While the Devils have not received official word from the doctors about Bryce Salvador's condition from his tests today, there could be some good fiscal news on horizon for the team. If Salvador has a concussion or inner ear problem and the injury needs weeks to months of recover, the Devils can place him on Long Term Injury Reserve or (LTI), in which case his salary will not count against the cap. His cap hit is approximately $2.4 million, but the Devils need to clear at least $3 million, so it might affect who is traded. Assigning players who are 35 or older to the minors will not give them any relief, so one trade is likely necessary.
Salvador is one of many Devils mentioned in possible trade rumors in their effort to get under the NHL's $59.4 million dollar ceiling salary cap. His contract does not include a no-trade clause, so he is very much in play, but the feeling amongst Devils fans is that they want the team to deal Brian Rolston and Colin White, who have no-trade clauses in their deals. Rolston's cap hit is roughly $5.1 million and has two years left on the deal and expires in summer 2010 and Colin White's is $3 million. Both contracts will be difficult to move especially Rolston's, who will have to waive his no-trade and have one team take on his contract. Dainius Zubrus is another one mentioned and also does not include a no-trade clause, so he will be easier to move, but I feel that his connection and history with assistant coach Adam Oates should be very beneficial to him, so he probably should stay with Devils. Zubrus is also good friends with Ilya Kovalchuk.
Coach John MacLean and GM Lou Lamoriello claim the injury is not that serious and he is fine, which might mean he might only need a few days of rest, so it is likely he will miss the rest of the preseason. If he is not traded, he should be ready to go for the opener on October 8th. He suffered the injury in the first period of the preseason game against the Flyers last night at Prudential Center after an away from the play hit by Philadelphia forward James vanRiemsdyk.
Notes: As I mentioned earlier Marcus Nilson has been released from his tryout and returned to Sweden where he is likely to suit up for Djurgarden IF of the Swedish Elite League.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Devils release Marcus Nilson from tryout, return him to Sweden
Marcus Nilson's tryout contract is short lived with the Devils. The team has trimmed their training camp roster to 29 by assigning goaltender Jeff Frazee to Albany of the American Hockey League (AHL), retuning defenseman Eric Gelinas to Chicoutimi of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and returning Nilson to the Swedish Elite League. Nilson was not impressive during any of the games in preseason and did not fight as hard for a roster spot as Adam Mair has, so its likely that Mair is on his way to earning a contract with the Devils.
Here is the Devils remaining depth chart in training camp:
Goaltenders (3): Martin Brodeur, Johan Hedberg, Mike McKenna.
Defensemen (11): Matthew Corrente, Rob Davison, Mark Fraser, Andy Greene, Anssi Salmela (injured), Bryce Salvador, Henrik Tallinder, Matt Taormina, Alexander Urbom, Anton Volchenkov, Colin White.
Forwards (15): Jason Arnott, David Clarkson, Patrik Elias, Jacob Josefson, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jamie Langenbrunner, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Adam Mair, Nick Palmieri, Zach Parise, Rod Pelley, Brian Rolston, Mattias Tedenby, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus.
From: Devils reduce training camp roster to 29
Here is the Devils remaining depth chart in training camp:
Goaltenders (3): Martin Brodeur, Johan Hedberg, Mike McKenna.
Defensemen (11): Matthew Corrente, Rob Davison, Mark Fraser, Andy Greene, Anssi Salmela (injured), Bryce Salvador, Henrik Tallinder, Matt Taormina, Alexander Urbom, Anton Volchenkov, Colin White.
Forwards (15): Jason Arnott, David Clarkson, Patrik Elias, Jacob Josefson, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jamie Langenbrunner, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond, Adam Mair, Nick Palmieri, Zach Parise, Rod Pelley, Brian Rolston, Mattias Tedenby, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus.
From: Devils reduce training camp roster to 29
Former Devil Brian Gionta named 28th Captain of the Montreal Canadiens
Brian Gionta became the latest ex-Devil to become captain of another organization. The last one was Scott Niedermayer, who led the Anaheim Ducks to the 2007 Stanley Cup. Today, the Montreal Canadiens announced Gionta as the teams new captain after carrying three alternate captains last year and Brian was one of them. It was long rumored he would be the teams new captain and would beat out longtime Habs defenseman Andrei Markov for the job.
Gionta displayed great leadership last season during Montreal's magical run to the Eastern Conference Finals. This year, the Canadiens do not have high expectations and will have to rely even greater on leadership as the team traded its playoff hero Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues, so Gionta has to be that example. So, congratulations to Brian Gionta on the most prestigious role in all of hockey, the le captain of Canadien de Montreal.
Gionta displayed great leadership last season during Montreal's magical run to the Eastern Conference Finals. This year, the Canadiens do not have high expectations and will have to rely even greater on leadership as the team traded its playoff hero Jaroslav Halak to the St. Louis Blues, so Gionta has to be that example. So, congratulations to Brian Gionta on the most prestigious role in all of hockey, the le captain of Canadien de Montreal.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Devils get first win in preseason, edge Flyers 3-2 at "The Rock." (Power Play comes through late)
Ilya Kovalchuk continued his preseason dominance, scoring the game winner with 2:19 to go in the game. The Flyers took a 1-0 lead early in the game on a Nikolai Zherdev goal before tryout Adam Mair tied it up at 1. Zherdev's second goal gave the Flyers a 2-1 lead late in the 2nd period before Zajac tied it up late in the 3rd with 5:20 to go in the game on the Power Play.
The win is the Devils first this preseason as well as for new coach John MacLean. Despite the Flyers taking an early 1-0 lead, both teams got of to a slow start. However, both teams played a tight game. Mattias Tedenby played his best game of the preseason making some nifty moves as well as tryout Adam Mair continued to make a case for a contract with the Devils, which I think he will get once the Devils make their salary cap cuts. I would not be surprised if it is a two-year-deal. Marcus Nilson looked good today, but his status is still 50-50, but I think he might get a one-year-deal.
Notes: Former Devil Mike Mottau signed a two-year-deal with the New York Islanders today. Its for $1.6 million total with an $800k cap hit. Mottau is known as a stay at home defenseman and a former Hobey Baker Award winner with Boston College. The Islanders needed a defenseman now that Mark Streit is out for six months with a possible torn rotator cuff in his shoulder. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello was interested in bringing him back, but the cap situation prevented him from doing so. Bryce Salvador left the game after the first period after a rough hit by James VanRiemsdyk. He suffered an apparent knee injury, but Devils personnel say he is fine. It is the preseason, so you always want to be on the side of caution; The Devils took that approach with Salvador.
The win is the Devils first this preseason as well as for new coach John MacLean. Despite the Flyers taking an early 1-0 lead, both teams got of to a slow start. However, both teams played a tight game. Mattias Tedenby played his best game of the preseason making some nifty moves as well as tryout Adam Mair continued to make a case for a contract with the Devils, which I think he will get once the Devils make their salary cap cuts. I would not be surprised if it is a two-year-deal. Marcus Nilson looked good today, but his status is still 50-50, but I think he might get a one-year-deal.
Notes: Former Devil Mike Mottau signed a two-year-deal with the New York Islanders today. Its for $1.6 million total with an $800k cap hit. Mottau is known as a stay at home defenseman and a former Hobey Baker Award winner with Boston College. The Islanders needed a defenseman now that Mark Streit is out for six months with a possible torn rotator cuff in his shoulder. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello was interested in bringing him back, but the cap situation prevented him from doing so. Bryce Salvador left the game after the first period after a rough hit by James VanRiemsdyk. He suffered an apparent knee injury, but Devils personnel say he is fine. It is the preseason, so you always want to be on the side of caution; The Devils took that approach with Salvador.
Devils stay upbeat as trade talk continues
The Devils today vowed that the trade talk and speculation is not affecting training camp. GM Lou Lamoriello still needs to make a trade go get under the $59.4 million dollar salary cap ceiling in the NHL and has until next Wednesday at midnight to do so, or face heavy sanctions. Its expected that between one to three players will get traded as the team needs to get as much under the cap as possible in order to make some moves throughout the season like make trades leading up to the NHL Trade Deadline, which has not been set yet.
Among the players mentioned in rumors are Brian Rolston, Jamie Langenbrunner, Dainius Zubrus, Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac, David Clarkson, Colin White, Bryce Salvador and Tyler Eckford. Speculation is that the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs are teams that have expressed interest in some of these players to help the Devils clear salary. The likely asking price is a prospect and anywhere from a 2nd to a 5th round draft pick. The Devils do not have a 2nd or 3rd rounder in 2011, due to the Arnott trade and the Kovalchuk contract penalties, plus they have to surrender one first round pick in one of the next four drafts. So, look for the Devils to try to stock pile draft picks in the next few years. It is highly unlikely that Lou will pull of a trade before the preseason ends this Saturday, so look for something early next week as we draw closer to the start of the 2010-2011 NHL Season.
