bucket thing on the logo.

“Chicago always does it right!’’ he tweeted Tuesday. ‘‘One of the best shows of the tour. I couldn’t stop smiling! Thank you beliebers. I love you!”

Plus — for all you little screaming girls who staked out the corners and crevices around the United Center — your guy claims to be not so different from the Blackhawks themselves.

“I’m actually part Indian,’’ he told a Rolling Stone reporter not long ago. ‘‘I think Inuit or something? I’m enough percent that in Canada I can get free gas.’’

Oh, my God, the things we worry about.

Biebs is gassed up and out of town, doing his thing in sold-out arenas.

Like baby, baby, baby, oh!

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 07.11.2013


Blackhawks 6-9 Swedish prospect Svedberg feels big in small rinks

SETH GRUEN

July 10, 2013 11:42PM

Typically, the transition from European to North American hockey can be difficult for players in their first season. But Swedish defenseman and Blackhawks prospect Viktor Svedberg believes he’s better suited for the smaller rinks in the United States and Canada.

At 6-9, Svedberg is as tall as Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara, the tallest player in NHL history. Svedberg’s size and long stick will be assets when he makes his professional debut for the Rockford IceHogs this fall.

Svedberg was one of the few players at the Blackhawks’ prospect camp Wednesday at Johnny’s IceHouse West who is guaranteed to play in Rockford this season. He was unable to practice because of soreness in the muscles near his spine, but he expects to be on the ice Thursday.

“I’m sure I’m going to have to adjust to some things,” said Svedberg, who already has signed an American Hockey League contract. “For big guys, it’s going to be different in the ‘D’ zone. You don’t have to move that much, maybe. I think it’s going to be good for my game. I think I’m going to take advantage of the small rinks.”

As he climbed through the professional ranks in Sweden, Svedberg saw his ice time on the power play dwindle. But he always has been a staple on the penalty kill. Talking about it makes him chuckle because he knows coaches immediately pencil him in as a penalty-killer when they see how big he is.

While his size is an asset against bigger forwards near the goal, his length is just as important. Svedberg can use his stick to clog lanes, making it difficult for opponents to connect on passes and put shots on goal.

“I like to think [that I’m an asset on the penalty kill],” Svedberg said. “You’ve got less space [in the North American game] for the forwards to get to the net, and it’s easier to push them out.”

After camp, Svedberg will return to Sweden, where he will continue to train. He hopes to put on a few more pounds before he returns to the United States in late August or early September.

Svedberg seems to have gained some confidence during prospect camp.

“Last practice we had, it was a little bit more game-like drills, and I felt good,” Svedberg said. “Things are going to work out.”



Jake Chelios thrilled for Hall of Fame-bound father

SETH GRUEN

July 10, 2013 10:14PM

In case the excitement of playing in the Blackhawks’ prospect camp for the team his father spent nine seasons with wasn’t enough for defenseman Jake Chelios, he got a jolt Tuesday when he learned his dad, Chris, had been elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame.

“It was obviously big news,” Jake said. “So you get people, my teammates, wishing our family congratulations. He’s obviously really excited after waiting for four years. When we got the call, I called him up, congratulated him.”

Jake enjoyed the opportunity to play in camp Wednesday. Though he plans to return to Michigan State for his senior season, playing with elite talent has helped his game.

“Playing with such good players, they know where to find you,” he said. “They’re always in the right spots. So it’s a little bit faster because they’re definitely stronger to play against. But at the same time, they’re so good, they make it easy to play with them.”

Homecoming

All Winfield native Anthony Louis had to say about playing in camp was, “Finally.”

The 18-year-old Louis, who has played center in the U.S. National Team Development Program, spent his first two years of high school at Wheaton North. Camp has been an eye-opening experience for him.

“Moving on to college, I know what to expect at the next level,” he said. “So I know I’m going to have to boost my game up, get stronger.”

Fountain of youth

Of the 56 players listed on the camp roster, 17 are teenagers.



Blackhawks prospects McNeill, Danault ready to give it their best shots

Tim Sassone

Mark McNeill and Phillip Danault have seen the quotes from Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman mentioning them along with Brandon Pirri as potential candidates to compete for a job at center during training camp.

While neither McNeill nor Danault are as far along as Pirri in terms of professional experience, they're still going to come to camp with the idea to make the team.

"Obviously, that will be my goal, but where I sit right now I'm here at this (prospects) camp and I'm going to try and prove myself and show them what I've got," McNeill said.

"Then take the rest of the summer to keep training, keep working hard and then come back in main camp and show it all again."

The way Danault sees it, trading Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik has opened two more spots on the roster for someone to grab.

"It opened some spots, and Stan said the young guys have got to prove (themselves) that they can make the team," Danault said.

"The guy who's ready, the AHL guy who's been playing three years here (Pirri) is probably more ready than us, but we've got to prove ourselves at the real camp and we'll see."

The 6-foot-1, 198-pound Danault looks at it like he has a realistic chance to make the team.

"Yeah, always," he said. "When I was drafted two years ago, three years ago, I was looking for this already, so it's always been a dream for me and a goal, and I will achieve it."

Many scouts consider Danault ahead of McNeill at this stage of their careers.

Both were drafted in the first round in 2011 — McNeill 18th overall and Danault 26th overall. Both played for Team Canada in the 2013 World Junior Championships.

Danault was traded from Victoriaville to Moncton last season and finished the Quebec Major Junior League season with 85 points, 64 of them assists.

McNeill spent the entire season in the Western Hockey League at Prince Albert, where he had 25 goals and 67 points while serving as team captain.

McNeill and Danault each have played 12 games at Rockford over the past two seasons and are ready to start next year there if that's what happens.

"The thing is, when you're ready, you're ready," the 6-1, 214-pound McNeill said. "When the player's ready to play, he'll get his opportunity and all you've got to know is that when the opportunity's there you've got to make the most of it.

"I'm prepared for my first year of pro, absolutely, you know, graduating from junior and whether it's in Rockford or on the Hawks, I'm going to be working on my game trying to get better consistently."

Danault is ready to play in Rockford if it comes to that.

"Like I said, if I'm going to be playing in Rockford it's going to be good for me and it's going to take some maturity in my system in hockey and we'll see," Danault said.

"When you're 18, it's different. Now I'm more confident on the ice. That (shows) me that I'm maybe more ready than I was. We'll see. I'm excited about it."

Danault is considered the better defensive player. He won the Guy Carbonneau Award in 2011 in the QMJHL and in 2012 ranked second in that league with 830 faceoff wins.

"I know (Jonathan) Toews is one of the good (faceoff men) in the league, but if I can help the team like that, I will do it," Danault said.

Both Danault and McNeill admitted it's hard not to daydream about playing between Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp or Marian Hossa.

"I think Saader (Brandon Saad) was probably nervous to play with Toews and Hossa this year, but it's part of hockey," Danault said.

"Watching those guys in the playoffs and watching what they do out there was pretty special," McNeill said. "Those are guys I look up to and obviously watch a lot and to one day be on the same team or the same line or even in the same room with them, it's very special to think about that.

"You like to think you're hungry, but with a team like Chicago — a winning franchise, a team that's won two Cups in the last handful of years — you want to be a part of that winning culture and you want to be at that next level.

"You want to be a part of that team. That's something I'm working toward and something I want to achieve, absolutely."

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 07.11.2013


Chelios' son proud of dad's Hall of Fame honor

July 10, 2013, 7:00 pm

Tracey Myers

Jake Chelios wasn’t there to congratulate his father, Chris, in person on his Hall of Fame honor. But his pride extended to Chicago, where he’s taking part in the Blackhawks’ prospect camp this week.

The younger Chelios called his father not long after he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in his first time on the ballot. For Jake, seeing his dad get named was special.

“Obviously he’s really excited; it’s a huge honor. It’s probably one of the best things you can do in sports,” Jake said. “To wait for (three) years after you’re done playing and get all this excitement back, it’s so good for him.”

Jake Chelios was very young when his father played for the Blackhawks, but he still remembers some things about those days.

“Just going to the rink; best part for a kid was playing mini sticks in the wives room. It was just being in that environment and seeing all those players,” he said. “Now when you see them, it’s just nice having all those memories and relationships from when you were younger.”

Jake, who will head back to Michigan State in the fall, it’s a second run at the Blackhawks’ prospect camp; so far, so good.

“We’re done with our first scrimmage. It started off a little sloppy with everyone getting to know each other,” he said. “This is one of the most fun camps to go to. I’m glad I’m back, I’m glad they invited me back. It’s a good experience.”

Chelios watched just about all of the Blackhawks run to the Stanley Cup, including their series against the Detroit Red Wings; everything, that is, except the last five minutes of Game 6.

“I wanted to go to bed, and I just thought I’d see them next game. I wake up the next day and hear about two goals in 17 seconds. Of course,” Chelios said with a smile.

Broader practice time

Alex Broadhurst somehow drew the short straw, make that the long practice time, at Tuesday’s prospect practice. With Garret Ross out ill, Broadhurst participated in both practices, each about 75 minutes long.

“I was the lucky one. Good and bad, I guess,” said Broadhurst, who showed no ill effects from the extra practice at Wednesday’s scrimmage. “I can do it for the conditioning.”

Broadhurst, who signed a three-year entry-level deal with the Blackhawks on June 1, is participating in his third prospect camp here. Every one, he said, proves valuable.

“Every year there are different things to learn,” he said. “It’s cool to see how you learn from each coach, the way they play the game and do drills. You just take as much as you can from them.”

Briefly

Mark McNeill didn’t participate in off-ice workouts on Tuesday after taking a puck to the leg in practice. But he was fine on Wednesday and played in the camp’s first scrimmage.

The Blackhawks prospects will have their second camp scrimmage Thursday morning at 11:30 a.m.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 07.11.2013

714081 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets will host Pittsburgh to open preseason play

July 10, 2013 5:16 PM

The Columbus Blue Jackets will play an eight-game preseason schedule, including four home games, prior to the 2013-14 season, the team announced today.

The schedule includes a home game and an away game against its new division foes the Pittsburgh Penquins and Carolina Hurricanes, as well as games against the Buffalo Sabres and Minnesota Wild.

The complete preseason schedule:

Sept. 15: Pittsburgh Penquins, 6 p.m., at Nationwide Arena

Sept. 17: (split squad games) Buffal Sabres, 7 p.m., at Nationwide Arena; at Minnesota Wild, 8 p.m. at Xcel Energy Center

Sept. 18: at Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m., at PNC Arena

Sept. 21: at Pittsburgh Penguins, 4 p.m., at CONSOL Energy Center

Sept. 23: Minnesota Wild, 7 p.m., at Nationwide Arena

Sept. 25: at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m., at First Niagara Center

Sept. 26: Carolina Hurricanes, 7 p.m., at Nationwide Arena

The 2013-14 regular season schedule is expected to be released next week.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 07.11.2013


Blue Jackets development camp: Jenner’s prospects look promising

Shawn Mitchell

July 10, 2013 5:29 AM

The prospect tag worn for so long by strongman center Boone Jenner might finally be removed this fall.

It’s not that the stock of Jenner, a highly touted second-round draft pick of the Blue Jackets in 2011, has fallen.

Quite the opposite.

Jenner, 20, has come of age. He is, finally, a full-fledged professional in the eyes of the management and coaches who watched him and 28 other NHL hopefuls skate yesterday during the opening on-ice session of the team development camp in the OhioHealth Ice Haus.

Jenner, after a stellar four-year career in major junior hockey, is slated to play his first full professional season beginning in October, activating the first year of a three-year, entry-level contract signed in March 2012. Whether that is in the NHL with the Blue Jackets or in the American Hockey League with the Springfield Falcons will be determined in the next three months.

“He’s got development camp, rookie camp and the main camp,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “He’ll get enough opportunities to impress.”

Jenner, a tenacious, two-way center, wasn’t far from making the Jackets’ roster last season. He and defenseman Tim Erixon were the final two cuts from a January training camp cut short by the NHL lockout.

“It might have been just the respect factor,” said Blue Jackets coach Todd Richards, who sees the 6-foot-2, 204-pound Jenner as a crash-and-bang forward with skating ability, a high hockey IQ and the potential to evolve into something more.

“Sometimes you come up as a young kid and you don’t want to make any waves and you just want to go with the flow. Well, the way he plays, he’s got to make waves, and toward the end of camp he was much better.”

Jenner returned as team captain of Oshawa of the Ontario Hockey League, where he had 45 goals and 37 assists in only 56 games and played in a second consecutive world junior championship with Canada.

The Blue Jackets could have promoted Jenner after Oshawa was eliminated from the playoffs but instead assigned him to Springfield, where he was one of few bright spots during a disappointing postseason that ended after eight playoff games.

Jenner had joined the Falcons for five games at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season but said a second AHL stint was invaluable.

“That experience really helped me,” Jenner said. “You could tell the playoffs was the next step up. Everyone brings it up a notch and it was good to be a part of that.”

Jenner played multiple roles for the Falcons, switching between center, his natural position, and wing. He scored five goals and had four assists in 13 games, including eight in the playoffs.

“I saw a big difference from last year,” said Springfield coach Brad Larsen, who runs the on-ice portion of development camp. “He’s a little bit quicker and he’s a guy who is a little more sure of himself. He was really wide-eyed two years ago, but he was ready for the challenge.”

Jenner returned to Columbus last month and is slated to spend much of the summer here, an offseason commitment that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Richards.

Jenner’s versatility should also increase his chances of making the NHL roster out of training camp. The Jackets have five centers on their current roster, and the defensive responsibilities of a rookie center, especially one

whose puck pursuit has at times been seen as overzealous, are often too rich.

“There is no question in my mind he can play wing,” Kekalainen said. “I think he might even be better playing on the wing in his first full year as a pro.”

Richards used former first-round pick Ryan Johansen primarily as a fourth-line winger in his first season.

“I’m comfortable at center but I got a taste of the wing,” Jenner said. “I think I can do those things, win those puck battles on the walls and things like that. If I can get a role on this team doing that then I’ll do it to the best of my ability.”



Blue Jackets notebook: Coach remembers pair of Jackets as children

Aaron Portzline

Wednesday July 10, 2013 5:27 AM

Brad Larsen is 36 years old. There are days, like yesterday, when that doesn’t seem so young anymore, he said.

Larsen coaches the Blue Jackets’ top minor league affiliate in Springfield, Mass., and he’s coaching the Jackets’ prospects during development camp in the OhioHealth Ice Haus this week. One of those prospects is Kerby Rychel, whom Larsen first met as a 4-year-old in 1998 when he played with Rychel’s dad, Warren, in the Colorado Avalanche organization.

Rychel was one of the Blue Jackets’ first-round picks (No. 19 overall) at last month’s NHL draft.

“Kerby was literally this tall,” Larsen said, putting his left hand just about his left knee. “He was just terrorizing the basement of the house, just full of energy. He doesn’t remember, obviously, but I remember little Kerby coming to the rink. When I heard him get drafted last week, that’s the first thing I thought of. This is aging me, really quickly.”

Larsen had his first “I’m not young anymore” moment during the 2007 season, while playing for the Atlanta Thrashers against the Ottawa Senators.

“I played three years in Hershey when Mike Foligno was my coach, and he’d have his boys out on the ice with us all the time when they were just a little bit bigger than Kerby was,” Larsen said. “I’d kind of lost track of his kids a little bit, and more than a few years passed by. Nick was drafted and had gone through the Senators system, but I’d lost track of him.

“Well, one night we went out for the opening faceoff for a game in Ottawa, and, sure enough, Nick Foligno reaches out and taps me on the pad and says, ‘Hey, my dad says hi!’ ”

Foligno is now a Blue Jackets winger.

Murray returns

Defenseman Ryan Murray took a couple of hits to his left shoulder, even fell down on it once. It felt great.

“A couple of bumps, yeah, but I never felt anything sore or different or uncomfortable,” Murray said. “Today was a good day.”

Murray hasn’t taken part in a competitive practice since suffering a dislocated left shoulder in November.

“I want to show everyone that I’ve still got it, I can still play,” Murray said. “The injury hasn’t affected my game at all.”

Murray plans to stay in Columbus the rest of the summer. He’s living with defenseman Thomas Larkin, who just finished four years at Colgate and is turning pro.

Slap shots

Defenseman Will Weber (rib) and forward T.J. Tynan (summer classes) aren’t taking part in class. … Former Ohio State coach Mark Osiecki was hired by Chicago as an assistant coach for its American Hockey League affiliate in Rockford, Ill.



Michael Arace commentary: Blue Jackets' optimism no longer based on simply hope

Michael Arace

July 10, 2013 5:26 AM

A solitary veteran player dropped by the OhioHealth Ice Haus for a quick look at the Blue Jackets’ prospect-campers yesterday afternoon.

“I can’t wait to play in the (Eastern Conference),” R.J. Umberger said.

His eyes got wide and his body twitched. It was clear: He really cannot wait.

“I’m sure everyone is as excited as I am,” Umberger said.

He was speaking for his fellow veterans, but he could have been speaking for any of the 300 or so fans who nearly filled the stands at the Jackets’ practice facility. Another clutch of fans milled about in the rain outside, on the West Plaza of Nationwide Arena, where they watched Bruce Drennan of SportsTime Ohio stage his All Bets are Off show from beneath a tent. Umberger sat for an interview before he wandered into the Ice Haus.

“I think we have something to go off of now, given how last year went,” Umberger said. “There is some realness to it. We learned a lot about expectations. We’re not going so much on hope; we’re just continuing what we’re doing. And we know we can do it.”

He kept his eyes on the ice as he spoke. Someone down there will be after his job, sooner or later. In all realness, it is probably later.

“The organization has never been in better shape,” Umberger said. “The younger guys will have an opportunity to compete for spots, which is great for everyone. They can also enter the NHL at their own pace because no one is going to rush them.”

One hopes that the Jackets have reached the point where they can have three first-round picks and a raft of other prospects — as they had on the ice yesterday — and the only chance any of them have of making the big club is to blow everyone away.

It would mean they have a good team. It would indicate there is some depth to the organization.

“I think there are positives,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “We got some good forwards at the draft. Our defense was (already) in good shape. Our organizational depth is in good shape when you look at how players came up and contributed and were able to fill a spot. But you always want to improve. It’s an ongoing process.”

There was a time, not so long ago, when some second-round pick or favored prospect would be oversold by management. Remember? This guy is “going to take a step.” That guy “we really like.” This other guy “is a horse.”

Fans, media and management alike wanted to see the first-rounders in Columbus posthaste. And they did — Nash, Zherdev, Filatov, Brule, Brassard — for good or ill.

Asked yesterday whether we would see any of the prospect-campers in Columbus next season, Kekalainen smiled and said, “It’s way too early to say. When we get to the rookie tournament, I’ll be asked that question again and I’ll say the same thing. Once you get to NHL camp, then you’re with the big boys and it’s a whole different level — not just the physical level, but the mental level.

“Will some of these guys show a little too much respect for the veterans? Will some of them play their game without (apprehension)? They will show us when they belong.”

Kekalainen, by the way, indicated that his roster is basically set. The only question is whether to bring back veteran Vinny Prospal.

“Are we going to extend him an offer? We’re not sure we want to do that yet,” Kekalainen said. “We want to give him the proper respect if we do — and he may not even want to do it. We always like to keep our options

open, but I’d say right now we’ll stand pat unless we make an offer to Vinny.”

The Jackets had the youngest team in the NHL last season. The good news is, no matter what they decide about Prospal, they’re not getting any younger.


714085 Dallas Stars

Stars appear done with changes for now, so what kind of lineup could they be looking at in October

Mike Heika

8:00 am on July 10, 2013

First a caveat, New Stars GM Jim Nill is a hard-working man who says he will do anything he can every day to make the Stars better, so that means they could make a trade or sign a free agent today. However, Nill and his staff appear through right now.

Since Nill came on in May, the Stars have added defenseman Sergei Gonchar, centers Tyler Seguin, Rich Peverley and Shawn Horcoff, winger Valeri Nichushkin and goalie Dan Ellis. Lost from last year’s lineup (part of that was done on Joe Nieuwendyk’s watch) are: Loui Eriksson, Eric Nystrom, Derek Roy, Michael Ryder, Jaromir Jagr, Brenden Morrow, Richard Bachman and Philip Larsen.

So lots of changes, especially in the “top six” forward group.

If you’re making out lines, you could imagine an opening day group that looks something like this:

Jamie Benn-Tyler Seguin-Valeri Nichushkin

Ray Whitney-Shawn Horcoff-Alex Chiasson

Rich Peverley-Cody Eakin-Erik Cole

Antoine Roussel-Vern Fiddler-Ryan Garbutt

Alex Goligoski-Sergei Gonchar

Brenden Dillon-Stephane Robidas

Aaron Rome-Trevor Daley

Kari Lehtonen

The Stars have said they are pondering a roster with 13 forwards and eight defensemen, so you can probably mix in as reserves Lane MacDermid as a forward and Kevin Connauton and Jordie Benn on defense.

That would be interesting. There seems to be more speed in that lineup with the additions of Seguin, Nichushkin and Peverley. The defense is the same, but could be used better under the new coaching staff.

You also notice that the Stars are much closer to the salary cap.

“I like where we are,” said Stars president and CEO Jim Lites. “We have changed a lot, but I think we needed to change. I love the conviction that Tom Gaglardi is showing, I love the work that Jim Nill has put in. It’s just very enthusiastic around here right now.”

Some have asked if the Stars need to add another winger, and there are some interesting ones out there in Damien Brunner (formerly with Nill in Detroit) and Brad Boyes. However, Nill said he thinks he’s fine with wing depth, even after losing Loui Eriksson, Reilly Smith and Matt Fraser in the Boston trade.

“I think we’re very strong on the wing. If there was one strength when I came here, it was on the wing,” Nill said.

In addition to the wingers listed, the Stars should have players like Brett Ritchie, Matej Stransky and Scott Glennie pushing for a top six spot from the AHL, as well as bottom six options like Colton Sceviour and Luke Gazdic. The Stars will test their wing depth if they have more than one injury or if Nichushkin has to go back to the KHL, but Nill could swing a deal at that time.

As for defense, Nill said he’s confident that the changes up front will help the play in back. The Stars should be a better faceoff team and should be more structured and faster up front.

“Everybody talks about ‘maybe your defense is a bit weak,”’ Nill said. I think our defense is better now, because of our forwards. We’ve upgraded that. I

think that changes your whole game. Now you’re more into a puck possession game, you’re not chasing the whole time, you’re not spending time in your own end. I think you’re going to see our defense is going to be a pretty effective weapon for us moving forward.”

So, while there are going to be plenty of free agents out there at bargain prices in the coming weeks (check out the list of availables here), the Stars appear to be set. Are you OK with that strategy?

This entry was posted in Uncategorized by Mike Heika / Reporter.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 07.11.2013

714086 Dallas Stars

Tyler Seguin to wear No. 91, Shawn Horcoff to wear No. 10

Mike Heika

3:43 pm on July 9, 2013

A big issue for players and fans is the number they choose.

Tyler Seguin will wear No. 91 for the Stars. Shawn Horcoff will wear No. 10.

Seguin wore 19 in Boston, but the No. 19 is retired with the Stars in honor of former Minnesota North Stars player Bill Masterton, so he flipped the numbers. Brad Richards did the same thing when he came here from Tampa Bay and wore 91.

“I’ve always had a 9 in my number growing up, whether that was 97 or 9 or 19, so I just wanted something new that I haven’t had, but still has a little taste of myself,” Seguin said. “I like the number, I feel like a sniper.”

Horcoff wore No. 10 in Edmonton, where he was captain. He’s jumping into the number worn by long-time Stars captain Brenden Morrow, so the move is both a good story, and a reason for fans to maybe chafe a bit. Horcoff said he’s taking the number knowing full well it’s history with the team.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Brenden, I’ve played with him in World Championships before,” Horcoff said. “We’re both in the same situation where we were both with the same organization for so long and maybe needed a chance, so I’m aware of the significance of the number, and I’ll do anything I can to keep that significance going.”


714087 Dallas Stars

Don Cherry: Stars' Tyler Seguin 'one step away from being a superstar'

10 July 2013 10:04 PM

Staff Writer

While Tyler Seguin's life off the ice has been the cause of consternation since his trade to the Stars last week, few if any pundits seem to doubt his skill on it.

In fact, legendary hockey commentator Don Cherry thinks Seguin is on the verge of becoming one of the faces of hockey after his move to Dallas.

“I’m sure he’s going to go to Dallas, he’s going to play center, and look out — I’m telling you, this kid is one step away from being a superstar. You’ll see next year," Cherry said during an interview on WEEI's Dennis & Callahan show in Boston.

So why would the Bruins give up on such a seemingly talented player at such a young age? While rumors swirled that Boston brass simply grew tired of Seguin's off-ice activities, Cherry said he felt the team moved on too quickly.

“If a guy can get me 30 goals on right wing, and he’s a natural center, and he’s a little problem off the ice, I wouldn’t mind that. I’d try to settle that out a little," Cherry said. "Listen, the Bruins were in the finals. They did pretty good, so [Bruins GM Peter] Chiarelli must be doing something right. But you’re asking me my opinion, I would have never given up on a [21]-year-old kid that got 30 goals the year before playing in his wrong position.”

As for the man the Stars gave up to land Seguin -- winger Loui Eriksson -- Cherry scoffed at a comparison to Bruins two-way center Patrice Bergeron.

“Oh, come on. He couldn’t touch Bergeron,” Cherry said. “Bergeron, to me, is the ultimate hockey player. If you want a hockey player, I can’t say enough about that guy. He’s got guts and power. I don’t think Eriksson would play with a broken rib, a punctured lung and a separated shoulder."


714088 Dallas Stars

Shawn Horcoff, Tyler Seguin help make over Stars’ center position in one week

Mike Heika

4:46 pm on July 10, 2013

The Stars on Tuesday brought in two of the three centers they have acquired this summer, and the feeling is that Dallas really has changed everything with the addition of Tyler Seguin, Shawn Horcoff and Rich Peverley (who was not able to attend the press conference).

Mix that trio with veteran Vernon Fiddler and youngster Cody Eakin, and you have a lot of options.

“I’m a fan of depth,” said Horcoff of the five-man group of NHL pivots, and the addition of veteran Chris Mueller in the AHL. “I have played on teams with depth, and I’ve played on teams with not much. And the problem with teams with not much, is there are always going to be lulls throughout the years or on certain lines, and just that change or tweak can keep things fresh. You can reignite by juggling things around. This depth will give (coach) Lindy (Ruff) the opportunity to do that.”

One, Peverley and Seguin are right-handed. The Stars last had a regular right-handed center when Stu Barnes patrolled the ice in 2007-08. They have been primarily left-handed for the past five seasons, all years in which they missed the playoffs. The lack of variety creates issues in the faceoff circle _ as players often have to take draws on their weak side _ and also in putting lines together, as a right-handed center can work better with certain linemates.

“It is important,” Horcoff said of the faceoff issue. “It’s a puck possession game now and you need to have the puck. I think with the ability we have as far as defensemen who can skate and handle the puck and forwards with speed, we’re going to want the puck. It’s a battle for the puck every game, and I believe that over the course of 82 games if you have the puck more than the other team, the odds are you’re going to win. That starts in the faceoff circle. If you’re chasing the puck all night, it can be exhausting, so I think it’s great we have options with lefties and righties. It’s not as comfortable on your weak side, it just isn’t.”

The Stars last season ranked 27th in the league in faceoff winning percentage at 47.2 percent. They were led by Jamie Benn’s 709 faceoffs, and Benn won just 46.1 percent of his draws. Vernon Fiddler was solid at 51.5 percent on 619 draws, while Cody Eakin won 48.6 percent of 626 faceoffs.

Peverley last season was 58.5 percent on 361 draws and won 63 percent of his faceoffs in the playoffs. Horcoff is a 50 percent career guy and won 49.0 percent last season. Seguin said he was a good faceoff man in junior hockey, but he hasn’t taken many NHL draws. The Bruins needed him in the circle just 45 times last season, and he won 48.9 percent.

Seguin believes he will improve once he starts logging a lot of faceoffs again.

“I was good at faceoffs,” he said of his junior career. “I haven’t done it too much since then, but obviously that’s something I’ll be focused on for the summer. When I was growing up, I was always more of a quick guy, I was always beating players with more quickness than actual strength. It’s going to be an adjustment. I still worked on draws every year for the few years in Boston with the other centermen, so it’s not going to be exactly brand new to me.”

GM Jim Nill said he was looking at faceoffs and hoping to add at least one righty when seeking to remake the center position.

“You want balance, that’s for sure,” Nill said. “We addressed a lot of question marks, and we were fortunate, and now we have to go out and show that these moves work. But there was planning, and there was timing, and these things worked out for us. I give the management team a lot of credit, because we were prepared with a lot of options.”

Peverley appears to be the most likely candidate to move to the wing, but he’s also been consistently the best faceoff guy. There are some who

believe his faceoff ability and his defensive awareness make him a perfect fit on the right wing on the top line with Seguin and Jamie Benn. However, both are right-handed, so that could take away the faceoff edge from another line where he could help a left-handed center. There’s likely to be a lot of experimentation by Lindy Ruff before anything is settled, and Seguin said Peverley’s versatility and leadership should allow him to play anywhere.

“I played with Pevs for two and a half years now,” Seguin said. “Great player. We actually sit beside each other in the locker room back in Boston, so we were talking all the time. I think he’s a great player, an all-around good player, good guy. Very nice family, and I think he’s going to fit in just perfect with this system.”

Horcoff said he too can play wing, and Seguin has played wing for the past three seasons. In addition, Jamie Benn could move back to center, although the Stars say that’s something they really want to avoid.

“We feel Jamie is best used as a wing, and we want to keep him out there and let him concentrate on his game out there,” Nill said.

Horcoff said that the key is for all of the players to be versatile, and for all of the players to be ready to contribute both offensively and defensively.

“The teams that win have centermen who can play both sides of the puck,” he said. “My belief is if you are going to play that position, you have to be able to play on both sides of the puck. For me, I’m not worried about the defensive side. I’ve played a few years now against the best center on the other team. But what I need to do, and what I’m looking forward to, is showing I can get back and play the offensive side again.”


714089 Dallas Stars

Nashville Predators sign Plano’s Seth Jones to three-year entry level contract

Mike Heika

2:21 pm on July 10, 2013

Here is the press release from the Predators:

NASHVILLE (July 10, 2013) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed defenseman Seth Jones, the fourth overall selection in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, to a three-year entry-level contract. The base salary of the contract is $925,000, with maximum rookie contract signing bonuses giving him a salary cap number of $3.225 million.

“Seth is a special prospect and we were fortunate to be in position to select him,” Poile said. “As a player, he brings so much to our organization, from size you can’t teach to a skill set that every team hopes to add and a personality and maturity that will allow him to grow and develop with our veteran core and other young players. He has excelled at the junior and international levels and we anticipate him enjoying great success at the NHL level.”

Jones, (10/3/94), was ranked the No. 1 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting after finishing the 2012-13 season with 14 goals and 42 assists for 56 points to go with a +46 rating in 61 games as Portland posted its best regular-season record in franchise history. That point total led all WHL rookie blueliners. He added another five goals and 15 points in 21 WHL playoff games as the Winterhawks captured the 2013 WHL Championship. Jones, who won the Jim Piggott Trophy as the WHL’s Rookie of the Year, played alongside current Preds prospect Brendan Leipsic during the 2012-13 season.

“I’m excited to be one step closer to realizing the dream of playing in the NHL, especially with a world-class organization like the Nashville Predators,” Jones said. “Since being drafted by the Predators and coming to development camp, I’m certain this is the right spot and right organization for me. I can’t wait for the opportunity to learn from and play with world class players like Shea Weber and Pekka Rinne and other veteran players who will help me in my development on and off the ice.”

Internationally, Jones served as alternate captain of Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Championships, and helped lead the Americans, who were coached by Preds assistant coach Phil Housley, to the gold medal after posting seven points (1g-6a) and a +8 rating in seven tournament games. In 2012, he captained the Under-18 team to gold at the World Championship, finishing second in team scoring with eight points (3g-5a). He also claimed gold at the World Under-18 Championships in 2011.


714090 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings' Darren Helm 'pretty happy' with his back after skate with prospects

4:05 PM, July 10, 2013

George Sipple

TRAVERSE CITY — All eyes were on a veteran as the Detroit Red Wings opened their development camp today at Centre Ice Arena.

Forward Darren Helm, who was limited to one game last season because of a back injury, skated for the first time in two months. Today, he worked out with a bunch of Wings draft picks in an attempt to get ready for training camp in September.

“It was a good first day,” Helm said after finishing a 50-minute skating session. “Haven’t skated in two months, so I think it was a good start.”

Asked whether he was pain-free, Helm said: “Yeah, nothing really bothered me. Like I said, it’s been two months since I skated so, pretty happy with the way things went today.”

Helm, 26, injured his back doing weight training before last season’s training camp. He said he hasn’t seen any new doctors nor had any tests since May.

Helm never has gotten a definitive answer about why his back pain has lingered for so long.

“There’s a few things that it could have been, could have added up to all this,” Helm said. “I don’t know if there’s an exact reason why this has happened. I’ve been to a few doctors that say you don’t always find out what the real reason for back pain is.”

Helm has continued with his rehab. He is working with weights again and hopes to continue getting stronger in preparation for Wings training camp.

He was far from his fastest today, and for good reason.

“Two months without skating — obviously, I didn’t put my head down and go after it,” Helm said. “I thought I skated well. My hands are always a big issue. … Just give it a couple weeks, and I’m sure I’ll get that back.”

Helm said he was at “70-80%” with his skating and hopes to continue to build on that each day this week.

A week of skating drills will help build Helm’s confidence heading into training camp in September.

"Absolutely, it gives you confidence ... to skate more and push harder, working out with heavier weights,” Helm said. “That's what I wanted to do when I came here, see where I'm at and see if I could make the next step.”

That next step will not include taking big hits from a rising prospect. Helm wasn’t anticipating playing in a two-hour scrimmage scheduled for Friday.

“I don't think I'll take part in the scrimmage,” Helm said. “We'll see what happens Thursday. I've been off for two months, no point getting out there and start hitting at this point of the summer. It would be stupid.”

If Helm can come back, he would give the Wings a huge boost centering the third line. He has 32 goals and 51 assists for 83 points in 249 career NHL games. He scored nine goals and 17 assists for 26 points in 68 games in 2011-12.

Helm has talked about the frustration he felt at various points in the past year. For the most part, he was smiling while talking to reporters today.

When a reporter mentioned that he was smiling, Helm said: “You guys haven't seen one of these on my face in awhile. I'm feeling good and can't help but be excited.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.11.2013


Detroit Red Wings' defense prospects ready to join Griffins next season

3:14 AM, July 11, 2013

George Sipple

TRAVERSE CITY — Ryan Sproul and Nick Jensen are among several defensemen expecting to make an impact as rookies for the Grand Rapids Griffins next season.

The Red Wings drafted Sproul in the second round (55th overall) in the 2011 NHL draft.

Sproul suffered a broken forearm early in the season in 2012-13 but went on to score 20 goals and 46 assists for 66 points in 50 games for Sault Ste. Marie. He was named the defenseman of the year for the Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League.

“Definitely looked forward to stepping up to the pro level and I think I’m ready for it,” Sproul said Wednesday after the first day of the Wings’ skill development camp at Centre Ice Arena.

Sproul, 20, played two games for the Grand Rapids Griffins this past season.

“Just want to come in and do my thing and help the team as much as I can,” Sproul said. “I’m coming in with about 10 guys battling for a couple spots.”

Jensen, a fifth-round pick in 2009, was the defensive player of the year in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association. He scored four goals and 27 assists for 31 points in 42 games last season.

“A lot of people see it as competition — you’ve got a lot of good (defensemen) coming in,” Jensen, 22, said of the Griffins.

“I was in college, it was a little different. You’re always on the team. It’s not like (the pros), where you can be sent to different teams.

“The better players are going to be playing and you gotta perform if you want to play.”

■FEISTY BERT: Tyler Bertuzzi, the nephew of Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi, didn’t waste time showing he’s an agitator on the first day of camp.

Bertuzzi, attending his first camp after being drafted in the second round by the Wings on June 30, got into a scrum with Jensen, who is attending his fifth camp.

“He was just competing out there,” Jensen said of Bertuzzi. “He gave it to me. I gave it back to him. That’s just what happens. That’s hockey.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 07.11.2013


Agitator role is embraced at Red Wings development camp

Ted Kulfan

Traverse City — It didn’t take long for Tyler Bertuzzi to make an impact during Red Wings development camp.

Bertuzzi, a grinding forward who loves to get under players’ skins, irritated Nick Jensen when he crosschecked the defenseman during a drill, which led to a brief scrum.

“I asked him to fight and we went at it,” said Bertuzzi, drafted in the second round last month. “It was good. We’re good now. We shook hands. It’s part of the game.”

Said Jensen: “That’s hockey. We’re blessed we can settle it on the ice. I don’t hate him for it. He gave it to me, I gave it to him, and that’s what happens in hockey.”

It’s easy to see Bertuzzi becoming a fan favorite with his ability to antagonize opponents — and willingness to fight.

“An agitator, go hard every shift, fight, whatever I have to do to get under people’s skin,” Bertuzzi said of what he sees as his role.

The nephew of current Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi, Tyler Bertuzzi (6 feet, 178 pounds) had 13 goals and 68 penalty minutes for Guelph (Ontario Hockey League) last season.

Heading into this first camp, he said he got some good advice from his uncle.

“He told me to go out there and enjoy it, told me Detroit is a great organization with a lot of good people,” Bertuzzi said. “It’s exciting to be here.”

Helm 'feeling good'

Forward Darren Helm, who missed all but one game last season with a back injury, completed Wednesday’s workout with no issue.

“You guys haven’t seen one of these on my face in a while,” Helm said of his smile after practice. “I’m feeling good and can’t help but to be excited.”

Getting through this camp healthy and pain-free would give Helm confidence heading into camp in September.

“That’s what I wanted to do when I came here,” he said. “See where I’m at and see if I could make the next step.”

Holmstrom as teacher

With his family out of town, Tomas Holmstrom came to the camp to teach young players about playing in front of the net.

And it might lead to a larger role in the future.

“I don’t want to do any scouting, I want to be on the ice and in the drills and working with kids,” Holmstrom said. “This is perfect for me. I enjoy it. Hopefully the things I teach the kids will help them and make sense.”

Ice chips

Forward Michael Babcock (Detroit Catholic Central) is trying to soak up as much knowledge as he can before he heads to Fargo (United States Hockey League) this fall.

“Just be a sponge and get as much information as I can, whether it be the coaches or the other players,” said Babcock, son of Red Wings coach Mike Babcock. “I just want to be ready to compete every day and get better.”

... Said Anthony Mantha, a first-round pick, on the start of camp: “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. But at the same time I have to do what I’m used to doing and perform the best I can.”

... Forwards Damien Brunner and Daniel Cleary, unrestricted free agents offered deals by the Red Wings, have yet to sign with them — or any other team.

... Defenseman Brendan Smith was one of 21 players who elected salary arbitration, according to the NHL Players Association. A restricted free agent, Smith and the Red Wings will continue to negotiate until the date of the hearing, in late July-early August.

Detroit News LOADED: 07.11.2013


Red Wings prospects show promise on defense

Ted Kulfan

Traverse City— Success at junior hockey doesn’t always translate into success in the NHL.

But when you look at some of the defensemen at the Red Wings development camp this week, you can’t help but wonder how deep the blue line could be in a few years:

■Ryan Sproul, Canadian Hockey League and Ontario Hockey League defenseman of the year;

■Nick Jensen, Western Collegiate Hockey Association defenseman of the year;

■Xavier Ouellet, first team All-Star in the Quebec Junior Hockey League and member of the Canadian world junior national team;

■Europeans Alexei Marchenko (CSKA Moscow) and Mattias Backman (world champion, Swedish national team); and

■Danny DeKeyser, CCHA defenseman of the year at Western Michigan who made a late-season impact with the Red Wings.

By any measure or analysis, it’s an impressive list of young, talented defensemen.

“Time will tell, but it’s pretty exciting is what I think,” said Jiri Fischer, director of player development for the Red Wings.

None of the defensemen were first-round picks. The closest were Sproul and Ouellet, both second-round picks in 2011.

