The Flames announced their 08/09 pre-season schedule yesterday. The team will play a total of 7 games, 4 at home and 3 on the road. Here is the schedule:
Sept 23/08 vs. Florida
Sept 24/08 @ Phoenix(game will be played in Winnipeg)
Sept 25/08 vs. Phoenix
Sept 25/08 vs. Florida
Sept 30/08 @ Edmonton
Oct 1/08 @ Vancouver
Oct 3/08 vs. Edmonton
I dont remember when exhibition games went into October, that seems late to me. Anyways I am looking forward to try to get out to some of those games to see our new players and prospects in action.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Flames bring back Lundmark
Today the Flames announced the signing of UFA center Jamie Lundmark, terms of the deal were not released, but I would say it is a two-way deal for sure. After the Flames got rid of this guy last time he fell off the face of the earth. He played in both Russia and the AHL last season. I dont mind the move, Lundmark does have some decent speed and it adds more depth for the Flames as well as down on the farm. The only question is, is it even worth it? Like I said Lundmark fell off the face of the earth after he left Calgary and the chances that he can still play in the NHL are probably very doubtful, along with the Flames already having 14 forwards under contract this move is a weird one. Oh well you can never have enough depth.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Upon Further Review
Upon further thinking and pondering, which has occurred all day(literally) about the Flames signing Big Bert today I have come to a conclusion that I still......HATE IT! But as a die hard Flames fan, I always have to find positives from everything they do and I have really only thought of two, no now three.
1. Something tells me Iggy is going to keep Bert on track. "Jarome is 100 per cent why I am a Calgary Flame. It was exciting talking to him" said Bertuzzi, who signed a one-year deal as a free agent with the Flames on Monday. "We respected each other when we played against each other. I have always respected how Jarome has played and been in that market. He probably could have gone somewhere else be he has always stayed. I'm looking forward to being his teammate. He will push him as best he can and keep him in line. I think the first f*** up from Bert and we will see him out of town, probably down to the minors.
2. With seeing Nolan signing that ridiculous contract with the Wild for about 2.25 million a season, at 1.95 million, Bert looks pretty good. I think we will get more offensive production from Bert, with the same amount of floating around the ice so I guess I'm ok with that.
3. Looking at the lines, lets hope that with Bert coming in, that will send Primeau out of the line-up. That is probably the biggest benefit from this signing. Hahaha!!!(I actually doubt with Keenan behind the bench and the questionable 'kid' 4th line that we will see Primeau in the press box that often, but one can still hope.)
Here are what I think the lines could look like next season:
1- BERTUZZI-LANGKOW-IGINLA
2- CAMMALLERI-LOMBARDI-MOSS
3- BOURQUE-CONROY-GLENCROSS
4- NYSTROM-BOYD-PRUST
E- PRIMEAU, GREENTREE
1. Something tells me Iggy is going to keep Bert on track. "Jarome is 100 per cent why I am a Calgary Flame. It was exciting talking to him" said Bertuzzi, who signed a one-year deal as a free agent with the Flames on Monday. "We respected each other when we played against each other. I have always respected how Jarome has played and been in that market. He probably could have gone somewhere else be he has always stayed. I'm looking forward to being his teammate. He will push him as best he can and keep him in line. I think the first f*** up from Bert and we will see him out of town, probably down to the minors.
2. With seeing Nolan signing that ridiculous contract with the Wild for about 2.25 million a season, at 1.95 million, Bert looks pretty good. I think we will get more offensive production from Bert, with the same amount of floating around the ice so I guess I'm ok with that.
3. Looking at the lines, lets hope that with Bert coming in, that will send Primeau out of the line-up. That is probably the biggest benefit from this signing. Hahaha!!!(I actually doubt with Keenan behind the bench and the questionable 'kid' 4th line that we will see Primeau in the press box that often, but one can still hope.)
Here are what I think the lines could look like next season:
1- BERTUZZI-LANGKOW-IGINLA
2- CAMMALLERI-LOMBARDI-MOSS
3- BOURQUE-CONROY-GLENCROSS
4- NYSTROM-BOYD-PRUST
E- PRIMEAU, GREENTREE
Bad Dream?