Among the players mentioned in rumors are Brian Rolston, Jamie Langenbrunner, Dainius Zubrus, Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac, David Clarkson, Colin White, Bryce Salvador and Tyler Eckford. Speculation is that the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs are teams that have expressed interest in some of these players to help the Devils clear salary. The likely asking price is a prospect and anywhere from a 2nd to a 5th round draft pick. The Devils do not have a 2nd or 3rd rounder in 2011, due to the Arnott trade and the Kovalchuk contract penalties, plus they have to surrender one first round pick in one of the next four drafts. So, look for the Devils to try to stock pile draft picks in the next few years. It is highly unlikely that Lou will pull of a trade before the preseason ends this Saturday, so look for something early next week as we draw closer to the start of the 2010-2011 NHL Season.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Devils remain winless in preseason after overtime loss to Rangers at home, but Kovy line continues to shine
The only positives you can find in the preseason so far after three games out of the Devils is that the new Parise, Zajac, and Kovalchuk unit continues to shine. Also, Henrik Tallinder and Alexander Urbom continue to form some chemistry together and its getting to be more of a possibility that Urbom will make the team along with Adam Mair and possibly Marcus Nilson.
After losing to the Rangers in overtime for a 2nd straight time, the Devils need to fix their Power Play and Penalty Killing along with secondary scoring, something that has plagued them down the stretch last year. Defenseman Matt Taormina bounced back somewhat after a disappointing showing on Thursday, but made some costly turnovers yesterday in the 3rd period. All 3 games this preseason for the Devils went to overtime, but they lost in a shootout on Tuesday in Philly.
Last nights game featured a lot of major penalties and plenty of Kovalchuk-Avery run ins. Look for a lot of that between the two teams this season. The Kovalchuk, Avery rivalry began in the 2007 playoffs, when the Thrashers were swept by the Rangers mostly due to the fact that Avery got under Ilya's skin. The Devils blew a 4-2 lead in the 3rd to lose in overtime and all 5 Ranger goals were on the Power Play.
Notes: The Devils did not practice today as coach John MacLean gave the team a day-off. They will resume practice on Monday and take on the Flyers on Tuesday at Prudential Center. Its expected prospect Jacob Josefson will play after missing the last two games due to a "sore-foot." Also, Mattias Tedenby needs to pick up his game as he battles for a spot on the team.
After losing to the Rangers in overtime for a 2nd straight time, the Devils need to fix their Power Play and Penalty Killing along with secondary scoring, something that has plagued them down the stretch last year. Defenseman Matt Taormina bounced back somewhat after a disappointing showing on Thursday, but made some costly turnovers yesterday in the 3rd period. All 3 games this preseason for the Devils went to overtime, but they lost in a shootout on Tuesday in Philly.
Last nights game featured a lot of major penalties and plenty of Kovalchuk-Avery run ins. Look for a lot of that between the two teams this season. The Kovalchuk, Avery rivalry began in the 2007 playoffs, when the Thrashers were swept by the Rangers mostly due to the fact that Avery got under Ilya's skin. The Devils blew a 4-2 lead in the 3rd to lose in overtime and all 5 Ranger goals were on the Power Play.
Notes: The Devils did not practice today as coach John MacLean gave the team a day-off. They will resume practice on Monday and take on the Flyers on Tuesday at Prudential Center. Its expected prospect Jacob Josefson will play after missing the last two games due to a "sore-foot." Also, Mattias Tedenby needs to pick up his game as he battles for a spot on the team.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Could another superstar be joining Kovalchuk at "The Rock?"
The New Jersey Nets will play out their remaining tenure in the State of New Jersey at the Prudential Center until their new arena in Brooklyn will open sometime in between 2012-2014. But according to multiple sources, the Nets are in talks on a four team trade that would land them Carmelo Anthony from the Nuggets. The Denver Nuggets would receive Nets top prospect and 3rd overall pick Derrick Favors and Andrei Kirilenko from the Utah Jazz. The Charlotte Bobcats would get PG Devin Harris from the Nets and Boris Diaw would end up in Utah.
This would be very interesting having Ilya Kovalchuk and Carmelo Anthony playing in the same building. However, this trade is contingent upon Anthony signing a contract extension with the Nets. The Knicks and Bulls are his top two choices, but those teams do not have the assets the Nuggets need to pull the trigger. So, if Anthony does not agree to an extension, the Nets will kill this deal.
This would be very interesting having Ilya Kovalchuk and Carmelo Anthony playing in the same building. However, this trade is contingent upon Anthony signing a contract extension with the Nets. The Knicks and Bulls are his top two choices, but those teams do not have the assets the Nuggets need to pull the trigger. So, if Anthony does not agree to an extension, the Nets will kill this deal.
New Kovalchuk line shines in debut, but Devils fall 4-3 in overtime to Rangers
It did not the new Devils top line to create some forms of chemistry. All three line-mates had one goal and one assist in their debuts together. But the only negative, the Devils lost in overtime 4-3 on Marian Gaborik's shot, which beat goaltender Jeff Frazee. Coach John MacLean was pleased with their debut, but sees room for improvement. Kovalchuk did have some trouble maneuvering the puck on the Right Wing, but did very well, when he got to the left wing side. Travis Zajac scored the first goal, Kovalchuk the 2nd and Parise tied it up at 3 late in the 3rd period.
Notes: Prospect Mattias Tedenby was disappointed with his debut, but coach John MacLean said he did see some positives. From what I saw, he had good technique, but his small size could be the question. Jacob Josefson was supposed to play, but was a last second scratch due to a mild bruised foot, but is expected to play Saturday at "The Rock" against the Rangers. Marcus Nilson took his place and played better than he did in Philly on Tuesday. Adam Mair continued to play strong as he vies for a contract for the team, and from the looks of it I think he is well on his way to earning one. But, the contract will come once the Devils make their salary cap cut. Marcus Nilson is still 50-50 in his chance to get a contract. Brian Rolston was up and down and Colin White was not smart in decisions with the puck. Matt Taormina looked nervous along with prospect Eric Gelinas, who could not hold off Rangers forward Brian Boyle, who scored the 3rd Ranger goal. New addition Anton Volchenkov continued to show his physical and high hitting game. Overall another good effort from the Devils.
Notes: Prospect Mattias Tedenby was disappointed with his debut, but coach John MacLean said he did see some positives. From what I saw, he had good technique, but his small size could be the question. Jacob Josefson was supposed to play, but was a last second scratch due to a mild bruised foot, but is expected to play Saturday at "The Rock" against the Rangers. Marcus Nilson took his place and played better than he did in Philly on Tuesday. Adam Mair continued to play strong as he vies for a contract for the team, and from the looks of it I think he is well on his way to earning one. But, the contract will come once the Devils make their salary cap cut. Marcus Nilson is still 50-50 in his chance to get a contract. Brian Rolston was up and down and Colin White was not smart in decisions with the puck. Matt Taormina looked nervous along with prospect Eric Gelinas, who could not hold off Rangers forward Brian Boyle, who scored the 3rd Ranger goal. New addition Anton Volchenkov continued to show his physical and high hitting game. Overall another good effort from the Devils.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Devils new top line will make preseason debut Thursday at Rangers
Usually at this time of the year, the focus on debuts is solely on the fall TV schedule. But its also the start of preseason hockey, which began yesterday. Tomorrow the focus will shift to the Devils new-top line of Zach Parise, Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk at Right Wing. The line if successful could be one of the best since the line of Spezza, Alfredsson and Heatley in Ottawa as well as the Kane, Toews and Byfuglien lines.
Notes: Its expected that Mattias Tedenby will make his Devils preseason debut tomorrow as well. Also, Brodeur will start the game, but is not expected to play the full game and its possible Johan Hedberg will make the trip to MSG or Jeff Frazee. Some players that played yesterday like Josefson, Mair, Urbom, Corrente and Nilson might also play against the Rangers. The first round of cuts will likely come by midnight Sunday.
Notes: Its expected that Mattias Tedenby will make his Devils preseason debut tomorrow as well. Also, Brodeur will start the game, but is not expected to play the full game and its possible Johan Hedberg will make the trip to MSG or Jeff Frazee. Some players that played yesterday like Josefson, Mair, Urbom, Corrente and Nilson might also play against the Rangers. The first round of cuts will likely come by midnight Sunday.