“The best available,” Fischer said of the draft philosophy. “Guys find a way, and that’s what pro hockey is about, finding ways and needing to reinvent themselves.”

And already there’s a sense of players pushing each other.

“We’re all fighting for a spot,” said Ouellet, a 6-foot, 187-pound two-way player who had 41 points (10 goals) for Blainville-Boisbrand in the Quebec League. “There’s a lot of competition, and that’s a good thing for all of us. It pushes us to the limit, and it’s something that’ll bring out the best in all of us.”

Sproul was the lone defensemen to get a taste of pro hockey last season, playing two games in Grand Rapids.

Sproul, Ouellet, Jensen, Marchenko and Richard Nedomlel (2011, sixth round) are all slated to play in Grand Rapids this season.

With Jonathan Ericsson and Kyle Quincey approaching unrestricted free agency following this season, there could be openings on the roster — and the potential for trades.

But one thing is certain: The Red Wings don’t need to rush any of the prospects.

“Everybody matures at their own pace,” Fischer said. “We treat everyone individually. Everybody can get better.”

Detroit News LOADED: 07.11.2013


Detroit Red Wings forward Darren Helm anxious to hit the ice again in annual Development Camp

Brendan Savage

July 10, 2013 at 8:47 AM

It's going to be a slow process. We want to move in the right direction. We don't want to have a setback. -- Darren Helm

Darren Helm has appeared in 249 regular-season games during six NHL seasons, he's scored 10 career playoff goals and played for a Stanley Cup championship team with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008.

But despite all that, Helm will be doing the same thing as many of the others when the Red Wings Development Camp begins Wednesday in Traverse City.

He'll be battling some nerves.

It will just be a little bit different in Helm's case.

While the Development Camp will be the first time some of the participating youngsters have been exposed to pro hockey, Helm will be taking part to see how much progress – if any – he's made in trying to bounce back from a mysterious back injury that caused him to miss all but one game last season.

This afternoon's opening workout at Centre Ice Arena will mark the first time Helm has stepped on the ice since May, when the Red Wings were eliminated from the playoffs by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks.

"I'm excited," Helm said this week. "I'm looking forward to going up to Traverse. I'm a little nervous until I get on the ice for the first time in a long time. I'm not too nervous with my back. We're going to take it pretty slow, just progressively add more things.

"I don't think we're going to push it too hard the first couple of days. It's going to be a slow moving process. I might be more nervous skating. There might be a couple of kids out there proving things and I've got to prove some things to myself that I can still play hockey."

After today's first on-ice practice there will be two on-ice and off-ice workouts per day Thursday, Sunday and Monday. A scrimmage is the only thing on Friday's agenda and Saturday is an off day.

Helm said he hasn't been on the ice since the season ended.

He skated on his own during the playoffs in an attempt to make it back into the lineup but his back never responded so he's been concentrating on rehabilitation sessions six times a week since the Red Wings were eliminated by Chicago in overtime of Game 7 in the Western Conference semifinals.

Helm said he's not pain free but is "pretty close. We haven't really tested it too hard yet. That's why I'm back here – to give it a challenge and a good test skating and shooting a little bit harder and working out.

"I'm feeling a lot better. I think mentally I just kind of needed to hit the reset button. I'm mentally better. I feel pretty good.

"It's going to be a slow process. We want to move in the right direction. We don't want to have a setback. It would just be stupid to go too hard right now."

Which means Helm will likely play things by ear the first few days to see how much he can do. He's taken part in a couple of Development Camps in the past but not for several years and doesn't recall what kind of drills are on the agenda. So he isn't sure exactly what he'll do yet.

Helm could also be something of a mentor for the next week.

Considering he's the camp's oldest player at 26 and has 65 playoff games on his resume, Helm will likely have some of the youngsters picking his brain about the NHL and what it takes to get there.

"I don't really look at it that way," he said. "I know I'm going to be the older guy, the leader out there. My main focus is to see where I am physically with my back.

"I'm going to do what I can to be out there as a leader but my main goal is to get back and get healthy and all that other stuff will just kind of happen as the camp goes along."

If all goes well at the camp, Helm said he'll likely increase his workouts in preparation for training camp in September.

Michigan Live LOADED: 07.11.2013


Second-year defenseman Brendan Smith lone Detroit Red Wings player to file for arbitration

Brendan Savage

July 10, 2013 at 7:54 PM

Second-year defenseman Brendan Smith was the only member of the Detroit Red Wings among the 21 NHL players who filed for arbitration Wednesday.

Smith made $875,000 last season.

A restricted free agent, Smith can continue to negotiate a new contract with the Red Wings until the date of the hearing, which has yet to be determined.

Smith's filing is considered a formality since the Red Wings rarely allow their cases to reach arbitration, which speeds up the process of getting a new contract in place.

The last Red Wings player to go through a regular arbitration hearing was Ray Sheppard in 1995.

Several Red Wings have filed for arbitration since then, including Kyle Quincey last year and Valtteri Filppula in 2008, but none of those cases were heard as an agreement was reached.

Jiri Hudler's arbitration hearing in 2009 was a unique situation. He had signed a contract with a Russian team, which the NHL initially claimed was invalid because he had filed for arbitration with the Red Wings. Hudler's hearing determined his salary should he return to the NHL and was just a formality, since he and the Red Wings had agreed to a figure before the case was heard by an arbiter.

Neither side wants to go through a potentially messy arbitration hearing unless absolutely necessary.

By filing for arbitration, Smith is precluded from receiving an offer sheet from another team.

Michigan Live LOADED: 07.11.2013

714096 Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers acquire David Perron from St. Louis Blues

July 10, 2013 4:07 PM

EDMONTON - The Edmonton Oilers swapped forwards with the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, acquiring David Perron for Magnus Paajarvi and a 2014 second-round draft pick.

Perron, 25, was a first-round pick, 26th overall, by the Blues in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The two-time 20-goal scorer has played six seasons with the Blues, scoring 10 goals and 15 assists in 48 games in the shortened 2012-13 NHL campaign. He added a pair of assists in the Blues' six playoff games this year.

The Sherbrooke, Que., native played one season of junior hockey with the Lewiston Maineiacs of the QMJHL before making the full-time jump to the NHL, making the Blues the year he was drafted by them. He signed a four-year contract worth $15.25 million US with St. Louis a year ago.

Paajarvi, 22, was the Oilers' first-round pick, 10th overall, in 2009. The Swedish winger has split time between Edmonton and the AHL Oklahoma City Barons in the three seasons he's spent in North America. He looked to have nailed down a regular spot in the Oilers' lineup this past season, in which he scored nine goals and seven assists in 42 NHL games. As a rookie for the Oilers in 2010-11, Paajarvi notched 15 goals and 19 assists in 80 games.

More to come.

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 07.11.2013


MacKinnon: MacTavish takes calculated risk in acquiring Perron

John MacKinnon

July 10, 2013 11:05 PM

EDMONTON - Craig MacTavish clearly has grooved his singles-hitting stroke, but acquiring David Perron from the St. Louis Blues for Magnus Paajarvi may prove to be a semi-bold one, at that.

On the surface, the Edmonton Oilers first-year general manager has made an old-fashioned “hockey trade” in swapping top-six left wingers. Paajarvi, 22, remains a promising work in progress. Whatever Blues GM Doug Armstrong signs the restricted free agent for, Paajarvi will provide salary-cap relief for the Blues.

Perron, 25, is a two-time 20 goal-scorer in the NHL, an established commodity, as his $3.812-million cap hit reinforces.

Paajarvi still is learning to leverage his size and speed. He’s still working on going hard to the net as a signature part of his emerging game.

Perron has more edge to his game than does Paajarvi, at this stage of his development. But, at six feet even and 200 pounds, Perron is certainly not the big-bodied, banging winger that, say, ex-Oilers winger Dustin Penner can be on a good night.

Penner’s name comes to mind for two reasons. First, because his bio is just two thumbnails up the page (503) from Perron’s in the NHL Official Guide and Record Book. Second, because against all that is rational and commonsensical, Penner’s name keeps being bandied about as a possible fix for the Oilers, at least on the talk-radio airwaves and on Twitter.

One hopes the Perron acquisition stuffs a sock in that idle chatter, once and for all. A team that wants to build a winning culture, rooted in elite fitness, assembles players who buy into that, like Andrew Ference and Perron.

It doesn’t reacquire a Penner, whose lackadaisical approach drove MacTavish the coach to distraction, not to mention other coaches, notably Darryl Sutter of the Los Angeles Kings.

More to the point, what MacTavish has demonstrated with this move, the reason it qualifies as semi-bold, is that he has shown he is willing, given fair exchange, to move a piece of the Oilers youthful core to improve his team.

The alternative is to simply wait and watch as the youngsters grow. That won’t wash. The urgency level in Edmonton is becoming more acute, as MacTavish well knows.

So he has taken a calculated risk here, partly given Perron’s concussion history, partly because Paajarvi’s upside remains unknown. At first blush, it seems a risk well worth taking.

You wonder whether he might also be willing to part with one of the core young(ish) players on defence, where the Oilers currently go nine deep on their roster, if you include Swedish prospect Oskar Klefbom.

He may have to, if he is to secure the top-two defenceman the team needs.

As the roster currently sits, the Oilers have seven forwards jostling for the top six spots: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Nail Yakupov, Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner and Perron.

MacTavish, like any quality GM, wants fierce competition for jobs at training camp. With numbers like that at top-six forward and on defence, he’ll certainly get what he wants.

On hearing he had been traded, Paajarvi tweeted: “Shocked.” Shortly thereafter, he tweeted that he was excited to join St. Louis, as he should be. On the Blues, a hard, physical team to play against, there are any number of players who can help him dial up his game, not to mention demanding head coach Ken Hitchcock.

With the Oilers, Perron, a winger who has demonstrated he can reliably finish, will be another weapon on a team that head coach Dallas Eakins pledges will “push the pace” against opponents.

The timing of the deal is curious, coming one day after MacTavish said he was falling short of his own expectations in reshaping the Oilers, a non-playoff outfit the last seven seasons in a row.

As the middle of July approaches, the Perron deal appears to be a clear upgrade on the left wing and for the Oilers overall.

And it, by his own admission, MacTavish remains short of the expectations he has set for himself, it’s also true that NHL GMs work to never-ending deadlines. Sometimes, boldness takes time.



The Essential Magnus Paajarvi: Top 10 Posts on PRV’s Oilers Career

July 10, 2013. 7:23 pm

David Staples

Draft and 2010-11 season

1. Oilers get their wish and draft Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson

Swedish prospect — compared in recent days to Mogilny, Forsberg and Gartner — slides down and the Oilers are able to grab him.

Three weeks ago, Jim Matheson wrote in the Journal that the Oilers were hankering after a certain player that they didn’t think they would be able to draft with the 10th overall pick, as some other team was sure to gobble him up: “If the Oilers could get into the top seven next month, they would have a shot at coveted Swedish left-winger Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson (six-foot-one, 202 pounds), but the Kings also like him a lot and pick fifth.”

2. Best day of the summer: Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi, all on the ice, all at once, all Oilers.

Cars and trucks jammed into the arena parking lot and over-flowed onto surrounding streets. Fans packed in five or six deep around the ice of the small community arena in northeast Edmonton.

No, they don’t make summer days any better than this in Edmonton, Alberta, the home of hockey.

”I called in sick for this,” said one fan in the hockey mob surrounding the ice.

“You’re not the only one,” said another.

The Edmonton Oilers held the first practice of this week’s development camp forOiler draft picks this week, bringing about what the hundreds of Oilers fans in attendance at the rink hoped would one day be seen as a historic moment: the first time Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi took the ice together as Edmonton Oilers.

3. Paajarvi earning his keep in the NHL

Individual scoring chances plus/minus highlights bright lights and low lights of Oilers season

Magnus Paajarvi is slowly but surely establishing himself on the wing of the Edmonton Oilers.

While his offensive game isn’t yet up there with the likes of Ales Hemsky or fellow phenom Taylor Hall, his production has increased since he’s been teamed up with fellow Swede Linus Omark.

4. Season in review: Magnus Paajarvi jumped the pond in a single bound in 2010-11

Magnus Paajarvi gave up a lot to come to North America last fall, including a surname, a hyphen, and three umlauts. Already an established pro with Timra in Sweden’s Eliteserein and an All-Star at the World Senior Championships, Paajarvi could easily have chosen to stay home for one more season, where he was eligible for one last kick at the can for his home country on a potentially stacked World Junior squad.

2011-12 season

5. Paajarvi recalled to Oilers. Is it wise for him to be the Yo-Yo kid?

Until Paajarvi dominates in the AHL, he should stay there . . .

Magnus Paajarvi, who has had limited success as an Edmonton Oiler this year but far more success with the Oklahoma City Barons, has again been recalled by the Oilers, possibly in reponse to news that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will be out a week-to-ten days having re-injured his shoulder.

In The Cult’s most recent on-line poll on the matter, 65 per cent of Oilers fans said it would be best for Paajarvi to spend the rest of the season down in Oklahoma City, while 13 per cent said he should be on the Oilers, and 21

per cent saying he should go where he was needed most. So roughly a third of Oilers fans will be pleased with this move, with two thirds of the fanbase wondering if the Oilers are properly handling the development of the young Swede.

Magnus Paajarvi (Steven Christy/OKC Barons)

Magnus Paajarvi (Steven Christy/OKC Barons)

6. Can Magnus Paajarvi establish himself as a scorer?

Magnus Paajarvi’s road to a starring role in future Oilers teams took a bit of a detour this year. “Detour” is probably underselling things actually – two goals in 41 NHL games are less a brief sojourn on an unexpected route than it is wreckage in the ditch.

Now, after parts of two seasons, Paajarvi has 42 points in 121 games. By itself, that doesn’t sound terrible. In comparison to other young forwards on the team, it’s pretty meager though. Can a player put up those kinds of numbers through his age 21 season and still go on to have a career on a scoring line?

7. Does Magnus Paajarvi’s disastrous 2011-12 season cast his future with the Edmonton Oilers into doubt?

Development isn’t a linear process, and the Edmonton Oilers have ample evidence of that in the person of Magnus Paajarvi.

2012-13 season

8. Plenty to like about the game of “Modest” Magnus Paajarvi

He’s not a scorer, he’s a checker, and nothing wrong with that

I don’t like Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson on a scoring line.

I don’t like him on the power play.

I don’t like him in the Top Six even, at least not on a National Hockey League team. I also don’t see him living up to the hype that came with him being the youngest player ever named to the Swedish world junior team, and came with him making the World Championship all-star team while still in his teen years.

But if I can get past what I don’t like and don’t see in Magnus Paajarvi’s game, there’s plenty to like, plenty that could well lead to a long NHL career for the big 21-year-old Swedish winger, the 10th overall pick of the 2009 entry draft.

9. Is Magnus Paajarvi finally ready for prime time in the NHL?

Paajarvi blasted as the “epitome of soft forward,” but Sportsnet’s MacLean argues the Oilers need to take a closer look…

Controversy swirls around Magnus Paajavi, who some in Edmonton see as a solid NHLer, but others see as a soft player with an uncertain future.

The latest to weigh in on Paajarvi is former NHL GM Doug MacLean, now an analyst on Sportsnet, who spoke out in Paajarvi’s favour after the second period of Edmonton’s 4-to-3 loss to Columbus on Tuesday night.

First, MacLean praised the speed of the 21-year-old Swedish winger, then he said: ”6-foot, 3-inches, 208-pounder, a big body who can fly, but will he play consistently, will he play a big man’s game? And that’s what they are in such dire straits for.

“Here’s the interesting thing — only a handful of games before he has to clear waivers, it’s looming quickly. Are they going to keep him up, give him a chance to prove himself? I think they’ve got to find out if this kid can play, but three minutes is all he played in that (second) period. Get him out there. He scored, play him a little more.”

10. Magnus Paajarvi playing his best hockey at the NHL level

Just two weeks ago, most Edmonton Oilers fans didn’t want to see Magnus Paajarvi on a top line for the Edmonton Oilers.

In a February 28 poll, The Cult of Hockey asked who should play with Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky on the team’s second unit.

Ryan Jones got 34 per cent of the vote, Nail Yakupov 34 per cent, Paajarvi, 29 per cent. The result was no surprise, for though Paajarvi had just had a good game with Gagner and Hemskey, over the first 14 games of the season he’d been creating scoring chances at even strength at about the same rate as the offensively inept Lennart Petrell. Some commentators saw him as a soft hockey player.

In the last six games, however, Paajarvi has put together perhaps his best run of games as an NHLer.



Paajarvi still developing, former Oilers forward will bring size and speed to Blues

Joanne Ireland

EDMONTON - Magnus Paajarvi didn’t know what to make of his state of mind.

On one hand, he was leaving the Edmonton Oilers, his NHL home since 2010. On the other, he was going to a team which has made two straight playoff appearances.

That was the kicker for Paajarvi. He is certain the Oilers are finally on the verge of turning things around and figured he’d be a part of it.

But the Oilers traded the winger to the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, along with a 2014 second-round draft pick, in exchange for David Perron.

“It’s weird,” Paajarvi said when reached in Sweden. “It’s all very new to me. But I know it’s a business and I am going to a contending team with a lot of young forwards as well.”

Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish wanted a proven top-six player who could finish. In order to get Perron, he had to give up Paajarvi, which wasn’t so easy given that the 22-year-old still hasn’t reached his full potential.

Selected by the Oilers 10th overall in 2009, Paajarvi burst onto the scene with 15 goals and 19 assists in his rookie season. He was a part of the Big Three, joining Jordan Eberle and Taylor Hall, in the first year of the ongoing rebuilding process.

But he couldn’t get any traction in his sophomore season and split his time between the Oilers and the Oklahoma City Barons in the American Hockey League, with instructions to become a better defensive player.

During the lockout-shortened campaign earlier this year, he brought a better two-way game to the Oilers, albeit one that still needs some refinement.

“He’s still very much on the upswing of his career, so that was difficult,” said MacTavish. “But I thought at the end of the year, Magnus might be a person we had to part with in an effort to try to get something that was maybe a better fit for us. He is going to be missed around here.”

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said he saw more consistency in Paajarvi’s game this past season, more of a willingness to go to the net. His size and speed were also appealing to the Blues.

“I think I found a role this year in Edmonton. I think I did what I needed to do,” Paajarvi said. “That’s the game that fit me well and I’m sure I’m going to do the same in St. Louis.

“I have nothing but good memories in Edmonton. It was home for me,” he continued. “Sure we had some struggles and we didn’t make the playoffs when we wanted to, but I’m more than sure that they will. But now it’s St. Louis for me. Hopefully, I can contribute there.”

Armstrong said Paajarvi would have to go into the hard areas to be successful, but he also pegged him as a player who was just starting to understand his potential.

The trade cleared up some salary-cap room, which was one of Armstrong’s objectives, but he also wanted to improve his team speed. He felt there were already enough forwards like Perron in their top nine.

“It’s a good deal for both teams, at least that’s what Craig and I both hope,” Armstrong said during a conference call. “David is a dynamic, offensive player who has had success in the past and we think Magnus is just entering the guts of his career now.

“He’s done his apprenticeship in the American Hockey League ... and we have his rights now for the next four years, which is important in a cap system. We just think he brings that element to our team that we don’t have and that’s that size and speed.”



Edmonton Oilers trade Magnus Paajarvi to St. Louis Blues for David Perron

Robert Tychkowski

July 10, 2013 03:09 PM MDT

The Edmonton Oilers believe they’ve waited long enough for Magnus Paajarvi to realize his potential, now it’s St. Louis’s turn.

Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish traded the 22-year-old Swede and a second round draft pick in 2014 to the Blues for 25-year-old winger David Perron.

At 6-0 and 200 pounds, Perron isn’t the power forward Edmonton is looking for, but he has a slightly rougher edge than Paajarvi and is usually good for about 20 goals a year.

Paajarvi was Edmonton’s first pick, 10th overall, in the 2009 NHL entry draft and scored 15 goals and 19 assists as a rookie. He struggled to stay in with the big club as a sophomore, scoring just two goals in 41 games, but was starting to re-discover his for last year when he had nine goals in a lockout-shortended 41 game season.

Perron, who’s wrestled with concussion issues in the past (playing just 10 games in 2010-11) has three more years left on his contract at a cap hit of $3.8 million.

Twitter react:

@johnnyquinney: "I think MPS is a good fwd with potential the oilers trying to change his style to fit their needs wouldn't work #goodtrade

@meganraepb: @EdmontonOilers @DP_57 @StLouisBlues I'm so mad not my paajarvi! Stop taking my team apart!

As for Blues' fans: "Damnit @StLouisBlues this Perron trade better work out for us. #GoodThingIDidntBuyAPerronJersey," said @ryanjhardy.

@twitdaps: "well @DP_57 I think the @EdmontonOilers just gained half of the @StLouisBlues fans. we'll miss you. good luck."

@prkn23: "@StLouisBlues so glad Perron is gone, #LGB"

More to come ...

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 07.11.2013


LW David Perron looking forward to Edmonton Oilers-style hockey after being acquired from St. Louis Blues

Robert Tychkowski

July 10, 2013 08:05 PM MDT

EDMONTON - This team wasn’t big enough for the six of them.

If he was going to change the chemistry of his top two lines, Edmonton Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish knew he’d probably have to give up one of his prized first-rounders to do it — either Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Sam Gagner, Nail Yakupov or Magnus Paajarvi.

So, when all of his other avenues were exhausted, he did.

“I wanted to keep all of our skill guys, but we were going to have to do something with one of them, for sure,” said MacTavish, who decided that losing Paajarvi is the lesser of six evils and dealt him, along with a second round pick in 2014, to St. Louis Wednesday for David Perron.

At 6-0 and 200 pounds, Perron isn’t the power forward Edmonton is looking for, but he has a slightly rougher edge than Paajarvi and is usually good for about 20 goals a year.

“It’s a little more proven top-six ability,” said MacTavish, who had this one on the burner for several weeks. “This was a deal I was contemplating for a while, but we both went into the draft trying to do a few different things and I wasn’t able to really get what I wanted to do, so we circled back on this.”

While Paajarvi is a 22-year-old who still might reach the potential that made him the 10th pick overall in 2009, what they get in Perron is a quick and skilled player who’s relentless around the net.

He also has quick access to some packing boxes, seeing as he’s barely unpacked from his last move.

“It’s a nice surprise,” said the 25-year-old, who just changed houses in St. Louis two weeks ago. “St. Louis is a nice city, I had a lot of fun here in six years, but I think it’s going to be an exciting ride.”

MacTavish hated to let Paajarvi go, but wanted more consistent offence from the second-line LW position as well as someone who battles hard around the opposition net. They believe Perron is that guy.

“He really has a hunger for the net and he competes hard,” said MacTavish. “Talking to the scouts, his skill level is really good and my overall thinking is he should potentially be better suited playing the style of hockey we want to play. We’re hoping we can build on his career high in goals.”

Perron put up 20 in a St. Louis system that’s geared toward defence. He’s looking forward to the opportunity to spread his offensive wings in Edmonton.

“Just having the chance to play on the Edmonton Oilers will be fun, with the type of hockey they play,” said Perron, 25. “St. Louis makes its game a little after the LA Kings style, while Edmonton is looking to be more like Chicago or Detroit. It’s definitely nice to come into a situation like that.”

Nice to know that his right winger is going to be Eberle or Yakupov and his centre is going to be Gagner or Nugent-Hopkins.

“Just hearing the names I might have the chance to play with is fun,” he said. “I can’t wait to meet these guys and hopefully have a really positive impact on the hockey team.

“I have to be able to use my skills, coming into the zone with possession, making plays. With the level of talent they have here, you’re trying to make as many give and goes as you can.”

Perron, who’s wrestled with concussion issues in the past (playing just 10 games in 2010-11) has three more years left on his contract at a cap hit of $3.8 million. The Oilers are hoping he’s put that tough stretch behind him.

“We’re a little concerned about the concussion history,” said MacTavish. “But he’s been healthy for a couple of years, played all 48 games last year. We decided to go ahead and hopefully it works out for us.”



Acquisition of David Perron from St. Louis Blues not the bold move promised by Edmonton Oilers GM Craig MacTavish

Terry Jones

July 10, 2013 06:23 PM MDT

EDMONTON - Craig MacTavish may regret the use of using the word “bold” in making promises of the moves he was going to make as new general manager of the Edmonton Oilers.

Especially when it came to the move he made Wednesday.

MacTavish traded Magnus Paajarvi and a second-round draft choice to the St. Louis Blues for David Perron.

This was the so-called bold move for missing link in the top six forwards.

The move expected was to bring a power forward of significant size and stature who would make the Oilers bigger and better.

Perron doesn’t really make the Oilers significantly bigger.

The media guide says he’s 6-foot and 200-pounds but there’s some doubt if he’s quite that tall or quite that heavy. Regardless, size-wise, he won’t make the Oilers significantly bigger in a group that features Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Jordan Eberle and Perron’s likely linemates Sam Gagner and Nail Yakupov.

With the Oilers missing out on a different David, Clarkson, of the New Jersey Devis who signed a seven-year contract at $5.5 million a year with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Craig MacTavish getting nowhere with trading Ales Hemsky and a couple other assets for the missing link, there’s just the feeling that he’s settling for less, settling for second best.

But, hey, it could have been Dustin Penner. So there’s that.

Does David Perron totally fit the profile of the player projected?

Just the other day, MacTavish said “a top-six forward doesn’t have to be a prolific scorer but would be a good complement to the other five forwards. Somebody who has a lot more size.”

Just the other day coach Dallas Eakins said “I still think we need a certain level of toughness we don’t have yet, to show we’re not fooling around, that we have layers to protect people and allow them to feel safe on the ice.”

Maybe this is a steal of a deal. Maybe Perron turns out to be a guy who can buy his wingers space and that his highly skilled mates will also make him better.

There is certainly the feeling that this will be a “Get Out Of Jail” card for Perron from Ken Hitchcock’s system.

Maybe getting a 25-year-old left winger with three years left on his contract with a salary cap hit of just over $3.8 million because St. Louis has salary cap, or at least budget, issues will prove to be the Oilers’ win on this deal that many hockey experts suggest.

Maybe there were reasons for Perron’s disappointing playoff performance (two assists in six games) coming off a 10-goal, 25-point 48-game lockout-shortened season. And he did play all 48, which hopefully means his concussion issue resulting from a Joe Thornton elbow on Nov. 12, 2010 that took him out for 13 months, is behind him.

Perron does have a bit of an edge to him, doesn’t turn the puck over anywhere near to the extent as Hemsky and goes to the tough areas in front of the net, where Paajarvi refused to tread.

And Perron’s Twitter biography (@DP_57) lists him as a “Deep Thinker, Health & Training fanatic,” so head coach Dallas Eakins is going to like that.

In some ways this was a Billy Ball move.

Quote-unquote MacTavish: “It’ll be a good test for our analytics guys. They have him with some of the game’s elite.”

The issue isn’t who the Oilers traded away. Magnus Paajarvi didn’t prove he was ever going to turn the corner on being a tentative player, although his world-class speed and skill level is hard to give up on at age 22, even if the 6-foot-3 Swede was projected as a third-line player.

St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong, on a conference call said the Blues had “a number of players like David” on their roster and could afford to move him.

The thing is that the deal does make the Oilers a better team next year. That’s difficult to dispute.

But was it bold?

Is David Perron everything Edmonton expected that specific piece of the puzzle would be?

And if it really was that important, major move by this hockey team going forward, why didn’t it rate a press conference?

It just has that feel that the Oilers settled for something less than they really wanted.


714103 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers prospect Michael Matheson shows his smarts in college

David J. Neal

The one defense prospect the Panthers know they won’t be seeing this season is 2012 first-round pick Michael Matheson. Not because of the organization’s patience. Because of Matheson’s.

Though he grew up in Montreal, surrounded by the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Matheson decided against taking the road most traveled for Canadians with NHL hopes: junior hockey.

“I thought that, especially as a defenseman, it takes longer to develop and it buys you a bit of time,” he said. “I’m in no rush. Being in college, I can take the time to develop. I have time to get into the gym. As people know, we play fewer games. We have more time to work out. I have more time to practice and let my game and body mature.”

Which is how the Canadiens fan wound up in the Bruins’ town by way of a United States Hockey League season in Dubuque, Iowa. Matheson, a 19-year-old psychology major, will be back at Boston College for his sophomore season after leading all NCAA freshmen defensemen in scoring with eight goals and 25 points.

But it was during the 2010-11 season at Dubuque, where he wouldn’t have been without eschewing juniors, that Matheson thinks things really got going in the right direction for him.

“The first half of the year was a struggle for me,” he said. “I learned a lot under [head] coach [Jim] Montgomery and [associate head] coach Joe [Combs] in Dubuque that helped me a lot in my success at the end of the year, being drafted by Florida and ultimately having a better year as a freshman at BC.”

For college, Matheson wanted to stay close to Montreal. The University of Vermont made his final four (there’s a part of Vermont that adores hockey with Canadian fervor). But Matheson had an affinity for the city of Boston, which put Boston University and Northeastern in his final group along with BC.

The Golden Eagles went 22-14-4 last season, closing with losses in the Hockey East tournament to BU and the NCAA tournament to Union.

“It was possibly the team where I was closest with the most people on a given team,” Matheson said. “In past years, I’ve been close with certain guys, but with this team, everyone was so close. It was a really good experience.”

Said Panthers manager of player development and former longtime NHL defenseman Bryan McCabe: “He’s a great skater, everyone knows that. He’s just got to mature and get some more experience. As a freshman at BC, he played a lot of minutes. He had a great season. This year, we’re looking for him to hopefully make the [Canadian] World Junior Championships team. It would be a great experience for him to play internationally.

Like fellow defense prospect Alexander Petrovic, Matheson wants to add size, just not too much.

“I think I’m around 190 [pounds] right now,” Matheson said. “I think a good weight for me to play at next year is 195. I don’t need to be huge. My game is about speed.”

• The Panthers will be back on the ice at 9 a.m. Thursday at Saveology.com Iceplex in Coral Springs after spending Wednesday working out, then playing volleyball in South Beach before attending the Marlins game.

Miami Herald LOADED: 07.11.2013

714104 Florida Panthers

Panthers young goalie Michael Houser stops pucks and doubters

Harvey Fialkov

6:03 PM EDT, July 10, 2013

If adversity builds character, then Panthers minor-league goalie Michael Houser belongs in the Character Hall of Fame, as well as the NHL.

Houser was born with bilateral club feet and had 14 surgeries before he was 2 and another two procedures when he was 11. Doctors were concerned he'd be unable to walk, let alone stop 100-mph hockey pucks while on ice skates.

Undaunted and undrafted at every level, Houser has persevered and thrived, silencing the doubters en route to becoming a professional hockey player at a position where agile feet are vital to success.

He is one of four young goalies at this week's Panthers development camp, where all are being supervised by goalie coach Robb Tallas and consultant Steve Shields.

"What I like about Michael is his fantastic attitude,'' Tallas said after practice Tuesday. "He's been a kid who has been knocked down and he knows he's able to get up every time.

"All those surgeries and a lot of people saying no. Last year, he comes into his first pro training camp in San Antonio with a great opportunity to play and blows out a knee.

"After months of rehabbing, now we've got to place this kid on a team that's three months into their season. What makes it harder, you're dealing with a position that only has two guys.

"Obviously, he's a very unwanted man from his goalie partners, so he has to prove he's a pro goalie while [Brian Foster] is having a great year, and prove that he's better and steal his job. He did it and took the Cincinnati Cyclones [ECHL] to the conference finals.

"It was a very successful year in a very difficult situation. Now he comes into camp to show he's capable of another jump.''

Houser was 17-10-2 with a 2.55 goals-against average for Cincinnati. Panthers General Manager Dale Tallon is so high on him that the team chose not to re-sign Foster, a sixth-round pick in 2005.

"He has a huge upside,'' Tallon said. "His character is unbelievable, and no one's really given this kid a chance.''

Although a still unsigned Jacob Markstrom is projected as the Panthers' long-term answer in net, his backup, Scott Clemmensen, turns 36 this month and has one year remaining on his contract. So opportunity is knocking again for a young man who has had the door slammed in his face repeatedly.

"I don't remember a lot of it, but it was tough on my parents,'' said Houser, 20, a Youngstown, Ohio, native who grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh. "I had to stay down in my mom's room because I couldn't go upstairs. It wasn't too bad because I wasn't too crazy into hockey already.

"It's something I've dealt with my whole life.''

Houser was referring to his last two surgeries when he was in two casts and confined to a wheelchair for three months. Fortunately, he was raised in an athletic family and by his mother, Monica, then a surgical nurse, and his father, Bill, a pediatrician.

So when they were told their son was born with a condition that strikes one in every 1,000 newborns, they approached it with practicality rather than pity.

"It was overwhelming,'' said Monica, who has three other children in college playing sports. "It just became a blur. You had to do what you had to do.

"While people made it a bigger deal than it is, we never made it something to feel sorry for. We were, 'You're no different than any other kid and you'll

get out there and won't get any special treatment. And you won't be a quitter.' ''

At 4, Houser tried out for recreational hockey with his brother, Nick, then 5, in Cranberry, Ohio. Because his skating skills were lacking, they stuck Michael in goal. Although he would pull his socks low to cover his customized figure skates to avoid teasing, Houser never quit believing he'd be a pro goalie someday.

His foot surgeon, Dr. Dennis Weiner, who last year proclaimed that Houser's feet were 100 percent healed, gave him examples of other professional athletes who were born with club feet to serve as inspirations, such as Olympic gold medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, soccer great Mia Hamm and former Pirates second baseman Freddy Sanchez.

Houser excelled on elite travel teams like Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club in Detroit but went undrafted in the Ontario Hockey (junior) League. Signed by former NHL stars and London (Ont.) co-owners Dale and Mark Hunter in 2009, Houser developed rapidly and was named OHL Player of the Year in 2012, when he led the Knights to a league championship before falling short in the Memorial Cup title game.

He was the first American-born player to be named Canadian Hockey League Goalie of the Year. Still, he was bypassed in the NHL Draft for three straight seasons, including an emotional one held in Pittsburgh in 2012 when Monica admitted she had a "meltdown.''

"Why is this happening again? OHL Player of the Year? Goalie of the Year?'' she said. "When can he get a break? We taught him everything happens for a reason. He keeps fighting and never gave up. He thought, 'OK, what's the next step?' ''

The next step was a call from the Panthers to try out at last year's player development camp, where he earned his first pro contract, a two-way, two-year deal worth over $1 million as an NHLer. Houser may be one holdout or strained groin away from going from San Antonio to Sunrise, and he certainly won't be alone.

"The joke in the family is if Michael gets called up, I would beat him to Fort Lauderdale,'' Monica laughed.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 07.11.2013

714105 Los Angeles Kings

I Was There #6: Slava’s overtime game-winner

Jon Rosen

10 July 2013, 11:06 am

Throughout the remainder of the month, LAKI will be reviewing the top 10 moments of the Los Angeles Kings season as a recurring feature entitled “I Was There.”

KingsCast recently finished a similar endeavor, complete with screen grabs, video highlights and commentary. Alex Kinkopf’s #TopTen list is recommended as a great account of the 2012-13 season.

I Was There #6: Slava’s overtime game-winner

Returning to St. Louis with momentum after having won Games 3 and 4 in Los Angeles, the Kings never trailed in their top road effort of the postseason and exited the Scottrade Center with a pivotal overtime win that allowed them to return home with the chance to clinch the series. (Spoiler alert: they did.)

After weathering a scoreless first period, Jeff Carter struck early in the second on a simple play in which he won a faceoff cleanly to Drew Doughty and stuffed the rebound of Doughty’s shot past Brian Elliott for a 1-0 lead. Though Alex Steen tied the game six and a half minutes later, Carter gave the Kings the lead early in the third period on a slick power play passing sequence as he one-timed a no-look Anze Kopitar feed past Elliott, who didn’t have much of a chance on the shot. There was a beautiful feed by Mike Richards to thread the needle in getting Kopitar the puck, and some solid puck advancement by Jake Muzzin to weather St. Louis pressure in his own half of the ice.

With under 45 seconds remaining, Alex Pietrangelo used a wristshot from the blue line to beat a screened Jonathan Quick with Elliott pulled to send the game into overtime – a period Los Angeles out-shot St. Louis 7-4.

A team-wide effort allowed Voynov to bury the game-winner. The Blues were on the attack shortly before the game was decided; Steen found Jaden Schwartz a fraction of a step to the left of Voynov on a two-on-two rush into the Kings’ zone. Had Schwartz not had to play the puck out of his skates and onto his stick blade off the pass, he would have been in a good position to fire off a harder shot – though an aggressive Quick appeared to be in good position to stop the incoming chance.

Instead, the extra moment that Schwartz used to play the puck allowed Voynov to get his stick on Schwartz’s, which resulted in a chance that was deflected well wide of the net. Jake Muzzin then played the puck off the glass as Dustin Brown neutralized David Backes, who chipped at the puck and missed in his attempt to maintain offensive zone time. That left all three St. Louis forwards deep in L.A.’s zone as Justin Williams started a rush with Kopitar that was joined by Voynov on a three-on-two.

Schwartz, unfortunately for the Blues, wasn’t able to repay the favor on Voynov’s shot attempt.

Cue St. Louis organist.

-courtesy KingsVision

Also, who was this sharply opinionated AP writer?

The headline:

Kings beat Blues on Slava Voynov’s weak shot in overtime

The lede:

The Los Angeles Kings had every reason to be deflated.

Instead, they’re going home with a chance to wrap up their first-round series against the St. Louis Blues because they refused to let it a letdown linger.

Yes, let it a linger.

From the notes:

Cracknell was a healthy scratch in Game 4 in favor of rookie Vladimir Tarasenko, who made his playoff debut and was no factor.

Aesthetic beauty: High. Even though Voynov fooled Elliott with a contested shot that remained low, there’s something to be said about every player on the ice playing a significant role in one of the most important goals of the season.

Lasting impact: Very high. Along with Dustin Penner’s game-winner in Game 6, this will be a goal that fans will immediately recall when looking back on the St. Louis series. It also was a strong representation of Voynov’s postseason, as he disrupts a scoring chance at one end and less than ten seconds later scores the game-winner at the other end.

Previously on “I Was There”

#10: Toffoli’s first goal

#9: Quick passes Hrudey

#8: Kopitar’s goal versus Detroit

#7: Game 4 comeback over St. Louis

KingsCast #6: Retiring in Style

KingsCast on Slava’s overtime goal

-Note: Contains an excellent facepalm in a screen grab.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.11.2013

714106 Los Angeles Kings

Four Kings file for arbitration

Jon Rosen

10 July 2013, 8:07 pm

Restricted free agents Trevor Lewis, Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin and Jordan Nolan were among the 21 NHL players that filed for salary arbitration on Wednesday.

Teams are also allowed to request arbitration with players prior to 2:00 p.m. PDT Thursday, provided the player made a minimum of 1.75 million dollars last season. That stipulation won’t affect the Kings.

Per Article 12.9 of the CBA, the Kings have the right to elect for a one or two-year contract in arbitration:

(c) Election of Term.

The party against whom a salary arbitration election was filed (i.e., the Club in Player-elected salary arbitration and the Player in Club-elected salary arbitration) shall elect in its brief whether the salary arbitration award shall be for a one or two-year SPC. Failure to make such an election shall be deemed to constitute an election for a one-year SPC.

SPC = Standard Player’s Contract.

At some point between July 22 and August 6, if the Kings and the players above are unable to reach an agreement on a new contract, this will happen:

(n) Salary Arbitration Decision.

Each salary arbitration decision must be issued by e-mail to each of the parties simultaneously within forty-eight (48) hours of the close of the hearing.

(ii) The decision of the Salary Arbitrator shall establish:

(A) the term of the SPC, based upon the Player’s or Club’s election of a one or two year SPC, as set forth in its brief and as consistent with this Article;

(B) the Paragraph 1 NHL Salary to be paid to the Player by the Club for the season(s) in respect to which the salary arbitration is conducted;

(C) the inclusion or otherwise of a Minor League clause (or clauses) and the amount of Paragraph 1 Minor League Salary to be paid under each of the season(s) in respect to which the salary arbitration is requested;

(D) a brief statement of the reasons for the decision, including

identification of any comparable(s) relied on.

If you have time to kill, you can read more about Article 12, which begins on page 57 of this CBA PDF. McSorley’s Stick and Winging It In Motown also do a good job of explaining the CBA.