Wow, some one please wake me up from this awful dream....today the Flames announced the signing of RW Todd Bertuzzi to a one year deal. The terms of the contract haven't been released but he better have signed for dirt cheap.
After all my praise that I have given Sutter so far this summer, this one overshadows them all. Sutter was finally making this team younger and faster and Big Bert is the complete opposite of what Sutter said he was trying to accomplish this summer. I dont understand the thinking behind this at all, Bert hasn't done anything for the past three season except for prove how worthless he is. This signing shouldn't have even happened at all, the Flames are better off giving like Sutter has said, one of the young guys a chance to contribute. This money could have gone else where, especially towards someone to help out the back end.
Here is what Sutter had to say about Big Bert. "Todd is a proven scorer with the ability to play both wings," said Flames GM Darryl Sutter in a statement. "He expressed to us that he wanted to play in Canada and that desire along with signing him to a one year deal was important to our philosophy. He wanted to play on a good team and it fit our money. Additionally, our captain, Jarome Iginla, was a strong supporter of Todd and wanted him on our team."
From that last part about the quote it sounds like this deal wouldn't have been done without the support of Iggy. This still doesn't clear up anything for me but maybe Iggy will be able to turn Big Bert back into the player he was way back in 2002-2003. Lets really hope so. Right now I am completely rattled about this signing and will probably have more things to say about it in days to come.
After all my praise that I have given Sutter so far this summer, this one overshadows them all. Sutter was finally making this team younger and faster and Big Bert is the complete opposite of what Sutter said he was trying to accomplish this summer. I dont understand the thinking behind this at all, Bert hasn't done anything for the past three season except for prove how worthless he is. This signing shouldn't have even happened at all, the Flames are better off giving like Sutter has said, one of the young guys a chance to contribute. This money could have gone else where, especially towards someone to help out the back end.
Here is what Sutter had to say about Big Bert. "Todd is a proven scorer with the ability to play both wings," said Flames GM Darryl Sutter in a statement. "He expressed to us that he wanted to play in Canada and that desire along with signing him to a one year deal was important to our philosophy. He wanted to play on a good team and it fit our money. Additionally, our captain, Jarome Iginla, was a strong supporter of Todd and wanted him on our team."
From that last part about the quote it sounds like this deal wouldn't have been done without the support of Iggy. This still doesn't clear up anything for me but maybe Iggy will be able to turn Big Bert back into the player he was way back in 2002-2003. Lets really hope so. Right now I am completely rattled about this signing and will probably have more things to say about it in days to come.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Juice gets Juiced
According to tsn.ca, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed, now former Flame Kristian Huselius(Juice) to a 4 year deal worth 4.75 million dollars. Juice had his amazing moments and his awful moments as a Flames but he did really resurrect is career after coming over from Florida a couple of seasons ago. I liked him when he was on, who didn't? But inconsistency and two awful playoff performances out weighed all his skill and play making ability. Obviously it didn't effective him making the big bucks, can anyone say overpaid...again? With this contract, Langkow's is looking more and more like a steal for the Flames, kudos to Sutter for making it happen. Good luck Juice in Columbus.
Moves continue with Flames
Today the Flames announced the signing of RW Curtis Glencross to a reported 3 year deal worth 1.1 million dollars a season, D Jim Vandermeer to a 3 year contract worth 2.3 million dollars a season, D Ryan Wilson, F Pete Vandermeer and the re-signing of both F Brandon Prust and F David Van Der Gulik. The Flames also announced officially, actually yesterday the signing of Mark Giordano, FINALLY!
I like the signing of Glencross, from what I have heard from Oilers fans they loved him and wanted him back and are obviously not happy with him coming here. That is always a good thing. When Glencross was acquired by the Oilers late last season, he seemed to be all over the ice whenever they played the Flames. I think Glencross could fit in alongside Lombo and Cammalleri on the Flames second line.
I said from the beginning of the off-season that the Flames should re-sign Vandermeer. 2.3 million is a little pricey for him but looking at Fingers deal with the Leafs it isn't that bad. I like what Vandermeer brought to the Flames after the late season acquisition and I look forward to him developing here in Calgary.