Salvador, Greene struggle as Devils fall 4-3 to Flyers in first preseason game in a shootout
The Devils struggles in Philadelphia continued on Tuesday, granted it was only preseason as they fell 4-3 via a shootout, something that ignited the Flyers deep playoff run last season. It was a good effort though as the Devils scored three un-answered goals after falling behind 2-0 in the game with goals from Darrel Powe and Jeff Carter. Carter is becoming some sort of Devils nemesis ever since his gray area hit on Devils defenseman Anssi Salmela last season. The Devils got goals from tryout Adam Mair, Dainius Zubrus and Jamie Langenbrunner to take a 3-2 lead, but Danny Briere's blast late in the 3rd knotted the score up at three a piece.
In overtime the Flyers failed to score on the power play, thus the game was decided in a shootout. Claude Giroux and Mike Richards scored on Devils netminder Mike McKenna, while Jason Arnott scored the lone shootout goal for the Devils. New Coach John MacLean was pleased with the effort, but from watching the game myself, Bryce Salvador and Andy Greene struggled somewhat. Salvador has to have a huge camp for the Devils, since he is being mentioned as a possible salary cap casualty as a result of the Kovalchuk contract along with Zubrus, Rolston and White.
Jacob Josefson, Henrik Tallinder, Alexander Urbom and tryout Adam Mair impressed me during the game. Marcus Nilson looked a bit nervous, but had some chances late in the game. Some of the players that played Tuesday might also get in on Thursday at the Rangers. Its expected that Ilya Kovalchuk will suit up for the Devils against the Rangers as they will debut that new top line with Parise at left wing and Zajac at center. MacLean would not say if Brodeur will start, so it could still be Hedberg. Brodeur usually does not see much action in the preseason and usually gets into a game or two. Here is the Devils remaining preseason schedule:
Thu 9/23 at Rangers, 7PM, MSG Plus (Rangers Telecast)
Sat 9/25 vs Rangers, 7 PM, MSG Plus (Devils Telecast)
Tue 9/28 vs Flyers, 7 PM
Fri 10/1 vs Islanders, 7 PM
Sat 10/2 at Islanders, 7 PM
It is not known whether the Islander games will be televised.
In overtime the Flyers failed to score on the power play, thus the game was decided in a shootout. Claude Giroux and Mike Richards scored on Devils netminder Mike McKenna, while Jason Arnott scored the lone shootout goal for the Devils. New Coach John MacLean was pleased with the effort, but from watching the game myself, Bryce Salvador and Andy Greene struggled somewhat. Salvador has to have a huge camp for the Devils, since he is being mentioned as a possible salary cap casualty as a result of the Kovalchuk contract along with Zubrus, Rolston and White.
Jacob Josefson, Henrik Tallinder, Alexander Urbom and tryout Adam Mair impressed me during the game. Marcus Nilson looked a bit nervous, but had some chances late in the game. Some of the players that played Tuesday might also get in on Thursday at the Rangers. Its expected that Ilya Kovalchuk will suit up for the Devils against the Rangers as they will debut that new top line with Parise at left wing and Zajac at center. MacLean would not say if Brodeur will start, so it could still be Hedberg. Brodeur usually does not see much action in the preseason and usually gets into a game or two. Here is the Devils remaining preseason schedule:
Thu 9/23 at Rangers, 7PM, MSG Plus (Rangers Telecast)
Sat 9/25 vs Rangers, 7 PM, MSG Plus (Devils Telecast)
Tue 9/28 vs Flyers, 7 PM
Fri 10/1 vs Islanders, 7 PM
Sat 10/2 at Islanders, 7 PM
It is not known whether the Islander games will be televised.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Devils open preseason tonight against Flyers in Philadelphia
It's only preseason, but the Devils probably know they would do anything to get a victory in their house of horrors in Philly. The Devils have not won in the Wells Fargo Center, formerly the Wachovia Center since December of 2008, so tonight would be a good start. Top Devils prospects Jacob Josefson, Alexander Vasyunov and Alexander Urbom will play tonight, so coach John MacLean will keep an extra eye on them as they vie for roster spots. This will also be the first preseason game for John MacLean as Devils head coach, so he is obviously excited and nervous. Johan Hedberg will start in net, but its unknown whether he will split the duties with Mike McKenna. Both tryouts Marcus Nilson and Adam Mair will play tonight, so they need to be huge. Here is the full line-up for the game.
From Devils website:
Patrik Elias - Jason Arnott - Jamie Langenbrunner
Dainius Zubrus - Jacob Josefson - David Clarkson
Alexander Vasyunov - Adam Mair - Marcus Nilson
PL Letourneau-Leblond - Brad Mills - Nick Palmieri
Bryce Salvador - Andy Greene
Alexander Urbom - Henrik Tallinder
Mark Fraser - Matt Corrente
Johan Hedberg
Mike McKenna
From Devils website:
Patrik Elias - Jason Arnott - Jamie Langenbrunner
Dainius Zubrus - Jacob Josefson - David Clarkson
Alexander Vasyunov - Adam Mair - Marcus Nilson
PL Letourneau-Leblond - Brad Mills - Nick Palmieri
Bryce Salvador - Andy Greene
Alexander Urbom - Henrik Tallinder
Mark Fraser - Matt Corrente
Johan Hedberg
Mike McKenna
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Kovalchuk skates with Parise and Zajac on Day 1
Welcome to the world of surprises at Devils camp. Ilya Kovalchuk, traditionally a Left Wing skated at Right Wing with Zach Parise and Travis Zajac at center. This combination could give the Devils a very powerful top line. Jamie Langenbrunner skated with Group B on the line with Patrik Elias and Jason Arnott. Both Elias and Arnott have aske Jamie Langenbrunner to bring his A game on their line. Langenbrunner had a very disappointing end to the 2009-2010 campaign which involved him getting into somewhat of a feud with then coach Jacques Lemaire. Langenbrunner would not discuss the specifics of it, but it was definitely not pretty.
Kovalchuk on the Parise line could be a good thing. He actually enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to seeing where this could lead to. However, this was only Day 1, so there is a long way to go in training camp. The Devils open up the preseason on Tuesday in Philadelphia, facing the Flyers for the first time since their game 5 ouster against them in April. It should be a fight filled game since it is the preseason. Its very likely tryouts Nilson and Mair will play in every preseason game since they are auditioning for roster spots.
Kovalchuk on the Parise line could be a good thing. He actually enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to seeing where this could lead to. However, this was only Day 1, so there is a long way to go in training camp. The Devils open up the preseason on Tuesday in Philadelphia, facing the Flyers for the first time since their game 5 ouster against them in April. It should be a fight filled game since it is the preseason. Its very likely tryouts Nilson and Mair will play in every preseason game since they are auditioning for roster spots.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Devils Training Camp Opens
Well, after one of the most bizarre offseason's in NHL history, it is now time to shift to the focus of just preparing for the upcoming season. Ilya Kovalchuk arrived at "The Rock" for his physical along with every other Devils veteran. Kovalchuk said, he's 100% ready to play and put the whole Saga behind him. He also mentioned that the Devils were his only NHL choice ever since the 17 year deal was rejected otherwise he would have signed with the KHL.
New Devils Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov and Johan Hedberg were also there gearing up with excitement for the upcoming season. Also, the Devils invited former Sabres Center Adam Mair on a tryout basis, so he joins Marcus Nilson for that role. Mair tallied 6 goals and 8 assists in 69 games for the Sabres in the 2009-2010 season and was involved in the trade which sent former Devil Erik Rasmussen to the LA Kings. Rasmussen would sign with Devils after playing for the Kings. Mair has huge physical upside and could be a good quality role player for the Devils if he makes the team and every indication is that both Mair and Nilson will end making the team especially with all the possible cap casualties the Devils will have in the coming weeks as a result of the Kovalchuk saga. The favorites to be traded are still Brian Rolston, Dainius Zubrus, Colin White, Bryce Salvador and Jamie Langenbrunner with Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac being possible long shots.
Today was only the physicals and some on ice informal skating. The Devils veterans along with the rookies will hit the ice for a their first training camp session tomorrow at 9 AM at Prudential Center. The team will be split into two groups for both morning and afternoon sessions and one of the groups is expected to play against the Flyers on Tuesday in the first pre-season game. Its very likely the first training camp cuts will be made by the end of next week, which will include assigning players to the minors and sending some prospects back to college and junior. Prospects Mattias Tedenby, Jacob Josefson, Adam Henrique and Alexander Urbom are all expected to make strong cases for roster spots.