Don’t be surprised if any combination of Lewis, Martinez, Muzzin and Nolan re-signs soon, though keep in mind the team’s budgetary inflexibility as the salary cap drops to 64.3 million dollars. According to CapGeek.com, the Kings have allotted all but 5.2 million dollars to 19 players. In addition to the players who filed for arbitration, Dustin Penner is a UFA and Kyle Clifford’s new contract is going to gravitate to the high end of the scale of all Los Angeles RFAs.

Really, it’s hard to imagine the Kings having enough cap space to re-sign Penner – or any free agent that commands anything much more than a very low seven-figure cap hit.

In 2012-13, Nolan ($531,667) and Clifford ($870,000) were coming off of entry level contracts. Alec Martinez ($737,500) and Trevor Lewis ($725,000) were coming off two-year contracts, while Muzzin ($577,500) signed for one year in July, 2012. All figures are provided by CapGeek.

Also filing for arbitration:

Detroit – Brendan Smith

Edmonton – Sam Gagner

Montreal – Ryan White

Nashville – Nick Spaling

New York Islanders – Josh Bailey

New York Rangers – Mats Zuccarello

Ottawa – Eric Condra

Pittsburgh – Robert Bortuzzo

St. Louis – Chris Stewart

Toronto – Mark Fraser, Carl Gunnarsson

Vancouver – Dale Weise

Winnipeg – Zach Bogosian, Bryan Little, Paul Postma, Eric Tangradi, Blake Wheeler

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 07.11.2013

714107 Minnesota Wild

Wild announces six-game exhibition schedule

Michael Russo

July 10, 2013 - 11:24 AM

The Wild announced its 2013-14 preseason schedule today. The Wild will play a home-and-home series against the Columbus Blue Jackets, St. Louis Blues and Winnipeg Jets during the preseason for a total of six games. St. Louis and Winnipeg are two of the new division rivals Minnesota will face this season along with the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators. The Blue Jackets move to the East with the Red Wings.

Remember, teams schedule their own preseason games. The NHL puts out the regular-season schedule.

With the Coyotes now staying in Phoenix, all 30 NHL teams can announce its preseason scheds. Once it's official that the NHL will partake in February's Winter Olympics, the league will release each team's 82-game schedules. That should happen this month (it better, since teams would like to start selling some mini-packs and book local TV and radio dates).

2013-14 MINNESOTA WILD PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Date Opponent Location Time (CDT)

Tuesday, Sept. 17 Columbus Blue Jackets Xcel Energy Center 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 19 at Winnipeg Jets MTS Centre 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 21 Winnipeg Jets Xcel Energy Center 7 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 23 at Columbus Blue Jackets Nationwide Arena 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 25 St. Louis Blues Xcel Energy Center 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 27 at St. Louis Blues Scottrade Center 7 p.m.

All preseason games will be available on KFAN 100.3 FM.

Training camp begins Sept. 11. The first two days, the Wild will be out of the X and probably at Ridder Arena because of concerts.

Preseason tickets will go on sale on Monday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Xcel Energy Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations.

I'll blog later after the Matt Cooke press gathering. See the previous blog for development camp tidbits from yesterday.

Star Tribune LOADED: 07.11.2013


He may only be 18, but Wild's Matt Dumba is shooting for the NHL

Michael Russo

July 10, 2013 - 2:54 PM

The Wild’s annual summer development camp began Tuesday with 36 prospects in town.

The Wild didn’t bring in most its 2013-14 prospect hopefuls. So, if you consider 19-year-old Jonas Brodin still a prospect despite making the NHL’s All-Rookie team last year, he’s not here. Nor is Jason Zucker, Charlie Coyle, Nino Niederreiter or Mikael Granlund.

As reported in today’s notebook here, some prospects can’t participate this week. Brett Bulmer, who has a very important season ahead of him, has a lingering injury, so he is doing off-ice work. 2013 second-round pick Gustav Olofsson (wrist surgery after his season in Green Bay), won’t be cleared for full contract for two weeks. He is skating in the sessions but probably won’t take part in the 3-on-3 tournaments this week. Louie Nanne (shoulder surgery) and Mario Lucia (exams at Notre Dame) are also not participating.

Remember, if you want to watch the 3-on-3 tournaments, they are free and open to the public (Thursday, 3:30; Friday, 2:45 p.m.; Saturday, 2:45 p.m.). Gate One opens 30 minutes before each session.

There are a few Wild players at camp that could be vying for spots in the fall, guys like former Gophers center Erik Haula and hard-shooting, hard-hitting defenseman Matt Dumba. I will write about Haula later in the week.

Dumba, the Wild’s 2012 first-round pick who’s still only 18 years old (birthday July 25), can’t play in Iowa next season because he’ll only be 19 (NHL rule with the Canadian Hockey Leauue). So it’s Wild or WHL Red Deer. If he’s returned to the Rebels before playing in 10 games, his three-year contract slides. He can return to the Rebels after playing in 10 games, but the first year of his contract would be burned.

His objective is to make the Wild. The Wild kept him around the first eight days of last season so he could be a sponge, travel with the team, get a taste of the NHL even if he didn’t get to play a game.

“That first 2 1/2 weeks was awesome,” Dumba said. “It adds fuel to the fire. It’s everything I’ve ever dream of and more. It just motivated me that much more when I went back to Red Deer and when I was in Houston [late in the season] just to keep battling and competing each day and getting better and better. Even in offseason training, I’m just going in there each day and wanting to reach my full potential because I know it’s right there in front of me.”

The Wild will give him every chance to make the team or at least stick into the start of the regular season. He’ll get exhibition games, he’ll be in Traverse City for the prospect tournament.

The Wild will decide in camp whether it will keep seven or eight defensemen. Six typically play and the top-6 is Ryan Suter, Brodin, Marco Scandella, Keith Ballard, Clayton Stoner and Jared Spurgeon. Nate Prosser is slated as No. 7. GM Chuck Fletcher will almost certainly sign another veteran defenseman with NHL experience to a two-way deal, and with so many forwards and defensemen with NHL experience still unsigned in the league, he’ll likely bring some players in on pro tryouts.

As for Dumba, assistant GM Brent Flahr says, “I don’t think you’re going to corner him out. He’s a dynamic kid the way he plays the game. We’re not putting any pressure on him, but if you ask him, I’m sure he’s coming to camp to make the team. Some of the things he brings is really attractive and we could really use, but we’re not going to force him. We’ll give him a good look.”

That’s it for now. Matt Cooke will be introduced to the media this afternoon. I’ll blog afterward.



Getting to know the Wild's new 'Cookie Monster'

July 11, 2013 - 3:09 AM

Matt Cooke was introduced as the newest member of the Wild on Wednesday. Here are a few of the highlights from that event:

• At age 34, he is the “oldest skating player, anyway,” on the team, Cooke joked. Goalie Niklas Backstrom, 35, is older.

• His nicknames are “Cookie” and “Cookie Monster,” and he says in Vancouver, some fans would actually come to games and sit there the whole time in Cookie Monster costumes.

• Cooke, on his trademark missing upper and lower teeth: “I have a flipper, and it’s probably the most uncomfortable thing I’ve ever had in my life. And I feel like it’s not me. So I don’t ever wear it. I can put it in for press conferences, but that’s not who I am.”

• Cooke, on being a marked man: “A lot of times I just get two minutes for being Matt Cooke. My wife joked, ‘maybe you should actually change your number so you confuse the referees and they don’t see 24 and automatically give you a penalty.’”

• Cooke, on whether he has to mend any fences with any new teammates: “It’s funny. The first text I got was from Zach [Parise], and before I said anything, I told him, ‘Once I see you in person, I’ll apologize for any past run-ins.’ ... He texted me back, ‘Don’t worry about it. I’ve had a lot worse.’ ”

• On his personality: “I’m sarcastic and a prankster. And not just with teammates. Trust me, I already have something planned for the media on the first day of media day, but I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag.”

• On why he signed with Minnesota over what he says were five or six teams: “I’m a guy that needs to win. I’m a team-first type of guy and I don’t think I would do so well in a situation that maybe isn’t primed to win and win often. I feel like this team is. I feel like this team is right on the cusp of doing some great things and hopefully I can come in and help that. Obviously my relationship with Mike Yeo and Chuck Fletcher from previously in Pittsburgh helped solidify that situation.”

• On his style: “I think I can come in and hopefully stabilize the third line, the checking line. I can go out and play against a top line night in and night out. Hopefully I can be a calming influence in the room.”



Minnesota Wild: Erik Haula's next step could be NHL

Chad Graff

07/10/2013 11:34:27 PM CDT

Erik Haula didn't really think about his whirlwind year as it was happening. He didn't have time to.

Sure, he had a few days after the Gophers' season ended and before he signed his contract with the Wild, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2009. But he used those days to take a deep breath, not reflect on what he called an "emotional roller coaster."

On March 29, Haula was playing in the NCAA tournament. On April 7, he signed with the Wild, and by April 26, he was playing in the Calder Cup playoffs for the team's AHL affiliate in Houston.

Whirlwind.

"I didn't really think about it; I was just excited," Haula said. "I just wanted to get down to Houston and get started. I didn't really think about it too much. It was a new situation, and it was a really easy team to go to."

Haula, originally from Finland, still lives in Minnesota and has been training at the U. He is taking part in the Wild's prospect camp this week at the Xcel Energy Center, something he'll use as a primer to the start of training camp, which kicks off Sept. 11.

It will be Haula's first professional training camp, but the 22-year-old center has an outside shot at making the Wild, or at least setting himself up for a midseason callup.

"That's what training camp is for," general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "The players will help make our decisions through their performance, and the coaches will have to make those choices once we get out of camp."

Haula signed a two-year deal

worth the entry-level maximum after leading the Gophers in points (51) and assists (35). Between his sophomore and junior seasons, he amassed 100 points, but it was during his freshman campaign that Gophers coach Don Lucia realized he had a special talent.

"We asked a lot of him," Lucia said. "He was a top-two center as a freshman. That's a lot of responsibility. He played in every situation. That year, I think he broke his foot at the end of the year, and he played hurt through injuries. I didn't know how competitive the kid is."

After taking faceoffs at a .549 clip with the Gophers last season, Haula could find himself competing for the second-line center spot, especially as the season goes on. And he's capable of moving to the wing if need be.

Before Haula started this week's prospect camp, Lucia told him, "Just find a role."

"I don't know what they're looking for from him," the Gophers coach said, "but I think he could play any position."

Haula has stood out this week, though to an extent, that's to be expected: He's older than many of the prospects in camp. As he put it, he's here partially "to be an example" to some of the younger players.

And his brief time with Houston, five games, helped him get acclimated to pro life. It's part of why Fletcher thinks he has a chance.

"He's still relatively inexperienced at the pro level," Fletcher said. "His challenge will be the same as many of the young players: How quickly can they adjust?"

Pioneer Press LOADED: 07.11.2013


Tom Powers: Matt Cooke should stir things up for Minnesota Wild

Tom Powers

07/10/2013 09:55:22 PM CDT

In his heyday as a rat, Matt Cooke registered a solid 9.1 on the Ulfie Meter.

Named after former defenseman Ulf Samuelsson, the dirtiest player ever in the NHL, the Ulfie Meter utilizes a complex algorithm to calculate the level of foulness on the ice. The mathematical process involves dividing the number of head shots by the number of hits from behind, then adding face-washes, strategically placed knees and the square root of a slewfoot.

Anyway, suffice it to say that an 8.5 reading is enough to cause a riot in an enemy rink. Ulf was a pure 10, of course, and his record will never be broken. Cooke was a 9.1, which would put him up there in rarified air with the likes of Sean Avery and Claude Lemieux.

Somewhere in the league's disciplinary office, there is a skull and crossbones superimposed over a large picture of Matt Cooke. I'm sure of it.

"So you're the one who didn't like me when I was with Vancouver, right?" Cooke said as we were introduced Wednesday. His wide smile revealed a missing front tooth.

Uh, Matt, except for the Vancouver Canucks and Mrs. Cooke, nobody liked you when you were with Vancouver.

"Well, if you liked me, you'd have been the only one," Cooke said with a laugh.

Cooke is the newest member of the Minnesota Wild, signed for three years after spending the past five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's also something of a changed man. Two years ago, he made it a point to try to clean up his act. Give him credit for

realizing he didn't have much choice.

The change in his approach has been well-documented. His penalty minutes are down, and he wasn't suspended once last season. But he still is no candidate for the Lady Byng. If he were, he'd be of no use to the Wild. He remains an agitator and shift disturber. He can check, kill penalties and score 15 to 20 goals on the third line.

Most of all, he brings a win-or-die-trying attitude, as Wild fans will remember from Cooke's days with the Canucks.

"That doesn't mean I need to be reckless by any stretch of the imagination," he noted. "I have to go out and be physical and treat every player the same, whether they're a first-line center or a fourth-line center."

Yes, he has tangled with many top line players such as Ilya Kovalchuk, Jason Pominville and Alex Ovechkin, getting them off their game. One of his first texts as a member of the Wild was to Zach Parise.

"I told him, 'Once I see you in person I'll apologize for any past run-ins,' " Cooke said. "Because when he was in New Jersey, we had a few. He texted me back and said: 'Don't worry, man, I've had a lot worse.' "

The Wild have enough choirboys. Cooke, meanwhile, will never go down quietly. But I hope Chuck Fletcher has a good insurance policy on him. Even though Cooke is doing his best to play within rules these days, he still has to face whole squadrons of players who would prefer to see his head on a platter.

"Yeah, at the end of the day people don't forget easily," Cooke said. "I've learned that throughout this process. I'll never let my guard down. I wasn't taught to play the game that way. I was taught that when you're skating around the middle of the ice, you keep your head up. When someone is coming to get you, get them first. That's the way that I've played the game."

Cooke was never a tough guy or a fighter. He's 5 feet 11. Instead, he is a pest of the first order who used to do anything, legal or otherwise, to win. I remember the time he knocked down Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro three

times in the same game. But he has crossed the line fewer and fewer times over the past two seasons.

"I've played in a lot of playoff games," said Cooke, 34. "I've got a lot of experience. I pride myself on there being no easy ice out there. I'm a guy that needs to win. I'm a team-first type of guy. I don't think I'd do so well in a situation where the team isn't primed to win and win often. I feel like this team is right on the cusp of doing some great things."

Win or lose, Wild games just got a little more intense.

Pioneer Press LOADED: 07.11.2013

714112 Montreal Canadiens

Habs re-sign Dumont to two-year contract

July 10, 2013 5:06 PM

Staff Writer

MONTREAL — Forward Gabriel Dumont has signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens.

Dumont, who spent most of the season with AHL Hamilton, had a goal and two assists in 10 games with Montreal last season. He averaged 9:40 of ice time per game.

The five-foot-10 185-pound Dumont had 16 goals and 15 assists in 55 AHL games.

The Ville Degelis, Que., native was drafted in the fifth round in 2009. He has played 13 career NHL games.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 07.11.2013


Exclusive: One-on-one with Canadiens’ Daniel Brière

Dave Stubbs

Thoughtful, profound and very well aware of the situation into which he’s skating, new Canadiens forward Daniel Brière had a long talk with The Gazette and Hockey Inside/Out’s Dave Stubbs on Tuesday night. What you’ll find here is the product of that discussion, a feature profile on a 35-year-old who can’t wait to learn what it’s like to play for the Canadiens – instead of against them.



July 10, 2013 · 583 Comments

Dave Stubbs

Superstar defenceman Chris Chelios on Tuesday joined fellow rearguard Scott Niedermayer and forward Brendan Shanahan in the Hockey Hall of Fame’s Class of 2013.

Chelios began his career in Montreal in 1983-84 at the age of 24 and was a member of the 1986 Stanley Cup champions. He would win two more Cups, with Detroit, and finally retire as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers at the age of 48 in 2009-10, having played 1,651 regular-season games.

The native of Chicago also joined late Philadelphia Flyers coach Fred Shero, a builder, and women’s pioneer Geraldine Heaney in this year’s group of inductees, who will be enshrined in November.

Chelios is the 45th Canadiens player to be inducted into the Hall, the first since Patrick Roy and Dick Duff were called in 2006. The Habs also have 10 builders in hockey’s temple.



Wearing the Habs jersey was a goal for Brière

Dave Stubbs

MONTREAL — One of the first conversations Daniel Brière might want to have with his new Canadiens teammates will be with goaltender Carey Price, a gentle apology for a villainous act Brière doesn’t even remember committing.

It was Feb. 16, 2008, and Price had just earned his first career NHL shutout, 34 stops blanking Brière’s Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 at the Bell Centre. And before a Canadien could retrieve the final-buzzer puck for Price’s trophy case, a frustrated Brière flipped it lazily over the glass and into the crowd where it would disappear forever.

“Really?” Brière said Tuesday evening from Arizona, his first of many laughs punctuating a wide-ranging talk. “I did that? I had no clue.

“I don’t remember it, but I can assure you, it was not done on purpose. I’m very respectful of things like that. Had I known it was Carey’s first shutout, I’d have been the first to send the puck down the ice to him.

“Flipping it over the glass was a total accident.”

Price, Brière should know, is not big on collecting souvenirs from his NHL shutouts, currently 22 and counting; he’s never thought a thing about Brière’s breach of etiquette. The Canadiens took another puck from the game to mount on a plaque for Price and, probably until now, the goalie has known nothing about it not being “the” game puck.

With this mea culpa out of the way, Brière could get down to the business of building relationships in the Canadiens dressing room, his home for the next two seasons following the signing last Thursday of his two-year, $8-million contract as an unrestricted free agent.

The 35-year-old Gatineau native will arrive in Montreal in a fishbowl as much as on a sheet of ice, a highly scrutinized francophone forward who is determined to prove to his team, to its often mind-bent fans and even to himself that he has not yet reached his best-before date.

His production dipped to a career low in lockout-shortened 2012-13, totalling six goals and 10 assists in 34 games; the year before shows a thin 49 points on 16 goals in 70 games.

There have been extenuating circumstances. Brière suffered concussions in both seasons and arrived with the Flyers following the lockout with a wrist mending from a fracture suffered in Germany.

You suggest to Brière that 2013-14 could be viewed as a comeback season for him and he replies: “I think that’s fair to say. I know there’s a lot left in the tank, there’s no doubt in my mind. I can’t wait to get out there and show everyone and be a part of the greatest franchise in hockey.”

With 847 NHL games to his name through 15 seasons, another 108 in nine playoff campaigns, you’d think that Brière was beyond feeling that he needed to prove anything to anyone.

“I do,” he contradicted. “Oh yeah, I do. I want to prove that last year was just a fluke, that I can still play at the same level that I did the season before in the playoffs (with eight goals and five assists in 11 postseason games).

“It was a rough season,” Brière admitted of 2012-13. “But I’ve also been someone who always bounces back from adversity and that doesn’t scare me. I use that as motivation and that’s what I’m going to do.

“One thing I know for sure is that when I have the chance to play with that Montreal jersey on my back, there’s no better motivation than to be a Canadien. That’s going to give me a shot of adrenalin every single night that I put it on.”

He will wear the No. 48 that’s been on his back since he arrived in Buffalo from Phoenix a decade ago. And he laughs when he’s told that the number in Montreal was last worn on Nov. 28, 2009 by J.T. Wyman, the most recent goal scored by a player in that jersey coming on Oct. 9, 1999, off the stick of Miroslav Guren.

“It’s got a lot of goals left in it,” Brière joked, “so that’s good.”

Of course, the 5-foot-10, 180-pounder had the opportunity six years ago to play for the Canadiens, the team he worshipped as a boy. But he chose in the summer of 2007, as he left the Sabres as a UFA, to sign an eight-year, $52-million contract with the Flyers.

When Philadelphia elected last month to buy him out of the final two years of that pact, freeing him to sign anywhere, the Canadiens again came calling. And they found a different mindset in Brière than when they unsuccessfully courted him in 2007.

With more than a dozen other teams intrigued at various levels, Brière this time opted for Montreal, leaving longer terms and bigger dollars on other tables.

“We’d talked to 16 different teams and it was very flattering. But at the end of the day, it always came back to Montreal and having the chance to wear that jersey,” he said. “There was nowhere else I could get the same kind of feeling.

“I think we spoke first with the Canadiens (on July 3). I remember hanging up and thinking, ‘Wow, whoever I’m going to talk to next, it’s going to be tough to match what (GM) Marc Bergevin and (coach) Michel Therrien said.

“They did a fantastic job of explaining where they were going and what they thought of their team. I was very impressed with both of them, how they view their team and where they’re going with it. There was no turning back after that — especially starting with the fact that I wanted to be there in the first place.”

Brière has been booed relentlessly by Canadiens fans the past half-dozen years for having previously spurned the Habs advances. And now, he says he quite frankly doesn’t know how the cheers will sound to him.

“I don’t know exactly. I’d by lying to you if I said I do,” Brière said lightly. “That’s part of the reason why I’m here — I want to see what it’s like.

“I saw (booing) as a compliment,” he added, laughing. “If they ignored me, it would mean they probably didn’t care that I was somewhere else and I’m not so sure that would be a good thing. Montreal is one of the most passionate fan (bases) in the NHL. To have the chance to play in front of them, on their side, is something I’m really looking forward to.”

Brière chuckled again at the thought of the “welcome” awaiting him as a Canadien back in heckle-happy Philadelphia.

“All I know is I was treated great the whole time I was there by both the organization and the fans,” he said. “I honestly don’t think it will be an issue.

“It’s not like I left on my own terms. The Flyers had to make a tough decision and decided to buy me out. It’s not like I asked to go somewhere else. They made a decision and I have to move on. I’m sure the fans will understand that.”

Sure they will.

The Ottawa Senators would be the “hometown” team of most kids growing up in Gatineau, north of the national capital, but they weren’t much on Brière’s radar.

“Growing up, I watched the Canadiens,” he said. “I admired all those Canadiens players. I wanted to be one of them, and now I have the chance to be.

“I also believe that I’m in a good place in my life right now where I feel that I’m more ready to attack this chapter. I’m very excited about it. I just can’t wait for camp and the season to start to take it all in.”

If the Canadiens had been a dream since his youth, then, how much of Brière’s turning his back six years ago was a matter of perhaps not being ready or willing to play in a market that can suffocate its high-profile players, especially francophones?

“I don’t know,” he replied. “It was a tough decision back then also. My heart was with the Canadiens even back then. But this time around I feel it’s good timing.

“The team is in a good position to take it to the next level. It’s a new organization starting with (owner) Geoff Molson and Marc Bergevin. They’re heading in the right direction. I feel very fortunate that I have the chance to be part of their solution, as they see it.”

Brière was in Hearst, Ont., last Thursday, at Flyers teammate Claude Giroux’s charity golf tournament, when his Habs signing was announced. Telephone reception was sketchy at best. So he was connected that

evening to a 20-minute media conference call on a land line in a bowling alley, falling pins echoing in the background.

“At least it wasn’t a pay phone,” he joked.

Brière’s cellphone had nearly melted, six or seven text or voice messages arriving for each to which he replied.

“For so long, so many people — friends and family — were trying to tell me to come to Montreal,” he said. “They’d do it in a nice manner, jokingly most of the time, but when they all realized it was for real. …

“I had a big grin on my face going to bed that night, thinking about all the players I used to watch growing up, thinking that now I would be one of them and that probably a lot of little kids would be going to be bed thinking about our team next year.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling. I think there’s no better place in the world, if you’re a hockey fan, than being in Montreal. Having the chance to put on that uniform is very, very special.”

If Brière has been too busy in the past week to spend time sifting through the Internet’s reaction to his signing — a great deal of it uncomplimentary, and worse — he gratefully received a handful of text message from new teammates.

“I can’t control what’s being said by fans,” he said. “They’re allowed their own opinion on it. It’s their right. It’s my job to convince the doubters that they’re wrong and to prove to everybody who’s behind me that they’re right.

“The reason I signed here is because I think it’s a good situation. I think it’s the right time and I also believe I can help this team.”

This week, Brière’s three young sons pulled on Canadiens jerseys they’ve had tucked away. Their father, who hasn’t yet worn one, smiled at the sight and photographed it for posterity.

“Seeing so many Canadiens fans with jerseys and hats coming out that night in Hearst, that was pretty cool,” he said. “But it was also a little different for me. It kind of brought me back to my younger days growing up cheering for the Canadiens. It felt like going back to my own childhood.”

Brière is back in the gym working to prepare for his return to skating early next month. He’ll soon find his way to Montreal to deal with the myriad issues of settling in a new hockey home, his fourth in the NHL.

And he will pause to recall what, until now, has been his most memorable moment in this city.

Brière knew, upon signing in Philadelphia in 2007, how difficult the fan abuse would be on his sensitive mother, Constance. So for his first two seasons as a Flyer, he found a way to have Mom in Philadelphia to help out with the boys, watching on TV while her son played at the Bell Centre.

But come his third season with the Flyers, both knew it was time.

“My mother met me at our Montreal hotel before the game (of Feb. 10, 2010),” Brière recalled, “and she said something that she’d never before said.

“She said to me, ‘Please, score a goal for me tonight, I think I’ll need it in that crowd.’ ”

Brière opened the scoring against Canadiens goalie Jaroslav Halak 4:37 into the first period. And then he scored again six seconds from the end of the second. And once more, this time against Carey Price, on a penalty shot midway through the third.

“I believe I gave a game puck to my mom,” Brière said.

Constance Brunet Brière passed away last summer, about 10 months before her son signed to play with the team whose pictures he harvested as a boy.

“But I know that somewhere my mom is laughing,” Brière said. “I’m sure she is very glad that I’m now a Montreal Canadien, and like me she’ll be very happy to see me put on that sweater.”


714116 Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg bracing for full NHL season

Jul. 10, 2013 4:44 PM

Josh Cooper

When Predators forward prospect Filip Forsberg discusses his recent high school graduation back home in Sweden, he does so in his typical understated nature.

“It was great, of course,” he said. “It was a big moment for me and I’m proud of it.”

While that was clearly an important day in the 18-year-old Forsberg’s life, it probably will pale in comparison to what he has coming up this year — potentially a full NHL season playing important minutes.

The Predators indicated that Forsberg would likely be on the roster for the season opener in October. The player who still very much looks like a high schooler hopes to be ready.

His priorities are to “get stronger and to play at a higher level and get up to speed a little bit. Those are two things I really focus on.”

Forsberg is a little different from most other prospects in Predators development camp at Centennial Sportsplex this week. Acquired by Nashville in a trade with the Washington Capitals on April 3, he played in five games near the end of last season and scored a goal.

The small taste of the NHL gives him some things most other prospects lack: a better overall sense of the team, its attitude and what the coaches want from him in the upcoming season — if he does indeed stick on the NHL roster.

Said coach Barry Trotz: “When Filip came in, I tried to prepare him that we were going to play him and you end up against some people who are higher quality than he has been used to.”

The Predators believe that with the veteran forwards they acquired when free agency opened last week — Matt Hendricks, Viktor Stalberg, Eric Nystrom — Forsberg should feel even more confident jumping into the lineup.

“I like the type of people we brought in,” Trotz said. “Guys like Hendricks and Nystrom really fill in that grit factor, and that backbone factor, so some of the young guys we have in our lineup can feel comfortable out there.”

Before Nashville selected defenseman Seth Jones with the fourth overall pick of the draft last month, Forsberg was considered the major building block toward boosting the roster of prospects.

A 2012 first round pick (11th overall), Forsberg was acquired for alternate captain Martin Erat and forward Michael Latta after Erat demanded a trade. The 6-foot-1, 186-pounder is a player who can drive off the boards toward the net in the offensive zone. He also has an excellent wrist shot.

Now the Predators see Forsberg and Jones as a possible offense/defense duo and future members of the team core.

“Both of them have a little bit of that ‘it’ factor and whatever ‘it’ is, I really can’t explain it,” Trotz said. “They’re polished, they understand what they want to do, and I think they have an inner confidence. And all athletes who are successful have an inner confidence.”

Tennessean LOADED: 07.11.2013


Nashville Predators open preseason with road doubleheader

Jul. 10, 2013 2:47 PM

STAFF REPORTS

The Predators announced today that they will open their seven-game preseason schedule with a doubleheader against the Florida Panthers in Sunrise, Fla., on Sept. 16. The full schedule (all times Central):

Sept. 16 at Florida Panthers, 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Florida Panthers, 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Tampa Bay Lightning, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 New York Islanders, 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Washington Capitals, 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 at New York Islanders, 6 p.m



Seth Jones signs with Nashville Predators

Jul. 10, 2013 5:46 PM |

Marc Torrence

PREDATORS PRESEASON

The Predators open their seven-game preseason schedule with a doubleheader against the Panthers in Sunrise, Fla., on Sept. 16 (all times Central):

Date Opponent Time

Sept. 16 at Florida Panthers 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 16 at Florida Panthers 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Tampa Bay Lightning 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 New York Islanders 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 Tampa Bay Lightning 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Washington Capitals 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 at New York Islanders 6 p.m.

Related Links

Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg bracing for full NHL season

Nashville Predators open preseason with road doubleheader

Seth Jones draws a crowd in debut with Nashville Predators

On the eve of his son signing his first NHL contract, former NBA player Popeye Jones took Seth Jones out to Maggiano’s for a celebratory dinner, complete with a toast all too appropriate for an 18-year-old: a glass of sweet tea.

“I guess it’s time to start calling him a pro,” Popeye Jones said.

Seth Jones, the fourth overall pick in the 2013 draft, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Predators on Wednesday at Centennial Sportsplex in front of a crowd of media, coaches, front office personnel and his dad.

The contract includes base salaries of $925,000 and maximum rookie bonuses that set his salary cap number at $3.225 million.

“I’ve heard so much about the Predator organization, and I’m extremely happy to be a part of it,” Seth Jones said. “This is one of the best days of my life and career so far. Hopefully there’s a lot of good days to come.”

Jones, one of the most highly touted prospects in the history of the Predators, is participating in the team’s development camp this week. He signed his contract shortly after his on-ice session.

“To me, he’s a foundation player for the organization for the next decade, hopefully longer,” coach Barry Trotz said. “I'm just glad he’s a confirmed piece of our organization. I really believe he’s going to be a foundation piece just as (goaltender) Pekka (Rinne) and (defenseman) Shea (Weber) are.”

Arbitration for Spaling: Forward Nick Spaling filed for player-elected salary arbitration, the NHL Players’ Association announced.

Wednesday was the deadline for players to elect for arbitration.

The Predators sent Spaling, a restricted free agent, a qualifying offer but haven't come to terms on a new contract.

Spaling, a second-round pick of the Predators in 2007, has 52 points in 226 games over four seasons.

Arbitration hearings will be held in Toronto from July 22 to Aug. 6.

Book signing: Predators hockey operations advisor Brent Peterson will sign copies of his book “My Toughest Face Off, My Life in Hockey and My Battle with Parkinson’s Disease,” at Barnes and Nobile Vanderbilt at 2 p.m. July 20.



With contract signed, Seth Jones' sights now set squarely on NHL

July 10, 2013 at 4:06pm

David Boclair

The standard NHL player contract that Seth Jones signed Wednesday consisted of 11 pages and covered all the basics.

It was the four-page addendum, which was not present at the public ceremony, that made it clear the Nashville Predators think their first-round pick (fourth overall) in the 2013 draft is anything but a standard prospect.

Those sheets included the financial terms, which in Jones’ case include performance incentives for virtually every measurable imaginable. They were the ones that raised the 18-year-old defenseman’s salary cap value to $3.225 million, well above his annual salary of $925,000 for the first three seasons of his professional career.

Already, the Predators feel he is well worth it.

“Talking to Seth and his representatives, we both have the same goal in mind: To give Seth every opportunity to play with the Predators as soon as training camp,” general manager David Poile said. “We’re going to put him in a position to succeed and the contract was just one of the steps to solidify our words and to our commitment.

“It’s the right thing to do for both sides.”

As a means of comparison, the deal first overall pick, center Nathan MacKinnon, signed with the Colorado Avalanche carried a cap number of $3.725 million.

Perhaps more telling, Jones’ cap hit is higher than that of veteran Nashville defenseman Kevin Klein ($2.9 million) and well beyond that of Ryan Ellis, the last defenseman the Predators drafted in the first round (11th overall in 2009). Ellis’ cap number in the final year of his entry-level contract is $1.44 million.

“I think now [Jones] is at peace as to what he needs to do in terms of his preparation in the summer,” Poile sad. “I know he’s going to do everything he can on and off the ice to get there.”

If he does not make the NHL roster, the league’s agreement with the Canadian Hockey League requires that — because of his age — Jones returns to his junior club, the Portland Winterhawks. In that case, the contract would be deferred.

After this season, Jones will be eligible to play in the American Hockey League or any other minor professional league. In that case, his salary would be $70,000.

Neither of those scenarios seem likely at present.

Jones’ mindset was clear during the signing ceremony in that he included the term “professional athlete” in his answer to virtually every question. Plus, Poile and his staff already have made moves in the wake of the draft, which took place fewer than two weeks ago, to help make room on the Nashville roster for the player they considered the best prospect available this year.

“I think as a professional athlete you always have to be focused and be thinking about your goals and what you have to accomplish to reach your goals,” Jones said. “At the same time I think you definitely need to kind of sit back and really see the big picture here of what’s happening. I’m still trying to process it myself.

“I just signed with an NHL team. My entire life I wanted to be an NHL player. This is another step to really try to prove to myself that I can play in the NHL.”

Nashville City Paper LOADED: 07.11.2013


Preds will play just two preseason games at Bridgestone Arena

July 10, 2013 at 3:09pm

David Boclair

The Nashville Predators’ seven-game preseason schedule will serve as a tune-up for the NHL’s new regular-season schedule format in which every team will face all non-conference opponents twice, once at home and once on the road.

Nashville will play a preseason home-and-home with the Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Islanders. Those will be the only two home games, the first of which is against the Islanders on Sept. 22 (5 p.m.).

The rest of the schedule consists of a doubleheader at Florida and a trip to Washington. The Predators and Panthers also played two games in one day two years ago and split those contests.

Washington has been a regular preseason opponent in recent years.

Nashville never has faced Tampa Bay or the Islanders in such contests.

The complete 2013 Nashville Predators preseason schedule:

Sept. 16 at Florida Panthers, 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Tampa Bay Lightning, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 22 vs. New York Islanders, 5 p.m.

Sept. 24 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25 at Washington Capitals, 6 p.m.

Sept. 27 at New York Islanders, 6 p.m.

Nashville City Paper LOADED: 07.11.2013

714121 New Jersey Devils

Marek Zidlicky re-signs with Devils

Michael J. Fensom

July 10, 2013 at 5:06 PM

Marek Zidlicky, a 36-year-old defenseman, has re-signed with the Devils. The team announced the signing today in a two-sentence statement, and did not release terms of Zidlicky's new contract per team policy.

Usually paired with Bryce Salvador, the Devils captain, Zidlicky had four goals, 15 assists and 38 penalty minutes in all 48 games of the strike-shortened 2012-13 season.

Zidlicky will maintain a veteran presence in a Devils' defensive corps that, like last season, is crowded. Lou Lamoriello, the Devils general manager, is committed to testing a handful of young defensemen rising from the minors, including Jon Merrill, Eric Gelinas, Alex Urbom and Damon Severson.

The Devils traded Henrik Tallinder, a 34 year old with a $3.375 million cap hit, to the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, but with today's signing have retained seven of their top eight defensemen from last season.

The Devils acquired Zidlicky from the Minnesota Wild in February 2012 trade, and the Czech Republic native proved a reliable blue-line scorer. In 24 games during a run to the Stanley Cup Finals, he scored one goal and had eight assists, matching two goals and seven assists in 22 games during the regular season.

Star Ledger LOADED: 07.11.2013

714122 New Jersey Devils

Zidlicky stays with Devs

BRETT CYRGALIS

4:05 AM, July 11, 2013

The Devils re-signed unrestricted free agent defenseman Marek Zidlicky to a one-year contract yesterday, with the monetary amount not released by the club.

Zidlicky, 36, was obtained before the trade deadline two seasons ago when he helped the Devils make it to the Stanley Cup finals, where they lost to the Kings. He made $4 million last season while compiling four goals and 15 assists while playing in all 48 regular-season games.

The Devils were able to fit him under the cap after Sunday’s trade of defenseman Henrik Tallinder to the Sabres, shedding his $3.375 million salary-cap hit.

General manager Lou Lamoriello said the trade was also because he expects to get more out of some young defensemen in the organization, who will be on display when the team opens prospect camp this coming Monday at the Prudential Center in Newark.

* Islanders restricted free agent forward Josh Bailey filed for salary arbitration. The league will now set a date for the hearing, which likely will take place in August.

New York Post LOADED: 07.11.2013

714123 New York Islanders

Islanders add Clutterbuck with four-year deal

BRETT CYRGALIS

9:52 AM, July 10, 2013

The Islanders locked up another restricted free agent Tuesday when they signed forward Cal Clutterbuck to a four-year, $11 million contract. The 25-year-old rugged right-wing was obtained along with a third-round pick from the Wild in a draft-day trade that sent away disgruntled Islanders prospect Nino Niederreiter.

Clutterbuck led the league in hits for three consecutive years from 2008-11, including a then-league record with 356 hits in 2008-09.

Clutterbuck’s annual $2.75 million salary-cap hit now officially gets the Islanders to the floor of $44 million, with restricted free agents Josh Bailey and Thomas Hickey still to sign. Bailey is eligible to file for salary arbitration today by 5 p.m., and if he doesn’t, the team can file hursday. Hickey is ineligible.

* Rangers restricted free-agent forwards Carl Hagelin and Mats Zuccarello are both arbitration eligible, and if they file Wednesday, neither can play in Europe. First-line center Derek Stepan is not eligible.

* The Devils’ two big restricted free agents, Adam Henrique and Jacob Josefson, are both ineligible as well. Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello told The Post both contracts are “being worked on.” Those negotiations can go on until the start of training camp in mid-September.

All restricted free agents who haven’t filed for arbitration are still able to receive offer sheets from other clubs.



Griffin Reinhart working to reverse perceptions

Steven Braid

Islanders prospect Griffin Reinhart skates during minicamp at

Griffin Reinhart has heard the criticisms. He’s heard himself portrayed as lazy and as someone who consistently takes plays off. Reinhart, though, is here to prove those critics wrong.

“I know I’ve been criticized in the past, for not necessarily being lazy, but not urgent enough and intense,” Reinhart said. “I think I’ve really worked on that and I think they’ve seen that now in me a little bit and I’ve got to continue working on that even more.”

The 4th overall selection in the 2012 NHL Draft spoke with the media after practice on Wednesday during the second day of the 2013 Islanders Mini Camp. Though he agrees with the assessment to a degree, Reinhart said that he can sometimes make the game look easy and that often gets perceived as him not giving his all during every play.

“I play in a really deceptive way,” the 6-4, 202-pound defenseman said. “I cover the ice really well. I’m not the type of player that needs to skate 100 percent all the time — I kind of read the game. I think that is sometimes misinterpreted as lazy or not urgent and [not] intense. I think people are starting to see that, but at the same time, I’ve also been picking up my intensity.”

Reinhart is considered to be one of the top prospects in the Islanders organization and has spent the last four years playing for the Edmonton Oil Kings in the Western Hockey League. During the 2012-13 season, Reinhart tallied eight goals and 21 assists in 59 games.

Participating in his second summer mini camp for the Islanders, Reinhart said he feels a lot more comfortable out on the ice and has his eyes set on competing for a roster position with the team this fall.

“I thought I played well in the mini camp in January and I’m really trying to fight for a spot this year,” the 19-year-old Reinhart said. “I haven’t heard anything about whether I expect to make it or not, but I’m going to do everything I can to show them I can play here.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 07.11.2013


Time for Anders Lee to show Islanders what he can do

July 10, 2013 8:42 PM

ARTHUR STAPLE

Seth Jones, a defenseman, stands with officials from 2013 NHL draft results Evgeni Nabokov of the Islanders makes a save Islanders 2013: Keep 'em or dump 'em? Arthur Staple Isles Files

Anders Lee packed a lot into the two games he played for the Islanders in April.

A goal on his first NHL shot, plus an assist on the game-winner in his second game. He was also on the ice for all four goals opponents scored in those two games, forced to learn the very hard way about body and stick positioning and the ways in which a rookie can be exposed from his very first shifts.