The signing of D Ryan Wilson is pretty intriguing. He put up big numbers throughout his junior career and from what I have heard from the radio and Sutter he is a guy to keep an eye on this up coming season. He was never drafted and it sounds like he is a similar player as Giordano. His skating isn't the best so I guess that is why he was left un-drafted but from hearing his interview on the Fan960 he has been working very hard, more than ever on his skating and his defensive coverage. I have a good feeling about this signing.
Prust's contract is a one-way contract which is pretty surprising. He will be replacing Godard and that is out standing. I have seen Prust play before and I like what I have seen. He will contribute way more than a Godard would while still bringing the same toughness. Prust has 3 NHL fights which include fights against Parros and Boogard.
I caught some of Sutter's interview today with the Fan960 from Five Hole Fanatics and really liked what came from his mouth. He said Dan Ryder is going to re-join the organization. I am glad Ryder is coming back, hopefully he can continue with his development. I especially love that he said he is only willing to give Nolan a 1 year contract.
So with these moves, here are some possible line combinations:
1- MOSS-LANGKOW-IGINLA
2- GLENCROSS-LOMBARDI-CAMMALLERI
3- BOURQUE-CONROY-BOYD
4- NYSTROM-PRIMEAU-PRUST
E- GREENTREE, VAN DER GULIK
1- PHANEUF-VANDERMEER
2- REGEHR-SARICH
3- AUCOIN-GIORDANO
E- PARDY
1- KIPRUSOFF
2- McELHINNEY
3- KEETLEY
I like what I see so far, much younger which I have wanted for two years now. I think the Flames have improved without a doubt throughout they whole organization. I still think there are a couple of holes which could be filled by a couple of players.
Jason Williams- I have mentioned him alot and he is still available. I think for the right price he would be a good set-up man alongside Langkow and Iggy. He is a similar player to Huselius so I think he would fit good on our 1st line.
1- WILLIAMS-LANGKOW-IGGY
2- GLENCROSS-LOMBO-CAMMALLERI
3- BOURQUE-CONROY-MOSS
4- NYSTROM-BOYD-PRUST
E- PRIMEAU(YES!!), GREENTREE, VAN DER GULIK
Jason Smith- Roger Million suggested him and I kind of like it. He is similar to Warrener but much better. He would add depth and lots of leadership to the Flames blueline. At the right price I think he could be good as a 6/7 defensemen.
Other than that I think the Flames roster is pretty set, I can almost guarantee that they will bring in some defensive depth, who I'm not sure. I still hope they get rid of Aucoin so we can add some better value with the same role. There is still lots of time so I'm excited to see what happens but I have enjoyed the moves made so far.
I like the signing of Glencross, from what I have heard from Oilers fans they loved him and wanted him back and are obviously not happy with him coming here. That is always a good thing. When Glencross was acquired by the Oilers late last season, he seemed to be all over the ice whenever they played the Flames. I think Glencross could fit in alongside Lombo and Cammalleri on the Flames second line.
I said from the beginning of the off-season that the Flames should re-sign Vandermeer. 2.3 million is a little pricey for him but looking at Fingers deal with the Leafs it isn't that bad. I like what Vandermeer brought to the Flames after the late season acquisition and I look forward to him developing here in Calgary.
The signing of D Ryan Wilson is pretty intriguing. He put up big numbers throughout his junior career and from what I have heard from the radio and Sutter he is a guy to keep an eye on this up coming season. He was never drafted and it sounds like he is a similar player as Giordano. His skating isn't the best so I guess that is why he was left un-drafted but from hearing his interview on the Fan960 he has been working very hard, more than ever on his skating and his defensive coverage. I have a good feeling about this signing.
Prust's contract is a one-way contract which is pretty surprising. He will be replacing Godard and that is out standing. I have seen Prust play before and I like what I have seen. He will contribute way more than a Godard would while still bringing the same toughness. Prust has 3 NHL fights which include fights against Parros and Boogard.