As I said the lines could look like this if new coach John MacLean intends to use Parise, Elias and Kovalchuk on three different lines:
Parise Zajac Langenbrunner
Elias Arnott Clarkson
Kovalchuk Josefson Tedenby
Pelley Mair Nilson
Extras: Henrique, Leblond
Notes: If Nilson and Mair make the team, its likely we will see Lou trade both Rolston and Zubrus along with either White or Salvador. This would be very beneficial to the team with their salary cap as the asking price could be a first round pick in return in the future and will make the decision in which year to forfeit the pick a lot easier. It would also give them flexibility to try to lock up Parise long-term.
New Devils Henrik Tallinder, Anton Volchenkov and Johan Hedberg were also there gearing up with excitement for the upcoming season. Also, the Devils invited former Sabres Center Adam Mair on a tryout basis, so he joins Marcus Nilson for that role. Mair tallied 6 goals and 8 assists in 69 games for the Sabres in the 2009-2010 season and was involved in the trade which sent former Devil Erik Rasmussen to the LA Kings. Rasmussen would sign with Devils after playing for the Kings. Mair has huge physical upside and could be a good quality role player for the Devils if he makes the team and every indication is that both Mair and Nilson will end making the team especially with all the possible cap casualties the Devils will have in the coming weeks as a result of the Kovalchuk saga. The favorites to be traded are still Brian Rolston, Dainius Zubrus, Colin White, Bryce Salvador and Jamie Langenbrunner with Patrik Elias and Travis Zajac being possible long shots.
Today was only the physicals and some on ice informal skating. The Devils veterans along with the rookies will hit the ice for a their first training camp session tomorrow at 9 AM at Prudential Center. The team will be split into two groups for both morning and afternoon sessions and one of the groups is expected to play against the Flyers on Tuesday in the first pre-season game. Its very likely the first training camp cuts will be made by the end of next week, which will include assigning players to the minors and sending some prospects back to college and junior. Prospects Mattias Tedenby, Jacob Josefson, Adam Henrique and Alexander Urbom are all expected to make strong cases for roster spots.
As I said the lines could look like this if new coach John MacLean intends to use Parise, Elias and Kovalchuk on three different lines:
Parise Zajac Langenbrunner
Elias Arnott Clarkson
Kovalchuk Josefson Tedenby
Pelley Mair Nilson
Extras: Henrique, Leblond
Notes: If Nilson and Mair make the team, its likely we will see Lou trade both Rolston and Zubrus along with either White or Salvador. This would be very beneficial to the team with their salary cap as the asking price could be a first round pick in return in the future and will make the decision in which year to forfeit the pick a lot easier. It would also give them flexibility to try to lock up Parise long-term.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
NHL Awards 2012 All Star Game to Ottawa
Well, so much for a Western Conference Arena hosting the All Star Game. The NHL's mid year classic is staying in the East in for a fourth straight time, this time in Ottawa. The game will be played on January 29, 2012 at Ottawa's Scotiabank Place, and the SuperSkills competition will be held the day before on January 28th. The 2011 game will be played at RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina on during the January 29-30 weekend.
Ottawa's festivities will begin earlier on January 26th. The game will be broadcast on CBC, RDS in Canada and Versus in the United States. The time of the game is yet to be announced, though the past two All Star Games started at 6 PM ET. The game will complete the Senators list of hosting every major NHL event.
Here is a list of NHL festivities held in Ottawa this decade:
-2007 Stanley Cup Final (Ottawa loses in 5 games to Anaheim)
-2005 NHL Entry Draft (Held in Westin Hotel in Ottawa, due to NHL Lockout the year before), Note: Sidney Crosby was #1 overall pick that year.
-2008 NHL Entry Draft (Held at Scotiabank Place, returned to Ottawa to make up for 2005)
Ottawa's festivities will begin earlier on January 26th. The game will be broadcast on CBC, RDS in Canada and Versus in the United States. The time of the game is yet to be announced, though the past two All Star Games started at 6 PM ET. The game will complete the Senators list of hosting every major NHL event.
Here is a list of NHL festivities held in Ottawa this decade:
-2007 Stanley Cup Final (Ottawa loses in 5 games to Anaheim)
-2005 NHL Entry Draft (Held in Westin Hotel in Ottawa, due to NHL Lockout the year before), Note: Sidney Crosby was #1 overall pick that year.
-2008 NHL Entry Draft (Held at Scotiabank Place, returned to Ottawa to make up for 2005)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Kovalchuk Timeline: (Devils loses)
Here is a breakdown and some notes on what the Devils already lost in the Kovalchuk deal timelines:
February 4, 2010: Devils acquire Left Wing Ilya Kovalchuk and Defenseman Anssi Salmela from the Thrashers for Defenseman Johnny Oduya, Forward Niclas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cormier and a 2010 first round pick. The teams also swapped second round picks in 2010.
April 22, 2010: Devils eliminated from playoffs in first round for a 3rd straight year, this time against division rival Flyers.
July 19, 2010: Devils sign Kovalchuk to a lucrative 17 year $102 million dollar deal.
July 20, 2010: NHL rejects 17 year contract.
July 26, 2010: NHLPA files grievance to try to overturn rejection.
July 30, 2010: NHL and NHLPA Agree on Richard Bloch as the arbitrator for the hearing.
August 4-5, 2010: Richard Bloch observes and hears case for the Kovy contract to be registered.
August 9, 2010: System Arbitrator Richard Bloch upholds league's decision to reject 17 year deal and thus nullifying the contract.
August 27, 2010: Devils submit revised 15 year $100 million deal to the NHL for league approval.
September 1, 2010: NHL and NHLPA extend deadline to approve deal to Friday September 3rd, 5 PM.
September 3-4, 2010: NHL, NHLPA reach agreement on amending the CBA thus approving the Kovalchuk 15 year deal with the Devils.
September 13, 2010: NHL Fines Devils $3 million and strips them of 2011 3rd round pick and a conditional 1st round pick in any of the next 4 drafts. The Devils must notify league by the conclusion of Stanley Cup Final in any of those years.
So here is a list of what they lose:
-Johnny Oduya
-Niclas Bergfors
-Patrice Cormier
-2010 1st round pick
-Eliminated from playoffs in Round 1 for a 3rd straight year, this time against division rival Flyers.
-$3 million dollar fine
2011 3rd round pick (leaves them with no 2nd and 3rd round pick in the draft as they dealt the 2nd rounder to Nasville in the Arnott trade).
-1st round pick in any of the next 4 entry draft. (Devils must choose year they will surrender their 1st round choice).
Notes: Devils Fans have to feel shocked by the severity of the penalties, but it could have been worse. The $3 million could have counted against the salary cap and thus would make it impossible for them to bring Ilya back. Instead the NHL and the PA agreed to not have the Devils salary cap space be reduced. However, Gary Bettman and Bill Daly faced pressure from the board of governors to levee harsh fines and penalties against the Devils. Daly was the most furious in this process and was probably against the 15 year deal as well. But, its good the process ended with Kovalchuk remaining a Devil. As I mentioned in the previous post, the Devils are highly unlikely to surrender their 2011 1st round pick since that would leave them with no picks in the 1st three rounds.
February 4, 2010: Devils acquire Left Wing Ilya Kovalchuk and Defenseman Anssi Salmela from the Thrashers for Defenseman Johnny Oduya, Forward Niclas Bergfors, prospect Patrice Cormier and a 2010 first round pick. The teams also swapped second round picks in 2010.
April 22, 2010: Devils eliminated from playoffs in first round for a 3rd straight year, this time against division rival Flyers.
July 19, 2010: Devils sign Kovalchuk to a lucrative 17 year $102 million dollar deal.
July 20, 2010: NHL rejects 17 year contract.
July 26, 2010: NHLPA files grievance to try to overturn rejection.
July 30, 2010: NHL and NHLPA Agree on Richard Bloch as the arbitrator for the hearing.
August 4-5, 2010: Richard Bloch observes and hears case for the Kovy contract to be registered.
August 9, 2010: System Arbitrator Richard Bloch upholds league's decision to reject 17 year deal and thus nullifying the contract.
August 27, 2010: Devils submit revised 15 year $100 million deal to the NHL for league approval.
September 1, 2010: NHL and NHLPA extend deadline to approve deal to Friday September 3rd, 5 PM.
September 3-4, 2010: NHL, NHLPA reach agreement on amending the CBA thus approving the Kovalchuk 15 year deal with the Devils.