"I learned a lot that last month of the season and hopefully it will set me up for a good camp," Lee said after the second day of the Islanders' prospect camp at Nassau Coliseum Wednesday. "With how things are, I need to prove myself right away and be ready to go wherever I'm at."

It's a simple equation for Lee, who turned 23 last week. He has one year left on the two-year, $3.5 million deal he signed at the beginning of April, after his junior season at Notre Dame ended. The Islanders did not "slide" the first year of the deal to this coming season even though Lee played fewer than six games.

So the time is drawing near for Lee to show he can be a reliable wing who plays well at both ends of the ice. He already showed in prospect camp two summers ago that he can handle himself against the younger age bracket, but September will be his real opportunity to show that he can be a power forward who can secure a spot in the lineup every game.

"For some of the young guys, it's more what they do away from the puck that gets noticed," coach Jack Capuano said. "I expect [Lee] to show what we want him to do."

It would have been a lot to expect Lee to jump in after a college season and adapt to the pro game -- in the middle of a playoff chase no less. So he played twice, sat the remaining 11 regular-season games and then headed back to South Bend to complete his classes while the Isles fell in six games to the Penguins in the playoffs.

"Thrown in there, you have to learn on your feet and be ready to react. It's a learning process," Lee said. "It's good to just take a step back."

Now he's ready to move forward.

Notes & quotes: Josh Bailey filed for salary arbitration, one of 21 NHL players to do so. Bailey's agent and the Islanders have been trying to agree on a multiyear deal and will continue to do so.



Cason Hohmann, Evan Rodrigues, Ben Rosen grouped together at Islanders camp

July 10, 2013 6:28 PM

Steven Braid

For any Boston University Hockey fans in attendance Thursday night for the “Blue Vs. Orange” scrimmage at the Nassau Coliseum during the 2013 Islanders Minicamp, there will be a familiar sight when they sit down to watch the game.

Not only were Terrier forwards Cason Hohmann, Evan Rodrigues and Ben Rosen all invited to participate in the Islanders camp this week, but they were grouped together, all three playing for the Blue Team.

“I’m surprised that they stuck us all on the same team,” Rodrigues said. “It’s nice because I’m used to playing with them so when I got out onto the ice it was kind of easy because I know how they play.”

Rodrigues and Hohmann, both entering their junior years, were two of the top point-scorers for a BU team that posted a 21-16-2 record on the season. Rodrigues tallied 14 goals and 20 assists while Hohmann netted 10 goals and 24 assists. Rosen, who just graduated, scored five goals.

Not only were the three former teammates seated right next to each other in the locker room, but also Rodrigues and Hohman will be playing on the same line during the scrimmage.

“We played for half a season on the same line and then he got moved off,” Hohmann said. “But I’ve played with him before so I’m used to it.”



Jack Capuano getting to know newest Islanders

July 10, 2013 4:40 PM

Steven Braid

Islanders coach Jack Capuano mentioned earlier this week that he met first-round draft pick Ryan Pulock for the first time at the 2013 NHL Draft, when the Islanders took him with the 15th pick. So you can imagine the unfamiliarity that Capuano has with some of the other prospects at the camp, especially the undrafted invites who are unsigned.

Not only has this camp given him an opportunity to see some of the young talent in organization firsthand, but it has also given him a chance to get to know them, as well.

“These couple days here for us, we’re still getting to know some of the guys, and that’s what this is all bout,” Capuano said. “Garth [Snow] and I addressed them, and as I mentioned yesterday, we want them to practice with a good pace and have fun out there. It’s a good chance for a lot of the guys to introduce themselves to one another and meet.”

The players have had a hectic schedule while at the camp and the organization is trying to provide time-filling activities for the youngsters while they are off the ice. Jack Capuano said that the prospects went to the Yankee game last night and had other events planned for the rest of the week.

Capuano also mentioned that the prospects’ time at the Colliseum has given the organization a chance to work with them in the weight room and set up a strength and condition program for them to follow.

“For me, more than them just being on the ice, it’s about getting familiar with what it takes to be a pro and what they have to do with our strength and condition program and our nutrition [program], and what they can take out of these and the knowledge that they need to better themselves,” Capuano said.

As for what he’s seen on the ice, Capuano said that he’s impressed with the talent, but sees a lot of areas of improvement with most of the participants.

“I think the biggest thing for these guys, whether its defense or forwards, is the time and space and how fast the game is,” Capuano said. “For them, not only being mentally focused about where you need to be, but understanding that one second or two seconds away from the puck can cost you a hockey game.”


714128 New York Rangers

Coping With Wife’s Death, a Ranger Is Returning to the Ice

JEFF Z. KLEIN

Dominic Moore took last season off to care for his wife, Katie, who had a rare form of liver cancer and died in January. On Wednesday, Moore spoke with reporters for the first time since signing with the Rangers last week, describing his ordeal of the last several months.

“Dealing with the disease and what we went through, it’s a lot to try and describe in one simple answer,” Moore, 32, said. “But one thing I’m grateful for is the time we had. In a way, those months were the most special months with each other that anyone could possibly ask for, despite it being the most difficult and painful months that anyone could possibly deal with.”

The Rangers first approached Moore about resuming his career when the lockout ended, a couple of weeks after his wife’s death.

“It was a very difficult decision to not play; at the same time, it was definitely the right decision,” Moore said. “The months after gave me a chance to regroup and to clear my head. As anyone who has cared for someone who’s had cancer knows, it’s a battle that the whole family is in. It’s something that, after you’ve been through that, you need some time to reorganize, and, I don’t know what the right word is — regroup.”

Moore, who lives in Boston (he and his wife attended Harvard), stayed in shape by skating and cross-training with the Harvard tennis team. He also organized the second edition of Smashfest, a charity table-tennis tournament in Toronto. Last year the proceeds benefited concussion research. This year’s will benefit cancer research through the Katie Moore Foundation, which he established.

Moore, who signed a one-year contract, returns to the team with whom he began his N.H.L. career in 2003. He was traded to Pittsburgh before the start of the 2006-7 season and has also played for Minnesota, Toronto, Buffalo, Florida, Montreal, Tampa Bay and San Jose.

Moore, who will center a checking line, said that Henrik Lundqvist was the only player left from his lone full season with the club. “I can’t wait to be his teammate again,” Moore said.

He said it was “hard to know” how he would adjust after sitting out a season.

Moore said he did not want to think too far ahead, a philosophy he said was shaped by his wife’s courage in the face of an aggressive illness, and by dealing with his own grief at her loss.

“One thing this process has taught me is, everything one day at a time,” he said. “Basically that’s what I’ve been doing in general, just living one day at a time and not worrying about what’s going to happen too far down the road.”

SLAP SHOT

The Rangers re-signed wing Carl Hagelin to a two-year deal Wednesday. He will earn an average of $2.25 million a year, up from his $875,000-a-year entry-level contract. They also signed the recently acquired defenseman Justin Falk to a one-year deal worth $975,000. General Manager Glen Sather has $3.33 million under the salary cap to re-sign two restricted free agents: Derek Stepan, the first-line center, and winger Mats Zuccarello, a power-play and shootout specialist. Zuccarello filed for salary arbitration before Wednesday’s 5 p.m. deadline, but can still sign a contract before the hearing, expected later this month.

New York Times LOADED: 07.11.2013


Dominic Moore overcomes personal tragedy to return to NY Rangers

Pat Leonard

July 10, 2013, 4:06 PM

Dominic Moore is coming back to the beginning after coping with the most painful of endings.

Moore, 32, a journeyman veteran center who played his first 91 NHL games with the Rangers after being drafted by New York in 2000, lost his wife Katie tragically to a rare form of liver cancer at the young age of 32 this past January.

Moore, who most recently played for the San Jose Sharks in 2011-12, stayed away from the game this past season despite the Rangers' attempts to sign him out of the most recent lockout. But last Friday, when free agency opened, Moore finally decided he was ready to resume his career and signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Blueshirts, back where it all started.

"It was a very, very difficult decision to not play, but at the same time, it was definitely the right decision," Moore said in a conference call Wednesday afternoon. "The last few months, the months after that, gave me a chance to regroup and to clear my head. I think going through - if anyone's cared for someone with cancer, it's a battle that the whole family is in, and it's something that if you've been through, you need some time to kind of reorganize; I don't know what the right word is, but just kind of regroup."

Moore, a Harvard University graduate originally from Thornhill, Ontario, has spent his offseason in Boston "working out a lot, skating and training," even doing some cross-training with the Harvard tennis team. He is excited to rejoin Henrik Lundqvist as the only two Rangers remaining from New York's 2005-06 roster, their shared rookie season after Moore played just five NHL games in 2003-04.

"Funny that he's the only one still there from our rookie season," Moore said. "We bonded pretty (well) both being rookies at that time, and we've stayed pretty close throughout the years. I can't wait to be his teammate again."

Moore has played for nine different NHL teams, sandwiching stops on the Penguins, Wild, Maple Leafs, Sabres, Panthers, Canadiens and Lightning in between his time in New York and San Jose. That helped him gain respect for Alain Vigneault when playing against the Vancouver Canucks.

"I have played (the Canucks) a lot the last couple years under his guidance," Moore said. "The success is obvious. They have a pretty specific style of play that is not only successful but fun to watch, and I think also probably would fit really well with the kind of team we have more than a lot of rosters. I think there are a lot of things to look forward to with our group, including our new coach."

Still, while Moore is resuming his hockey career, he now has a mission off the ice: To remember Katie by helping others in her name. So he has started the Katie Moore Foundation (katiemoore.org), dedicated to helping patients and families with rare cancers through research, advocacy and community. The second annual Smashfest charity ping-pong event on July 25 in Toronto (smashfest.ca), attended by several NHL players, was started originally to benefit concussion research, but now also will benefit the Katie Moore Foundation.

The tragedy Moore has endured is heartbreaking. Before finally finding the strength to continue playing the game he loves, he had to endure a year that is difficult still for him to describe.

"That's a question that could probably take a lifetime to answer," Moore said. "Obviously, in a way, the ups and downs throughout the course of dealing with the disease and what we went through there, it's a lot to try and describe in one simple answer. But the one thing is I'm grateful for the time we had. You know, in a way, those months were the most special months we had with each other that anyone could possibly ask for, despite its being the most difficult and painful months that anyone could expect or deal with."

SHOW ME A SIGN

The Rangers re-signed two more of their restricted free agents on Wednesday, top-six winger Carl Hagelin (two years, $4.5 million) and defenseman Justin Falk (one year, $975,000). The speedy Hagelin, 24, originally drafted by the Rangers in 2007, has 24 goals and 62 points in 112 regular season games and three goals and nine points in 29 playoff games since bursting onto the scene just after Thanksgiving 2011. The Rangers acquired Falk, 24, on June 30 in a draft-day trade with the Minnesota Wild. The 6-5, 220-pound defenseman has one goal and 14 assists in 108 career regular season games and no points in four career postseason games.

Norwegian restricted free agent winger Mats Zuccarello, 25, and the Rangers did not strike a deal Wednesday, so Zuccarello's agents filed for arbitration prior to the 5 p.m. deadline. The club and Zuccarello still may negotiate a deal before arbitration, but if they do not, a third party will determine the terms of his next contract at a later date.

Top center Derek Stepan, 23, also a restricted free agent, remains unsigned and does not have arbitration rights. But the Rangers intend to keep him, and Stepan wants to remain in New York. They simply took care of the arbitration-eligible players first, including defenseman Ryan McDonagh on Monday.

New York Daily News LOADED: 07.11.2013


Carl Hagelin re-signs with NY Rangers on two-year, $4.5 million contract; D Justin Falk inks one-year, $975,000 deal

July 10, 2013 11:59 AM

Pat Leonard

The Rangers agreed to terms late Tuesday night with top-six winger Carl Hagelin on a two-year, $4.5 million contract that locks up the restricted free agent and avoids either Hagelin or the club having to file for arbitration. The team announced the deal late Wednesday morning.

The Blueshirts also signed restricted free agent defenseman Justin Falk, 24, to a one-year, $975,000 contract early Wednesday afternoon.

Norwegian restricted free agent winger Mats Zuccarello, 25, and the Rangers did not strike a deal Wednesday, so Zuccarello's agents filed for arbitration prior to the 5 p.m. deadline. The club and Zuccarello still may negotiate a deal before arbitration, but if they do not, a third party will determine the terms of his next contract at a later date.

Once top center and restricted free agent Derek Stepan re-signs, Hagelin, 24, will have the sixth-highest average annual salary cap hit ($2.25 million) of all Rangers forwards. Hagelin will trail only top centers Stepan (TBD), Derick Brassard ($3.2 million) and Brad Richards ($6.67 million), and wingers Rick Nash ($7.8 million) and Ryan Callahan ($3.2 million).

HALL OF AN HONOR FOR FREDDY THE FOG

Hagelin’s contract is the type of ‘bridge deal’ the Rangers often give to players coming off entry-level contracts. It gives him a substantial raise – about $500,000 more than expected – from his $875,000 annual salary on his previous entry-level contract. It functions as a bridge to a potential larger payday in his third NHL contract, with regard to both term and salary.

The Rangers drafted Hagelin, a University of Michigan product from Sodertalje, Sweden, in the sixth round (168th overall) of the 2007 draft. He burst onto the NHL scene just after Thanksgiving 2011 from the AHL and has played in every Rangers regular season and playoff game since, barring only a three-game suspension in the 2012 playoffs for elbowing Ottawa Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson.

Hagelin has 24 goals and 62 points in 112 regular season games, and three goals and nine points in 29 postseason appearances. His speed is his greatest asset, often igniting the Rangers’ forecheck.

Both Hagelin and Callahan currently are recovering from May 31 surgeries to repair a torn labrum in each of their left shoulders. The Rangers said they are expected to recover in four to five months, which means both forwards likely will miss training camp, the preseason and the beginning of the 2013-14 regular season.

Falk, 24, a 6-5, 220-pound defenseman, was acquired on a draft-day trade June 30 from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for minor-league forward Benn Ferriero and a 2014 sixth-round pick. He has one goal and 14 assists in 108 career regular season games during parts of four seasons with the Wild, which selected him in the fourth round of the 2007 (110th overall, or put another way, 58 picks ahead of Hagelin).

Hagelin’s and Falk’s re-signings follow defenseman Ryan McDonagh’s re-upping on Monday to a six-year, $28.2 million deal. The Rangers are left with only about $3.9 million of space under the impending $64.3 cap ceiling to re-sign restricted free agents Stepan and Zuccarello.

This means the Rangers almost certainly will take advantage of the NHL’s allowing teams to spend up to 10% higher than the ceiling (an additional $6.43) during the offseason.

That temporary summer cap of $70.73 million leaves the Rangers with about $10.3 million to use on Stepan and Zuccarello, which is more than enough. New York simply will have to trim its roster by the end of the final day of camp to fit back under the $64.3 million cap number.

Stepan does not have arbitration rights, but he wants to return to New York, and the Rangers intend to keep him.

Though it is not certain, it appears unlikely that unrestricted free agent defenseman Steve Eminger will return to the Rangers, though there is always the chance he signs a late summer deal and competes once again in camp for a roster spot.

New York Daily News LOADED: 07.11.2013


Rangers re-sign Hagelin, Falk

LARRY BROOKS

4:05 AM, July 11, 2013

So the Rangers took care of business signing Carl Hagelin and Justin Falk yesterday, leaving Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello as the club’s remaining unsigned restricted free agents.

Hagelin re-upped for a two-year deal that carries a cap hit of $2.25 million per while Falk, whom the Rangers acquired from the Wild at the NHL Draft, is in for one year at $975,000.

Zuccarello filed for salary arbitration yesterday. Stepan does not have arbitration rights.

The Rangers are at approximately $58.7 million on the $64.3 million season cap with a shadow roster of two goaltenders, seven defensemen and 11 forwards, including Hagelin and Ryan Callahan, whose projected absences the first few weeks of the season (postseason labrum surgery for both) complicate the matter.

The number includes approximately $217,000 devoted to Darroll Powe and Arron Asham as hypothetically waived veterans with the AHL Wolf Pack.

The shadow roster does not include forwards J.T. Miller ($832,500 base) or Danny Kristo ($875,000) or defenseman Aaron Johnson ($600,000).

Zuccarello, whose arbitration case will be a difficult one coming off three NHL seasons in which he has recorded 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) in 67 games, is believed seeking in the neighborhood of $2 million per while the Rangers likely are offering around $1.5 million.

Stepan easily could make the argument he is worth around $4 million off of the last two seasons in which his 95 points (35-60) rank 17th among NHL centers—and third behind Steven Stamkos and John Tavares of those 23 or younger— but without the leverage that comes with arbitration, it is hard to believe he will be able to command close to that number.

Though there is a cushion of an additional $6.43 million built into the summer that would allow the club to go through training camp before cutting down to $64.3 million, the Blueshirts are attempting to operate under the constraints of the season cap.



After losing wife to cancer, taking year off, center glad to be Ranger again

LARRY BROOKS

4:05 AM, July 11, 2013

The Katie Moore Foundation, founded and named in memory of Rangers’ center Dominic Moore’s wife, who passed away on Jan. 7 at age 32 with a rare form of liver cancer, is dedicated to helping patients and families with rare cancers through research, advocacy and community.

The Foundation’s credo, as stated on its www.katiemoore.org website, is “One Day at a Time.”

It is the way Dominic Moore, who on July 5 signed a one-year free agent contract with the Rangers after sitting out last season, lives his life.

“I don’t try to get ahead of myself,” Moore said on a conference call yesterday in an attempt to explain the thought process that brought him back to the NHL and the organization with which he started his pro career a decade ago. “If there is one thing this process has taught me, it’s to take one day at a time, and that’s what I’ve been doing.

“I don’t worry about what could happen too far down the road. It’s been good for me not to focus on what I can’t control.”

Dominic and Katie met as Harvard undergrads at the beginning of the millennium. They were married on July 3, 2010. She was diagnosed in the late spring of 2012 with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.

Then a member of the Sharks, Moore took a leave of absence during the playoffs to be at his wife’s side following surgery before missing last season in the aftermath of her passing on the day after the lockout was settled.

Moore, who played one full season with the Blueshirts in 2005-06 before he was sent to Pittsburgh via Nashville in a three-way trade that would lead to a nine-team odyssey around the league, had been talking to the Rangers about returning as a free agent last year.

When asked what the last year has been like for him, the center, who will turn 33 next month, said, “That’s a question that could probably take a lifetime to answer.

“The ups and downs over the course of dealing with the disease and what we went through, that’s a lot to try and describe in one simple answer,” he said. “I’m grateful for the time we had; those months were the most special months we had with each other or that anyone could possibly ask for despite it being the most difficult few months anyone could deal with.”

Moore, who is projected to be the Rangers’ fourth-line center, a role he had his first time around on Broadway on the popular, effective and energetic HMO Line with Ryan Hollweg and Jed Ortmeyer, said the decision to sit out last season, “was very difficult ... but at the same time, definitely the right decision.

“The months after that gave me the chance to regroup and chance to clear my head,” said Moore, who spent the season at his home in Boston working out, training with the Harvard tennis team, and working on the foundation. “I needed some time to re-organize.”

Henrik Lundqvist is the lone Ranger remaining from the 2005-06 squad. Moore actually pre-dates The King as a Blueshirt, making his debut on Nov. 1, 2003 in a three-assist game in Montreal that marked the first of his five games that season. Moore has since circled the NHL globe, but he always has considered New York his hockey home.

“No doubt, coming back to New York is what I wanted to happen. It was my first choice for a variety of reasons,” he said. “I’ve always been drawn back there. I’m grateful that it’s come to fruition.”

* The Katie Moore Foundation is co-hosting a charity ping pong event in Toronto on July 25. Information about the event is available at www.smashface.ca.



Rangers: Dominic Moore ready for NHL return

ANDREW GROSS

Once the true nature of his wife’s deteriorating health was revealed, there was no question for Dominic Moore. His NHL career instantly was put on hold so he could concentrate on being a care-giving husband, then a grieving one.

Katie Moore passed away Jan. 7 from a rare form of liver cancer. Now, Dominic Moore, who turns 33 on Aug. 3, is ready to resume playing after signing a one-year deal worth $1 million Friday to rejoin the Rangers, his first NHL team way back in 2003.

"That’s a question that could probably take a lifetime to answer," Moore said Wednesday on a conference call when asked to describe the past year. "The ups and downs over the course of dealing with the disease, and we went through, that’s a lot to try and describe in one simple answer.

"I’m grateful for the time we had. Those months were the most special months we had with each other that we could ask for, despite being the most difficult time one could expect."

But though he said coming back to the Rangers was his "first choice," Moore no longer plots his future. He’s learned, in the worst way, not to anticipate what comes next.

"I didn’t want to get ahead of myself," Moore said when asked whether he always intended to resume his career. "If there’s one thing the process has taught me is to take everything one day at a time. In general, I’m living one day at a time and not worrying about what’s going to happen too far down the road, opportunities that may not present itself."

The fourth-line center and penalty killer last played for the Sharks on April 16, 2012, leaving the team three games into their first-round playoff series with the Blues. The Rangers expressed interest in signing him last season, before and after the lockout.

He wasn’t ready.

"Unfortunately, it was an inopportune time in January," Moore said. "It was a very difficult decision to not play. At the same time, it was the right decision. When you’re going through a cancer battle, the whole family is in it. Anyone who has been through that, you need time to reorganize … and regroup."

Moore, who played four years at Harvard and was the Rangers’ third-round pick in 2000, spent his time away from the game living in Boston. He’s cross-trained with the Harvard tennis team and devoted his energies toward the Katie Moore Foundation.

On July 25, he will participate in the Smashfest Charity Ping-Pong Challenge in Toronto, an event that will, in part, benefit his late wife’s foundation (katiemoore.org).

"The good news is that I could use that time to get in good shape and be ready to go and raring to play again," said Moore, who has 67 goals and 185 points in 530 games for the Rangers, Penguins, Wild, Maple Leafs, Sabres, Canadiens, Panthers, Lightning and Sharks. "I’d see those games and I wanted to be a part of it. Obviously, I watched a lot of Ranger games. I think they have the makings of a great team."

That will be decided, in part, by how well the Rangers respond to new coach Alain Vigneault.

Moore likes the offensive style Vigneault had the Canucks playing the past seven seasons.

"Their success has been with a pretty specific style of play that’s not only successful but fun to watch," Moore said.

Bergen Record LOADED: 07.11.2013


Rangers agree to deals with Hagelin and Falk

July 10, 2013, 8:45 PM

ANDREW GROSS

Re-signing top center Derek Stepan to a new contract still is an off-season must but the Rangers on Wednesday agreed to terms with two of their other three remaining restricted free agents.

The Rangers avoided arbitration with left wing Carl Hagelin, 24, who agreed to a two-year deal worth $4.5 million, and newly acquired defenseman Justin Falk, 24, who received a one-year deal worth $975,000.

Diminutive Norwegian right wing Mats Zuccarello did file for arbitration by Wednesday’s deadline after the Rangers extended him a qualifying offer of $735,000.

With these signings, Monday’s signing of cornerstone defenseman Ryan McDonagh to a six-year deal worth $28.2 million and veteran forwards Darroll Powe ($1.066 million) and Arron Asham ($1 million) clearing waivers, the Rangers have approximately $3.3 million in space remaining under the $64.3 million salary cap for 2013-14.

Teams can exceed that limit by 10 percent during the off-season.

Stepan, 23, who scored 18 goals and led the team with 44 points in 48 games last season, is not arbitration eligible but it’s possible, though unlikely, another team could extend him a lucrative offer sheet.

Hagelin, who will miss the start of the season while recovering from off-season surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, has 24 goals and 38 assists in 112 NHL games and Falk, acquired from the Wild on June 30, has one goal, 14 assists and 100 penalty minutes in 108 NHL games.

The Rangers now have eight defensemen under contract.

Bergen Record LOADED: 07.11.2013


After dealing with personal tragedy, Dominic Moore returns to Rangers

July 10, 2013 8:39 PM

STEVE ZIPAY

For Dominic Moore, no heart-wrenching loss could be as life-altering as the one he and his family already have endured.

Moore, who will resume his career with the Rangers, sat out last season after his wife, Katie, was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer in 2012. She passed away at the age of 32 in January after a nine-month battle.

"The one thing is, I'm grateful for the time we had," Moore said in a conference call Wednesday. "And in a way those months were the most special months that we had with each other, that anyone could ever ask for . . . despite it being the most difficult and painful months that you could possibly expect or deal with."

During the playoffs in 2012, when Moore played in San Jose, his wife's diagnosis made him step away from the game he played as a youngster in Ontario, through Harvard University and Hartford and nine NHL cities. When the NHL lockout was drawing to a close, the Rangers expressed interest, but he wasn't ready, and Katie died a day after the labor struggle was settled.

"It was a very, very difficult decision to not play. But at the same time it was definitely the right decision," said Moore, who agreed to a one-year contract Friday.

"The months after that gave me a chance to regroup and clear my head. If anyone's cared for someone with cancer -- it's a battle that the whole family is in. It's something that, after you've been through that, you kind of need some time to reorganize. I don't know what the right words is, just kind of regroup."

And slowly, he has.

"Hockey is a small world, and Katie and I were very lucky to have the network of support and friends and family," Moore said.

Moore, 32, a center, was drafted by the Rangers in 2000. He was a rookie with Henrik Lundqvist -- the only Ranger left from that 2005-06 season. Moore has been working out in Boston, skating and cross-training with the Harvard tennis team and setting up a research foundation, katiemoore.org.

"There's no doubt that coming back to New York was definitely what I wanted to happen," said Moore, a two-way pivot who can kill penalties and averaged almost 14 minutes a game in 2011-12.

"I have great memories from over the years of playing at Madison Square Garden, both as a Ranger and as a visiting player. It's always been one of my favorite places to play, if not the favorite. The good news is I've used that time to get myself in great shape, and I'm ready and raring to play again."



Dominic Moore on the hell he’s been through, and on returning to the Rangers

Staff Writer

10 July 2013, 3:15 pm

As you know, Dominic Moore signed with the Rangers as a free agent on July 5. Moore, who started his career as a Ranger, did not play last season as his wife Katie battled, then lost her life to liver cancer at age 32 in January.

Moore was on a conference call today. Here is a transcript of some of his remarks:

Dominic Moore:

“I couldn’t be more excited. Obviously I have great memories from over the years of playing at Madison Square Garden, both as a Ranger and as a visiting player. It’s always been one of my favorite places to play, if not the favorite. The atmosphere is something special at MSG, as everyone knows, and I can’t wait to be back and put that Ranger jersey back on. It’s going to be a great feeling.”

On the layoff:

“I don’t know. I’ve never had that kind of absence at all since I was two years old. I’ve been playing games fairly steadily. At the same time, it’s something I’ve done my whole life, so I think it’ll be pretty quick getting back into the swing of things.”

In the weeks after the lockout, NYR expressed interest in bringing him back, but it was too soon after Katie’s passing:

“Just the timing of everything at that time just didn’t work out. Everything kind of came to a head, unfortunately, at an inopportune time back in January. It was a very, very difficult decision to not play. But at the same time it was definitely the right decision. The months after that gave me a chance to regroup and clear my head. I think going through – if anyone’s care for someone with cancer – it’s a battle that the whole family is in. It’s something that, after you’ve been t hrough that, you kind of need some time to reorganize … just kind of regroup.”

On what the last year has been like:

“That’s a question that could probably take a lifetime to answer. Obviously, in a way, the ups and downs throughout the course of dealing with the disease and what we went through there, it’s a lot to kind of describe in one simple answer.

“The one thing is, I’m grateful for the time we had and in a way those months were the most special months that we had with each other that anyone could ever ask for, despite it being the most difficult and painful months that you could possibly expect or deal with.”

“It is amazing when you see the community. Hockey is a small world and I’ve been very lucky – Katie and I were very lucky – to have the network of support and friends and family. A lot of that network was the hockey world we lived in for so many years. I’m very grateful for that support all the time, throughout the illness but also afterwards.”

What he’s been doing since January:

“I live in Boston in the off-season, so that’s where I’ve been. Basically I’ve been working out a lot, skating and training. I actually did some cross-training with the Harvard tennis team to keep myself in pretty good shape on that front. I’ve been using those months to try and get this foundation (katiemoore.org) off the ground. It’s been busy. There’s also been the charity events that I’m putting on for the second year in Toronto, a smashfest charity ping-pong thing (smashfest.ca). That’s quite a bit of work, and I’m trying to unify that event with this foundation, too. But mostly training and working out, trying to get back in shape.”

On whether he knew all along that he would play hockey again:

“I didn’t really try and get ahead of myself. There’s one thing that the process has taught me, to take one day at a time. That’s basically what I’ve been doing in general, is living one day at a time and not worrying about what’s going to happen too far down the road, what opportunities may or may not present themselves. That’s been good for to just focus on the things I control and my day to day routine.”

“There’s no doubt that coming back to New York was definitely what I wanted to happen, as my first choice for a variety of reasons. I’ve always been drawn back there and I’m grateful that it’s come to fruition.”

On Alain Vigneault:

“I have seen (Vancouver) play a lot the last few years under his guidance and their success is obvious. They have a pretty specific style of play which is not only successful but fun to watch. I also think will probably fits really well with the kind of team we have, more than a lot of rosters, I think. So there’s a lot of things to look forward to with our group including the new coaches.”

On his rookie season with rookie Henrik Lundqvist.

“It’s funny that he’s the only one still there from our rookie season. We bonded, both being rookies, that year and we stayed pretty close throughout the years. I can’t wait to be his teammate again.”

On his summer:

“Summer is all relative. A lot of guys are playing since January, and I wasn’t. The good news is I’ve used that time to get myself in great shape and ready to go, and I’m ready and raring to play again. Obviously watching the playoffs over the course of the spring was a huge motivating factor, too. You watch those great games and you want to be a part of it. I did have a chance to watch a lot of the Ranger games and we have the makings of a great team. There’s a lot to look forward to with our group, I think.”

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 07.11.2013


Rangers sign RFAs Carl Hagelin, Justin Falk to new contracts

Staff Writer

10 July 2013, 2:39 pm

RANGERS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FORWARD CARL HAGELIN

NEW YORK, July 10, 2013 – New York Rangers President and General Manager Glen Sather announced today that the club has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward Carl Hagelin on a new contract.

Hagelin, 24, registered 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points, along with 18 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating in 48 games last season. He ranked sixth on the team in points and goals, third in shots (132), and tied for fifth in plus/minus rating, while being one of four Rangers to skate in all 48 games. The Rangers posted a record of 14-2-1 in games when he tallied a point, were 8-1-1 when he registered a goal, and 5-0-1 when he notched two or more points. Hagelin registered a career-high, five-game point streak from February 10 against Tampa Bay to February 19 against Montreal (five goals, three assists over the span), that began with a career-high, four-game goal streak. He skated in his 100th career NHL contest on April 3 against Pittsburgh.

In the postseason, Hagelin recorded career-highs with three goals, six points, a plus-six rating, and 35 shots in 12 games. He led the Rangers in plus/minus rating, ranked third on the team in points and shots, tied for second in goals, and fourth in assists (three) during the playoffs. Hagelin notched his first career playoff goal in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on May 2 at Washington, and posted a playoff career-high, three points (one goal, two assists) on May 8 in Game 4 against Washington.

The 5-11, 186-pounder has skated in 112 career regular season games over two seasons, registering 24 goals and 38 assists for 62 points, along with 42 penalty minutes and a plus-31 rating. He recorded a point in four straight games to begin his career, including an assist while making his NHL debut on November 25, 2011, at Washington. Hagelin was the first Ranger rookie to post a four-game point streak to start his career since Steven King in 1992-93. He finished that season ranked first among league rookies in plus/minus rating (plus-21), and ranked third in points (38), assists (24), and shots (131), and fourth in goals (14) among first-year players following his NHL debut. Hagelin was invited as one of 12 rookies to participate in the NHL All-Star Skills Competition that season, winning the Fastest Skater event with a time of 13.218 seconds.

Prior to turning professional, Hagelin skated in 171 career collegiate contests over four seasons with the University of Michigan of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), registering 61 goals and 91 assists for 152 points, along with 133 penalty minutes. He was named to the NCAA West Second All-American Team and CCHA First All-Star Team, as well as being selected as CCHA Best Defensive Forward in 2010-11, as he helped lead the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship game. In 2009-10, he was named to the CCHA All-Tournament Team as Michigan captured the CCHA Championship.

The Sodertalje, Sweden native was originally selected by the Rangers as a sixth round choice, 168th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

Rockland Journal News: LOADED: 07.11.2013

714138 NHL

Shoalts: New Coyotes owner bought in when revenue-sharing model changed

DAVID SHOALTS

Jul. 10 2013, 8:48 PM EDT

Phoenix Coyotes fans can thank the NHL lockout for keeping their team in the suburban City of Glendale for another five years.

Calgary financier George Gosbee, the key to the money behind the new Coyotes owners, said Wednesday he was pitched many times on becoming part of a bid for the NHL’s worst financial disaster. But he never seriously considered it until the players and owners agreed to divide the league’s hockey-related revenue 50/50, down from 57 per cent for the players in the previous collective agreement, which was the biggest issue in the lockout which ended in January.

Gosbee, 43, is a friend of Daryl Jones, who was one of the partners, along with Anthony LeBlanc, in what was known as Ice Edge Holdings, which made one of the failed bids for the Coyotes. When LeBlanc jumped in after Greg Jamison’s ownership bid failed in January, he and Jones courted Gosbee again “but it didn’t attract me until the collective agreement.”

“That’s when the business model made sense,” Gosbee said over the phone from Calgary, where he and his fellow investors were enjoying the Stampede. “There is more of a fair revenue-sharing agreement. Phoenix doesn’t need 14,000 people in the seats. It’s more of an NFL model.

“And we’re looking at a new local TV contract, a new food-and-beverage contract and the local economy is recovering. Things started to add up and it became a pretty good investment.”

Gosbee plans to be an active owner. He will serve as the club’s chairman, LeBlanc will run the business side, with Don Maloney remaining as the general manager on the hockey side. But he won’t be able to get to Glendale for a bit, Gosbee said, as he is still dealing with the complete loss of his Calgary home in the recent flood.

Gosbee and his partners scored another revenue boost when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman decreed the Coyotes would always receive a full share of the league’s revenue-sharing plan, which is as much as $20-million (all currency U.S.) a year. Every other NHL club has to meet revenue and ticket-sales targets or its share is docked. Add the $15-million a year to manage Jobing.com Arena in a 15-year lease coughed up by Glendale, and Gosbee could see the possibility of at least breaking even.

Breaking even on a club that routinely lost more than $30-million a year. Gosbee managed to convince a group of his Canadian and American friends in the oil and financial fields to sign up as well.

Among the 10 primary investors who make up Renaissance Sports and Entertainment, the company that spawned IceArizona, which made the $170-million purchase from the NHL, are people who have done many deals with Gosbee over the years.

The other partners are: Scott Saxberg, president of Crescent Point Energy Corp.; Craig Stewart, chairman of RMP Energy Inc.; Dave Duckett, president of Plains Midstream Canada; Peter Kagan, managing director of New York-based Warburg Pincus LLC; Bob Gwin, an executive with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. in Houston; George Fink, chairman of Bonterra Energy Corp.; and Bill Dutton, a retired Calgary oil man who is a descendant of the legendary Norman (Red) Dutton, a player, coach and owner in the NHL who served as its president in the 1940s.

However, despite the blue-chip list of investors, the group has just $45-million in equity in the Coyotes. It does have about $245-million raised, but most of it is borrowed, with the NHL lending $80-million and $120-million coming from Fortress Investment Group LLC.

While an NHL source said Gosbee is responsible for $35-million of the $45-million, with the other nine partners in for much smaller amounts, he said it is divided evenly among the group – although it does have two tiers of investors. He also said there is still considerable risk for the partners.

“I think people still confuse equity with not having risk,” Gosbee said. “We have significant risk with the fact we were able to leverage and borrow some cash. What also makes this unique is we will have $70[-million] to $80-million in cash on Day 1 to turn around the operation.”

This does not mean the Coyotes will spend to the salary cap, although Maloney will have a little more money. Gosbee pointed to the four-year, $22-million free-agent contract handed to centre Mike Ribeiro as an example.

But this still adds up as a five-year, make-or-break deal for the Coyotes to survive in the desert.

Gosbee and his partners have an escape clause from their lease after five years or a cumulative $50-million in losses. At the same time, they do not have to pay the principal on the NHL loan until five years has passed. That just happens to be the time period when arenas in Seattle, Quebec City and perhaps Las Vegas will be ready.

But Gosbee points out he and several of his partners already have homes in Arizona and did not get into this to move the team.

“We’re not focusing on that,” he said. “The five-year window is just so that if it is not working, we need to look at our options. As owners, we want to remain.”

But it is an enormous risk because much of the plan depends on Phoenix-area hockey fans coughing up more money in the form of parking and ticket surcharges. That is a challenge for a team that consistently ranks at the bottom in revenue and attendance among the NHL’s 30 teams.

“Based on the stability of ownership, we will attract more fans, more season-ticket holders and more sponsors,” Gosbee said. “We know there is more revenue to make up for the losses going forward.”

Globe And Mail LOADED: 07.11.2013

714139 Ottawa Senators

Melnyk, Senators show ominous signs that it’s no longer business as usual

By Wayne Scanlan, Ottawa Citizen July 10, 2013 7:06 PM

First, the good news.

Your Ottawa Senators didn’t lose any hockey games this week. In fact, they are undefeated (along with the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Oilers, etc.) during the start of an off-season meant to provide pause to reload and refresh for the new season just around the corner.

So why do Senators fans feel today as though they’ve just gone 10 rounds with Muhammad Ali in his prime?

The past week has been one of the most gut-wrenching in the recent history of the hockey franchise.

It began last Friday with the bombshell: captain Daniel Alfredsson, heart and soul of the franchise, was jumping to the Detroit Red Wings via free agency. During a conference call, Alfredsson said the move was nothing more than a player in his twilight years wanting to try to win a Stanley Cup, this despite the fact Detroit finished last season with the same number of points as Ottawa (56 in a 48-game schedule) and was eliminated in the second playoff round, same as the Senators. The Red Wings did, however, extend the eventual Cup winners, the Chicago Blackhawks, to seven games, while the Senators fell in five to Pittsburgh, the last two games by lopsided scores.

Then there is this: The Red Wings’ current payroll is $65 million U.S. Minus bonuses, it tucks in about $2.3 million beneath the NHL salary cap of $64 million, which is expected to rise substantially by the 2014-15 season.

Look for the Red Wings payroll to rise along with the rising cap.

The Senators, for better or worse, are running a comparatively austere operation. General manager Bryan Murray has a player budget of about $50 million, roughly $14 million beneath the cap, which means those big catches have to be left swimming in the free-agent sea. That’s not all bad. Fans here are smart enough to appreciate the wisdom of avoiding the crazy long-term deals that are handed out every July.

Likewise, the community was on board with a rebuilding program that began with the trades of Mike Fisher, Chris Kelly and Alex Kovalev as the Senators got younger and built from within. The result has been surprisingly pleasing: a playoff berth in 2012 after missing the dance in 2011 and then a stirring performance in 2013, wherein the Senators overcame all manner of injuries and setbacks to earn the moniker #peskysens that the marketing department might have dreamed up except that fans and players beat them to it.

In short, it was a compelling season such as this club has not known since reaching the Stanley Cup final in 2007 after beating the Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference final on Alfredsson’s overtime winner.

So, when did the feel-good wagon start to veer off course with a case of wobbly wheels? It began before the NHL draft and free-agency liftoff, when the club made clear it was not going to spend anywhere near the cap. That had hardcore fans grousing. Considering the consistent fan support at Canadian Tire Centre (sixth in the 30-team league at 19,400 last season) and a run to the second playoff round, exactly what does it take to turn a profit? When will management be turned loose to pursue the player or two that could help turn a good team into a legitimate contender?

The grumbling ceased, replaced by weeping and cursing, when Alfredsson bolted in his first minutes of freedom. Hours later, a trade for winger Bobby Ryan was enough of a diversion to prevent a complete PR disaster (though at the steep cost of forward Jacob Silfverberg, 2011 first-round pick Stefan Noesen and next year’s first-round pick).

Then on Tuesday, when Senators owner Eugene Melnyk made an impassioned, but unsuccessful pitch to city council for an opportunity to build a casino next to his Kanata hockey rink, many started to view Alfredsson’s departure in a new light. While insisting he had no financial difficulties, Melnyk spoke to reporters about “substantial losses” from running the hockey club, thus the need for a third revenue stream (the hockey club and concerts being the first two) to be viable.

As recently as September 2011, a decidedly more buoyant Melnyk went on the Prime Time Sports radio show in Toronto to say, “We don’t have to make the playoffs anymore to make money.” This was after the payroll savings from Fisher, Kelly, Kovalev, etc.

What has changed, besides the messaging? As documented in a Citizen story last week, Melnyk’s personal wealth is not what it used to be. In addition, the Senators are coming off a shortened season in which many tickets were discounted in an effort to win back fans following the lockout.

Factor in servicing the team’s debt load of an estimated $130 million and the revenues are up against it. According to a Forbes Magazine assessment in November 2012, the Senators had then an overall value of $220 million, operating income of $14.5 million and revenues of $113 million against a payroll of $56 million.

The year-to-year bottom line of a company has always been a moving target, as once phrased so eloquently by one of the country’s best-known chartered accountants, Toronto Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston:

“I can turn a $4-million profit into a $2-million loss and get every national accounting firm to agree with me,” Beeston said.

Ottawa hockey fans don’t need to know how every dollar is accounted for, in and out. They do need — as do NHL players — faith that the operation is stable and capable of going for it on occasion. Events of the past week, including ominous messages after rolling craps on a casino bid, have rocked the feel-good wagon.

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 07.11.2013


Senators, Canucks to meet in game at B.C. Place

Heritage Classic scheduled for March 2

By Ken Warren, OTTAWA CITIZEN July 10, 2013 6:00 PM

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators are going outdoors.

Sort of.

The NHL announced Wednesday that the Senators would play a Heritage Classic game against the Vancouver Canucks at B.C. Place, a retractable roof stadium, on March 2.

That game will be 99 years removed from when the Pacific Coast Hockey Association-champion Vancouver Millionaires defeated the National Hockey Association’s Ottawa Senators 3-0 to claim the best-of-five Stanley Cup championship.

The National Hockey League formed two years later.

While the full NHL schedule has yet to be released, the fact the Senators are playing in Vancouver in early March provides an indication that they will be on an extended western road trip after the Olympics. An official announcement on NHL-player participation in the Olympics is expected within a few weeks.

The Olympics will take place in Sochi, Russia, from Feb. 7 to 23.



Driedger bones up on skills in kitchen

Learns how to make high-energy meals

By Kristen Odland, Postmedia News July 10, 2013

Already, Chris Driedger is way ahead of the game.

With a professional hockey career on his horizon in the coming years, billet life is coming to an end for the 19-year-old Calgary Hitmen netminder as he knows it. Things like grocery shopping and preparing meals become his responsibility, not someone else's.

So, at his second Ottawa Senators development camp last week - where meal planning is part of their curriculum and aimed at the future American Hockey Leaguers - Driedger again was all ears again.

"It's pretty sad when it comes to hockey players and cooking," the Winnipeg native said with a laugh. "They taught us how to buy a bunch of steaks and chicken and to marinade them beforehand and pop them in the freezer and then fry 'em up. Then, pasta is pretty straightforward - they didn't have to walk us through that one, boil water.

"But they just teach us what you need in a meal for high energy. Pretty helpful stuff, actually."

Last year, he'd gone in as a freshly selected golden child from the class of 2012, drafted in the third round and 76th overall by general manager Bryan Murray and the Senators.

Driedger evolved significantly in 12 months and his confidence grew after taking over the starting role for the Hitmen. The six-foot-two, 186-pounder posted a 36-14-4 record with a 2.51 goalsagainst average and a .915 save percentage (and a pair of shutouts). His most impressive work came in the post-season as he put together three consistent Western Hockey League playoff rounds Driedger was also at Hockey Canada's goaltender development camp in Calgary earlier this summer, although he was left off the list of the world junior team summer camp roster.



Hockey tough guy Laraque makes it official: he's now a politician, seeking election

By The Canadian Press July 9, 2013

MONTREAL - He was an NHL pugilist. He became an animal-rights-defending vegan environmentalist. Now, in the latest twist in his improbable career path, Georges Laraque is a politician.

The former NHL tough guy confirmed Tuesday that he will vie for a seat soon in the House of Commons.

He announced his plans to campaign for a Montreal seat in a byelection.

At a news conference with Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in Montreal, he said he will begin campaigning immediately for the eventual byelection in Bourassa riding.

That Montreal riding faces a byelection at some point over the coming months because its longtime MP, Liberal Denis Coderre, is leaving to run for mayor.

"While we do not know the election date yet, I want to start campaigning now," Laraque said in a statement.

"We have a lot of work ahead of us and I want to take advantage of the summer to meet you and listen to your concerns. I’ll be in Bourassa all summer, and you can already get in touch with me now."

A former Edmonton Oiler, Pittsburgh Penguin and Montreal Canadien, Laraque racked up 1,126 penalty minutes in an NHL career where he was better known for his left jab than for his wrist shot.

But in recent years he's also become known for his political activism as a vegan, animal-rights crusader and environmentalist.

He became deputy leader of the Green party in 2010.

Laraque was quoted in a recent news report saying he planned to eventually seek a seat in the House of Commons with the Greens.

It's not yet known when Prime Minister Stephen Harper will call a byelection for the riding, which is in a diverse north-end area with different economic classes and ethnic groups and which has a large Haitian population.

Laraque, whose parents were born in Haiti, has been involved in humanitarian work there since the Caribbean country was devastated by an earthquake in 2010.

The Greens finished a distant fifth in the riding in the last election, with 1.6 per cent of the ballots, less than 500 votes ahead of the Marxist-Leninist party.



Ottawa Sens hit the outdoors

By Don Brennan ,Ottawa Sun

First posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 06:33 PM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 07:11 PM EDT

Staging a game outside, some might think, is all about the money.

For players, wouldn't it be more of a hassle than anything else?

Apparently not.

When the NHL finally made it official Wednesday that the Senators will play the Vancouver Canucks at BC Place (which has a retractable roof) Sunday, March 2, Senators were quick to share their unsolicited opinions on Twitter.

"Gonna be lots of fun!" said Kyle Turris.

"Awesome!" said Marc Methot.

Then there was this statement from GM Bryan Murray:

"The opportunity to participate in this year's Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic is something that is very exciting for both our players and our staff. Particularly playing in Vancouver, and against another Canadian team, it is an event that will really provide some nice nationwide recognition for our hockey club.

"Outdoor games have quickly become marquee events within the NHL calendar and the chance to play in one for the first time is a significant occurrence for our franchise."

It will be the first time a game is played in a retractable-roof facility -- so the likelihood of rain in Vancouver won't put a damper on things.

The Canucks will also be just the third Canadian team to host an outdoor game, following the leads set by Edmonton (2003) and Calgary (2011).

The game will be televised on CBC and RDS in Canada, and NBC in the U.S. It's one of six outdoor games this season. The Detroit Red Wings (Michigan Stadium), the Anaheim Ducks (Dodger Stadium), the New York Rangers (two games at Yankee Stadium) and the Chicago Blackhawks (Soldier Field) also will be involved in outdoor contests.

The announcement suggests the league has its 2013-14 schedule completed, and that it should be released any day now.

Of more interest to Senators fans than the team playing outside on the west coast, of course, will be the dates on which Daniel Alfredsson and the Red Wings visit Canadian Tire Centre, and when the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are coming to town.

File this away

Senators winger Erik Condra filed for salary arbitration Wednesday.

Condra finished off a two-year, $1.25-million deal this past season. He had four goals and eight assists in 48 games.

Condra was one of 21 players to file for arbitration prior to Wednesday's deadline. If a deal isn't reached, hearings will be held in Toronto from July 22-Aug. 6.

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 07.11.2013


David Dziurzynski sticking with Ottawa Sens



David Dziurzynski is remaining in the Senators organization.

The team announced Wednesday that it has re-signed the winger to a one-year, two way contract.

Dziurzynski, 23, played his first 12 NHL games with Ottawa last season, making an effective contribution on a line with Zack Smith and Chris Neil.

His run was interrupted when he suffered a concussion in a fight with Toronto Maple Leafs heavyweight Frazer McLaren

The 6-foot-3, 218-pound Dziurzynski scored two goals and had 13 penalty minutes for the Senators.

Like newly signed free agent Clarke MacArthur, Dziurzynski hails from Lloydminster, Alta.

Dziurzynski was originally signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Senators in 2010, after playing the 2009-10 season for the BCHL's Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Since then, he has appeared in 201 career AHL games over three seasons with Binghamton, registering 68 points (21 goals, 47 assists) and 259 penalty minutes.

-- Don Brennan



Canucks to host Senators in Heritage Classic

REUTERS


The Vancouver Canucks will host the Ottawa Senators in a return of the Heritage Classic next season, the NHL said on Wednesday, adding a sixth date to the league's ambitious schedule of outdoor games.

The Canucks will become the first NHL team to host a game in a retractable-roof facility and just the third Canadian NHL team to stage a regular-season game outdoors, following the Edmonton Oilers in 2003 and Calgary Flames in 2011.

The site, BC Place, was also the venue used for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, marking the first time the opening of a Winter Games had been staged indoors.

"With one of the world's great facilities as the setting, and one of the world's most scenic cities as the backdrop, the 2014 NHL Heritage Classic at BC Place in Vancouver will honor hockey's Canadian heritage," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "With the excitement, the entertainment, the competitiveness and the fun of this game, the Canucks and Senators will create special memories for hockey fans everywhere."

Following a bitter lockout that cut the NHL to just 48 games last season the league is betting on the outdoor series to help bring back fans and attract new ones.

The Vancouver game is the latest addition to the NHL's outdoor extravaganza, which will kick off on New Year's Day with the Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The game, played at Michigan Stadium known as the 'Big House', is expected to attract a record NHL crowd of close to 110,000.

The Winter Classic, which was scrapped last year due to of the lockout, will be followed by what is being promoted as a four-game Stadium Series that kicks off on January 25 in sunny Los Angeles with the Kings hosting the Anaheim Ducks at Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The series will also include two games at Yankee Stadium with the New York Rangers facing off against the New Jersey Devils on January 26 and the New York Islanders on January 29 in the first hockey games to be played at the iconic Major League Baseball stadium.

The series concludes March 1 when the Chicago Blackhawks host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field, home of the National Football League's Chicago Bears, followed by the Canucks and Senators on March 2.

The NHL has marketed the outdoor games with great success trading on the romanticism of the sport's outdoor roots.

The 2014 matchup between Vancouver and Ottawa recalls and celebrates some of the earliest history of the Stanley Cup.

In 1915, the Vancouver Millionaires, the first professional hockey team on the West Coast, were crowned champions of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association.

At the same time, in the rival league from the East, the National Hockey Association, which two years later became the National Hockey League, the Ottawa Senators were skating to a league title.

The two leagues had agreed to play a series between the champions of each league with the Stanley Cup, which was established in 1893, awarded to the victor.

The Millionaires swept a best-of-five series to claim the 1915 Stanley Cup championship.



Borowiecki signs deal with Ottawa Sens


First posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 11:40 AM EDT | Updated: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 07:16 PM EDT

The apprenticeship of BoroCop is nearing its end.

The Senators signed Mark Borowiecki, their Binghamton captain, to a new two-year deal Wednesday that includes one-way money in 2014-15.

In essence, they're betting they won't be paying Borowiecki $600,000 to play on their farm team by then.

"I think the right way to look at it is, regardless of what your contract is at you've still got to earn it," said Borowiecki, who would make $550,000 if he cracked Ottawa's blueline next season -- minor-league coin if he doesn't. "Obviously I'm happy about (the one-way). It's just more of a push for me to make the next step. Hopefully, I'll have the odds in my favour."

The odds of the fifth-round, 2008 draft pick at least hanging around as a seventh defenceman next season slipped when the Senators signed veteran free agent Joe Corvo earlier this week. Already under contract are Erik Karlsson, Marc Methot, Chris Phillips and Eric Gryba, with the signings of restricted free agents Jared Cowen and Patrick Wiercioch considered mere formalities.

"Teams are going to sign guys," Borowiecki said of his reaction to the Corvo inking. "Management has things they feel they need to do. Anytime a guy comes in you're competing with, you take notice, but you can't really dwell on stuff like that. It's just another challenge for me."

By no means is Borowiecki, 24, conceding defeat in a battle for a job at training camp. But he is ready to make the most of more time in the minors, if, as expected, it's deemed to be needed.

The Kanata native admitted to being "bummed" about being sent down after six games last season. In talking with his family and girlfriend, however, he decided that he had "nothing to lose" in Binghamton.

The Senators wanted him to work on his offensive game, and that's what he did. Borowiecki had four goals and 10 assists -- or eight fewer points than he scored as a rookie in 2011-12 -- but he also played 20 fewer games.

"I know for me, there's definitely some stuff I need to work on," said Borowiecki. "I need to get more confident with the puck. That's the big thing for me -- especially the way the game is played now. You've got to be able to move the puck quickly. That's something I really worked on in Binghamton. If I do end up there this year, that's something I can really focus on. Hopefully make it a bigger part of my game."

He also knows he's never going to replace Karlsson as point man on the power play, or probably not even play on the second unit, in Ottawa. So he's not going to make changes from the style that brought him this far.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder is probably the toughest blueliner in the organization. He's certainly the most apt to drop the gloves. Along with leading Binghamton with 157 penalty minutes last season, he had 14 scraps.

While he will take to the ice in the next week with other players in Ottawa to "slowly" start getting ready for camp, Borowiecki is also set to resume sessions with Senators "fight coach" Guy Ouellette. The heavy bag that hangs in his garage at home can expect more pounding, as well.

"It's not the kind of thing where you can go out and say, OK, I'm going to stop hitting and getting engaged physically, or I'm going to ramp it up," Borowiecki said of his game. "The way I play it sort of comes to you, and you've got to take it as it comes.

"You look at my penalty minutes and you might think I go running around and stuff, but really, I don't go looking for it too much. It's just the way I play, When you put someone down, someone is going to come and challenge you.

"You've got to be ready to go. It's a big part of the game, to be able to have that physical presence. It's something I think kind of gives me a role."

Pressed on how many of the 14 tilts he won last season, Borowiecki laughed and guessed about half.

"I think for me, not being the biggest guy in the world, it's important to really work on that kind of stuff technically," he said. "I'm pretty intense, and I'm a pretty strong guy for my size. It's nice to be able to match up a little bit with the bigger guys."

Soon enough, he'll be matched up with the big guys in all aspects of the game -- on a full-time basis.

BORO BIO

Born: July 12, 1989, Kanata.

Drafted: Fifth round in 2008 (139th overall).

Before Sens: Played for Smiths Falls in CCHL and Clarkson in NCAA.

NHL experience: Eight games, 20 PIM.

Last season: Spent bulk of season in Binghamton, playing 53 games.



Ottawa Sens coach Paul MacLean's son gets coaching gig



AJ MacLean is following in his old man's footsteps.

The son of Senators coach Paul MacLean has joined the Soo Greyhounds as an assistant coach, the OHL team said Wednesday.

The 29-year old MacLean has played the last three seasons with the Dundee Stars of the European Elite Hockey League. He was player/coach for the last two.

MacLean joins the staff of Sheldon Keefe, who coached with Pembroke in the CCHL before becoming bench boss in the Soo.

"AJ MacLean brings to us the experiences of learning from some of the best hockey coaches of this era," Greyhounds GM Kyle Dubas said in a statement. "Not only is that experience invaluable, but the puck possession style that those teams play is of vital importance. His ability to teach players the proper way to develop the ability to master puck possession is what makes AJ a great addition for us."

MacLean, a native of Antigonish, N.S., said he is "extremely excited" about going to the Soo.

"I'm very honoured to get an opportunity to coach at such a high level and with a motivated group," he said. "I think this is a terrific experience for me to learn from Sheldon and sharpen my coaching skills and knowledge of the game for the future. Coaching has always been a part of my life and now I can solely focus on getting better every day at it."

At the conclusion of each playing season, AJ has joined his father's staff in Ottawa. He did the same when Paul MacLean coached in Detroit.

"Being able to sit around and talk hockey with great hockey coaches like Mike Babcock, Todd McLellan and Bryan Murray, just to name a few, is an incredible experience," said AJ. "They've been through it all and to hear how they handle success and failure is a learning experience you can't get anywhere else. I feel very lucky to have been able to learn from them for so many years.

"My dad has had a huge impact on me," AJ continued. "He's taught me everything I know about hockey and to always be myself."


714148 Philadelphia Flyers

Oliver Lauridsen signed to two-year deal

Travis Hughes, SBNation

SB Nation

Posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2013, 3:55 PM

Restricted free agent defenseman Oliver Lauridsen has re-signed with the Flyers on a two-year deal, the team announced Wednesday afternoon.

No word on the money, but as was the case with the signing of RFA Erik Gustafsson on Tuesday, we'd expect just a slight raise on the $650,000 Lauridsen earned on his entry-level deal. Gus earned a $100,000 raise on his $900,000 entry-level salary, if you'd like that for comparisons sake.

We don't know if it's a one-way or a two-way contract for Lauridsen, but it's likely a two-way deal. Lauridsen is exempt from waivers -- unlike Gustafsson -- so he can go up and down between the AHL and the NHL freely without the Flyers having to worry about losing him for nothing.

The Flyers are jam-packed on the blue line at the NHL level -- Gus brings the team to nine NHL defenders -- but remember that Lauridsen only got a shot at the NHL last season thanks to injuries. Despite acquitting himself in those 15 NHL games in 2013, he's almost certainly not a factor in the Flyers equation again this year unless those injury woes repeat themselves. Put good money on Lauridsen starting and probably finishing the 2013-14 season in Adirondack.

Eric Wellwood and Brandon Manning remain the only two RFAs under Flyers control without contracts for 2013-14.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 07.11.2013


In Flyers pipeline, two young centers grow in confidence

Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer

Posted: Thursday, July 11, 2013, 1:08 AM

Scott Laughton and Nick Cousins, young centers who represent the Flyers' future, are taking different routes to the NHL.

At the Flyers' developmental camp this week, Cousins, selected in the third round of the 2011 draft, said he needs to be more defensively responsible to get to the next level.

Laughton, the Flyers' No. 1 pick in the 2012 draft, said his ticket to the NHL is down the other end of the ice. Specifically, he wants to improve around the net.

"I'm just trying to work on my offensive game all the time," said Laughton, a hardworking, cerebral player. "I think my defense kind of takes care of itself, so I just have to develop those little skills, and this camp helps out, too. I feel pretty confident right now with my game."

Laughton and Cousins say their plan is to make it difficult for the Flyers to cut them after training camp in September.

"I like hearing that," said Ian Laperriere, the Flyers' director of player development. "You want your guys to have that type of attitude."

Because he will turn 20 on July 20, Cousins is eligible to play in the AHL this season. In all likelihood, he will be with the Adirondack Phantoms.

Laughton is 19, so he is not AHL-eligible and figures to be sent back to juniors. He had 56 points (23 goals, 33 assists) and a plus-22 rating in 49 games with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League last season.

The Flyers could decide to keep Laughton with the big team for the start of the season. His entry-level contract would not start until he played in his 10th NHL game this year.

Last season, Laughton played the first five games with the Flyers, and he was defensively sound before returning to juniors. That brief stint - and the 14 pounds he has gained since then - has him feeling much more comfortable about his situation.

"To get a taste of that last year and to see what it's like, I definitely want to stick this year," he said. "That's my goal."

Laughton stayed with veteran winger Scott Hartnell when the Flyers were home last season, and the experience of being with an NHL team "gave me a taste of what it's like to be a pro. Hartnell took me in, and to see what he's like and how he's been so successful . . . and how he handles it. To see those guys who you look up to and getting a chance to play with them with 18,000 screaming fans, it's a pretty special experience."

The 6-foot-1 Laughton has bulked up to 194 pounds after he was pushed around by Nick Grossmann during last year's camp. He has also improved his speed by working out with a skating coach and a new trainer.

Laughton was suspended twice last season - the result of a hit to the head and a check from behind - for a total of 15 games. He fine-tuned his offensive skills during workouts while he was suspended.

The suspensions won't make him alter his in-your-face play, a style that has worked for former Flyer Mike Richards.

"If I change my game, it just takes away from what I do and how I play the game and the fight I have," Laughton said.

Besides the young prospects, the Flyers have a surplus of centers, including Claude Giroux, Vincent Lecavalier, Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, Adam Hall, and Max Talbot. Schenn and Talbot could play wing.

Laughton, who grew up just outside Toronto, seems unfazed by the numbers game.

He wants to open eyes in training camp and give the Flyers a tough decision. If they do send him back to Oshawa, "I'll try to be a leader and hopefully be a captain there," he said.

Breakaways. Defenseman Oliver Lauridsen signed a two-year deal for $1.2 million. . . . The prospect camp was held in Stone Harbor, N.J., on Wednesday. The last session is Thursday in Voorhees.



Flyers' chances to re-sign Gagne

Frank Seravalli , Daily News Sports Columnist


PAUL HOLMGREN said on Tuesday that even if the Flyers don't make any roster changes for the rest of the summer, he likes his team.

Does that mean the Flyers are done making moves?

Free agent Simon Gagne told the Daily News yesterday that Holmgren is still in close contact with his agent, Quebec-based Bob Sauve. Gagne said he has received offers from other teams but would like to do anything he can to remain with the Flyers.

Last week, wrapping up a flurry of activity, Holmgren said he wasn't sure what could be accomplished with Gagne.

"It's pretty difficult to say right now," Holmgren said. "We don't have a lot of cap space."

When you look at CapGeek.com, Holmgren is right in the sense that the Flyers are one of only two teams in the NHL to currently exceed the league's $64.3 million upper limit. But the minus-$2.053 million figure is rather misleading.

The Flyers are technically under the salary cap.

For one, teams are allowed to exceed the $64.3 million cap by 10 percent in the summer, meaning the Flyers could spend up to $70.73 million.

Next, that figure includes 24 players, when a maximum of 23 are permitted on the roster at any given time. It also includes Chris Pronger's $4.91 million cap hit, which will be moved to the long-term injury list since Pronger is not healthy enough to play.

The only caveat with Pronger's long-term injury exception is that he must be on the salary cap for the first day of the 186-day season.

Right now, the Flyers do not even need to get creative to re-sign Gagne and keep him in the fold. Gagne, 33, was one of the Flyers' top producers over the final few weeks of the season. He has stated numerous times that he would be willing to accept a below-market deal to stay with the Flyers.

Signing Gagne before clearing space would reduce Holmgren's leverage on the trade market. It's still abundantly clear that the Flyers are spending too much money on defense. They have $29.3 million committed to nine defensemen on one-way (NHL only) deals for next season, after Erik Gustafsson's $1 million pact signed on Tuesday.

Marc-Andre Bourdon ($612,000) likely will start the season in the AHL, if he's healthy. Bruno Gervais ($825,000) is another option to be sent down. That leaves the Flyers with $27.86 million and seven defensemen. Still too much.

One option, as has been discussed at length, would be to move valuable commodity Braydon Coburn ($4.5 million). It's something Holmgren clearly isn't keen on doing, since there have been multiple offers to do so.

St. Louis didn't want to move 25-year-old forward David Perron ($3.8 million) yesterday, but dealt him to Edmonton for Magnus Paajarvi to free up much-needed space. Many believe the Blues could have gotten more for Perron if teams didn't already know St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong was being forced to make a move to try and re-sign restricted free agent blue liner Alex Pietrangelo.

Holmgren could well be in the same situation with Coburn. Don't be surprised if a trade pops out of the blue.

Another option, besides Coburn, would be if Andrej Meszaros ($4 million) is not healthy enough to play, and he can be moved to the long-term injury list with Pronger. Meszaros, 27, still isn't cleared to play yet after an April shoulder surgery. Remember, though, that the player needs to sign off on any injury and Meszaros will be playing in a contract year.

Will Gagne be back with the Flyers next season? Sounds likely, given that he hasn't signed with another team yet. We don't know what Holmgren is working on or what he has promised Gagne's group.

The Flyers could sign Gagne today and try to figure out how to squeeze it in later. But it's a lot easier, and likely more beneficial, to wait.

Lauridsen back

The Flyers yesterday agreed to a 2-year contract extension with restricted free agent defenseman Oliver Lauridsen. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the first year of the contract is a two-way, NHL and AHL deal.

Lauridsen, 24, played 15 games for the Flyers last season. The 6-6 defender averaged more than 15 minutes per game and was one of the Flyers' few bright spots to close out the season. He all but surely will start the season with the Phantoms.

Over/under

Online gambling house Bovada.lv released totals for NHL players who have signed with new teams. Flyers forward Vincent Lecavalier was listed with an over/under of 53.5 points and 20.5 goals for the upcoming season.

Lecavalier, 33, hasn't broken 53.5 points in a season since posting 54 in 2010-11. He finished with 49 in 2011-12, the NHL's last full season, but only played 64 games.

Meanwhile, in Montreal, Danny Briere was targeted for a total of 39.5 points with the Canadiens. He signed a 2-year, $8 million deal with Montreal on July 4.



Hagg ready to work for NHL

JOHN P. MURROW, Daily News Staff Writer [email protected]


IN THE recently completed NHL draft, Robert Hagg had no choice but to remain patient until he finally heard his name called.

Hagg became the second defenseman selected by the Flyers after the team's first-round selection of Sam Morin. After being named the top defenseman in the Swedish Hockey League last season, Hagg had hoped to go in the first round.

"I was hoping to be selected in the first round, but I was not disappointed to be taken in the second round because I have come to a great organization like Philadelphia and I really like it, so I'm not upset," Hagg said.

The 6-2, 200-pound Swede was picked 41st overall. With the selections of Hagg and Morin, the Flyers addressed their need for young defense.

In 28 games last season, Hagg scored 11 goals while notching 13 assists for his SHL club. The 18-year-old finished sixth overall in scoring and second in points per game among the league's defensemen in 2012-2013.

On Sunday, Hagg had his first opportunity to flash his skills at the Flyers' 2013 development camp. Despite only a few days of workouts on the ice, Hagg has caught the attention of a few within the organization, including Kjell Samuelsson, former Flyers defenseman and current assistant coach for the AHL Adirondack Phantoms.

"I've seen him twice on the ice, but I've never seen him play. From what I have seen so far, his skill level is high and so are his puck skills,'' Samuelsson said. "He moves pretty well, but to make a really good assessment of what kind of player he is, I have to see him play and see him compete."

Along with Samuelsson, Flyers assistant general manager John Paddock was excited about the second-round choice even though he, too, has never seen Hagg in a live game. Paddock believes Hagg is a player you do not want to put a ceiling on because his potential in the NHL is unlimited.

"When you watch [Hagg], you see there are a lot of unique qualities there," Paddock said. "When you're that big and tall and you move all right then that's unique. I've never seen him play in a game, but what I have seen so far is skill, and with his size, that is a very interesting factor."

Before playing a game with the Flyers, Hagg has a few areas he would like to improve, including becoming more consistent. He believes such improvements will come as he continues to grow as a player and gains experience at the professional level.

"I need to be more consistent and I need to get stronger," Hagg said. "When I play at my highest level, I can compete with any of the guys, but I need to get up there . . . If I want to play in the NHL, I need to get more consistent and play at my highest level every game."

Hagg is regarded by pro scouts as a player who can handle the puck with precision, has a good shot and is a smooth skater, but many question his defensive play. But he benefited from playing in Sweden under current New York Rangers assistant coach Ulf Samuelsson.

"I would say I am strong offensively and up at the blue line as well," Hagg said. "Ulf Samuelsson just let me play my game and let me get better. He didn't push me and let me do my thing."

Although he was not selected as high as he had initially hoped, Hagg will use his draft position as motivation. While he is expected to return to his Swedish team to begin the season, Hagg believes it will not take long until his hard work pays off in the NHL.

"Of course I wanted to be a first-round pick, but if I wanted to be a first-round pick, I needed to play better," Hagg said. "It is only motivation for me, as I want to be a top guy for my age and a top guy in the NHL as well."



Flyers sign Oliver Lauridsen, still plentiful in defensemen

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Times staff and wire reports

PHILADELPHIA — With the addition of Mark Streit and the subtraction of no one (yet), the Flyers now have a crowded defensive house. That happened as they’ve announced they’re holding on to two of their restricted free agent defensemen.

First Erik Gustafsson signed a one-way, one-year contract for $1 million Tuesday. That was followed Wednesday by Oliver Lauridsen signing a two-year contract believed to be worth $1.2 million, but with an interesting wrinkle.

The contract is a two-way deal, which means Lauridsen could make minor league money next year if the crowded house doesn’t afford him any room to move up the big club. If he does make the team, he’ll be listed as $600,000 this year. In the second year of the deal, it’s in NHL dollars that will count $600,000 against the cap.

Lauridsen was a pleasant surprise last season, after injuries and poor defensive play had contributed to the Flyers’ standing as a team going nowhere. Lauridsen, 24, and every bit 6-6 and 220 pounds, scored two goals and added an assist in 15 games after being promoted from Adirondack, and held his own defensively.

Not including Lauridsen, the Flyers currently have nine active defensemen under contract for next season. Chris Pronger’s $4.94 million salary will be transfered to long term injury at the start of the season.

Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren could yet make a deal to clear salary cap space ... one that could also clear some space on the defensemen side of the locker room.

Delaware County Times LOADED: 07.11.2013


Flyers hope Ray Emery finally nets them some luck


By Jack McCaffery

[email protected]

PHILADELPHIA — The Calgary Flames sent 18 shots toward Ray Emery in February 2010, some hard, some fluttery, some sneaky, some bold, every one shoved aside with confidence in a 3-0 Flyers victory. Eighteen up, 18 snuffed, the Flyers on a two-game winning streak, winners of seven of their last nine.

Paul Holmgren had to expect what was coming next. That just comes with having known, lived and tolerated Flyers history.

“The next morning, I get a call,” Holmgren said Tuesday. “His hip’s bad.”

Emery’s hip was bad, it was worse, it was useless. He wouldn’t play another period for the Flyers, not even in the playoffs, not even in the finals when Peter Laviolette consistently changed goalies in an eleventh-hour panic, trying to win a big-league championship with a minor-league depth chart.

“Everybody remembered that goaltending situation after that,” said Holmgren, the general manager. “Who didn’t we have playing after that? And we went to the finals. So if we had Ray Emery that year, who knows?

“It’s easy to look back and say, ‘who knows’ I guess.”

It’s easy, but it’s fair. And in that organization, it is necessary whenever the topic is goaltending.

“I don’t know,” Holmgren shrugged. “Jinxed? That’s a strong word. Hopefully, we’ve got a good fit here.”

Holmgren was in the Wells Fargo Center, where Emery would squeeze back into orange sweater No. 29, for the cameras, for the effect. He is back with the Flyers on a one-year chance for just under $1.7 million, either to share time with or win it from Steve Mason.

Emery, his hip having been rescued through complex if not revolutionary surgery, was 17-1 early in the recently completed Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup season. Mason was once a Rookie of the Year. The Flyers think they have the goalie rotation right this time. They may be correct, they may flop. But for all of their who-knows twists, the law of averages yodels that they are due for some luck. That’s why Ed Snider, warming to the topic, was channeling his inner LeBron James after the formal announcement that Emery, Vincent Lecavalier and Mark Streit had brought their talents to South Philadelphia. With some better fortune, his franchise wouldn’t have won two championships, wouldn’t have won three championships …

“I think Bernie Parent would have won four or five straight Cups,” the chairman said. “When we lost to Montreal in the ’76 finals, that was our best team. Wayne Stephenson was in goal, and he wasn’t Bernie. We lost each game by about a goal. There is no question in my mind that if Bernie would have stayed healthy, I don’t know how many Cups we would have won.”

A complicated neck injury limited Parent to 11 regular-season games in 1976, eight in the playoffs, none in the finals. By 1979, an eye injury had ended his career at age 33. The Flyers lost in the finals in 1980 and 1985, but looked strong in 1986, with 26-year-old Pelle Lindbergh winning six of his first eight in goal after an All-Star season. They were deep into a 13-game winning streak when Lindbergh was killed in a South Jersey automobile crash.

“I walked out the night, unfortunately, that Pelle had the accident, and I said to a friend, ‘I think is the best Flyers team since the Cup teams,’” Snider said. “That night. Strangely as it seems. I mean we were great in that particular season at that point.

“Then there was Ray Emery, who as Paul said had a shutout in his last game and then couldn’t play any more. It’s just ...” Snider paused, then motioned as if digging into something. “I think somebody is pushing a pin into a doll somewhere.”

Emery remembers watching the 2010 finals from a hospital bed, crutches nearby, wondering if he could have helped, experiencing the jab-the-needle-in pain.

“But I wasn’t there,” he said. “That’s the bottom line.”

He wasn’t there in 2010, but he is back at age 30, the Flyers finally hoping for a favorable goaltending bounce.

“Maybe we’ll get one this time,” Snider said. “I sure hope so.”



Flyers Scoop: Team to pack its bags for Lake Placid during training camp (With Video)


By ROB PARENT

[email protected]

PHILADELPHIA — With so many new faces the Flyers are going to reach back and do something they haven’t in several years — hold a special camping trip for players new and old.

The Flyers will be spending part of training camp up at Lake Placid, N.Y., in what used to be known as the Olympic Village.

“It’ll be good for them to get away,” general manager Paul Holmgren said. “It gives them a little chance to bond.”

The team has gone on several in-season “bonding” trips in recent years, but the last one during training camp was in 2007 in Banff, Alberta.

The club officially welcomed new free agents Vinny Lecavalier, Mark Streit and Ray Emery to town Tuesday, three newcomers (or in Emery’s case, returning newcomer) who will play intrinsic roles in what team officials are hoping to be a reversal of fortune this season.

Steve Mason and Adam Hall are also on hand for full-time roles after joining late last season. Holmgren said a trip to Lake Placid — where the facilities are frequently used by NHL clubs looking for working vacations — will help everyone get on the same page.

“Teams go there all the time,” he said.

The club will train there for four days beginning Sept. 19.

Chief Operating Officer Peter Luukko pointed out that training camp was already was going to be run somewhat differently, since ongoing renovations of the locker room areas at the Skate Zone in Voorhees forced the club to train at Wells Fargo Center this year.

“This gives Peter (Laviolette) and his staff a chance to get away with these guys and get everybody ready for the season,” Luukko said. “It’ll be fantastic.”

A short training camp, which begins early in the week of Sept. 8 for rookies and later that week for veterans, will run at Wells Fargo before the team opens its preseason Sunday, Sept. 15 with a game in London, Ontario, against the Maple Leafs.

The teams play again at Air Canada Centre the next night, while a split squad of Flyers play against a group from the Washington Capitals that Sept. 16 night at Wells Fargo Center.

One other preseason game follows, against the Rangers in South Philly Tuesday, Sept. 17.

The team will get the next day off, then hit the road for Lake Placid.

“We just added three very good, fantastic players,” Luukko said. “This will give everybody a chance to get to know each other.”



Flyers agree to 2-year deal with Lauridsen

Oliver Lauridsen, the surprising seventh-round pick who ended up among the Flyers' starting six defensemen last season, agreed to a new contract on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old signed off on a two-year deal worth $1.2 million ($600,000 annual cap hit).

Lauridsen appeared in 15 games as a late-season call-up because of injuries, and had three points -- including two goals -- while playing a solid 15 minutes a night for the Flyers.

Born in Gentofte, Denmark, Lauridsen is a 2009 Flyers draft pick and represented the Danes at the 2013 IIHF World Championships last spring.



Youthful at 35, Mark Streit likes Flyers' grit

At the tender age of 35, Mark Streit won’t dodge the fact that he’s not a rookie coming out of the NHL draft.

At the same time, how many other 35-year-old puck-moving defensemen do you know of who have played only seven seasons in the United States?

Most of the Swiss defenseman’s time has been spent in Europe, which means his body, in NHL years, is probably like 29.

Outside of missing the 2010-11 season with a labrum tear in his shoulder, Streit’s body hasn’t been exposed to the every night, physical punishment that is seen with every scar of those who play in the NHL.

That means, in theory, Streit has some solid years left on the blue line for the Flyers, who traded for him this summer from the Islanders before signing him to a four-year, $21 million contract.

“There is a big difference when you are 35 and have played 15 years [versus] playing eight,” Streit said during a news conference at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday, including the one year he missed with the shoulder injury.

“The wear and tear is big in the NHL. I feel great, feel healthy," Streit said. "I had one unfortunate season with Islanders when I was hurt the whole year, but other than that, I played almost all games every year. I’m in good shape. I want to play a long time. I can help this team.”

Considering the uncertainty of Andrej Meszaros, with all his assorted and bizarre injuries over the last 18 months, the Flyers needed another body who could skate and move the puck.

“We added Mark, who is the type of defenseman we need,” general manager Paul Holmgren said. “He can play on the power play. He can provide offense five on five.

“He gets up in the rush, he joins the rush and, at times, can lead the rush and make plays coming out of our end. [He’s] an offensive defenseman we felt we needed badly.”

The Islanders had a competitive showing in the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins before losing.

“After the season, I felt it was time for me to move on,” Streit said. “I got traded to the Flyers. After the season, I was thinking about teams. I had a few teams on my mind. The Flyers were atop that list. I always loved playing against them.

“A great mix of younger and older players. A lot of skill and grit. It was tough to play against those guys. It’s a great hockey town. A great tradition.

“As soon as I [got] traded, I was hoping to get something done here. I’m excited. I’m thankful they gave me the opportunity. I’m thrilled.”

Combined with adding Ray Emery in goal, the Flyers have changed their look on the defensive end in terms of the breakout.

Along with Steve Mason, they now have two goalies who will play the puck to the defense instead of making the defense go the distance behind the net.

“I’m a puck-moving defenseman,” Streit said. “It goes hand-in-hand. You want to feed the forwards with good passes. You want to follow up the play and join the rush. There is so much skill here up front, such big potential. For me as a defenseman, it [is] fun to play here.

“The mix between skill and grit is how you win. You will not win with just skill or just grit. You need to have a healthy mix, which is why I am excited to be a Flyer.”

The Flyers defense should have more energy this season not battling against other teams' forecheck if their goalies do their job in assisting on dump-ins, etc.

This is something that Kimmo Timonen railed about for the past couple of years, especially when Ilya Bryzgalov was in goal.

“If you got a goalie back there who can play the puck and handle it and make plays, it makes it so much easier,” Streit said.

“Offense starts with a good first pass. If the puck gets dumped in and goes past the net every time, you have to get past the forecheck.

“If he can stop the play, move it to the defense or off the glass, it’s the difference between being in your own end 20 to 30 seconds and losing a lot of energy and being out of the zone right away and creating offense.

“In today’s game it makes a huge difference. When your goalies handle the puck it makes it way easier.”

How much easier and how much of a difference it makes, we’ll see come October.

Gustafsson signed

Erik Gustafsson, who got his qualifying offer recently from the Flyers, signed a one-year deal worth $1 million.

Lauridsen too

The Flyers also agreed to terms with restricted free agent defenseman Oliver Lauridsen on a two-year deal Wednesday.

Lauridsen appeared in 15 games with the Flyers in 2013, registering two goals and one assist.



Callahan: Son modest like NHL Hall of Fame dad

Jul. 10, 2013 2:33 AM |

Written by

Kevin Callahan

“You said his name was Shero?” I asked a friend.

I looked at the skinny, shy guy on our hockey team back in the late 1970s and said to my friend, “Well, he is quiet.”

He also seemed a bit mysterious, a good hockey player no one really seemed to know.

Everyone knew his father, Fred Shero. He was also shy, quiet and a bit mysterious. Thus the nickname Freddy the Fog.

Fred Shero also was a legend, one named to the NHL Hall of Fame Tuesday.

“On behalf of the Shero family, we are obviously thrilled that my father was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame,” his son Ray said in a conference call with the national media. “I’m very proud of my father.”

And I played hockey with his son, Ray, at Camden Catholic High School.

It was street hockey inside the gym, but it was the closest Pennsauken guys like me ever got to the sport since there were no ice rinks around back then.

Every now and then the Cooper River froze and we played on ice there.

Playing with Ray Shero was better than playing on ice. He was cool. You could tell Ray could play. He was a left-handed shot defenseman.