September 13, 2010: NHL Fines Devils $3 million and strips them of 2011 3rd round pick and a conditional 1st round pick in any of the next 4 drafts. The Devils must notify league by the conclusion of Stanley Cup Final in any of those years.
So here is a list of what they lose:
-Johnny Oduya
-Niclas Bergfors
-Patrice Cormier
-2010 1st round pick
-Eliminated from playoffs in Round 1 for a 3rd straight year, this time against division rival Flyers.
-$3 million dollar fine
2011 3rd round pick (leaves them with no 2nd and 3rd round pick in the draft as they dealt the 2nd rounder to Nasville in the Arnott trade).
-1st round pick in any of the next 4 entry draft. (Devils must choose year they will surrender their 1st round choice).
Notes: Devils Fans have to feel shocked by the severity of the penalties, but it could have been worse. The $3 million could have counted against the salary cap and thus would make it impossible for them to bring Ilya back. Instead the NHL and the PA agreed to not have the Devils salary cap space be reduced. However, Gary Bettman and Bill Daly faced pressure from the board of governors to levee harsh fines and penalties against the Devils. Daly was the most furious in this process and was probably against the 15 year deal as well. But, its good the process ended with Kovalchuk remaining a Devil. As I mentioned in the previous post, the Devils are highly unlikely to surrender their 2011 1st round pick since that would leave them with no picks in the 1st three rounds.
Monday, September 13, 2010
NHL fines Devils $3 million and loss of 3rd and 1st round picks for first rejected Kovalchuk Contract
Well, the National Hockey League has come down hard on the New Jersey Devils for the 17 year $102 million dollar contract that they signed Ilya Kovalchuk for and which they rejected. The Devils were fined $3 million dollars, which will not I repeat will not count against the Salary Cap as was agreed by the NHL and the NHLPA in the front-loaded contract ultimatums last weekend. The Devils were also forced to surrender their 3rd round draft pick in 2011 and a conditional 1st round pick in any of the next four drafts.
The team will choose when they want to surrender the pick and must notify the league of the decision by the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final in one of those years. They are unlikely to give it up in the 2011 Draft since they would not have a pick in each of the 1st three rounds. The Devils dealt their 2011 2nd rounder to Nashville in the Jason Arnott trade, so that would be the reason.
Here is Tom Gulitti's explanation of the articles of the CBA which deals with the fine:
As a result of the finding by Arbitrator Richard Bloch on August 9, 2010, that Ilya Kovalchuk’s initial free agent contract with the New Jersey Devils, dated July 19, 2010, constituted a circumvention of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement (the “CBA”), the National Hockey League announced today that the Club has been disciplined in accordance with Section 26.13(c) of the CBA as follows:
The Club has been fined $3 million.
The Club will forfeit its third-round draft choice in 2011 as well as a first-round draft choice in one of the next four Entry Drafts. It will be the Club’s decision when, within the next four years, it will forfeit its first-round choice. The Club must advise the League of that decision by the day following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final in the calendar year in which the choice will be forfeited. Per the terms of the settlement reached earlier this month by the NHL and the NHLPA, there will be no corresponding reduction in the Club’s Payroll Room resulting from the Club fine.
The League now considers the matter closed and will have no further comment on the situation, including with respect to the discipline that was imposed today.
Source: NHL hammers Devils with $3 mil fine and loss of 3rd and 1st-round draft picks for Kovalchuk contract
I expected this penalty, the loss of the 1st round pick in one of the next few picks and some sort of financial ramifications. These are harsh penalties, but at least there is no cap restrictions meaning they can conduct player personnel business in a careful manner as usual. Remember Guys, Kovalchuk is now under a 15 year $100 million dollar deal with the Devils and will arrive back in New Jersey this week.
The team will choose when they want to surrender the pick and must notify the league of the decision by the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final in one of those years. They are unlikely to give it up in the 2011 Draft since they would not have a pick in each of the 1st three rounds. The Devils dealt their 2011 2nd rounder to Nashville in the Jason Arnott trade, so that would be the reason.
Here is Tom Gulitti's explanation of the articles of the CBA which deals with the fine:
As a result of the finding by Arbitrator Richard Bloch on August 9, 2010, that Ilya Kovalchuk’s initial free agent contract with the New Jersey Devils, dated July 19, 2010, constituted a circumvention of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement (the “CBA”), the National Hockey League announced today that the Club has been disciplined in accordance with Section 26.13(c) of the CBA as follows:
The Club has been fined $3 million.
The Club will forfeit its third-round draft choice in 2011 as well as a first-round draft choice in one of the next four Entry Drafts. It will be the Club’s decision when, within the next four years, it will forfeit its first-round choice. The Club must advise the League of that decision by the day following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final in the calendar year in which the choice will be forfeited. Per the terms of the settlement reached earlier this month by the NHL and the NHLPA, there will be no corresponding reduction in the Club’s Payroll Room resulting from the Club fine.
The League now considers the matter closed and will have no further comment on the situation, including with respect to the discipline that was imposed today.
Source: NHL hammers Devils with $3 mil fine and loss of 3rd and 1st-round draft picks for Kovalchuk contract
I expected this penalty, the loss of the 1st round pick in one of the next few picks and some sort of financial ramifications. These are harsh penalties, but at least there is no cap restrictions meaning they can conduct player personnel business in a careful manner as usual. Remember Guys, Kovalchuk is now under a 15 year $100 million dollar deal with the Devils and will arrive back in New Jersey this week.
New Devils Players Numbers
Here is what numbers the new Devils will be wearing: (Rookies not included)
Jason Arnott (25) - wore it in his first go around with the Devils.
Henrik Tallinder (7) - replaces Paul Martin, wore #10 in Buffalo.
Anton Volchenkov (28) - wore #24 in Ottawa, but Salvador wears it right now.
Johan Hedberg (1) - will wear same number as in Atlanta.
Kovalchuk will continue to wear his signature #17.
Jason Arnott (25) - wore it in his first go around with the Devils.
Henrik Tallinder (7) - replaces Paul Martin, wore #10 in Buffalo.
Anton Volchenkov (28) - wore #24 in Ottawa, but Salvador wears it right now.
Johan Hedberg (1) - will wear same number as in Atlanta.
Kovalchuk will continue to wear his signature #17.
Devils 2010-2011 Training Camp Roster
Source: 2010-11 Training Camp Depth Chart
Monday, 09.13.2010 / 7:34 AM / News
New Jersey Devils
Goaltenders (8) – Martin Brodeur, Dave Caruso, Maxime Clermont, Jeff Frazee, Johan Hedberg, Mike McKenna, Shane Owen, Scott Wedgewood
Defensemen (19) – Matthew Corrente, Rob Davison, Tyler Eckford, Mark Fayne, Mark Fraser, Eric Gelinas, Andy Greene, Dan Kelly, Olivier Magnan-Grenier, Tyler Miller, Chris Murray, Anssi Salmela, Bryce Salvador, Henrik Tallinder, Matt Taormina, Alexander Urbom, Anton Volchenkov, Colin White, Harry Young
Left Wings (12) – J.S. Berube, Kevin Cormier, Patrik Elias, Ilya Kovalchuk, P.L. Letourneau-Leblond, Kory Nagy, Zach Parise, Louis Robitaille, Brian Rolston, Alexander Vasyunov, Chad Wiseman, Vladimir Zharkov
Centers (11) – Jason Arnott, Stephen Gionta, Adam Henrique, Jacob Josefson, David McIntyre, Brad Mills, Rod Pelley, Tim Sestito, Michael Swift, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus
Right Wings (12) – Matt Anderson, David Clarkson, Patrick Davis, Trevor Kell, Jamie Langenbrunner, Thomas Nesbitt, Marcus Nilson, Nick Palmieri, Nathan Perkovich, Myles Stoesz, Mattias Tedenby, Darcy Zajac
Monday, 09.13.2010 / 7:34 AM / News
New Jersey Devils
Goaltenders (8) – Martin Brodeur, Dave Caruso, Maxime Clermont, Jeff Frazee, Johan Hedberg, Mike McKenna, Shane Owen, Scott Wedgewood
Defensemen (19) – Matthew Corrente, Rob Davison, Tyler Eckford, Mark Fayne, Mark Fraser, Eric Gelinas, Andy Greene, Dan Kelly, Olivier Magnan-Grenier, Tyler Miller, Chris Murray, Anssi Salmela, Bryce Salvador, Henrik Tallinder, Matt Taormina, Alexander Urbom, Anton Volchenkov, Colin White, Harry Young
Left Wings (12) – J.S. Berube, Kevin Cormier, Patrik Elias, Ilya Kovalchuk, P.L. Letourneau-Leblond, Kory Nagy, Zach Parise, Louis Robitaille, Brian Rolston, Alexander Vasyunov, Chad Wiseman, Vladimir Zharkov
Centers (11) – Jason Arnott, Stephen Gionta, Adam Henrique, Jacob Josefson, David McIntyre, Brad Mills, Rod Pelley, Tim Sestito, Michael Swift, Travis Zajac, Dainius Zubrus
Right Wings (12) – Matt Anderson, David Clarkson, Patrick Davis, Trevor Kell, Jamie Langenbrunner, Thomas Nesbitt, Marcus Nilson, Nick Palmieri, Nathan Perkovich, Myles Stoesz, Mattias Tedenby, Darcy Zajac
Friday, September 10, 2010
Devils invite Marcus Nilson to camp on tryout
Sorry for the delay in this story, but the Devils have confirmed yesterday that they have invited former NHL winger Marcus Nilson on a tryout basis to training camp. If Nilson makes the team, the Devils will have a strong Swedish presence in their line-up with guys like Mattias Tedenby, Jacob Josefson, Henrik Tallinder, Johan Hedberg and Alexander Urbom. Nilson played the 2009-2010 year for Djurgardens IF, the same team his potential Devils teammate Jacob Josefson played for. In 53 games last season he recorded 24 goals and 27 assists for 51 points in the Swedish Elite League (SEL), and finished second in the league with goals. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello thinks he has a good shot to land a contract with the team and could help them. It might be tough though for him due to the number of potential NHL ready prospects expected to be at his camp. But, he can definitely proved some veteran leadership in that department for some of the Swedes coming to the Devils. Nilson last played in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and before that for the Florida Panthers.