Who shot left-handed back then?

And, unlike the rest of us, Ray Shero knew how to pass the puck, fake a defender and juke a goalie. He had moves.

We played like the Broad Street Bullies. We dumped the puck on net and rushed the goalie. Dump and chase was our only strategy. It was animal ball, really.

Fred Shero would have been proud of our style.

Ray Shero didn’t seem to mind playing with a bunch of hacks.

Maybe he did mind how we just grinded, but he never said a word.

He just smiled.

He was modest, too. We all worshipped his famous father for coaching the Flyers to the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975, but Ray never made a big deal about it.

We didn’t even know he was a Shero until a few games into the season. He was a year behind me at Camden Catholic.

Until last January, I hadn’t seen Ray since we played street hockey together. I followed him. I knew he was the general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins. But I hadn’t seen him since his father became the coach and general manager of the Rangers and moved from Cherry Hill in 1978.

In January, I saw Ray in the hallway of the Wells Fargo Center before a Flyers‘ game against the Penguins. We talked for 15 minutes about hockey — street hockey, that is.

How very cool talking street hockey with the Pens’ GM.

Ray Shero remembered the names of guys on our team as if it were again 1978, when he was our star defenseman my junior year.

He asked how his old classmates are doing.

“They all are doing well,” I replied.

He was genuinely happy to hear that.

“I guess, though, we all aren’t doing as well as you,” I said.

Ray deflected the praise in his modest way — the same humility his father wore on his sleeve while winning two Stanley Cups with the Flyers.

Fred Shero said before winning the first Cup against the Bruins in Game 6, “Win today and we walk together forever.’’

Ray Shero and I haven’t walked together forever. But we did play street hockey.

Now his dad is in the Hall of Fame. When I see Ray this season before a Penguins-Flyers game, I will surely congratulate him on his dad’s achievement.

In his typical fashion, he will probably want to talk about the wild days of playing street hockey in the Camden Catholic gym. Honestly, I will as well.

I don’t have to ask who he is anymore.

Courier-Post LOADED: 07.11.2013


At long last, Flyers pioneer coach Shero voted into Hall

Jul. 10, 2013 2:24 AM |

Written by

Randy Miller

FRED SHERO

• Born: Oct. 23, 1925 in Winnipeg

• Died: Nov. 24, 1990 in Camden

• Resume: Had 6 goals and 20 points in 145 NHL games for the New York Rangers from 1947-50. .... 390-225-119 record in 10 seasons as an NHL coach from 1971-80. Won 2 Stanley Cups ... Coached Flyers to a 308-151-95 record for seven seasons from 1971-72 to 1977-78. ... Coached N.Y. Rangers for two-plus seasons after resigning from Flyers. ... Son Ray is GM for Pittsburgh Penguins.

SHERO QUOTES

“Freddie Shero going into the Hall of Fame is obviously a huge honor for our organization and the Shero family. Other than Keith Allen, Freddie Shero was the person who should have gone into the Hall of Fame ahead of myself, Bernie Parent, Billy Barber, any of us who have gone in. He was that important to the success of the Flyers.”

— Bob Clarke

“It’s long overdue. I’m happy for the Shero family and I’m happy for the Flyers family. Freddie was a unique man and he touched a lot of people’s hearts — especially mine, being a young kid and all. He gave me an opportunity to play and have fun and succeed. I can’t speak highly enough about him.”

— Bill Barber

“I’m so happy. It’s a beautiful thing for Philadelphia and a beautiful thing for hockey. I’ll never forget the quote, the last quote before the first Stanley Cup when he said, “Win together today and we walk together forever.” And that quote went further than just the team — it meant the whole city. Today, 39 years later, it means as much to people as it did then.”

— Bernie Parent

“It’s absolutely great. He deserves it. He had phenomenal success — first in the minor leagues, and then he came in when there were just 12 teams and won two Cups. He was a great coach. He let me do my thing. He loved the team, he loved his players.”

— Dave Schultz

Bill Barber remembers sitting at his locker in Philadelphia’s old Spectrum. He glanced up to see his coach had scribbled another message on the dressing-room chalkboard.

It was May 19, 1974. The Flyers were 20 minutes from putting away the Boston Bruins to win their first Stanley Cup when Fred Shero, channeling his inner motivational tactics, famously wrote, “Win today and we walk together forever.”

“That’s something that was never forgotten,” said Bill Barber, a Flyers great during and after the Shero years. “You know what? I never took it to heart as much until we did win, but then you really realize that it was a great statement — and so true.”

All these years later, Flyers fans who weren’t even born in 1974 know Shero’s words.

“That quote went further than just the team,” said Bernie Parent, the former star goalie. “It meant the whole city.

“Today, 39 years later, it means as much to people as it did then.”

Motivating was just part of the greatness of Shero, who was voted into the Hockey Hall of Fame Tuesday, 23 years after his death at 65.

“Way ahead of his time,” Barber said by phone.

Besides coaching the Flyers’ Broad Street Bullies to the franchise’s only two Stanley Cups in the 1970s, Shero is known as one of the sport’s great innovators.

A Winnipeg native who was the son of Russian immigrants, Shero made visits to the USSR during his 13 seasons as a minor-league coach. While there, he studied Soviet hockey teams that were dominating the Winter Olympics.

He soon was credited as the first NHL coach to hire assistants, study video, initiate the morning skate and get players on off-season training programs.

“Before Freddie came along, guys came to training camp to get in shape,” said Jim Watson, an All-Star defenseman on the Flyers’ Cup teams. “Freddie started giving us programs to do at home in the summer and hired a guy to do our strength training. Before anyone, we were doing things like pulling resistance ropes across the ice to build up our leg strength, things that led to becoming a better hockey player.”

Shero will become the fourth member of the Broad Street Bullies to enter the Hall, joining Barber, Parent and Bob Clarke. He will be inducted Nov. 11 at a ceremony in Toronto.

“Freddie Shero was the person who should have gone into the Hall of Fame ahead of myself, Bernie Parent, Billy Barber, any of us who have gone in,” Clarke said. “He was that important to the success of the Flyers.”

Shero was voted in by an 18-person selection committee Tuesday. He was among three players and two innovators named to a 2014 Hall of Fame class that includes defensemen Chris Chelios and Scott Niedermayer, right wing Brendan Shanahan, and women's coach Geraldine Heaney.

“I’m thrilled,” Flyers chairman Ed Snider said. “There’s no sense looking back as to why it didn’t happen sooner, because today’s a happy day to celebrate the fact that a guy that deserves it immensely has finally been elected to the Hall of Fame.

“No one deserves it more than Fred Shero. He was the guy that put it all together. We gave him the parts and he made it gel.”

Watson excitedly yelled into the phone when first hearing Shero made it.

"Nice! That's great freaking news," Watson told the Courier-Post. "I was talking to a buddy this morning about how Freddie definitely deserves to be in there. The guy was a pioneer in hockey. Freddie probably doesn't get the credit he should maybe because there was a little bit of resentment of the Flyers within the league for the type of teams that we had."

Under Shero, the Flyers were known for having some of the most physical teams in NHL history, hence the Broad Street Bullies nickname, which also played upon the Spectrum’s street address.

“Freddie didn’t embrace that, but he wanted you to play aggressively,” Watson said. “He never asked anybody to go bang anybody or fight anybody, but you better play hard.”

Nicknamed Freddie the Fog, Shero coached the Flyers to a 308-151-95 record for seven seasons from 1971-78, missing the playoffs in his first, but winning Cups in his third and fourth.

“Freddie pulled a whole bunch of different characters together and had them play to their very best and play to their roles,” Barber said. “There was no conflict in the dressing room.”

Shero had a brief playing career as an NHL defenseman from 1947 to 1950, appearing in 145 games and scoring six goals for the New York Rangers. A generation later, after his long stint as a minor-league coach, he became the third head coach for a Flyers franchise entering its fifth season.

“He came across as a plain talker and very matter-of-factly articulated his positions, and it would make an impact on you,” Watson said. “It was really simple and done with few words: ‘You gotta go here and the puck’s gotta be here.’

“When things were going well, he’d really put the hammer down on you. When things weren’t going well or we lost, he’d kind of let up. Freddie kind of did reverse from most coaches. He didn’t rule with an iron fist. He delegated to his assistant coaches and really believed in leadership within the team.”

Shero, who resided in Cherry Hill from his time with the Flyers until his death, had many interests outside of hockey. He was a champion Canadian

bantamweight boxer as a teenager. He thought about quitting hockey after the Flyers’ first Stanley Cup to attend law school. He played the violin.

Following the 1977-78 season, Shero resigned from the Flyers with one year to go on his contract, then signed a five-year, $250,000 contract with the rival Rangers to become their head coach and general manager.

Accused of tampering, the Rangers settled a possible lawsuit by agreeing to give up their 1978 first-round draft pick and cash to the Flyers as compensation.

"That didn't bother me," Watson said. "Freddy had to do what he thought was right. It wasn't a betrayal or anything like that."

Shero coached the Rangers for two seasons plus 20 games before resigning in November 1980. His 1978-’79 team reached the Cup final. He rejoined the Flyers as a community-relations adviser in 1990, the year he passed at Cooper University Hospital in Camden following a six-year battle with stomach cancer.

“He passed too young, but he’s looking down on us,” Watson insisted. “He was a good man and he really cared about people even though he was very quiet and somewhat unassuming at times. It’s a great day for the Flyers, a great day for hockey.”



Flyers add leadership, experience

Jul. 10, 2013 |

Written by

Kevin Callahan

Courier-Post Staff

PHILADELPHIA — Mark Streit was complimentary of his new team even though the Flyers didn’t make the playoffs last season.

“They are fast. They are physical. They have skill,” the 35-year-old said. “They can hurt you in so many ways.”

The offensive defenseman proved a diplomat off the ice Tuesday. He understandably didn’t broadcast the Flyers’ deficiencies during his introductory press conference with new teammates Vinny Lecavalier and Ray Emery.

But if the Flyers last year were as fast, physical and skilled as Streit claimed, something was missing for the team not to be Stanley Cup contenders in the free-for-all shortened season.

Usually, the blame goes to the coach and veteran leadership when a talented team underachieves. But Coach Peter Laviolette was absolved of culpability by virtue of his return for another season.

So Streit, the former Islanders captain, was asked if he thought there was a leadership void with the Flyers. Once again, Streit didn’t forecheck his new team.

“It is tough to tell from the outside, but they had some older guys on the team,” he remarked. “A guy like (Kimmo) Timonen has been here a long time. He is a great leader. I’m sure he is good in the room and on the ice.

“And a guy like (Scott) Hartnell has been around for a long time. But you can never have enough leadership.”

Streit lit the lamp on leadership, especially because 25-year-old Claude Giroux was a first-year captain last season.

All Streit needed to do was look next to him inside the Wells Fargo Center lounge at Lecavalier, 33, and Emery, 30, to grasp general manager Paul Holmgren’s offseason goal of adding veteran leadership. The need multiplied when Holmgren chose to buy out the contract of Danny Briere, who was a good locker room leader.

“Adding Vinny, who has been a star player in the league and won a Stanley Cup, and Ray, who has been around a long time and won a Stanley Cup as well, and adding myself, who has been around for a while, is going to help the team,” Streit noted.

Streit, who collected six goals and 27 points last season for the Islanders, has 65 goals and 288 points in 491 career games. His offense should help the power play as well as even strength. But how much Streit and the other newcomers will help the Flyers in the locker room remains to be seen.

“I like our team,” Holmgren said. “I like our chances. We have a good mix of young and old.”

The Flyers still have a young core with Sean Couturier, 20; Brayden Schenn, 21; Luke Schenn, 23; Jake Voracek, 23; Wayne Simmonds, 24, and Giroux. A veteran touch also returns with Timonen, 38, and Hartnell, 31, serving as assistant captains.

“You need that leadership and experience,” Lecavalier said.

The four-time All-Star played 14 seasons in Tampa Bay and helped the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in 2004.

Emery, who was with the Flyers in 2009-10, helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup last season. He went 17-1-0 in 21 regular-season appearances.

“Older is better as long as your body feels good,” he said.

Yes, the Flyers feel good about their new old guys.

“I’m as excited as I’ve been in years,” owner Ed Snider insisted. “I expect big things.”

• Empty netters: Defenseman Erik Gustafsson signed a one-year, $1 million deal for the 2013-14 season. ...The Flyers’ development camp’s annual “Trial on the Isle” will be held today beginning at 9 a.m. on 96th Street in Stone Harbor. Activities include a 9 a.m. beach run, a 10:15 a.m. water challenge, a noon “Hooked on Hockey” clinic at the Stone Harbor Elementary School with 2013 No. 1 draft pick Sam Morin and 2012 No. 1 pick Scott Laughton, and a 1:15 p.m. autograph session at the elementary school.


714160 Phoenix Coyotes

Phoenix Coyotes hire Newell Brown as assistant coach

By Sarah McLellan azcentral sports Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:45 AM

The Coyotes have hired former Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Newell Brown to replace assistant coach John Anderson, who will not return with the team after two seasons on Dave Tippett’s staff.

Brown, who signed a multi-year contract, will be in charge of the power play with associate coach Jim Playfair still managing the defense.

“We are pleased to add Newell to our coaching staff,” General Manager Don Maloney said in a statement released by the club. “Newell has a wealth of experience and brings a very positive, upbeat attitude to our hockey club. His primary focus will be our power play and creating more offensive opportunities in our games. With assistant coach John Anderson not returning, we have found an excellent replacement.”

Brown spent three seasons with the Canucks and five seasons with the Anaheim Ducks before that. He was fired by the Canucks following last season when former coach Alain Vigneault’s staff was dismissed.

The 51-year-also has had associate and assistant coaching stints for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks dating back to the 1996-97 season.

Before jumping up to the NHL level, Brown spent four seasons as head coach of Detroit’s American Hockey League affiliate. There he recorded a 151-132-36-2 record and four consecutive postseason appearances.

Brown also served as head coach of Michigan Tech University from 1990-1992 after acting as an assistant coach at Michigan State from 1986-1990. He was also head coach of Team Canada when they won a silver medal at the 1988 Spengler Cup.

Brown was drafted by Vancouver 158th overall in the 1982 NHL Entry Draft and spent one year in the Canucks organization.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 07.11.2013


Sarah McLellan's Coyotes blog | azcentral sports

Posted on July 10, 2013 12:27 pm by Sarah McLellan's Coyotes blog

Tippett weighs in on Coyotes ownership resolution

After a few trips to Canada and his off-season home in Minnesota, Coyotes coach Dave Tippett will settle in the Valley for the remainder of the summer as he begins to prepare for the upcoming season.

This week that means scouting the next crop of Coyotes at the team’s annual prospect development camp at the Ice Den in Scottsdale. Next week Tippett will meet with management to discuss the NHL roster.

“We have a pretty good idea where we are, but I think next week after this camp here we’ll start to get into a little more specifics of training camp, putting things together, seeing where we are,” he said.

Like everyone else in the organization, Tippett was relieved to see the Glendale City Council agree to a lease agreement with IceArizona to keep the Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena for at least the next five years but he’s still waiting for the ownership group to officially acquire the team before he celebrates the end to the uncertainty that’s plagued the team for the last four years.

“We’ve been down this road before,” Tippett said. “Let’s make sure it gets done here before everybody starts cheering and all that fun stuff. It was a great step in the process, and hopefully the process continues and we’ll get a closing soon. I know that the RSE (Renaissance Sports & Entertainment) group, they’re excited about owning the team, which is a great part of it. Obviously they’re working close with (General Manager) Don (Maloney) on budgets and stuff like that. Their footprint has already been put on this team by the fact that we’ve signed free agents that know we’re going to be here. So that’s a good sign.”

The ability to attract and sign free agents was important to Tippett, and he was an undeniable help in landing center Mike Ribeiro last Friday on the first day of free agency. Ribeiro is already penciled is as the No.1 center, and he could become the impact player that Tippett pleaded for in the waning weeks of last season when the Coyotes were clinging to slim playoff hopes.

“The stability — and we talked about it at the end of the year — just to be on a level playing field because players like (Ribeiro), he might like the situation here but until you can tell him we’re going to be here for longer term, it’s hard for a player to commit long term,” Tippett said. “Don talked about it a lot at the end of the year. I’ve talked about it. Getting on a level playing field with the other teams, the stability of an ownership group, is something players look at.”



Phoenix Coyotes top NHL draft pick Max Domi deals with diabetes, inspires others

By Sarah McLellan azcentral sports Wed Jul 10, 2013 8:58 PM

The puck careens into the offensive zone but instead of chasing it, Coyotes prospect Max Domi veers toward the bench for a line change.

It’s Day 2 of the team’s annual development camp at the Ice Den in Scottsdale, and the session is concluding with a scrimmage. There’s still 20 minutes of ice time budgeted but after Domi reaches the bench, he struts straight to the adjacent dressing room and disappears.

The same happened Tuesday and in both instances, Domi rejoined the action only a few minutes later.

The 18-year-old wasn’t using his status as the team’s recent first overall pick to grab extra rest. He went to prick his finger with a glucometer.

Domi is a Type I diabetic and whether he’s in the midst of a workout, practice or a game, he excuses himself every 15 to 20 minutes to check his blood-sugar level. If it’s low, he takes a swig of Gatorade. If it’s high, he lets the insulin pack that’s strapped to his hip do the work.

“It’s a lifestyle change,” Domi said. “Now I have to incorporate diabetes into it. Your diet, before you go to bed, you have to know how you’re feeling. It’s every little detail of your day that you don’t realize until it hits you.”

Domi discovered he had diabetes five years ago when he was traveling back to Toronto from a minor-hockey league tournament in Detroit. Every five minutes, his mom, Leanne, had to stop the car to retrieve more water or Gatorade.

In less than three hours, Domi had downed approximately 9 liters.

That prompted a visit to the hospital and ultimately a diagnosis of Type I diabetes.

“I had no clue what that meant,” said Domi, whose chief concern was whether or not he’d still be able to play hockey.

Once he was told he could, Domi accepted the challenge. He spent the next week at the hospital learning about the chronic condition, which limits or prevents the production of insulin in the body. According to the World Health Organization, 347 million people worldwide have diabetes.

During that stay at the hospital, Domi and his father Tie, a 16-year NHL veteran, were watching a TV special on Bobby Clarke, the leading point scorer in Philadelphia Flyers history who also has Type I diabetes.

“Who’s this guy?” Max asked.

His dad filled him in on Clarke’s history, and Max immediately was inspired by Clarke’s journey. He even changed his number to 16 to match Clarke’s.

Eventually, Max got the chance to meet Clarke during a minor hockey tournament a year-and-a-half later. Clarke was there with his grandson and when Leanne spotted him, she asked if he’d mind meeting Max.

Not only did he do that, but Clarke also gave a pregame speech to Max’s team.

“I’m sure we won that game 8-1,” Max said.

Even though he has to leave the ice occasionally, Max’s condition doesn’t affect his performance as a hockey player.

“If anything, it’s forced Max to eat well, train well, to sleep well and we wish our prospects here had the same mental maturity or habits,” General Manager Don Maloney said.

It’s also enabled Max to become a younger face of inspiration for the next crop of players. And that’s an opportunity Max is grateful to have.

“People reach out to me on social media and ask for advice and questions,” he said. “I’ve actually hung out with a few kids. It’s pretty cool. Obviously, it means a lot to me to have kids looking up to me and helping them out. It’s definitely really cool.”


714163 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins sign forward D’Agostini to 1-year deal

The Penguins signed right winger Matt D’Agostini to a one-year contract

By Rob Rossi

Matt D'Agostini wanted a fresh start.

He will get at least that with the Penguins, who signed D'Agostini on Wednesday.

D'Agostini, a right winger, agreed to a one-year contract that will count $550,000 against the salary cap if he plays in the NHL. The contract is a two-way deal.

“Last year was tough, not playing a lot; so I look at Pittsburgh as a great opportunity,” said D'Agostini, who split the 2013 season with St. Louis and New Jersey.

“I think I can bring some versatility and jump to the third or fourth line.”

D'Agostini, 26, scored three goals and produced six points in 29 games last season. He is two seasons removed from scoring 21 goals with St. Louis.

The Penguins, though up against the cap, are looking for bottom-six depth among forwards. The club is committed to 10 forwards on one-way contracts for next season. It is also committed to $64.2 million against the $64.3 million cap.

Clubs can go over the cap by 10 percent in the summer and need not be cap complaint until season-opening rosters are set.

Third line battle

Training camp is at least two months away, but one competition already shaping up is for the left-wing slot on the third line.

Penguins coaches favor keeping Beau Bennett at his natural position (right wing) and trying him on a third line that will be centered by Brandon Sutter. If that plan holds, D'Agostini could join an open competition for the other wing on that line.

Other third-line left winger contenders will include Tanner Glass, who could fill the physical void created by Matt Cooke's departure as a free agent, and Dustin Jeffrey, whose improved defensive play has earned high marks with coaches. Jeffrey, a restricted free agent, was tendered a qualifying offer by the Penguins last week.

The Penguins' third line had been a model of stability prior to last season, when Sutter replaced departed center Jordan Staal. Cooke, Staal and right winger Tyler Kennedy had formed the third line from 2008-2012. Those three players are now with other clubs.

Schedule delay

The NHL schedule will not be released until at least several days after the league and International Olympic Committee agree on an arrangement for the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said Wednesday in an email that he expected something “relatively soon — likely next week sometime” regarding an Olympic agreement.

NHL clubs have been told to expect the 2013-14 scheduled to be released by late July.

Around the boards

Defenseman Robert Bortuzzo has opted for a salary arbitration hearing instead of accepting the Penguins' qualifying offer ($577,500). The Penguins are trying to sign Bortuzzo to a multi-year deal. ... Coach Dan Bylsma is spending this week visiting with Ron Wilson, who coached the United States at the 1998 and 2010 Winter Olympics. Bylsma, who has no experience coaching in international competitions, will lead Team USA at the 2014 Sochi Games. … The Penguins have not aggressively explored trades of defensemen Matt Niskanen or Brooks Orpik. Both players are in the final years of their contracts. General manager Ray Shero has not ruled out making trades this summer to free up cap space, though he has not

identified which players would be available. Orpik, the longest-tenured Penguins player, has a limited-movement clause in his contract.

Tribune Review LOADED: 07.11.2013

714164 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins sign forward Matt D'Agostini

July 10, 2013 2:12 pm

By Shelly Anderson / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Penguins have signed free agent forward Matt D'Agostini, 26, to a one-year, $550,000 contract.

D'Agostini has 47 goals, 95 points in 267 NHL games with Montreal, St. Louis and New Jersey. His best season was 2010-11, when he had 21 goals, 46 points in 82 games with the Blues.

Last season, split between St. Louis and New Jersey, he had four goals, 12 in 26 games. He was a restricted free agent who was not extended a qualifying offer by New Jersey.

Post Gazette LOADED: 07.11.2013

714165 San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks sign goalie Alex Stalock, three other minor-leaguers

Bay Area News Group

Posted: 07/10/2013 03:12:26 PM PDT

Updated: 07/10/2013 03:12:28 PM PDT

SAN JOSE -- The Sharks announced the signings of four minor-league prospects Wednesday, including goalie Alex Stalock and forward Matt Pelech, both of whom appeared in two games for San Jose this past season.

All four players agreed to one-year contracts.

Also signing with the Sharks on Wednesday were defensemen Rob Davison and Adam Comrie.

Stalock, 25, had 11 saves in his two appearances for the Sharks this season.

Pelech, who also is 25, had seven penalty minutes in his two games with San Jose. In 58 games with the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League, Pelech set a team record with 238 penalty minutes.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 07.11.2013


Sharks notes: Wilson talks Pavelski contract, Havlat's status, etc.

The Sharks are in talks to extend the contract of Joe Pavelski, general manager Doug Wilson told Comcast SportsNet’s Jim Kozimor, appearing on Yahoo! Sports Talk Live on Wednesday.

Pavelski, who turns 29 on Thursday, is about to enter the final year of his current four-year, $16 million deal that pays him $4 million in 2013-14.

“We’ve talked quite a bit. We started those negotiations basically the same time as Logan [Couture’s]," Wilson said. “I’ll be in Chicago the next couple weeks, and I’ll meet with him there.”

Wilson was referring to Couture’s five-year, $30 contract extension that was agreed to on June 17, and made official by the club on July 5. Couture is also entering the final year of his current contract.

The Sharks likely want to get Pavelski, who would be an unrestricted free agent next summer, locked up as soon as possible. The forward/center would be an attractive target for other NHL clubs, should he hit the open market. Pavelski was tied for third on the Sharks in scoring in 2013 with 31 points (16g 15a), and led the team in scoring in the playoffs with 12 points (4g, 8a). In 2011-12, he broke the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his career and tied for the team lead with Couture with 31.

Pavelski is expected to center the Sharks’ third line next season, but can play as a top line winger and is a mainstay on the effective top power play unit.

***

Wilson also touched upon the status of Marty Havlat, who underwent surgery recently and will likely begin the season on the long term injured list. Wilson was asked if Havlat, who has two years and $11 million remaining on his contract, has played his last game with the Sharks.

“Marty Havlat had a pretty extensive procedure done, a bilateral pelvic reconstruction,” Wilson said. “He is an important player to us and we missed him when he wasn’t in there. There is no timeline for a return, so I don’t have an answer for that one.”

Among the other topics discussed by Wilson include his view on NHL Olympic participation (which is expected to be finalized shortly); new sole owner Hasso Plattner; Brent Burns’ status as a full time forward; and 2012 first round draft pick Tomas Hertl.



Sharks sign Stalock, three others

Kevin Kurz

July 10, 2013, 2:45 pm

The Sharks on Thursday officially announced goaltender Alex Stalock’s one-year contract, as well as one-year deals for forward Matt Pelech and defensemen Rob Davison and Adam Comrie.

Stalock’s deal is the most notable, as the 25-year-old goaltender is the likely backup to Antti Niemi next season. Last week, general manager Doug Wilson announced that the club had come to terms with the fourth round pick from 2005. According to CapGeek.com, the contract is worth $625,000.

In 145 career regular season games with Worcester over parts of four seasons, Stalock is 78-53-10 with a 2.60 goals against average, .909 save percentage and seven shutouts. He has appeared in three career NHL games, including two in the 2013 season in relief of Niemi. The Minnesota native acted as the Sharks’ emergency goaltender in the playoffs behind Niemi and backup Thomas Greiss, who has since signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Coyotes after the Sharks let him walk as an unrestricted free agent.

Stalock missed nearly a full year from Feb. 2011 to Jan. 2012, while recovering from a nerve injury behind his left knee suffered during a game with Worcester.

Pelech played in two games with the Sharks in 2013, recording seven penalty minutes, but spent the majority of the season in AHL Worcester, where the 25-year-old had seven points (3g, 4a) and 238 penalty minutes in 58 games.

Davison, 33, was originally drafted by the Sharks in the fourth round in 1998 and has spent the last two seasons playing in Europe. He last played for the Sharks in the 2007-08 season, before he was traded to the New York Islanders for a seventh round pick in 2008, which the Sharks used to select Jason Demers. In 219 career NHL games with the Sharks, New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, and San Jose, Davison has 18 points (3g, 15a), and 321 penalty minutes.

Comrie, 22, split last season between AHL Worcester and ECHL Reading. In 24 games with Worcester, he had 15 points (3g, 12a) and 24 penalty minutes. The Virginia native was originally drafted in the third round by Florida in 2008.

Tags:

SAN JOSE Sharks, alex stalock, NHL, Top Stories


714168 St Louis Blues

Hockey Guy: Perron gets fresh start as Blues retool

1 hour ago • By Jeff Gordon [email protected]

Blues winger David Perron was one of those players fans loved to complain about. If St. Louis had a Pantheon of Criticized Athletes, he would have been been there next to Matt Holliday and Steven Jackson.

But now folks will have to move on to another target.

Perron is an Edmonton Oiler now, thanks to Wednesday’s trade that made the Blues bigger up front and created more payroll maneuverability for Blues general manager Doug Armstrong.

Perron went to Edmonton for still-developing winger Magnus Paajarvi and a second-round pick in 2014. Paajarvi is a restricted free agent who should command well under the $3,812,500 cap hit Perron will carry for the next three seasons.

That is notable since the Blues are still trying to sign restricted free agents Alex Pietrangelo, Chris Stewart and Jake Allen. Stewart figures to cash in via salary arbitration and Pietrangelo could sign a record-setting Blues deal.

“We certainly didn’t make this trade just for salary cap purposes,” Armstrong told reporters in a conference call. “If we were going to make a move, we wanted to add a player that we think fits into our organization, where we are today and where we are moving forward.

“We think he is just starting to enter the really good part of his career at 22. We have his rights now for the next four years, which is important to us in a cap system. We just think he brings an element to our team that we don’t have, which is that size on the wing and that speed.”

Yes, Paajarvi will make the Blues look more imposing as they skate onto the ice. He stands 6 foot 3 and weighs 208 pounds. He has plenty of untapped offensive potential.

But Edmonton got the best player in this deal, by far.

Perron has produced 198 points and a plus-45 rating in 340 NHL games. He came back from a serious concussion to score 21 goals and add 21 assists in 59 games in 2010-11.

If he stays healthy in Edmonton, he could score a lot of points for the go-go Oilers. The deal was well-received in Alberta's Twitterverse.

“It'll be a good test for our analytics guys,” Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish told the Edmonton media. “They have him with some of the game's elite.”

Like most of the Blues, Perron failed to meet offensive expectations for last season. He ended the regular season in a deep slump and failed to step up during his team’s first-round playoff loss to the Kings.

But fans focused on Perron for a lot of reaons:

Perron was over-hyped from the start. The Blues went forever without drafting and developing a real scorer, so David’s arrival caused a stir.

The Blues rushed him into the NHL, for the above reason. He added some badly needed life to the front lines. But he had to mature on the fly, in the public eye. That is what they now call the Tyler Seguin Syndrome.

Perron carried the confidence of a long-time NHL all-star. His personality was outsized. Fans quickly gravitated to him . . . but soon they expected much more from him on the ice.

Although fellow draft picks T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund also failed to stay healthy and/or consistent, Perron took much of the heat from the whole group. These guys are merely good players and fans want them to be great.

Finally, Blues fans came to believe they finally had a real Stanley Cup threat. When the Kings knocked the Blues out of consecutive postseasons, fans went looking for scapegoats. Perron was one of the easier marks: He scored just one goal in 15 postseason games the last two years while earning a minus-7 rating.

When Armstrong signed free agent center Derek Roy to fill the team’s playmaking void, he created serious salary cap concerns for next season. Perron’s name was in circulation at the NHL Draft so nobody was surprised when he moved along Wednesday.

Paajarvi is much less accomplished than Perron; in 162 games he has scored just 58 points with a minus-21 rating.

He failed to earn a significant role in Edmonton after arriving as the 10th overall pick in 2009. He developed some chemistry with Berglund playing for Sweden in international competition.

“We saw them play over the Worlds together and they had a very dynamic team,” Armstrong said. "They played in the gold medal game and those two players were very good. But this trade wasn’t based just on his ability to play with one player.”

Paajarvi will have to fight for playing time with the Blues.

“We see him coming in and competing in our group of nine,” Armstrong said. “We have been more of a group of nine than your prototypical first, second, third and fourth line. We’ve had nien forwards that are interchangeable. Ken (Hitchcock) has used them as interchangeable parts. Our team is built on balance.”

What this trade really means is that Oshie, Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz must step up in a big way. It also means the Blues will need to get some help from young wingers Dmitrij Jaskin and Ty Rattie too, especially if injuries hit.

If those guys don’t develop, the public view of Perron could change quite a bit in hindsight.

Follow Jeff Gordon

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 07.11.2013


Blues Bytes: Perron move makes dollars and sense

1 hour ago • Bernie Miklasz [email protected]

The Blues are breaking up the Boy Band?

Really?

This isn't quite to the level of Justin Timberlake leaving N Sync, but still...

The beguiling forward David Perron, abundantly skilled but overpaid, is headed to Edmonton in exchange for forward Magnus Paajarvi and a 2nd round pick in the 2014 NHL Draft.

I'm good with this.

Multiple reasons:

1. It saves a bunch of money for a financially challenged franchise. Perron was good, but he should have been much better, and his production didn't justify the Blues' investment in him. Perron has three years and $12.25 million remaining on his contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $3.8125 million. Perron scored 10 goals last season.

2. In a related note, despite their public spin the Blues clearly need to create some room to accommodate a contract extension for cornerstone defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. The Blues also have to come to an agreement with forward Chris Stewart, a restricted free agent. I'd be surprised if they gambled on a long-term deal for the enigmatic Stewie, but you never know. But given owner Tom Stillman's limited resources, no way this team can reside near the top of the salary-cap ceiling.

3. The move alters the self-entitled celebrity culture that has prevented this team from playing to it's full potential. Perron wasn't a bad guy, but tended to go his own way... his individualistic play was a often a detriment.

4. Paajarvi isn't just a guy. He's 22, or three years younger than Perron. He was the 10th overall pick in the 2009 NHL draft. He's a winger with height (6-3) and size (200+ pounds). There's real upside here; we saw it when the kid scored 15 goals as an NHL rookie. In chucking the $12.25 million salary commitment to Perron, the Blues got a young talent with real potential. Now it's up to Paajarvi to take a big step forward in his career.

5. Paajarvi didn't get the opportunity in Edmonton that Perron received in St. Louis. So what can Paajarvi do with more ice time, and more minutes on the power play?

Put it this way: last season Perron played 710 even-strength minutes, which ranked 2nd to David Backes among Blues forwards. Perron scored 8 goals in those 710 even-strength minutes.

Paarjarvi skated 517 even-strength minutes for the Oilers; that ranked 7th among Oilers forwards. And he scored 7 even-strength goals, only one less than Perron.

Same deal on the power play...

Perron had the most PP minutes (119) by a Blues forward.

Paajarvi had only 59 PP minutes for Edmonton _ and he scored as many power play goals (two) as Perron.

Perron was given top-six playing time status in St. Louis. Paajarvi never had that chance in Edmonton.

One NHL pundit wrote this in reaction to the trade: "For a team that could use the offense, dealing away Perron is tough to swallow."

Again people: Perron scored ONE MORE GOAL than Paajarvi last season despite playing about 255 more minutes (even-strength and power play combined.) One.

6. Back to the cash: Paajarvi made $900,000 last season. He's a restricted free agent. His salary will jump _ probably to $1.5 million according to CapGeek. But Paajarvi doesn't come here dragging a long-term deal; he'll have to produce to get paid in a big way. A little extra motivation is a good thing.

7. Perron's career was disrupted by a serious concussion. It was a shame. It wasn't fair. He returned to have a very good 2011-2012 season, scoring 21 goals. But he wasn't the same player in 2013. And let's face it, the concussion makes him vulnerable ... somewhat of a risk going forward.

8. This move ,means more ice time for young Blues forwards Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko, just to name two. The kids looked good at times last season but need more ice to grow.

9. Paajarvi clicked with Blues center Patrik Berglund when both excelled for Team Sweden during international competition. They have a chance to create instant chemistry here.

10. The trade sends a message to the other members of the Boy Band nucleus: you're being held accountable. Don't get too comfy. Produce or else.

Finally...

Opinions Expressed on Twitter:

* No question, Perron has been a better finisher during his NHL career. That point was reinforced repeatedly by hockey insiders and bloggers.

* The main criticism of Paajarvi? He was soft. The feeling was summed up by John MacKinnon of the Edmonton Journal: "Hockey technicians wud say Magnus Paajarvi lacked ‘net drive.’ Old-timers would say he didn’t go to the net hard or often enough."

* Edmonton media members and bloggers generally liked the deal from the Oilers' standpoint. As they should; Perron fits well with Edmonton's developing young talent up front. A few observers expressed trepidation over giving up on Paajarvi too soon.

* Edmonton Sun columnist Terry Jones: "Concussion issue and question of why St. Louis is making the trade bother me when it comes to Perron…but are the Oilers better for this coming season with the deal? Yes."

* This from Jeff Chapman, Oil on Whyte blogger: "Profanities, profanities, Magnus Paajarvi, profanities."

Rob Tychkowksi, Edmonton Sun: "I wonder how much more comfortable Magnus Paajarvi will feel on a tough, heavy team like St. Louis. This will be an interesting study."

* Robin Brownlee, Oilers Nation: "Perron easily a better offensive player than Paajarvi straight up right now. EDM just got better. Long-term? How’s Perron’s melon?"

* Here's a more comprehensive assessment (non-Tweet) from Bruce McCurdy of the respected Cult of Hockey blog:

"Paajarvi is projected by most as a third-liner, although potentially a very good one in the Radek Dvorak mold. That said, he’s 22 years old, a big guy who can skate like the wind whose career stretches out in front of him. Potentially it’s a trade Oilers and their fans could live to regret, even as they fairly clearly got the better player today.

"While not the plus-sized skill forward many Oilers fans were hoping for, at a listed 200 pounds Perron is currently the heaviest forward in the projected top six. He has been praised by many observers for his competitiveness and edgy play."

And...

My conclusion: There's risk involved for both teams. If Perron continues to regress, Edmonton will be stuck with a sizable tab. And if Paajarvi fulfills his potential, they'll be whining in Edmonton. But if Perron clicks in his new life, and becomes the 30-goal scorer that he should be, then the Blues will be criticized.

After all, Timberlake became a much bigger star after he left N Sync.

But you can't honestly assess this deal unless you recognize the financial realities that went into it.

Thanks for reading ...

-Bernie



Blues trade Perron to Edmonton

4 hours ago • By Dan O'Neill [email protected]

David Perron's time in St. Louis, both eventful and entertaining, has come to an abrupt end.

The Blues sent the 25-year old winger to the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday in return for 22-year old forward Magnus Paajarvi and a second-round pick in the 2014 NHL draft.

Paajarvi, 6-foot-3, 208 pounds, has considerably more size than Perron, who is 5-11, 195 pounds. A No. 1 pick for the Oilers in 2009, Paajarvi was the 10th player taken overall. He shoots left and has played wing. He had nine goals and seven assists in 42 games last season for Edmonton. He had 15 goals and 34 points for the Oilers in 2010-11.

He played on a line with Blues center Patrik Berglund for Team Sweden during the 2011 World Championships in which the Swedes finished second. Paajarvi got the news at his home in Noorkoping, Sweden, at 10:45 p.m.

“It definitely came as a shock,” Paajarvi said. “You never know in this business. I suspected if anything would have happened, it would have happened during the draft.

“I was focused on the season in Edmonton. Right now, I'm a little overwhelmed, but I'm actually very excited for a new chapter here, I talked to (Blues general manager) Doug Armstrong and my first feeling is all good, exciting.”

A No. 1 draft pick in 2007, the 26th choice overall, Perron scored 84 goals and 114 points in six seasons and 340 games for the Blues. His time in St. Louis was sometimes controversial, sometimes tragic and sometimes triumphant.

It began awkwardly, as he fell in and out of favor with coach Andy Murray during his first two seasons. However, Perron broke through with 20 goals and 27 assists in 2009-10, as Davis Payne succeeded Murray behind the bench.

But early in the 2010-11 season, Perron absorbed a blow to the head on a mid-ice hit from San Jose's Joe Thornton. He suffered concussion symptoms that kept him inactive for more than a year. But on Dec. 3, 2011, he made a triumphant return, scoring a goal at Scottrade Center in a loss to the Blackhawks.

Perron went on to stage a remarkable comeback season, scoring 21 goals and 42 points in 57 games. Despite high expectations for 2012-13, a four-month lockout abbreviated the NHL season. Perron had 10 goals and 15 assists while playing all 48 games.

But his season ended with a prolonged slump. He scored one goal over the last 21 regular season games and then had just one assist in the playoffs.



Blues send Perron to Oilers

4 hours ago • By Dan O’Neill [email protected]

David Perron’s time in St. Louis, often entertaining, always eventful, came to an abrupt end Wednesday. Magnus Paajarvi’s is just beginning.

The Blues traded Perron to the Edmonton Oilers in return for the 22-year-old Paajarvi and a second-round pick in the 2014 draft. Paajarvi (pronounced Pay-ar-vee) got news of the trade at his home in Noorkoping, Sweden, where it was nearly 11 p.m.

“It definitely came as a shock,” Paajarvi said. “You never know in this business. I suspected if anything would have happened, it would have happened during the draft. So I was focused on the season in Edmonton.

“Right now, I’m a little overwhelmed, but I’m actually very excited for a new chapter here. I talked to (Blues general manager) Doug Armstrong and my first feeling is all good, exciting.”

A number of aspects surround the deal, including salary cap room. Paajarvi is a restricted free agent and the Blues have to sign him. But before last season, the 25-year-old Perron signed a four-year deal that retains $12.25 million, or a $3.8 million cap hit. Paajarvi’s salary will be considerably less, and he won’t be unrestricted until age 27.

The Blues are trying to sign new deals with defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, forward Chris Stewart and goaltender Jake Allen, so they need the eggs, so to speak. Armstrong acknowledged cap space is relevant, but added:

“We certainly didn’t make this trade just for salary cap purposes,” Armstrong said. “If we’re going to make a move, we want a player we think fits into the organization where it is today and where it is moving forward.

“We think Paajarvi is just starting to enter the real good part of his career and we have his rights for (several) years. We just think he brings an element to our team that we don’t have, a winger with that size and that speed.”

Yes, size matters in this deal. The Blues recently added diminutive center Derek Roy and have several other players of modest proportions, such as Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Sobotka. Perron is generously listed at 5 feet 11, 197 pounds in media guides.

At the same time, the Blues have lost in the playoffs to a Los Angeles Kings team with bigger forwards two years in succession. They will compete in a Western Conference with the reigning champion Chicago Blackhawks, who feature a number of big forwards.

A left wing by trade, Paajarvi is 6-3, 205 pounds. He was Edmonton’s No. 1 pick in 2009, the 10th player taken overall.

He had nine goals and seven assists in 42 games last season, where he was a complementary piece in an offense that features young craftsmen like Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Nail Yakupov.

Paajarvi’s NHL numbers don’t overwhelm, but they also don’t paint a complete picture. He led Sweden in scoring during the 2010 World Championships and was selected to the All-Tournament team. He also played for the Swedish team that finished with a silver medal in 2011. During that time, he mostly played on a line with Blues center Patrik Berglund. Connect the dots.

“I know Patrik Berglund and Alex Steen very well,” Paajarvi said. “They’re great guys and St. Louis always has been a big, heavy team for (Edmonton), a hard team to play against. In the World Championships, I played with Berglund and we had good chemistry and a lot of success together.

“Of course, it is up to coaches what they have in mind. But I’m looking forward to being there. It’s hard to leave Edmonton. I really enjoyed my time there and it’s a little hard to say how I feel right now. But my initial feelings are (the Blues) always have been up there as a contender. It feels like it is a team that is coming up and wants to contend badly.”

Perron was in Montreal, participating in a media function, when his phone rang. He saw the call was from “Doug Armstrong” and got a gut feeling.

“When I saw the name on the phone, I knew right away that’s what it was going to be about,” Perron said. “I didn’t know how it was going to go down, but when I heard ‘Oilers,’ I thought it’s going to be a really nice fit for me.

“It’s a chance to play the style of hockey I think I came into the league playing and a way I can really benefit as a player into a puck-possession guy, offensive player that can really use his instincts.”

But, Perron added it’s especially hard to leave St. Louis.

“I loved pretty much everything about St. Louis,” he said. “I just want to thank the whole organization. From the time Larry Pleau, Jarmo Kekalainen and John Davidson drafted me, through all of the coaches, I think everybody put a lot of energy, a lot of effort into me. And I feel like tried to do my best for them, too.

“I thank my teammates and trainers, they always treated me so well. And the fans always were really supportive of me, from day one. I know they’ll continue to support the Blues forever. But hopefully they can keep a little place for me in their hearts.”

For a player of his stature. Paajarvi has been scrutinized in the past for spending too much time on the perimeter. He is aware of the criticism and feels he made strides last season toward finding his niche and developing a more determined game.

“My response to that is I thought I took s step and found a good role on the team with Edmonton last season,” Paajarvi said. “I felt I was a guy who can be relied on offensively and defensively, who can play a two-way game and score some goals as well.

“That fits me pretty good. I think my game is relying on my skating forward and backwards, and to create offense with that. (The Blues) play a very disciplined, forward-and-back game. Of course, I have to talk with coach Ken Hitchcock and see what he plans for me, but I think it fits me pretty good.”

Perron, a No. 1 draft pick in 2007, the 26th choice overall, had 84 goals and 114 points in 340 games over six seasons. From the time he showed up for his first camp wearing white skates, Perron was sometimes controversial, sometimes tragic and almost always colorful .

His Blues career began awkwardly as he fell in and out of favor with coach Andy Murray during Perron’s first two seasons. However, the Sherbrooke, Quebec native broke through with 20 goals and 47 points in 2009-10, as Davis Payne succeeded Murray halfway through the schedule.

Off to a fast start in 2010-11, Perron was seriously sidetracked by a mid-ice hit from San Jose’s Joe Thornton on Nov. 4, 2010 . Thornton received a two-game suspension for the blow; Perron missed 97 games because of concussion symptoms.

But on Dec. 3, 2011, he made a triumphant return, scoring a goal at Scottrade Center in 5-2 a loss to Chicago. Perron continued the remarkable comeback, netting 21 goals and 42 points in 57 games upon his return.

Expectations were high for 2012-13, especially after he signed a new contract. But a four-month lockout fractured the season. Perron had 10 goals and 15 assists while playing in all 48 games.

But he finished in a prolonged slump. He scored one goal over the last 21 regular-season games and added just one assist in the playoffs. The young and highly skilled Oilers would appear to be a comfortable landing spot for Perron.

“I hope David goes to Edmonton and has a terrific career and they have success,” Armstrong said. “This is a trade that hopefully benefits both teams.”

That said, there is a perception the Blues needed to add skill during the offseason. While Roy has that reputation, the retirement of Andy McDonald and the trade of Perron had claimed two of the most talented offensive players from last season’s roster. But Armstrong said the presence of Paajarvi promises to create elevated roles for others to shine.

“With the number of players we had like David ... they’re all a little bit different but they all had a lot of the same attributes,” Armstrong said.“With Ty Rattie coming, and with Dmitrij Jaskin, we just felt this was the right time to try to create some space for (Vladimir) Tarasenko and Schwartz for this year.

“But also understanding we believe in and we need Rattie, and we are asking him to take the next step also.”


Blues trade Perron to Edmonton for Paajarvi and a draft pick

Published: July 10, 2013 Updated 9 minutes ago

By NORM SANDERS — News-Democrat

Needing to move a core forward to free up salary cap space for more signings, the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday shipped winger David Perron to the Edmonton Oilers for left winger Magnus Paajarvi and a second-round pick in 2014.

"We certainly didn't make this trade just for salary cap purposes," Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong said. "If we were going to make a move, we wanted to get a player that fits into our organization today and fits where we are moving forward.

"We think that he brings an element to our team that we don't have, and that's that size on the wing and that speed."

Perron, 25, has three years remaining on his contract with a salary cap hit of $3.81 million per season. The trade gave the Blues extra salary cap space and they now have just under $13 million to try to sign restricted free agents Alex Pietrangelo, Chris Stewart and goalie Jake Allen.

Paajarvi is also a restricted free agent coming off a contract worth $1.525 million. Stewart was among 21 NHL players filing for salary arbitration on Wednesday.

"Magnus is a well-rounded player who has good size and great skating ability," Armstrong said. "He is just coming into his own and this will open up more ice time for Jaden (Schwartz) and Vladimir (Tarasenko). I would like to thank David for his time in St. Louis and wish him well in Edmonton."

The 22-year-old Paajarvi (pronounced Pay-R-V) is a native of Sweden and was the 10th overall pick in 2009 by the Oilers. A 6-foot-3, 208-pound left winger known for his size, speed and skating, he had nine goals and 16 points in 42 games last season and 15 goals and 34 points as a rookie.

When reached by phone, he was extremely happy about the trade.

"It's a contending team and there's still a lot of young guys on the forward side, so my first reaction is excitement for sure," Paajarvi said. "I want to make goals. I do want to create offense and I want to drive the net, that's where my game is at --and of course the defensive part as well."

Paajarvi has 26 goals and 58 points in 163 NHL games. He also played well with Blues center Patrik Berglund for their native Sweden at the recent World Championships.

"We saw them play over at the worlds together and they had a very dynamic team," Armstrong said. "They played in the gold medal game, but this trade wasn't based on just his ability to play with one player. One of the areas we wanted to try to improve was our speed and bringing him in is going to help that.

"It does free up some cap space for future deals that we have to accomplish."

Perron, 25, was the 26th overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft. In six seasons with the Blues he had 84 goals and 114 points in 340 games, including a career-high 50 points in 81 games (15 goals, 35 assists) in 2008-09.

Last season Perron played in all 48 games, scoring 10 goals and 25 points. However, he had just one goal and five points in his final 22 regular-season games.

"David's a dynamic offensive player and we think that Magnus is just entering the guts of his career now," Armstrong said. "We're looking forward to him being a Blue."

Perron twice hit the 20-goal level, scoring 20 in 2009-10 and 21 in 2011-12 after missing much of the 2010-11 season because of a concussion suffered on a hit by San Jose's Joe Thornton.

Perron has three years remaining on a four-year, $15.25 million contract signed in July, 2012. He should be a good fit in the Oilers' high-speed offensive approach surrounded by other young forwards.

Paajarvi discussed the area of his game he feels needs the biggest improvement.

"Getting more efficient offensively, that's for sure," he said. "I have the speed to do all of that and I think I have it mind to take the next step. It's all in front of me and I just need to grab it and really embrace it.

"I'm trying to use my speed for basically everything and have a good two-way game, but I still want to create some offense and make some goals."

In Edmonton, one of the criticisms of Paajarvi's game was spending too much time on the perimeter despite his advantages in size and speed.

"I just think it comes with experience and time," Armstrong said. "We're a league that puts young players in position to fail and not succeed far too often. When you put an 18- or 19-year-old player into a man's league and ask him to be a physical force, that's a daunting task.

"We have seen some evolution in his game and our pro scouts and the people that we talk to around the game indicate that he is trending in the right direction."

So how does this trade impact the Blues?

"Coming in and competing for our group of nine (forwards)," Armstrong said. "We have nine forwards that are interchangeable and Ken (Hitchcock) has used them as interchangeable parts. Our team is built on balance and we think (Paajarvi) has the ability to come in here and provide and element that we don't have now."

Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 07.11.2013


Goalie Vasilevskiy shows improvement in Lightning camp

Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer

Wednesday, July 10, 2013 4:51pm

BRANDON — Andrey Vasilevskiy is his own worst critic.

After the first day of the Lightning's prospect camp at the Ice Sports Forum, the Russian goalie, with limited English, said he was "bad." On Wednesday, after finishing camp with an .866 save percentage (110 saves on 127 shots) that was the best among four goalies, Vasilevskiy waved his hand to say he was so-so.

But considering games were three-on-three and played within an end zone, goaltenders coach Frantz Jean said Vasilevskiy's performance was notable.

"Three-on-three, the puck never leaves the zone, so every shot is a scoring chance," Jean said. "You always look for your guys on scoring chances to be .800 or .850 (save percentage). So if he's higher than .850, he's had a good tournament."

Vasilevskiy, 18, the No. 19 overall pick of the 2012 draft, likely will play his final season for Ufa of Europe's Kontinental Hockey League before coming to North America for 2014-15. He is considered the top goaltending prospect not on an NHL roster.

"There's been improvement," Jean said, comparing Vasilevskiy to last year's camp. "He's an excellent puck tracker. You can see his experience this year after playing some KHL games. There has been growth. It looks promising, for sure."

Three-ON-Three: After going 1-3-1 in the preliminary round, Team Stamkos (forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brian Hart and defensemen Artem Sergeev and Saku Salminen) swept three rounds of playoffs to win the three-on-three title.

"You've got to go all out, but you have to make sure you're ready to go in the playoffs," Hart said. "That's what really counts.

TOURNAMENT NOTES: Kucherov led Team Stamkos with six goals, 15 points in eight games. … C Cedric Paquette had camp bests of 18 points and 12 assists. … LW Jonathan Drouin, the No. 3 overall pick of the 2013 draft, had three goals, seven points and showed poised stick-handling skills. "I'm excited to come back in September," he said of training camp. "I'm going to do the same thing I've done in junior: step up my game and attempt to play with those guys."

ODDS AND ENDS: Expect the Lightning to again be part of the Panthers' preseason prospects tournament in Coral Springs. … LW Adam Erne and D Dylan Blujus will be at the United States national junior evaluation camp Aug. 3-10 in Lake Placid, N.Y. Salminen and LW Henri Ikonen will be with the Finnish team. … A memorial service for former Lightning assistant coach Wayne Fleming is Tuesday in Calgary. Fleming, 62, died in March after a two-year fight with brain cancer.

Goalie Vasilevskiy



With Perron, Blues got a mix of high-end skill and a bit of frustration

Published: July 10, 2013 Updated 4 hours ago

By NORM SANDERS — News-Democrat

David Perron arrived in St. Louis with much fanfare, cracking the Blues' NHL roster as a precocious 19-year-old rookie winger back in 2007.

He had been one of the club's first-round picks just a few months earlier and the rebuilding Blues decided to take their new French Canadian forward for a test drive. Perron had 13 goals and 27 points in 62 games that first season, at times running afoul of then-Blues coach Andy Murray during the learning process and at others flashing stickhandling skills most players can only dream about.

"I will miss everything about St. Louis," said Perron, who was traded to Edmonton on Wednesday for 22-year-old winger Magnus Paajarvi and a second-round pick. "It was the first situation that I'd known and the only situation that I'd known. They drafted me and grew me as a player."

Perron hit the 20-goal mark twice and leaves the Blues with 84 goals and 198 points in six seasons. That total includes playing only 10 games in 2010-11 while sidelined by a concussion.

"It's shocking and tough, you never want to leave a situation where you're comfortable and its fun," Perron said of the trade. "When I heard I was going to Edmonton it's obviously a real nice fit for me.

"It's tough to think of the Blues as some team I'm going to play against. It's tough to see that situation change, but I'm looking forward to the skill they have up front in Edmonton."

Perron has three years remaining on a four-year, $15.25 million contract signed in July, 2012. He should be a good fit in the Oilers' high-speed offensive approach surrounded by other young forwards.

"He's just got incredible skill set, a great set of hands," Edmonton Oilers GM Craig MacTavish said during a televised team video interview. "He's pretty gritty player too. He'll go to the areas necessary to score goals. On the outside I feel like he's a really good fit for our team and the way that we play."

MacTavish said he thinks Perron's game might flourish in Edmonton.

"There will be more attack opportunities for him, more rush opportunities," MacTavish said. "I think we potentially could be a better fit for his skill set than the team that he comes from."

Perron insisted the Blues and the two-way checking style of coach Ken Hitchcock were not a bad fit for him.

"I do think it's a better fit in Edmonton, but it doesn't mean it was a bad fit here in St. Louis," Perron said. "I think everyone had pretty much bought into the system and I think Hitch is a really good coach. It's two different styles of hockey and that's the way it is.

"I still enjoyed my time in St. Louis and I can only thank all my teammates and fans and everyone for believing in me for six years."

Perron (26th overall in 2007), T.J. Oshie (24th overall in 2005) and Patrik Berglund (25th overall in 2006) were all pushed by the organization as potential stars, but none of the group has hit that lofty status just yet. Oshie has 70 goals and 195 points in 292 games, while Berglund has 92 goals and 188 points in 358 games.

Since assuming GM duties in the summer of 2010, Armstrong has helped engineer the trade of several former Blues first-round picks, including Perron. Former first overall pick Erik Johnson was dealt with Jay McClement and a first-round pick to Colorado in February, 2011 for Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk and a second-round pick that the Blues used on high-end prospect Ty Rattie.

In June, 2010, former first-rounder Lars Eller was traded to Montreal along with Ian Schulz to Montreal for goalie Jaroslav Halak. In the same month, Swedish defenseman David Rundblad, another Blues first-rounder, was shipped to Ottawa for the first-round pick the Blues used on Russian winger Vladimir Tarasenko.

Did Armstrong think that Perron had trouble fitting his high-end skill game into Hitchcock's system?

"I don't believe there's an issue there," Armstrong said. "His first year back from the concussion he scored very well under Ken's system. Last year he didn't produce offensively the way he did before, but that seemed to be a universal thing for our group."


714175 Tampa Bay Lightning

Drouin makes quite an impression at Bolts camp

By Erik Erlendsson | Tribune Staff

Published: July 11, 2013

First-round pick shows fans, coaches what they can expect

BRANDON - For the better part of five days, Jonathan Drouin spent time being introduced to the Lightning coaches, equipment managers, medical staff and the media relations department during Tampa Bay's summer prospect camp.

The third overall pick in the 2013 draft met Lightning season ticket-holders, conducted interviews and became familiar with what to expect when the 18-year-old reports for Tampa Bay's training camp in September.

But Drouin also gave Lightning fans a taste of what to expect from him, as well, before camp broke Wednesday.

"As many good players as we have (at the camp), Jonathan is a special player and a special person," Lightning director of amateur scouting Al Murray said. "He's been exposed to a lot of situations, and he was very calm in every situation professionally, and he's going to come in and challenge" for a roster spot.

Lauded for his gifted hands and his ability to handle the puck, the 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward showcased some of those skills during the two-day 3-on-3 tournament.

During one moment in preliminary round play Tuesday, Drouin carried the puck from the bottom of the circle toward the top of the slot while protecting the puck on his backhand from Adam Erne, Tampa Bay's second pick in last month's draft. As Drouin pulled the puck back to his forehand, he quickly stopped, put the puck through the legs of Erne and skated toward the net uncontested. Drouin faked a shot before sliding a pass to an open Dan Milan at the left circle for an easy goal to the open side of the net.

On Wednesday, Drouin was along the boards and appeared to be hemmed in by a defender. But Drouin made a quick turn off the boards and made a toe-drag move to elude the check and open up space while keeping the puck on his stick.

"His vision and skill set is next to none," said James Mullin, a Lightning fourth-round pick in 2010 and soon-to-be junior at Miami (Ohio), who skated alongside Drouin in the 3-on-3 tournament. "He can find you in a phone booth, if we were both in there. He can stickhandle in a phone booth, too. So it's fun to play with somebody with that kind of skill set."

Following the camp, Drouin headed to the airport to head back to Montreal, where he will continue training for the rest of the summer. He'll spend a few days at a Canadian World Junior camp before returning to Tampa for another rookie camp opening Sept. 4 before a three-day rookie tournament with Boston, Nashville and Florida is held in Coral Springs.

Getting the exposure to a professional camp and gaining a foundation for the future proved beneficial for Drouin as he gets set to embark upon his career.

"I think it all went well," Drouin said. "It's fun to get into practices and the 3-on-3 stuff. I learned how to lift properly and how to train properly, so I think that was the biggest stuff, it was almost more learning than training, so that was good for us."

Drouin will have to increase his strength, and he plans to concentrate on that during the next seven weeks. But even if he doesn't add muscle, the expectation is he will start the season with the Lightning, though Murray said that's not a certainty.

"Whether he makes the team or not will be dependent on training camp and exhibition games, and it's not going to hurt any young player to go back and play in Europe or junior or back to college and dominate there for another year," Murray said. "But if he is ready, he'll show that and get the opportunity.

Tournament results

Team Stamkos captured the 3-on-3 championship after entering the elimination rounds with a 1-3-1 record, winning three straight, including a 1-0 victory in the final over Team Hedman. Nikita Kucherov, a second-round pick in 2011, scored the only goal for Team Stamkos, which also featured 2012 second-round pick Brian Hart along with Artem Sergeev and Saku Salminen.

Team Hedman featured the top scorer in the tournament, Cedric Paquette, who finished with six goals and 18 points. Kucherov finished second with 15 points.

Drouin, playing with Joel Vermin, Milan and Mullin, finished with three goals and seven points.

Goaltender Andrey Vasilevskiy led all netminders with an .866 save percentage, more than half a percentage point better than any of the other three goalies in camp.

Tampa Tribune LOADED: 07.11.2013

714176 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs sign Joe Colborne to one-year deal

Leaf organization said goodbye to veteran centre Mike Zigomanis. Carl Gunnarsson and Mark Fraser file for arbitration.

By: Kevin McGran Sports reporter, Published on Wed Jul 10 2013

Defencemen Carl Gunnarsson and Mark Fraser filed for arbitration while the Maple Leafs organization signed two and lost one on Wednesday.

Joe Colborne, expected to compete for a bigger role with the team, signed a one-year deal. He was a restricted free agent. He’ll earn $600,000 (U.S.) this coming season.

The Leafs also signed free agent forward Troy Bodie, 28, to a one-year deal.

But the organization lost veteran centre Mike Zigomanis, who signed with the AHL’s Rochester Americans. Zigomanis has been a Marlies stalwart but the team is promising to get younger.

The Leafs will be able to continue to negotiate with Gunnarsson and Fraser up to their arbitration hearing. Hearings will be held in Toronto from July 22 to Aug. 6.

Colborne played five regular-season games with the Leafs at the end of the season after playing 65 games with the Marlies. He had 14 goals and 28 assists in the AHL. He has one goal and five assists in 16 career NHL games.

Bodie split the 2012-13 season playing for the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals and Portland Pirates. In 52 AHL games last season, he had seven goals and nine assists while compiling 118 minutes in penalties.

The six-foot-four, 219-pound forward also played 16 games for the Marlies in the 2009-10 season.

He has played 107 NHL games with Anaheim and Carolina and has six goals and five assists along with 141 penalty minutes.

Toronto Star LOADED: 07.11.2013


Four Maple Leafs invited to world junior development camp

Three of them — Gauthier, Finn and Rupert — will participate in an exhibition series in Lake Placid, N.Y. in August.


Four Maple Leafs prospects — Morgan Rielly, Frederik Gauthier, Matt Finn and Ryan Rupert — have been invited to Hockey Canada’s summer development camp for the world junior team.

Three of them — Gauthier, Finn and Rupert — will participate in an exhibition series in Lake Placid, N.Y. in August.

Rielly, along with fellow world junior veterans Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin and Griffin Reinhart, won’t participate in the exhibition series, according to Hockey Canada.

Other names invited include a who’s who from the recent draft: Darnell Nurse, Max Domi, Kerby Rychel, Hunter Shinkaruk and goalie Zachary Fucale.

Also invited is Connor McDavid of the Erie Otters who, at 17, will be the youngest player at the camp.



Maple Leafs camp: Time for Tyler Biggs to step up

The biggest beneficiary of the addition of David Clarkson to the Maple Leafs could well be young forward Tyler Biggs.


The biggest beneficiary of the addition of David Clarkson to the Maple Leafs could well be Tyler Biggs.

The Leafs’ top pick from the 2011 draft — 22nd overall — now has an in-organization role model he can look up to.

“He’s a great power forward, a right winger, a guy that physically dominated and played with grit,” Biggs said of Clarkson. “You look at him his past couple of years, he’s really put the numbers up as well. To be well-rounded like that is definitely a goal.”

It’s going to help Biggs that the new coach of the Toronto Marlies, the team he’s destined to play for, is Steve Spott, formerly coach of the OHL Kitchener Rangers and, as such, Clarkson’s former junior coach.

“They can both score, they can both be physical,” said Spott. “I think David Clarkson for Tyler Biggs, there will be a lot of video that will be shared.”

Biggs, a power forward with top-six potential, is one of 34 prospects working out this week at the MasterCard Centre. The Marlies are expected to be more of a developmental squad than they were under Dallas Eakins. Others expected to join Biggs on that team from this prospects camp include defenceman Stuart Percy, goalie Garret Sparks, and forwards David Broll and Josh Leivo — all of them fellow 2011 draftees.

The Leafs are promising to be a more patient organization, developmentally speaking, under GM Dave Nonis than they have been historically, choosing not to rush their prospects to the NHL level.

They might only be saying that because few of their prospects — outside of 2012 first-rounder Morgan Rielly — appear ready for prime time.

Biggs’ development, for example, has been slower than the Leafs might have liked.

They love his size — six-foot-three, 224 pounds.

They love that he committed to working on his skating with coach Barb Underhill, and got better in that regard.

They’re not sure he reached his potential offensively in Oshawa last season — his only season of major junior — with 26 goals and 27 assists in 60 games. And even Biggs had to be disappointed with one assist in nine playoff games and an early Generals exit from the OHL post-season.

There was an adjustment period in switching to games-rich junior from the U.S. college ranks, where he played in 2011-12.

And Biggs had an important role as a shut-down defensive player on the American team that won gold at the world junior hockey championships in Ufa, Russia, in January.

But the Leafs’ camp is where Biggs can start to make a difference in his own career.

With scrimmages the next two days, it is up to Biggs — who’s in his third and final developmental camp — to set himself apart from the younger, less experienced 2012 and 2013 picks while the Leaf brass looks on.

“This is another bridge, another experience,” said Jim Hughes, the Leafs’ director of player development who is running the camp, said of Biggs. “More exposure. He finished up (last season) with the Marlies.

“He’ll have to continue to grow as a hockey player. I assume he’ll start with the Marlies and grow ownership in the group and make his presence (felt) early, establish a significant spot on the team and grow as a hockey player.

“He gets up and down the rink well. He does a lot of good things well. Yet we’d like to see his mentality grow as well. He’s got a chance to really take ownership in the group now and take a spot. with the new coach, to really

come in here and command the spot, not wait for it to be given to him, but to take it.

Biggs remains focused on the main goal: making the Maple Leafs.

“I’m just going in with the mindset of trying to make the Toronto Maple Leafs and go from there,” he said. “Take it a camp at a time and not get too far ahead of myself.

“You want to have that confidence to say you’re going to make the team and to have an impact. At the same time, all of us here, we’re all young guys. We don’t want to look too far ahead.”

But when he does look into the future, he sees his skill set fitting in nicely with how Leafs coach Randy Carlyle likes his players.

“There’s a way Toronto is going: to be a bigger, more powerful, strong team,” said Biggs. “I think you can see that in free agency (Clarkson) and trades (Dave Bolland).

“To one day be apart of that, that’s the dream, that’s the goal. If Randy Carlyle thinks I’m ready, then I’m ready.”



New Leafs David Clarkson and Dave Bolland named Toronto Indy grand marshals

By Mike Zeisberger ,Toronto Sun


Tens of thousands of Toronto sports fans will finally get the opportunity to welcome the Maple Leafs Mimico Connection to the city en masse this weekend.

With throngs of race supporters congregating at the CNE Grounds for the annual Honda Indy Toronto, recent acquisitions David Clarkson and Dave Bolland have been chosen to serve as grand marshals of the event.

Bolland and Clarkson, who both grew up about six kilometres west of the track, became Maple Leafs just five days apart. After the team picked up Bolland at the NHL draft in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks, free agent Clarkson inked a seven-year, $36.75 million US deal with the team later in the week.

Bolland will utter the famous words “Start Your Engines” prior to Saturday’s race while Clarkson will do the same prior to Sunday’s event. famous “drivers, start your engines” command to start the afternoon races: Bolland on Saturday, July 13 and Clarkson on Sunday, July 14. Both players will have the opportunity to meet the drivers, tour the paddocks and participate in the Drivers Parades for each respective race.

At the 2012 Honda Indy Toronto, Clarkson announced a partnership between his charity, Clarky’s Kids, and the Graham Rahal Foundation, both of which raise funds to help chronically ill children and their families. This year, the Dale Coyne Racing No. 19 steered by Justin Wilson, 2005 winner on the streets of Toronto, will carry the Clarky’s Corner logo on race day in support of the charity‘s fundraising efforts.

Clarky’s Corner Children’s Charities is an umbrella foundation recently launched in Toronto to allocate funds to numerous initiatives with the goal of improving the lives of kids and their families.

“It’s an honour to be a grand marshal,” Clarkson said in a phone interview. “I have so much respect for these drivers as athletes and competitors.

“A year ago I had the chance to tour around the track in one of the pace cars. It was a great experience and really gives you perspective on the challenges these guys face.”

Clarkson’s parents attended the first IndyCar event held through the streets of the CNE back in 1986. That race was won by Bobby Rahal, father of David Clarkson's buddy Graham Rahal.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 07.11.2013


Petter Granberg latest in long line of Swedish Maple Leafs

By Lance Hornby ,Toronto Sun


Call it the Borje Boomerang.

Exactly 40 years after the Maple Leafs started the NHL’s Swedish experiment in earnest, bringing over Borje Salming and Inge Hammarstrom, some of Tre Kronor’s best still find their way to Toronto.

After Salming came Mats Sundin, Kenny Jonsson, Jonas Hoglund, Mikael Renberg and Carl Gunnarsson. Now the watch begins for another big defenceman who, like Salming, comes from a remote northern mining town in Lapp country.

Petter Granberg has already won a couple of medals on the world stage and will be staying in North America this season, either with the Marlies or Leafs. That assignment will be determined in September at exhibition time, but he’s shaking the jet lag off and getting used to the smaller North American rink this week at the club’s prospect camp.

In Wednesday’s opening scrimmage, a tight 1-0 game at the MasterCard Centre, the 6-foot-3 Granberg frustrated attacking forwards, knocked a couple down and proved the ideal defence partner for high-flying first-rounder Morgan Rielly.

“That’s what Petter does, he defends, he fronts people,” said Leaf player development director Jim Hughes.

“He’s got a great stick, he’s got tight gaps ... you can’t beat him off the rush. He’s a containment guy, but the older he gets, the more aggression he has in his game. When we first had him here three years ago, he was almost polite. Now he has lots of push-back.”

Salming paid the price of a pioneer, enduring physical and verbal abuse in a goon era of the NHL that would have convinced a lesser man to catch the first flight back to Kiruna.

But he played more than 1,110 games with the Leafs and 17 seasons in all.

Granberg, who is from Gallivare, would be the first Swede to play for the Leafs who was born after Salming retired. As Hughes mentioned, he wasn’t on the radar his 2010 draft year, picked 116th overall. But presuming he starts as a Marlie, he’ll join members of his draft class such as Brad Ross and Greg McKegg on a much younger farm team this season.

“I have developed a lot of things during my time in Sweden,” Granberg said. “I’m a better player now. It’s different in Canada and the U.S. because of the small rinks, but I’m learning.”

At the world championships, he played with another former Leaf, Staffan Kronwall (brother of Niklas) and was thrilled to be matched against Canadian star forwards such as Steve Stamkos and Claude Giroux in the medal round. The Swedes won the quarter-final in a shootout and eventually the gold on home ice. The year before, Granberg helped Sweden take the world junior crown on Canadian soil.

Granberg credited coach Jan Erixon and the instruction he received in the national program for allowing him to make the jump the past three years. But the trait that might help him most is his natural affinity to play the body.

“I like the physical game. I like to be the hardest player to play against. But it’s a different game on the small rinks, so you have to adapt.”

Granberg will likely be paired with an offensive defenceman whether he plays at the MCC or ACC, but it won’t likely be Rielly, who must stick with the Leafs or go back to junior. It might be Granberg works with another first-rounder, Stuart Percy.

“Petter is a PK guy, he’s 5-on-5, 4-on-4,” Hughes said. “If he plays in a five-spot (on the depth chart), he might be in a shutdown tandem. He’s had so much success the past 18 months, as well as winning the Swedish Elite Championship (with Skelleftea). The people in Sweden do a great job of coaching him and they deserve a lot of credit.”

Granberg could end up playing under the ACC banners honouring his countrymen.

“They were great players who played for many years,” Granberg said. “Sundin, I watched a few times. And Salming ... well, those are guys who are pretty old.”

LEAFS’ TOP SWEDES

Forwards

Mats Sundin: Played 981 games ... Franchise scoring leader with 987 points ... Scored 420 goals and 124 power-play goals, both first in team history.

Mikael Renberg: Had 87 points between 2001-03 ... Finished fourth in team scoring in ’01-02 ... 112 points in 197 games.

Jonas Hoglund: Two 20-goal seasons, including second-most goals on the team in 1999-2000 ... Had 184 points in 325 games.

Defencemen

Borje Salming: Played 1,099 regular season games ... Franchise leader in assists with 620 ... First team all-star 1977.

Carl Gunnarsson: Last Leaf picked in 2007 draft is their last remaining in the NHL ... Has now played 224 games ... A plus-2 for his career.



Maple Leafs see similarities between Josh Leivo and Joffrey Lupul

By Terry Koshan ,Toronto Sun


Josh Leivo and Joffrey Lupul in the same sentence.

It didn’t happen only in the words you just read.

Following a strong performance in the scrimmage at the Maple Leafs’ prospect camp on Wednesday, Leivo drew the compliment from Leafs director of player development Jim Hughes.

“He has a lot of qualities, kind of like Lupes, in terms that his mind works so quickly,” Hughes said at the MasterCard Centre.

“He is wired to the point where what he is translating in his head, it goes right through his stick and his hands. He thinks quickly, he has an NHL stick, he has soft hands and he creates offence. His mind operates very fast.”

Leivo didn’t score in Blue’s 1-0 victory against White in the 40-minute game, but he was around the net on every shift. And when he wasn’t, he was digging the puck out of corners, to the point that he undressed defenceman Stuart Percy, a 2011 first-round pick, on one play to create a scoring chance.

Leivo’s game has matured since he was selected 86th overall by the Leafs in 2011. He’s going to get a great opportunity for a long look under Marlies coach Steve Spott, who coached Leivo to 29 points in 29 games with the Kitchener Rangers last season after the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder was acquired from the Sudbury Wolves.

“He has a comfort level with Steve, so he should jump out of the gate quickly, instantly,” Hughes said. “It is not a feeling-out process. He is a skilled player, and you could see him demonstrate that today. He was one of the best players in the scrimmage.”

POINT SHOTS

Morgan Rielly in a nutshell: During one shift on Wednesday, he intercepted a pass in the defensive zone, led the ensuing rush, created a scoring chance and raced back to negate a breakaway when it appeared he was out of position. As tough as the slick defenceman is expected to make it on Randy Carlyle in training camp regarding a decision about Rielly’s immediate future, put us in the group that thinks one final season in junior would be just fine. He would play up to 25-30 minutes a night with the Moose Jaw Warriors and experience the world junior again. It’s better than taking a chance that he second-guesses himself in the National Hockey League ... The Leafs did not have an immediate update on defenceman Matt Finn, who appeared to be favouring his left leg after he was crunched by David Broll. The latter hit everything that moved, which is what he does, but do the Leafs really need any prospects suffering hockey injuries in the dog days of July? ... Frederik Gauthier, picked 21st in Newark last week, had trouble staying upright and later acknowledged nerves were an issue. Said Hughes: “He will come back here in two years and he will be like a man-child. You can see the size in him, the girth, he plays the whole rink, he plays 200 feet, these are just baby steps here.” ... The oldest player in the camp is defenceman Andrew MacWilliam, who crunched Beau McCue with a big hit. A 6-foot-2, 230-pound defenceman, MacWilliam turned 23 this past March and spent the past four seasons with the University of North Dakota. He was asked what he needs to work on to make the jump to pro hockey. “Where do I start?” the Calgary native said. “Foot speed is a huge one.” MacWilliam has been in the Toronto organization since 2008, when he was picked 188th, the same year Luke Schenn became a Leaf at No. 5.

FROM THE HASH MARKS

Petter Granberg and Rielly were sharp as a defensive duo, leading some to joke in the press box that we were watching the Leafs’ third pairing for the coming season. Rielly, by the way, will not participate in Canada’s world junior exhibition games in Lake Placid in August. Neither will fellow returnees Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin nor Griffin Reinhart, as Canada wants to get a look at other players ... Among those who stood out

on Wednesday were forward Tony Cameranesi, who has a nose for the puck, 2013 fifth-rounder Fabrice Herzog, who scored the only goal, and free-agent forward Josh Burnside, who hustled everywhere ... Free-agent defenceman Kevin Raine scored the prettiest goal as the players participated in a post-scrimmage shootout, beating Christopher Gibson high to the glove side. Raine has just two goals in three seasons in the OHL ... The Rangers had given the Leafs a deadline of draft-day Sunday to hire Spott as coach of the Marlies. The call to Spott with the good news came from the Leafs at 11:50 that night ... Put goaltender Garret Sparks on the list of those who wouldn’t have minded more teaching from Dallas Eakins, who accepted the job as head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, creating the hole with the Marlies. Sparks played in three games for the Marlies last season, winning two, and is bound to share netminding duties with Drew MacIntyre with the Baby Leafs in 2013-14. “I’m going to miss Dallas,” Sparks said. “The little time I spent there, he was influential, supportive to no end. Steve (Spott) knows who I am and how I play, and hopefully we will grow a good relationship.” ... There will be a second scrimmage on Thursday morning before the prospects scatter for home, undoubtedly weighed down by off-season training regimens and how-to-eat-properly guides.

BROLL LOOKS UP TO LEAFS’ BRUISERS

David Broll wants to be like Colton Orr and Frazer McLaren, but with a twist.

The bruising pair combined for 257 penalty minutes with the Maple Leafs last season, but just four goals and five assists.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound Broll, who comes by the nickname “Brolldozer” honestly, had 54 points in 67 games for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in 2012-13 to go along with 77 penalty minutes.

“Those guys are role models for me,” Broll said on Wednesday. “They’re tough and well-respected, and I would try to bring a little more offence.”

Selected 152nd overall by the Leafs in 2011, the winger wants to be with the big club, but a full-time spot with the Toronto Marlies is more likely.

Broll got a taste of the AHL last season, playing in seven regular-season games and three in the playoffs. “You get to see how tight (the competition) is,” Broll said. “We had five-to-12 healthy scratches a game.

“(Randy) Carlyle is known as a hard-nosed kind of guy, and that’s up my alley. I have to see if I can push his buttons a little bit to get me in the lineup to make my mark.”



Maple Leafs Carl Gunnarsson, Mark Fraser file for arbitration

By Lance Hornby ,Toronto Sun


The Maple Leafs eased their restricted free agent pain slightly on Wednesday and added a new depth forward, but two players are headed to salary arbitration.

Soon after the signing of centre Joe Colborne was announced, and the acquisition of bruising 6-foot-4 winger Troy Bodie, the National Hockey League list of those filing for arbitration came out, with Carl Gunnarsson’s and Mark Fraser’s names on it. Fraser’s filing was expected, Gunnarsson’s not as much, but the chance remains the two defencemen can work out something with general manager Dave Nonis before the cases are heard in the coming weeks.

Hearings would be conducted between July 22 - Aug. 2. Since the two players initiated the process, it’s the Leafs who can control whether the arbitrator rules on a one- or two-year term.

But talks can continue in the interim.

“We’ve had some good discussions on longer-term options for Carl and expect those to continue next week,” Gunnarsson’s agent, J.P. Barry, told sportsnet.ca on Wednesday.

Forward Nazem Kadri and defenceman Cody Franson remain RFAs, so the arbitrator’s rulings could affect them, too.

It would be awkward for the Leafs to be in a room and be critical of Fraser, who came so far last year and had a skull fracture blocking a shot in the playoffs. But as expected, he balked at the club’s qualifying offer that included a two-way contract.

Colborne and Bodie signed one-year deals. Some light has opened for Colborne with the Leafs after Mikhail Grabovski’s departure, but the 6-foot-5 former first-rounder would have to play more ruggedly and more consistently than last year to avoid starting the season with the Marlies.

Bodie is the second member of the 2012 Calder Cup champion Norfolk Admirals to have beaten the Marlies in the AHL championship and later join them. Defenceman Mike Kostka took that route to the Leafs last season.

The 28-year-old Bodie, briefly a Marlie in 2009-10, has played 107 NHL games for Anaheim and Carolina.



Maple Leafs have a tough call to make with Morgan Rielly

Michael Traikos | 13/07/10 | Last Updated: 13/07/10 10:57 AM ET

TORONTO — Two nights ago, Morgan Rielly was flying to Toronto for the Maple Leafs prospects camp just as a massive rainstorm was flooding the city. The stomach-turning turbulence made for a “frightening” trip. But the worst part, he said, was the three-hour wait as the ground crew worked to unload the plane.

Leafs sign David Clarkson, bring back Tyler Bozak

That delay might be the last Rielly experiences as he moves toward a career in the NHL.

The Leafs would like nothing more than to take their time with the puck-moving defenceman, drafted fifth overall in 2012, and have him spend all, or at least part, of the coming season maturing in the minors. But Rielly, at 19, has to either play in the NHL this year or be sent back to his junior team. And though the Leafs are trying to be patient, it is apparent to everyone that saw him play 14 games and two playoff rounds for the Toronto Marlies at the end of his junior season that he is too good to go back.