2010-2011 Predictions (Stanley Cup)
Well this season will be a very tough one to predict any o the outcomes since last year the 7th and 8th seed in the East met in the Conference Finals. In the West the top 2 met. However, based on the last three years, at least one of the teams participating in the Winter Classic on New Years Day has made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, but lost. Here is the Breakdown of the Winter Classics:
2008: Buffalo vs Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh loses to Detroit in SC Finals in 6 games)
2009: Detroit vs Chicago (Detroit loses to Pittsburgh in SC Finals in 7 games)
2010: Philadelphia vs Boston (Philadelphia loses to Chicago in SC Finals in 6 games)
So, I have to go with this:
Eastern Conference Champion: Washington Capitals
Western Conference Champion: Vancouver Canucks
Stanley Cup Champion: Vancouver Canucks
Canucks in 7 games against Washington, the cup is back in Canada.
Conn Smythe Winner: Henrik Sedin
2008: Buffalo vs Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh loses to Detroit in SC Finals in 6 games)
2009: Detroit vs Chicago (Detroit loses to Pittsburgh in SC Finals in 7 games)
2010: Philadelphia vs Boston (Philadelphia loses to Chicago in SC Finals in 6 games)
So, I have to go with this:
Eastern Conference Champion: Washington Capitals
Western Conference Champion: Vancouver Canucks
Stanley Cup Champion: Vancouver Canucks
Canucks in 7 games against Washington, the cup is back in Canada.
Conn Smythe Winner: Henrik Sedin
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
2010-2011 Predictions (Trophy's) & Super Bowl Pick
Here are my awards predictions for this upcoming season excluding the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy which I will give this Friday. Also, I said I will make a Super Bowl Prediction on Friday, but since the season starts tomorrow, I will make it today, so here are my picks:
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year): Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers
Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Years): Guy Boucher, Tampa Bay Lightning
Norris Trophy (Defenseman): Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship): Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Players): Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Rocket Richard Trophy (Most Goals): Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals and Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning will tie
Art Ross Trophy (Points): Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Here is my Super Bowl Pick:
AFC Winner: Indianapolis Colts
NFC Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl Winner: Indianapolis Colts defeat Dallas Cowboys 24-20.
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year): Taylor Hall, Edmonton Oilers
Jack Adams Trophy (Coach of the Years): Guy Boucher, Tampa Bay Lightning
Norris Trophy (Defenseman): Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings
Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship): Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Players): Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Rocket Richard Trophy (Most Goals): Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals and Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning will tie
Art Ross Trophy (Points): Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Here is my Super Bowl Pick:
AFC Winner: Indianapolis Colts
NFC Winner: Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl Winner: Indianapolis Colts defeat Dallas Cowboys 24-20.
Monday, September 6, 2010
2010-2011 Predictions (Standings)
Now that we are nearing the opening of training camps, I thought this weeks I will start with standings predictions. Wednesday I will predict the awards and Friday the playoffs predictions as well as my Super Bowl pick.
Eastern Conference:
1. Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Washington Capitals
3. Boston Bruins
4. Philadelphia Flyers
5. Ottawa Senators
6. New Jersey Devils
7. Atlanta Thrashers
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
9. Montreal Canadiens
10. Buffalo Sabres
11. New York Rangers
12. Carolina Hurricanes
13. Florida Panthers
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
15. New York Islanders
Western Conference:
1. Vancouver Canucks
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Detroit Red Wings
4. Chicago Blackhawks
5. Phoenix Coyotes
6. Colorado Avalanche
7. Calgary Flames
8. Los Angeles Kings
9. Minnesota Wild
10. Dallas Stars
11. St. Louis Blues
12. Nashville Predators
13. Anaheim Ducks
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
15. Edmonton Oilers
Here they are, its definitely not going to be like this, so stay tuned as it will be tough to predict the winner this year.
Eastern Conference:
1. Pittsburgh Penguins
2. Washington Capitals
3. Boston Bruins
4. Philadelphia Flyers
5. Ottawa Senators
6. New Jersey Devils
7. Atlanta Thrashers
8. Tampa Bay Lightning
9. Montreal Canadiens
10. Buffalo Sabres
11. New York Rangers
12. Carolina Hurricanes
13. Florida Panthers
14. Toronto Maple Leafs
15. New York Islanders
Western Conference:
1. Vancouver Canucks
2. San Jose Sharks
3. Detroit Red Wings
4. Chicago Blackhawks
5. Phoenix Coyotes
6. Colorado Avalanche
7. Calgary Flames
8. Los Angeles Kings
9. Minnesota Wild
10. Dallas Stars
11. St. Louis Blues
12. Nashville Predators
13. Anaheim Ducks
14. Columbus Blue Jackets
15. Edmonton Oilers
Here they are, its definitely not going to be like this, so stay tuned as it will be tough to predict the winner this year.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Projected Devils Line-up
Assuming Rolston is the one moved, here is the projected Devils line-up:
Forwards:
Left Wing | Center | Right Wing
Zach Parise | Travis Zajac | Jamie Langenbrunner
Ilya Kovalchuk | Jason Arnott | Patrik Elias
Mattias Tedenby | Jacob Josefson | David Clarkson
Rod Pelley | Adam Henrique | Dainius Zubrus
Extras: Vladimir Zharkov, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-LeBlond
Defense:
Andy Greene | Anton Volchenkov
Bryce Salvador | Henrik Tallinder
Colin White | Matthew Corrente
Extras: Anssi Salmela, Mark Fraser
Projected Mid-Season Call Ups from minors:
Alexander Vasyunov
Tyler Eckford
Alexander Urbom
Patrick Davis
Nick Palmieri
Matt Taormina
Tim Sestito
Forwards:
Left Wing | Center | Right Wing
Zach Parise | Travis Zajac | Jamie Langenbrunner
Ilya Kovalchuk | Jason Arnott | Patrik Elias
Mattias Tedenby | Jacob Josefson | David Clarkson
Rod Pelley | Adam Henrique | Dainius Zubrus
Extras: Vladimir Zharkov, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-LeBlond
Defense:
Andy Greene | Anton Volchenkov
Bryce Salvador | Henrik Tallinder
Colin White | Matthew Corrente
Extras: Anssi Salmela, Mark Fraser
Projected Mid-Season Call Ups from minors:
Alexander Vasyunov
Tyler Eckford
Alexander Urbom
Patrick Davis
Nick Palmieri
Matt Taormina
Tim Sestito
Whats next for Devils?
Now that the saga is over, here is some ideas to throw around on who to trade or send to minors:
Brian Rolston
Teams that could have interest in taking on his $5.025 million dollar cap hit:
-Maple Leafs, Islanders, Wild, Panthers, Canadiens, Avalanche or send him to minors.
Bryce Salvador
Possible Teams: Blues, Stars, Flames, Oilers
Patrik Elias
Possible Teams: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Avalanche
Jamie Langenbrunner
Possible Teams: Stars, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Wild
Colin White
Possible Teams: Canadiens, Capitals, Stars, Maple Leafs, Flames
Travis Zajac
Possible Teams: Flames, Oilers, Canucks
Brian Rolston
Teams that could have interest in taking on his $5.025 million dollar cap hit:
-Maple Leafs, Islanders, Wild, Panthers, Canadiens, Avalanche or send him to minors.
Bryce Salvador
Possible Teams: Blues, Stars, Flames, Oilers
Patrik Elias
Possible Teams: Oilers, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Avalanche
Jamie Langenbrunner
Possible Teams: Stars, Maple Leafs, Canadiens, Wild
Colin White
Possible Teams: Canadiens, Capitals, Stars, Maple Leafs, Flames
Travis Zajac
Possible Teams: Flames, Oilers, Canucks
Winners and Losers in Kovalchuk Saga
Now that one of the most bizarre off-seasons is drawing to a close with training camps set to open in a couple of weeks, I think its time we take a look at the winners and losers in this waste of a time saga.
Winners:
The New Jersey Devils
-The Devils are usually not known as an aggressive team in the summer when it comes to pursuing big name talent, but Lou Lamoriello decided to change the dynamic of the team and lock up a player of Kovy's caliber. The Devils themselves have been known a s a team that is build through youth and development. He also re-acquired Jason Arnott, signed Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder and added Johan Hedberg as a backup to Marty Brodeur.
Lou Lamoriello
-His patience throughout the process definitely showed why he is still one of the best General Managers not just in Hockey, but in all of sports.
The NHL
-They get to keep one of the most exciting players in hockey.
Devils Owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek
-Ilya Kovalchuk has ushered in a new era for the owner, who knows he has to do a better job in marketing the Devils and hockey in the state of New Jersey.
Devils Fans
-They now get to buy tickets and his jersey. Plus attendance will increase this year as coach John MacLean said he will think more offensively this year and try to play more of an up tempo style.
Losers:
Gary Bettman and Bill Daly
-The league commissioner is already very unpopular with fans for the canceled 2004-2005 season. And this saga definitely adds to his reputation and puts a red flag on him. Bill Daly has also kind of ruined his reputation in all of this. Bettman is booed by fans when he steps up to the podium at the Entry Draft in June, so imagine what will happen this year especially when he visits the Prudential Center.
The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)
-Ever since August 9th, the day arbitrator Richard Bloch made his ruling, the KHL had every opportunity and ammunition to try to get Kovy to sign in Russia. They even offered him the similar 17 year deal the NHL rejected and let him choose his team, but he stayed committed to the NHL and the New Jersey Devils. Also a loser in the KHL is the club SKA St. Petersburg, the club that Kovalchuk would have probably chosen to play for had he decided to sign in the KHL.
LA Kings
-They are not really a loser, but they flew Ilya and his family to LA, and yet still failed to sign him.
Front-Loaded Contracts
-Teams will now have to be very cautious in the number of years they sign a player to, so looks like you will not see any long-term deals for more than 7 or 8 years from now. Otherwise more contracts will come under Investigation.
Conclusion: All I have to say is Thank God this saga is finally over and Devils Fans can enjoy an exciting brand of hockey at "The Rock." Now it will be very interesting to see what the Devils do to clear the salary cap space to accommodate Ilya Kovalchuk. On a side note, the NHL will stop its investigation into the Hossa, Savard, Luongo and Pronger contracts with their teams.
Winners:
The New Jersey Devils
-The Devils are usually not known as an aggressive team in the summer when it comes to pursuing big name talent, but Lou Lamoriello decided to change the dynamic of the team and lock up a player of Kovy's caliber. The Devils themselves have been known a s a team that is build through youth and development. He also re-acquired Jason Arnott, signed Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder and added Johan Hedberg as a backup to Marty Brodeur.
Lou Lamoriello
-His patience throughout the process definitely showed why he is still one of the best General Managers not just in Hockey, but in all of sports.
The NHL
-They get to keep one of the most exciting players in hockey.
Devils Owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek
-Ilya Kovalchuk has ushered in a new era for the owner, who knows he has to do a better job in marketing the Devils and hockey in the state of New Jersey.
Devils Fans
-They now get to buy tickets and his jersey. Plus attendance will increase this year as coach John MacLean said he will think more offensively this year and try to play more of an up tempo style.
Losers:
Gary Bettman and Bill Daly
-The league commissioner is already very unpopular with fans for the canceled 2004-2005 season. And this saga definitely adds to his reputation and puts a red flag on him. Bill Daly has also kind of ruined his reputation in all of this. Bettman is booed by fans when he steps up to the podium at the Entry Draft in June, so imagine what will happen this year especially when he visits the Prudential Center.
The Kontinental Hockey League (KHL)
-Ever since August 9th, the day arbitrator Richard Bloch made his ruling, the KHL had every opportunity and ammunition to try to get Kovy to sign in Russia. They even offered him the similar 17 year deal the NHL rejected and let him choose his team, but he stayed committed to the NHL and the New Jersey Devils. Also a loser in the KHL is the club SKA St. Petersburg, the club that Kovalchuk would have probably chosen to play for had he decided to sign in the KHL.
LA Kings
-They are not really a loser, but they flew Ilya and his family to LA, and yet still failed to sign him.
Front-Loaded Contracts
-Teams will now have to be very cautious in the number of years they sign a player to, so looks like you will not see any long-term deals for more than 7 or 8 years from now. Otherwise more contracts will come under Investigation.
Conclusion: All I have to say is Thank God this saga is finally over and Devils Fans can enjoy an exciting brand of hockey at "The Rock." Now it will be very interesting to see what the Devils do to clear the salary cap space to accommodate Ilya Kovalchuk. On a side note, the NHL will stop its investigation into the Hossa, Savard, Luongo and Pronger contracts with their teams.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Devils must now find way to accommodate Kovalchuk
As I mentioned in the last post, the Devils are now charged with a task to make some trades in order to clear up cap space. They must be under the cap once training camp starts on September 17th, so that gives them 2 weeks. The CBA states that a team can go 10% over the salary cap during the offseason, but must be at the ceiling or under before the season starts. According to multiple sources Devils forward Brian Rolston has not been approached by the team to waive his no-trade clause, but that means absolutely nothing.
The Devils are not likely to get anything done over labor day weekend, but I'm pretty sure Lou Lamoriello was discussing trades while the NHL was mulling over the Kovalchuk offer. The Leafs and Islanders both have interest in Rolston or Zubrus or maybe both, but you never know what kind of deal Lou Lamoriello can pull out of the hat as no one expected him to trade for Ilya Kovalchuk back in February. So we will see what happens now.
The Devils are not likely to get anything done over labor day weekend, but I'm pretty sure Lou Lamoriello was discussing trades while the NHL was mulling over the Kovalchuk offer. The Leafs and Islanders both have interest in Rolston or Zubrus or maybe both, but you never know what kind of deal Lou Lamoriello can pull out of the hat as no one expected him to trade for Ilya Kovalchuk back in February. So we will see what happens now.
Devils Fans get back to elation (Kovalchuk Saga over)
Its probably been the toughest few months for Devils fans since the time they needed to recover from the Game 7 loss against Carolina in 2009. Now Devils fans can breathe easily as the NHL and NHLPA agreed to amend the CBA which will allow allow different structure patterns for long-term contracts which go beyond age 35 but will place emphasis passed age 40. Under the new agreement the Kovalchuk 15 year $100 million dollar deal will get approved, but the cap hit is yet to be fully released. Also this agreement exempts the contracts of Marian Hossa with Chicago, Marc Savard of Boston and Roberto Luongo of Vancouver. The PA gave pre-authorization to approve this deal with the NHL and no vote will be needed. Now the Devils have to figure out a way to get under the salary cap to accomodate Kovalchuk. Devils GM Lou Lamoriello continues to preach patience and it shows you his professionalism in this. It will be tough for the Devils to get under the salary cap, but its likely that will be the next order of business after labor day weekend for Lou Lamoriello. They need to move quickly since training camp starts on September 17th. Players who might bet moved are:
Brian Rolston
Patrik Elias (unlikely)
Bryce Salvador
Colin White
Rod Pelley
Tyler Eckford
Dainius Zubrus
Jamie Langenbrunner (unlikely)
Brian Rolston
Patrik Elias (unlikely)
Bryce Salvador
Colin White
Rod Pelley
Tyler Eckford
Dainius Zubrus
Jamie Langenbrunner (unlikely)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Cup Winning Goalie Niemi signs with San Jose Sharks
Well I guess right now the saying is, If you can beat them, join them. In May Antti Niemi was on a Blackhawks team that swept the top seeded San Jose Sharks out of the playoffs. However, there is a price to pay once you win the Stanley Cup, your team will undergo changes in order to clear cap space. The Blackhawks after winning the cup were stuck is a salary cap mess, thus being forced to part with a quarter of their roster. They started in June by trading fan favorite Dustin Byfuglien along with three others to the Atlanta Thrashers and Andrew Ladd joined him there on July 1st. Kris Versteeg ended up in Toronto, Adam Burish in Dallas, John Madden in Minnesota and now Antti Niemi becomes another cap casualty.