“The transition to the Marlies this year was relatively easy for him,” said Jim Hughes, the Leafs’ director of player development. “You didn’t see anybody out-muscle him. Again, I don’t think there’s any obstacle that we need to worry about with Morgan, other than we have to handle his situation with patience and be methodical and make the right choice for him.”

The question is not whether Rielly, who is a sturdy 6-feet and 205 pounds, can play in the NHL or not. It is whether his development is better served playing big minutes against lesser competition in junior — he had 54 points in 60 games in the WHL last season — or fewer minutes against better competition in the NHL.

“I think there has to a be a lot of thought that goes into it, in terms of him going back and playing against 16-, 17-year-old kids,” Hughes said. “Is that going to benefit him? We’re not sure. And again, that assessment will be made somewhere in September.”

Luke Schenn went straight to the NHL immediately after being drafted fifth overall in 2008 and did not look out of place as a rookie. But he struggled in the following years and was eventually traded. Since then, the Leafs have exercised patience, with Nazem Kadri, Jake Gardiner and Joe Colborne all spending significant time in the American Hockey League.

Ideally, the Leafs would like to take the same approach with Rielly. But the minors are not an option right now. And when you look at the Leafs’ defence, a return to junior might not be either. Dion Phaneuf, Carl Gunnarsson, Jake Gardiner and Cody Franson are pencilled in as the top four, with Mark Fraser expected to resume his role as a penalty-killing specialist. That leaves Rielly competing with veteran John-Michael Liles, who was a healthy scratch last year, and minor-leaguers T.J. Brennan and Korbinian Holzer for one of the final two spots.

He definitely has all the tools to garnish a heck of an opportunity

We will have to wait until the main training camp — and possibly a nine-game audition in the regular season — to see how that plays out. But for now, the job appears to be Rielly’s to lose.

“He definitely has all the tools to garnish a heck of an opportunity,” said newly hired Marlies head coach Steve Spott, who coached Rielly at the world junior tournament.

“He’s going to be given every opportunity to succeed and it’s going to be up to Morgan to take control of his personal situation and take advantage of the situation. For me, he does so many things well. He can skate and think the game at the National Hockey League level, so I think his play is going to dictate where he ends up.”

When asked what he has to do to make the team, Rielly was diplomatic: work hard, make smart decisions with the puck, be sound defensively and play to his strengths.

“Just prove myself,” he said, adding that this is not a make-or-break moment in his career. “It isn’t as though if I go back to Moose Jaw that it’s a chore or anything … but obviously my goal this year is to play here and I’m going to try and do that here.”

National Post LOADED: 07.11.2013


Leafs counting on Steve Spott to make young Marlies NHL ready

Michael Traikos | 13/07/09 | Last Updated: 13/07/09 10:42 PM ET

TORONTO — Steve Spott is making the jump from junior to pro. But the newly hired Toronto Marlies head coach, who spent the past 14 years behind the bench in the Ontario Hockey League, does not see much difference in the two jobs.

Leafs sign David Clarkson, bring back Tyler Bozak

Well, except for one.

“I don’t have to deal with high school issues anymore, so I’m looking forward to that,” Spott joked Tuesday.

Still, some might not be too far removed from celebrating their prom. With captain Ryan Hamilton and Will Acton following former Marlies coach Dallas Eakins to Edmonton, and former NHL veterans Tim Connolly and Mike Komisarek no longer in the organization, next season’s Marlies will be less experienced than they have been in the past.

Several picks from the 2011 draft (Tyler Biggs, Stuart Percy, Josh Leivo, David Broll, Garret Sparks) are expected to be AHL rookies. For Spott, the emphasis will likely be on teaching and development rather than competing for another Calder Cup championship. The Marlies made the final in 2012 and reached the Western Conference final this past season.

“You’re probably going to see a younger Marlies team than you’re used to,” said Spott, a longtime assistant to Peter DeBoer in Kitchener who took over the top job five years ago when DeBoer jumped to the NHL. “It will be a lot of teaching … One thing that I’m proud of is the development we’ve had over the last number of years in Kitchener.”

Spott’s experience in junior, where he gained a reputation for developing players, was a main reason he was hired. He has coached everyone from Mike Richards and newly acquired Leaf David Clarkson, to NHLers Jeff Skinner and Gabriel Landeskog. Marlies forward Jerry D’Amigo played for Spott in Kitchener, while he coached Morgan Rielly at the world junior championship and against Biggs, Percy and many others in the OHL this season.

We’ll make sure our systems with the Marlies completely mirror that of the Leafs organization

“I’ve scouted or coached against many of these guys, so there’s a good rapport,” Spott said. “My plan doesn’t change. It’s allowing these players to play and doing my best so that when they’re called up that they’re ready to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

The Marlies graduated 10 players to the Leafs last season, a number that was likely inflated because of the lockout. Still, Eakins’ strength as a coach was that when players were called up, the move from one league to the next was seamless.

Spott said that remains the goal this year. He has already been working with Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle so that the Marlies are playing the same system as the big club. Eakins has texted Spott a few times to offer help with the transition.

“He’s been a wealth of information for me,” Spott said of Eakins. “We’ll make sure our systems with the Marlies completely mirror that of the Leafs organization, so that when guys do get called up that they’ll be prepared for that.

“Obviously, the goal here is to win a Stanley Cup and I have to make sure my players, when they do get called up, that they can step right in and play for Randy and not take a step back in terms of systems.”

National Post LOADED: 07.11.2013

714185 Washington Capitals

Capitals re-sign Karl Alzner to four-year deal

By Katie Carrera, Updated: July 10, 2013

The Capitals signed defenseman Karl Alzner to a four-year contract extension worth $11.2 million, the team announced Wednesday.

The deal carries an annual salary cap hit of $2.8 million and is a value signing for Washington, which has come to rely on the British Columbia native as one of its top two defensemen over the past three years.

For Alzner, who turns 25 in September, the security of a four-year deal was key.

“Being able to stay in one place, hopefully stay in one place…. is something that we were really interested in,” Alzner said. “Another thing for me is looking at the team, thinking that we have a legitimate chance of doing something good here. I think everybody wants to be on a winning team. The longer of an opportunity I have to be with this team the better I think it’s going to be.”

Alzner has averaged more than 20 minutes of ice time per game and been top three on the team in blocked shots for three straight seasons and been the Capitals’ most consistent defensively sound blueliner night in and night out. He doesn’t have flashy statistics, what with five goals and 39 assists in 263 NHL regular season games, but brings a steadiness to Washington’s defense whenever he’s on the ice.

Last year, he showed he could excel apart from long-time defensive partner John Carlson as well when he skated often with Mike Green as the team’s top pairing.

His prominent place in the lineup doesn’t change the fact that restricted free agents hold little leverage in the negotiation process, though, or the fact that stay-at-home defensemen generally garner less salary than their offensively inclined counterparts. Those realities are likely how the Capitals managed to secure such a cap-friendly deal to keep Alzner in the fold until he is 28.

Alzner had arbitration rights this year, but given his style of game he knew it wasn’t his “best option” and was happy to avoid it.

“I think for a player like me is not necessarily very well represented in arbitration,” Alzner said. “I’m definitely not a numbers guy, my game isn’t something that you can read about and get a sense in a resume it’s more something you need to watch on video over a long period of time…..It was, I think, in both of our best interests to try and settle before that.”

The Capitals bought out one year of Alzner’s unrestricted free agent eligibility with this deal and General Manager George McPhee said he didn’t feel the need to stretch the deal longer to absorb more UFA years.

“We don’t want to do too many long term deals and four years is a long time,” McPhee said. “We can go back to Karl in three years and start again. He’s the kind of player coaches love, managers love, really reliable player, great teammate. I thought it was a real good pick when we made it [in 2007], thought he could play here for 15 years and it looks like that could happen.”

With Alzner signed, the Capitals now have a little more than $5.6 million in space remaining under the $64.3 million salary cap for next season.

In other restricted free agent news, the Capitals also re-signed AHL forward Peter LeBlanc to a one-year, two-way deal. LeBlanc recorded 8 goals and 10 assists in 33 games for the Hershey Bears last season.

Washington Post LOADED: 07.11.2013


Tom Wilson taking summer of increased expectations in stride

By Katie Carrera, Updated: July 10, 2013

Tom Wilson can’t recall exactly how old he was when he was first introduced to body checking in practice. What he does remember, though, is how much he enjoyed it instantly.

“I loved it. One guy would stand in the middle of the circle and then there would be 10 guys around the outside of the circle,” Wilson said. “Then everyone would take a run at him and you’d go around the circle and you’d defend yourself. I can remember it vividly, so I must have liked it. Ever since then, I’m just a competitive kid, I like to work hard and finish my checks and make an influence that way for sure.”

The hard-nosed, physical approach has become Wilson’s trademark as he’s made his way through developmental leagues. It helped him not look out of place last spring when he made his NHL debut, appearing in three playoff games against the New York Rangers. And it could be what helps him crack the Capitals’ roster this fall.

Wilson, 19, has made quite the ascent since being selected in the first round of the 2012 draft. He recorded 32 goals and 43 assists in 60 games (regular season and playoffs) for the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers last year before making three-game appearances with both the AHL’s Hershey Bears and Capitals.

While he was limited to a fourth-line role during his brief stint in Washington, averaging only 6:53 per game in ice time, it was an encouraging showing for the Toronto native. Wilson didn’t shy away from physical play against opponents several years his senior and offered a glimpse at the natural toughness he can bring to the Capitals’ lineup.

“He’s always had that edge to him that you’re born with,” said Capitals’ prospect Michael Latta, who recalled facing the rambunctious Wilson while during the 2010-11 season in the OHL. “He was a little 17 year old kid that I was kind of brushing off and now he’s a 19 year old man, who’s big and strong and tough. He’s a player, he does it all. He can skate, he hits hard, he plays hard, he’s got good skills. He’s going to be a long-time pro. I hope one day we can be linemates and go on a long journey together in the NHL.”

The question this summer, and more so come training camp in September, is whether Wilson is ready to make the leap to the NHL full time. At development camp this week, where he clearly stands out against his peers in practice, the Capitals’ brass is looking more at how Wilson carries himself off the ice.

“I don’t know that we’re evaluating him as much on the ice as we are off the ice. Checking out the maturity level, how much they’ve trained,” General Manager George McPhee said. “We know what he can do, we’ve seen it and we just want to measure how it’s come along here. He’s coming along great. He’s in fabulous shape. He’s put on a lot of weight since the end of the season and [his] body fat’s low, so it’s good weight.”

Wilson is listed at 6-4, 215 pounds for development camp, five pounds heavier than he was at the end of last season. While there’s no doubt he can handle himself physically in the NHL, the Capitals hope Wilson will someday develop into a top-six forward and don’t want to rush him.

While he could be a serviceable fourth liner next year, Wilson might be better off with one more season in the OHL rather than seeing limited ice time in Washington. But if he is able to out play some of the Capitals more established players at right wing in camp, Wilson may indeed be here to stay.

“I’ll just work hard every day,” Wilson said, downplaying any concern over where he could play next season. “You just want to stay and work hard the next day and stick around as long as possible, but I think Plymouth is another good option. I’m familiar there too. I’ve been there for three years, it’s a great organization. It’s two good options and we’ll see what happens.”



Potomac native Sam Anas working to stand out at Caps development camp

By Chelsea Janes, Updated: July 10, 2013

Sam Anas has been here, on the ice at Ketter Capitals Iceplex, before. He’s even played here in a Capitals jersey, albeit a much smaller one than he’s wearing this week at development camp.

The 20-year-old right wing grew up in Potomac. He played for the Little Capitals as a youngster and watched the full-sized version with his family, Caps season ticket holders.

Anas was even here last for camp last year, though he was in the stands, not on the ice. Now a non-roster invitee to the Capitals’ annual midsummer prospect camp, the Landon School product says it’s “pretty cool” to be on the other side of the glass.

The Capitals often invite a local kid or two to development camp in a nod to the community that supports them, but Anas is no token invite. Undrafted, but not entirely off the radar, he played the past two seasons with the USHL’s Youngstown. There, he he faced off against NHL prospects on a nightly basis; the USHL had 32 players from 2012-13 rosters drafted this year.

“I was kind of talking to my coach [in Youngstown] about [the camp] and it was kind of a might happen, might not, thing,” Anas said. “I got a call during lunch, it was pretty exciting.”

Exciting, if not entirely surprising.

Anas has proven himself as an elite USHL scorer over the past two seasons in Youngstown. He broke the Phantoms’ single-season record with 37 goals in the 2012-13 season, one so spectacular that it was featured on SportsCenter’s top 10.

The 5-foot-8, 155-pound winger is also Youngstown’s career leader in goals (54) and power-play goals and points, a resume that earned him a hard look from several top college programs. He chose Connecticut’s Quinnipiac University, which lost to Yale in last year’s national championship game after holding a No.1 national ranking for parts of last season.

“I want the Caps to like me. I’m going to school next year, but in the future I’d like to be a Capital, and that all starts now,” Anas said. “I want to do well, I’m not just here for the experience.”

His family, on the other hand, is pretty darn excited about the experience.

When asked what having his son in a Capitals camp meant to him and his family, Sam’s father, Peter, was silent for a moment before struggling to find an answer:

“Well… I don’t think there’s any way to describe it,” he said. “I don’t even know how to put it in words.”

You’ll forgive Peter, who played college hockey in Canada and attended camp Tuesday, if he’s a little overwhelmed by it all. He still remembers the first time Sam picked up a hockey stick — in the kitchen, of all places — where the 2-year-old honed his shot against the fridge and dishwasher.

After three more years of targeting appliances, Anas started aiming at goals and began his organized hockey career.

He looked up to his idols on the Capitals squad, particularly fellow right winger Peter Bondra.

Bondra’s son, David, played bantam hockey for the Little Capitals while Sam was a peewee. The two squads shared ice time, and one day the elder Bondra showed up to help tutor his son’s team.

Sam was nursing an injury and not participating fully in practice, so he and his father were standing between the two teams at center ice when Peter Anas asked Bondra if he had any tips he could share with Sam.

“He came over and spent 40 minutes with him,” Peter Anas said. “I don’t think I could tear the smile off Sam’s face for weeks.

“You don’t know what to think of pro athletes when you’re watching from afar, but when you see the quality of what NHL players are, it’s just a nice thing to see.”

You never know, he may just have one in the family soon.


714188 Winnipeg Jets

Jets Bogosian, Wheeler among NHL players to file for arbitration

By: Ed Tait

Posted: 07/10/2013 5:16 PM | Comments: 0

Five members of the Winnipeg Jets -- including three of their big guns in Zach Bogosian, Blake Wheeler and Bryan Little -- have filed for salary arbitration before today’s deadline.

The three, as well as Paul Postma and Eric Tangradi from the Jets, are part of a group of 21 players from across the National Hockey League who elected to go that route.

The deadline for club-elected salary arbitration notification is Thursday at 4 p.m. with the hearings to be held in Toronto from July 22-Aug. 6.

Anton Thun, the agent for Little, explained what electing for salary arbitration means: "Filing is simply the start of the arbitration process. It is simply a notice to the other side to elect arbitration and has nothing to do with the actual negotiations. No dollar figures are attached to a notice."

But if a player and the team cannot come to terms on a new deal before the hearings end, the maximum length of a contract an arbitrator can award is two years. That’s a significant number for the Jets, who are attempting to lock Bogosian, Wheeler and Little into longer-term deals.

The other 16 NHLers who elected salary arbitration are: Brendan Smith (Detroit), Sam Gagner (Edmonton), Trevor Lewis, Alec Martinez, Jake Muzzin and Jordan Nolan (Los Angeles), Ryan White (Montreal), Nick Spaling (Nashville), Josh Bailey (NY Islanders), Mats Zuccarello (NY Ranges), Eric Condra (Ottawa), Robert Bortuzzo (Pittsburgh), Chris Stewart (St. Louis), Mark Fraser, Carl Gunnarsson (Toronto) and Dale Weise (Vancouver).

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 07.11.2013

714189 Winnipeg Jets

Don Baizley memorial service draws hockey all-star list, including Teemu Selanne, Ulf Nilsson

Winnipeg Sun

First posted: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 12:10 PM CDT | Updated: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 06:47 PM CDT

A who’s who of hockey will be in Winnipeg today to attend a memorial service for Don Baizley, the universally respected player agent who died of cancer, June 27.

Baizley represented some of the biggest names in hockey, Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and Jari Kurri among his clients over the years.

He also represented Swedes Anders Hedberg and Ulf Nilsson when they came to North America, joining the Winnipeg Jets of the old World Hockey Association in the 1970s and revolutionizing the way the game was played.

But to his clients, Baizley was much more than an agent.

“Don was a very special person,” Selanne said upon Baizley’s death. “He was my ‘American Dad,’ great friend, mentor and supporter during my career.”

Baizley’s reasonable, common-sense approach earned respect from both sides of the bargaining table.

A member of the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame, he was a mediator during the 2004-05 NHL lockout and was widely considered one of the most influential men in the game, all the while remaining a staunch supporter and believer in Winnipeg.

Selanne, Hedberg and Nilsson are expected to attend today’s service, along with players, past and present, general managers and agents from around the world.

Today’s service is at the MTS Centre, at 4 p.m.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 07.11.2013

714190 Vancouver Canucks

Castlegar native Travis Green would be a good fit as coach for Canucks farm team

By Ben Kuzma, The Province July 10, 2013 5:06 PM

Connect the dots and the coaching line for the Utica Comets could lead to Travis Green.

Nothing is official but according to multiple reports, the buzz is that Green will guide the Canucks’ new American Hockey League affiliate because of his ability to work with young talent and his admirable job of not only filling in for suspended Portland Winterhawks coach and general manager Mike Johnston last November, but leading the WHL club to within a victory of a Memorial Cup championship.

“The biggest thing is that he kept us calm and collected as a team and brought us closer together — even though the sanctions happened,” said Winterhawks centre Nicolas Petan, who had 46 goals and 120 points last season to share the WHL scoring title with linemate Brendan Leipsic. “He kept us into an attack and we didn’t fall off at all and kept with the same systems, and I thought he handled it very well.”

The WHL levied a series of sanctions against the Winterhawks in late November. Cited for a series a player-benefit violations over the previous four seasons, the club was suspended from the first five rounds of the bantam draft in May and must also forfeit first-round picks the next four years. The Winterhawks were also fined $200,000 and Johnston was suspended for the balance of the season. With Green elevated into a head-coaching role, Portland could have packed it in or pressed on. Petan added 28 points in 21 postseason games and was selected 43rd overall by the Winnipeg Jets in the 2013 draft. He believes Green is ready for a bigger challenge.

“He’ll be great,” added Petan. “That’s a perfect fit for him and it’s one step up. I think he’ll be up for the challenge. He taught me about patience and waiting for the right time, letting things happen and playing a full 60-minute game. I kind of figured an offer would come around for him, so this is very exciting.”

When the Canucks purchased the Peoria Rivermen from the St. Louis Blues on April 18, the obvious intention was to stock the AHL roster with their own talent and develop prospects from within, rather than sharing an affiliation like they had done the previous seasons with the Chicago Wolves and Manitoba Moose. The 42-year-old Green played for seven NHL teams. The Castlegar native collected 193 goals and 455 points in 970 regular-season games. The 23rd overall pick in the 1989 draft by the New York Islanders has also served as an assistant general manager and assistant coach to Johnston with the Winterhawks. Moving up to the AHL and allowing Johnston to move back behind the Portland bench makes sense on several levels.

With Green at the interim helm, the Winterhawks went 37-12-1-2 and had an overall record of 57-12-1-2. They defeated the Edmonton Oil Kings in six games to claim the WHL crown before losing 6-4 to the Halifax Mooseheads in the Memorial Cup final.

Green and Johnston didn’t return calls from The Province.

Vancouver Sun: LOADED: 07.11.2013


Gallagher: If the NHL can sell an ‘outdoor game’ in Vancouver, they should try outdoor pools in Yellowknife next

By Tony Gallagher, The Province July 10, 2013 4:05 PM

The Vancouver Canucks have teamed with the NHL Players Association and their NHL brethren on a new marketing strategy for hockey at the world’s highest club level.

The plan is to move the March 2 game with the Ottawa Senators from a venue where fans can see the game to a place where they won’t have the slightest idea what’s going on.

Not the best idea, you might think?

But wait, you’re forgetting that they’re going to dress it up with a fancy name. Seriously, who could resist the Heritage Classic? It would be like turning your back on Canada to miss the Heritage Classic, wouldn’t it? Then there will be ridiculous quotes from commissioner Gary Bettman talking about the greatness of the venue, BC Place Stadium, and how scenic Vancouver is -- he having sampled this many times from a quality hotel room on his trips here.

Mathieu Schneider of the NHLPA is going to say good things about the idea even though his time here in Vancouver didn’t go particularly well, Alain Vigneault not being exactly his kind of guy. But hey, it’s his job now and some jobs compel you to say weird things.

Of course, Mike Gillis has to chime in and try to sell it because it might be a tad embarrassing to have just the season-ticket holders sitting there with the rest of the seats empty.

And then, without a doubt, the ultimate marketing ploy: some cheap seats for those people who can’t afford to see our games in person.

This is really a test, an examination of the hockey market here that everyone knows is pretty strong. They want to find out just exactly how stupid and gullible people are when it comes to NHL hockey, and it’s pretty clear they are betting a fair bit of money that you fans are literally as dumb as a bag of hammers. After all, it costs money to rent the building, put in the ice surface and make arrangements for the game.

They are not content to put 18,000 fans in Rogers Arena, paying up to $315 for tickets while the same game is being shown on high-definition television in the very living rooms fans have just vacated to make their way down to the rink in the pouring rain. No, they want to further flex their marketing muscle. Now they want 50,000 of you to pay to leave your homes to assemble and view a game that will be so far away that you will need binoculars just to determine if in fact it’s ice or field hockey being watched. And the NHL press release announcing the event makes it perfectly clear right up front that the game will be on your TV set at home, just to shove it right in your face exactly what you’ll be doing when you buy a ticket.

What’s astounding about this game is that the league and the team have arranged for earlier leaks of the possibility of such a game, and the condemnation of the money grab has been long, loud and extremely widespread. But damn the torpedoes, they’re going ahead with it anyway and if nothing else, you have to admire the jam. Their thought process has to be that they don’t need the local television, radio or print media as long as their paid television broadcasters say nice things about the upcoming game. That should be enough.

If they pull it off it will be a marketing tour de force, the equivalent of selling outdoor swimming pools to residents of Yellowknife in the middle of January. Never mind there is no tradition or ‘heritage’ of ever playing outdoor hockey here in Vancouver. Never mind that the vast majority of seats in BC Place stadium aren’t even remotely close to outdoors. Even with the roof wide open in high winds and pouring rain, half the people wouldn’t get wet. Never mind that this change in venue represents a kick in the groin for your season-ticket holders by moving them out of their good seats into some place where they won’t be able to see nearly as well, even though they may have already paid for their seats. None of those things matter.

The collective marketing analysis here is pretty clear: ‘Vancouver fans have watched the previous Heritage Classics in other cities and they surely must

want their turn. This is the NHL, this is Canada, this is the Canucks and this is Vancouver. This will sell.’

They might be right.



NHL announces 'outdoor' game at BC Place Stadium between Canucks, Senators

By Jim Jamieson, The Province July 10, 2013 2:57 PM

The NHL finally got around to announcing the outdoor game in Vancouver on Wednesday, a March 2 Heritage Classic matchup between the Canucks and the Ottawa Senators at BC Place Stadium.

The matchup, of course, has echoes to the 1915 Stanley Cup series that featured the victorious Vancouver Millionaires and the Ottawa Senators.

The game will be part of an unprecedented six NHL outdoors games next season.

They would start with a New Years Day game – featuring the Toronto-Detroit matchup at University of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor that was cancelled this year due to the NHL lockout. Besides Canucks-Ottawa, the others would be: Jan. 25 between Los Angeles and Anaheim at Dodger Stadium; Jan. 26 between New Jersey and New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium; Jan. 29 between the Islanders and the Rangers at Yankee Stadium; and March 1 between Pittsburgh and Chicago at Chicago’s Soldier Field.



If Travis Green is the Canucks’ AHL head coach, it’s one of their better moves this off-season

July 10, 2013. 3:42 pm

Posted by:

Steve Ewen

I was talking recently with a WHL general manager who believed the Vancouver Canucks needed to not scrimp on their AHL coach, reasoning that someone with a profound knack for getting to young players could make a difference with a depleted farm system. They’ve got some guys who could use some coaching up.

With that way of thinking, Travis Green looks like a good get for them, assuming the rumours about him taking the helm of the Utica Comets are true.

Green, 42, is coming off guiding the Portland Winterhawks to the WHL championship in the midst of chaos, what with Mike Johnston being suspended for the remainder of the season early in the campaign for player benefit violations and Green needing to step up from assistant coach/assistant general manager status. Combine that with 900-plus games in the NHL as a player and you’d think he would have plenty of opportunities, assuming he was against playing second fiddle to Johnston again. If the Canucks landed him, they had to work for it.

That Portland situation could have easily come off the rails. You see WHL players lose focus over a bad math test. Green had to play some sort of major role in keeping them together.

The Winterhawks played the same up-tempo, flashy offensive style under Green that they did under Johnston. You got the feeling they enjoyed themselves; it wasn’t unusual to see multiple drop passes on a single rush up the ice. They also seemed to check more diligently than they in the past. That could have been experience or all part of a Johnston-led progression, or it could have been the influence of Green. We’ll never know exactly.

It is certain that he’s a guy trending in the right direction. And, with the way this off-season has gone, how many times has that been said about the Canucks?

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 07.11.2013


Subban’s brothers blazed the way for him

Vancouver’s Jordan Subban has two NHL brothers to lean on as he learns the ropes of the pro game

By Jim Jamieson, The Province July 10, 2013

Jordan Subban got some advantages — and certainly some extra pressure — from being the third brother in a remarkable Toronto-area hockey-playing family.

But he’s happy to accept them both.

Jordan’s oldest brother — that would be Montreal’s P.K. — just won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenceman. Malcolm, 19, the goaltender in the family, was drafted 24th overall a year ago by Boston.

“Definitely having both my brothers helped me through the process in terms of what to expect,” Subban, 18, said of joining 37 other players in town for the Canucks’ prospects camp.

“I asked them a lot of questions. I talk to (P.K.) almost every day. He just continues to give me advice, wants to know what’s happening. He’s really supportive.”

The younger Subban didn’t participate in hiking up the Grouse Grind with the other prospects on Wednesday, as he suffered a minor injury in the first scrimmage of the camp on Monday. He’s been able to participate in most of the off-ice workouts, but it’s uncertain if he’ll be able to get on the ice for Thursday’s scrimmage.

Subban, a defenceman like his older brother, was selected 115th overall by the Canucks in last month’s NHL draft. At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, he’s the smallest of the brothers. P.K is six feet tall, but carries a muscular 216 pounds on his frame. The younger brother has terrific offensive instincts but can’t expect to match P.K.’s power game. Subban led OHL Belleville D-men in scoring last season with 15 goals and 51 points in 68 games and was a plus-22.

Subban knows people will try to compare him to his Norris Trophy winning brother, but doesn’t sweat it.

“I’m just grateful to the comparisons because of the success he’s had in the league,” he said. “If there’s anyone putting on pressure, it’s me. Once I get on the ice, I forget about all that and just play my game and have fun.”

Subban knows he’ll have to adjust his game to get to the pros.

“I think improving my skating and skills,” he said. “It would certainly help if I put on weight, but I just have to find a way to play in the NHL at my size.”

George Burnett, who coached all three Subban brothers in Belleville, says Jordan will evolve his game.

“He’s always being compared to his brother, but he’s a very different player,” said Burnett. “He doesn’t have the physical game of P.K., but he competes hard.”

Burnett said Subban’s strengths are his ability to move the puck, his on-ice vision and a knack for getting his shots to the net. He’s also a strong skater.

“He gets in and out of trouble with great feet and great stick,” said Burnett.

NOTES — Prospect Kellin Lain didn’t attend the prospects camp as he has a sore groin. Canucks RFA winger Dale Weise has filed for salary arbitration.



Bo knows: Horvat out to prove he belongs with Canucks

Ninth overall pick confident he can stick at the NHL level as an 18-year-old

By Jim Jamieson, The Province July 10, 2013

Bo Horvat conquered the Grouse Grind on Wednesday morning.

His next challenge will be much higher: making the Canucks’ roster in the fall and playing in the NHL as an 18-year-old.

But Horvat, the player the Canucks took with the ninth overall pick they acquired in the surprise Cory Schneider trade at last month’s draft, doesn’t lack confidence that he can handle the huge jump.

“I feel I’m ready,” Horvat said Wednesday afternoon as he and several others in town for the Canucks’ prospect camp paid a visit to BC Children’s Hospital after the Grouse Mountain ordeal earlier.

“There’s always things I have to work on and can get better at. I want to go out there — in this camp and the main camp — and prove that I can stay up this year.”

First-round picks — especially in a banner draft year such as 2013 — are the usual suspects to stick in their first NHL camp, but Horvat’s game definitely gives him a leg up. He’s the rare junior hockey player who can score, but also plays an impeccable 200-foot game. The left-shot centre, who somehow looks bigger than his 6-foot, 210-pound frame, craves the important minutes and projects as a Ryan Kesler type.

The question is: could he learn on the job at the third-line centre spot in the near term?

With Canucks GM Mike Gillis saying the team needs to get younger next season, Horvat sees and wants to take advantage of the opportunity.

“It’s great to hear,” he said. “I know a lot of teams in the NHL are going younger now, so to hear that this organization is starting to go young, it makes me want to work that much harder to prove to myself that I can be in the lineup.”

Horvat did just about everything for London except drive the Zamboni between periods. He scored a Game 7 goal with 0.1 seconds remaining to win the OHL title and was named playoff MVP for his two-way play and scoring output (16-7-23).

Horvat also had 33 goals in the regular season.

Horvat, who’s from tiny Rodney, Ont., said he gets his trademark work ethic from his family. They live on his grandfather’s farm. Dad Tim is a salesman for an insulation company and mom Cindy is a hair dresser.

“I just think my family is a really hard-working family,” said Horvat. “They brought me up really well, (I’m) just a small-town boy. They had to work for everything they got.”

Fellow prospect Jordan Subban has seen enough of Horvat to know that he’s the real deal.

“I’ve played against Bo and with him (on select teams),” said Subban. “He’s a great guy. I love him. It’s not so much what he does on the ice — everybody knows he’s a great player — but off the ice he’s a tremendous leader. He’s a big guy, skilled guy, hard to play against. His work ethic is amazing. Playing against him gets hard after a while. He brings it every shift.”


714196 Websites

ESPN / Is Winter Classic too much fun?

By Scott Burnside

ESPN.com

Last year's meeting between the Rangers and Flyers drew 46,967 to Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park.

Looking Forward to 2013-14

Hawks Scott Burnside is spending his week imagining next season. Come on along!

• Monday: Realignment »

• Tuesday: Old faces, new places »

• Wednesday: Outdoor mania »

• Thursday: The kids

• Friday: Financial landscape

OK, so we're not quite ready to resume just yet. Let's enjoy the minute or two that passes for an NHL offseason before rushing back into the fray.

Still, it's never too early to imagine what might come to pass in the coming season. And goodness knows the Olympic orientation camps in late August, as well as rookie and training camps shortly thereafter, will be upon us all too soon.

With that in mind, we thought we would spend the week looking ahead to the 2013-14 season.

TODAY: OUTDOOR MANIA

When we first reported this past spring that the NHL was going to go hog-wild with outdoor games this coming season, there was a lot of harrumphing and head-shaking, mostly from the media and often from folks who've never bothered to show up at one of the league's outdoor events.

The games have been staples on the NHL calendar since the first Winter Classic, on Jan. 1, 2008, in Buffalo. We've been to all of the Winter Classics and have seen the evolution of the event from an NHL game plunked down in a giant outdoor venue to something more encompassing and reflective of the broad appeal of hockey at its grassroots level.

The Winter Classic will return on Jan. 1, 2014 (the lockout wiped out the 2013 game), when the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings meet at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, and it will be complemented by events at Comerica Park in downtown Detroit.

Beyond that, the league has an ambitious plan to stage five other outdoor games, including two at Yankee Stadium during Super Bowl week in late January (involving all three New York-area teams), and a game at Dodger Stadium between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings on Jan. 25.

Looking to kick off the post-Olympic break with a bang, the NHL will return to Chicago on March 1, when the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks will play the Pittsburgh Penguins at Soldier Field. The Heritage Classic, the Canadian version of the outdoor series, will be the next day as the Vancouver Canucks host the Ottawa Senators.

Will it be outdoor overkill?

Each game represents something unique in its marketplace, so if there is a lessening of the oomph factor nationally, the NHL is banking on more than making up for it with the interest in places such as New York, Chicago and the Los Angeles area. Of course, every game also represents a battle between a pro sports league and Mother Nature, and now that battle will be waged times six -- heightening the likelihood of some sort of natural impediment to a game coming off as planned. But that's part of the drama, no?

ESPN LOADED: 07.11.2013

714197 Websites

USA TODAY / Tuukka Rask signs 8-year extension with Bruins

Harry Hawkings, USA TODAY Sports 12:18 a.m. EDT July 11, 2013

Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask turned a Stanley Cup Final run into gold, signing an eight-year, $56 million contract extension on Wednesday.

The deal carries an annual salary cap hit of $7 million until the end of the 2020-21 season.

Rask is set to make $6 million next season, followed by four years at $7.5 million, one year at $7 million and the final two years at $6.5 million.

MORE: NHL free agent tracker

Rask, 26, established himself as the Bruins' top goaltender this year after the departure of Tim Thomas, playing in 36 games while posting a 19-10-5 record, 2.00 goals-against average, and .927 save percentage. His five shutouts tied him for the league lead.

In the playoffs, Rask took his game to another level as he backstopped Boston to the Stanley Cup Final, where it lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games. Rask led the league in postseason goals against average (1.84) and save percentage (.940) and again tied for the lead in shutouts with three. He was viewed as a front-runner for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP despite Boston's loss.

MORE: Wednesday's signings roundup

The Finnish native originally was drafted 21st overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2005. However, the Leafs traded him to Boston for Andrew Raycroft in 2006 before Rask had even played a game in North America. Rask has a career save percentage of .927 in 138 regular-season starts, while Raycroft is out of the NHL.

The $7 million cap hit ties Rask with the Nashville Predators' Pekka Rinne for highest among NHL goaltenders.

The Bruins had to clear out cap space before re-signing Rask and did so by trading Tyler Seguin and Rich Peverley to the Dallas Stars for Loui Eriksson. Nathan Horton and Andrew Ference also left through free agency and Jarome Iginla was signed to a bonus-laden, one-year deal.

USA TODAY LOADED: 07.11.2013

714198 Websites

USA TODAY / Blues trade David Perron to Oilers

Kevin Allen, USA TODAY Sports 5:11 p.m. EDT July 10, 2013

Old-school trades seem to be back in style in the NHL as the St. Louis Blues swapped goal scorer David Perron to the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday for bigger left wing Magnus Paajarvi and a second-round pick.

Just since the NHL draft, the Dallas Stars have been involved with two major trades with the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers and now the Blues and Oilers have swapped two noteworthy younger players. Before the draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs landed goalie Jonathan Bernier by giving up Matt Frattin (seven goals in 25 games) and goalie Ben Scrivens.

"Hockey trades are in vogue again," St. Louis general manager Doug Armstrong said. "You put yourself out there, each team puts yourself out there, and hope for the best."

Essentially, general managers can no longer fill their needs in the free agent market.

"What we find is that a majority of the players are signing with their teams now in that year prior to the UFA," Armstrong said. "I'm not sure UFA is going to be as dynamic as it was when it first started."

MORE: Wednesday signing roundup

Perron, 25, is a forward who has twice scored 20 or more goals in a season, while Paajarvi, 22, is less proven. He's a 6-3 forward who hasn't yet demonstrated a physical side of his game.

Paajarvi played well alongside St. Louis center Patrik Berglund for Sweden at the world championships.

"This trade wasn't based on his ability to play with one player," Armstrong said. "Our team is situated right now. We have a number of players of the same size and stature. For us to bring in a 6-foot-3, 210-pound left winger ... we think he is just starting to understand his potential."

Perron has three years remaining on a contract paying him $3.8 million a season, while Paajarvi is a restricted free agent.

MORE: NHL free agent tracker

Some teams are looking to dump salary because they are trying to get down to next season's lower salary cap ceiling, but that was not a consideration. Armstrong said his salary cap is actually going up, meaning the Blues will be spending a bit more this season.

"It does free up some cap space for future deals we had to accomplish," Armstrong said.

New Oilers general manager Craig MacTavish has been aggressive in his efforts to remake his roster. He has added more defensive ability with the signings of Andrew Ference and Boyd Gordon, and now he has added another proven scorer to his impressive offensive stable.

Perron battled his way back from a major concussion to score 21 goals in 2011-12. He spent six years with the Blues after being drafted in 2007. In November 2010, he was elbowed in the head by San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton and ended up missing the rest of that season and 13 months total before returning in December 2011. Perron played all 48 games last season, scoring 10 goals and 25 points.

"David is a dynamic offensive player," Armstrong said.

The Oilers had drafted Paajarvi in the first round in 2009. After getting 15 goals as a rookie in 2010-11, he spent half of the following season in the American Hockey League. He had nine goals and 16 points in 42 games this season. The Blues like his blend of size and speed.

"He can provide an element we don't have," Armstrong said.


714199 Websites

USA TODAY / Signings: Zidlicky stays; D'Agostini to Pittsburgh

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports 9:58 p.m. EDT July 10, 2013

Unrestricted free agent defenseman Marek Zidlicky is staying with the New Jersey Devils after he agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract.

The move had been expected after the Devils traded defenseman Henrik Tallinder to the Buffalo Sabres earlier this week to free up cap space.

Zidlicky ranked first among Devils defensemen in assists (15) , points (19) and shots (101) and was tied with Andy Greene for first in goals (four).

He had arrived in a 2012 deal with the Minnesota Wild.

Meanwhile, Matt D'Agostini, who finished this season with the Devils, signed a one-year, $550,000 contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He had 21 goals in 2010-11, but he totaled 12 goals over the past two seasons. The Penguins had openings on the wing after trading Tyler Kennedy to the San Jose Sharks at the draft and seeing Jarome Iginla and Matt Cooke leave through free agency.

Also signed Wednesday:

-Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner landed a four-year, $11.2 million contract.

"Karl is just entering his prime and has been a model of consistency for our organization since he entered the league," general manager George McPhee sad. "He plays tough and valuable minutes against some of the NHL's top players every game."

-Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund got $3 million over two years.

-The New York Rangers re-signed forward Carl Hagelin (two years at $2.1 million and $2.4 million) and recently acquired defenseman Justin Falk (one year, $975,000).

-The Toronto Maple signed forwards Joe Colborne and Troy Bodie to one-year contracts.


714200 Websites

USA TODAY / NHL announces outdoor game in Canada

Mike Brehm, USA TODAY Sports 3:32 p.m. EDT July 10, 2013

The NHL completed announcements of its outdoor schedule with news that the Ottawa Senators will visit the Vancouver Canucks on March 2 at BC Place in the Heritage Classic.

The stadium is covered but has a retractable roof. BC Place hosted the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies in 2010.

The first Heritage Classic, between the Montreal Canadiens and Oilers in sub-zero temperatures in Edmonton in 2003, preceded the Winter Classic. The Canadiens also visited the Calgary Flames in 2011.

After this season, all Canadian teams except the Winnipeg Jets will have played an outdoor game.

The original Ottawa Senators and the Vancouver Millionaires played for the 1915 Stanley Cup in the pre-NHL days in Vancouver.

The March game will be the last in a crowded slate of outdoor games after the Jan. 1 Winter Classic between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings in Michigan Stadium.

The NHL also added four games in a Stadium Series:

-Jan. 25 between the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings at Dodger Stadium.

-Jan. 26 between the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium.

-Jan. 29 between the New York Islanders and Rangers at Yankee Stadium.

-March 1 between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks at Soldier Field


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