Niemi was awarded a one year deal worth almost $2.5 million by an arbitrator, but the Hawks turned it down and signed veteran Marty Turco to a one year deal worth almost $1.5 million making Niemi an Unrestricted Free Agent. Now Niemi will make Sharks fans very happy as he has signed a one year $2 million dollar deal with the team. He will enjoy the Hawks-Sharks rivalry from the other side. He will also join fellow Finn Antero Nittymaki and will open up the season in Stockholm against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This was a risky move by the Blackhawks, but if you win the Stanley Cup, there will always be changes and they might be major changes, since there is a business aspect in the NHL, but most of you already knew that. But Niemi has one thing Evgeni Nabokov did not, which is a Stanley Cup ring and that might be enough to propel a desperate San Jose team to their destiny, since their window is starting to close. But know one thing Thornton and Heatley will be keys to the Sharks season.
Notes: Tomorrow is the 2nd deadline for the Kovalchuk verdict at 5 PM ET, unless the NHL and NHLPA decide to extend it again with Wednesday after labor day being the likely day. If the NHL is going to make a decision, it will likely be sometime in the final hour and from all indications no 2nd extension is expected like most analysts predict.
Niemi was awarded a one year deal worth almost $2.5 million by an arbitrator, but the Hawks turned it down and signed veteran Marty Turco to a one year deal worth almost $1.5 million making Niemi an Unrestricted Free Agent. Now Niemi will make Sharks fans very happy as he has signed a one year $2 million dollar deal with the team. He will enjoy the Hawks-Sharks rivalry from the other side. He will also join fellow Finn Antero Nittymaki and will open up the season in Stockholm against the Columbus Blue Jackets. This was a risky move by the Blackhawks, but if you win the Stanley Cup, there will always be changes and they might be major changes, since there is a business aspect in the NHL, but most of you already knew that. But Niemi has one thing Evgeni Nabokov did not, which is a Stanley Cup ring and that might be enough to propel a desperate San Jose team to their destiny, since their window is starting to close. But know one thing Thornton and Heatley will be keys to the Sharks season.
Notes: Tomorrow is the 2nd deadline for the Kovalchuk verdict at 5 PM ET, unless the NHL and NHLPA decide to extend it again with Wednesday after labor day being the likely day. If the NHL is going to make a decision, it will likely be sometime in the final hour and from all indications no 2nd extension is expected like most analysts predict.
When will Kovalchuk Saga finally End?
Yesterday could have been the end of the Ilya Kovalchuk saga, but instead the league's indecisiveness forced an extension of the process for another two days. Now the deadline is Friday at 5 PM. However, many analysts believe the NHL will ask for another extension possibly until Tuesday after Labor Day to render its decision. One way or another both the NHL and NHLPA have done damage to their respective reputations in this saga. The person that has imposed the most damage to himself is obviously Gary Bettman. It is very likely that if the NHL asks for another extension, Kovalchuk will part ways with the Devils at least for this season and sign in the KHL. Right now we have to sit and wait, but in my opinion there has to be a change in the NHL hierarchy if this process drags on longer. Sure this is a serious matter for the NHL and they are being fiscally responsible, but if they want to be fiscally responsible, why did they approve DiPietro's 15 year deal with the Islanders, Lecavalier's 11 year deal with the Lightning, Hossa's 12 year with the Hawks and other contracts. The league has to approve Kovalchuk's and look to the next CBA talks to address this matter. This saga better end tomorrow in what has been the most bizarre offseason in NHL history.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Kovalchuk Saga puts a Red Flag on Gary Bettman
During the NHL Lockout in 2004-2005, I was definitely all for a salary cap in the NHL because some contracts were simply out of control like the Bobby Holik 5 year $45 million dollar one with the NY Rangers. The NHL won its fight against the PA thus instituting a hard but flexible salary cap meaning that if league revenues go up, the cap would go up. However, the one thing NHL failed to address was term limits on contracts, so technically the Devils did nothing wrong even during the 17 year deal, but the NHL was maybe trying to send a strong and stiff message that these deals are unacceptable. You can start with Rick DiPietro's 15 year $67.5 million dollar deal with the Islanders and he has been hurt for most of the contract. His contract was maybe the first front loaded deal in the NHL and it definitely began the issue of term limits.
One thing for sure, the Ilya Kovalchuk saga has definitely hurt Commissioner Gary Bettman even if they approve the 15 year deal. Amongst the board of governors he might be viewed as a hero, but amongst the general fan and public, he is simply an adversary. He gets booed every single year at the draft and when he awards the Conn Smyth trophy and Stanley Cup. He will definitely face a lot of adversity and thus might not be allowed inside the Pridential Center or "The Rock" for a very long time unless the Devils win the Stanley Cup and he will be heavily booed as well. But Gary Bettman know one thing, the Commissioner's job is not a popularity contest and that the entire NHL supports his job. But still this saga raises more questions than answers regardless of what the final rendering of the verdict by Friday at 5 PM would be. The fact that the deadline has been extended by both parties seems to be positive news, that they could resolve this saga together and that Kovalchuk will be a Devil. Devils General Manager Lou Lamoriello is confident everything will work out in his favor.
There definitely needs to be a clause in the next CBA for term limits because it will make players and agents and GM's more accountable for their handling of the salary cap.
One thing for sure, the Ilya Kovalchuk saga has definitely hurt Commissioner Gary Bettman even if they approve the 15 year deal. Amongst the board of governors he might be viewed as a hero, but amongst the general fan and public, he is simply an adversary. He gets booed every single year at the draft and when he awards the Conn Smyth trophy and Stanley Cup. He will definitely face a lot of adversity and thus might not be allowed inside the Pridential Center or "The Rock" for a very long time unless the Devils win the Stanley Cup and he will be heavily booed as well. But Gary Bettman know one thing, the Commissioner's job is not a popularity contest and that the entire NHL supports his job. But still this saga raises more questions than answers regardless of what the final rendering of the verdict by Friday at 5 PM would be. The fact that the deadline has been extended by both parties seems to be positive news, that they could resolve this saga together and that Kovalchuk will be a Devil. Devils General Manager Lou Lamoriello is confident everything will work out in his favor.
There definitely needs to be a clause in the next CBA for term limits because it will make players and agents and GM's more accountable for their handling of the salary cap.
Kovalchuk saga continues until Friday
The Saga that has not ended, refuses to end again. The NHL and NHLPA agreed to extend the deadline until Friday at 5 PM for the Kovalchuk verdict to be reached. This probably means the NHL has not reached a decision. It is definitely bull crap considering the sides had to amend the CBA for one players. If the NHL had no decision, then the contract should have been registered by default. Judging by the way this saga is going, it seems that the NHL is willing to drag this saga into training camps.
Kovalchuk day is here again
Will the Ilya Kovalchuk saga finally end today? So far only the NHL knows the answer whether to accept or reject the latest contract that was submitted by the Devils. The saga has dragged on for more than two months since July 1st, when Kovalchuk became an unrestricted free agent. He was the #1 most coveted free agent to be this summer and spurned a lucrative offer from the Los Angeles Kings to stay with the Devils that is until the NHL rejected the 17 year deal he signed with the team. Now comes the climax of this soap opera. By 5 PM today we should know if we have closure in this saga in which the NHL took the full five days to complete a review of the current submitted deal by the Devils, a 15 year $100 million dollar one. One GM believe the deal will be rejected again, but he has no input on the NHL decision. This contract seems to address the flaws the initial 17 year deal had, but the fact that it is taking so long for the NHL to review could be an indication that the league is thinking of reasons to reject this one. However, many sources believe it will be reluctantly accepted. We shall see come 5 pm what the outcome will be, but today could be the end to one of the most bizarre offseasons in NHL history especially for the Devils since they really never sgined a player of Kovalchuk's caliber, but lost him because of the league's stance on front-loaded contracts. So, lets all hope this deal gets approved and that Gary Bettman can save his reputation.
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