I caught some of Sutter's interview today with the Fan960 from Five Hole Fanatics and really liked what came from his mouth. He said Dan Ryder is going to re-join the organization. I am glad Ryder is coming back, hopefully he can continue with his development. I especially love that he said he is only willing to give Nolan a 1 year contract.
So with these moves, here are some possible line combinations:
1- MOSS-LANGKOW-IGINLA
2- GLENCROSS-LOMBARDI-CAMMALLERI
3- BOURQUE-CONROY-BOYD
4- NYSTROM-PRIMEAU-PRUST
E- GREENTREE, VAN DER GULIK
1- PHANEUF-VANDERMEER
2- REGEHR-SARICH
3- AUCOIN-GIORDANO
E- PARDY
1- KIPRUSOFF
2- McELHINNEY
3- KEETLEY
I like what I see so far, much younger which I have wanted for two years now. I think the Flames have improved without a doubt throughout they whole organization. I still think there are a couple of holes which could be filled by a couple of players.
Jason Williams- I have mentioned him alot and he is still available. I think for the right price he would be a good set-up man alongside Langkow and Iggy. He is a similar player to Huselius so I think he would fit good on our 1st line.
1- WILLIAMS-LANGKOW-IGGY
2- GLENCROSS-LOMBO-CAMMALLERI
3- BOURQUE-CONROY-MOSS
4- NYSTROM-BOYD-PRUST
E- PRIMEAU(YES!!), GREENTREE, VAN DER GULIK
Jason Smith- Roger Million suggested him and I kind of like it. He is similar to Warrener but much better. He would add depth and lots of leadership to the Flames blueline. At the right price I think he could be good as a 6/7 defensemen.
Other than that I think the Flames roster is pretty set, I can almost guarantee that they will bring in some defensive depth, who I'm not sure. I still hope they get rid of Aucoin so we can add some better value with the same role. There is still lots of time so I'm excited to see what happens but I have enjoyed the moves made so far.
The Frenzy: Day 2
Well after a full day of Frenzy on Canada, it has continued onto today, here is some of my thoughts on the deals today/late yesterday:
- The Islanders sign C Doug Weight to a 1 year contract.
- The Penguins sign D Brooks Orpik to a 6 year deal worth 22.5 million dollars. This deal looks very good when you put it beside Hainsey's deal.
- The Rangers acquire RW Nikolai Zherdev and C Dan Fritsche from Columbus for D Fedor Tyutin and D Christian Backman. The Blue Jackets look like they are going to give young guys like Jakub Voracek a chance to play while really shoring up their defense. Good deal for both teams.
- The Senators sign RW Jarrko Ruutu and RW Shean Donovan.
- The Thrashers sign D Ron Hainsey to a 5 year deal worth 22.5 million dollars.
- The Stars sign LW Sean Avery to a 4 year deal worth 15.5 million dollars. Avery + Ott = MAJOR HEADACHE!
- The Red Wings sign RW Marian Hossa to a one year deal worth 7.4 million dollars. Well the rich get richer, this one is stupid haha.
- The Canucks just going wild with their 'offensive upgrade' add both RW Darcy Hordichuk and C Ryan Johnson. Just Joking!
Finally Day 2.
- This deal goes down with the Jeff Finger one, not quite as bad but still pretty bad. The Bruins sign RW Michael Ryder to a 3 year deal worth 4 million dollars a season! This is really getting ridiculous.
- The Islanders sign D Mark Streit to a 5 year deal worth 20.5 million dollars.
- The Leafs, actually the genius Leafs who once again just finished cleaning house give LW Nicklas Hagman a 4 year deal worth 3 million dollars a season. All I can say is WOW!
- The Rangers sign both D Michal Rozsival and D Wade Redden to a 4 year deal worth 20 million and a 6 year deal worth 39 million dollars respectively. I like both signings but once again overpaid for both players.
- New Jersey signs LW Brian Rolston to a 4 year, 20 million dollars contract and C Bobby Holik to a 1 year contract worth 2.5 million dollars. Rolston has proved the last couple of years that he can put the puck in the net. Once again though at 5 million dollars he isn't worth it, especially at 35 years of age. Holik's contract makes a little more sense at only a 1 year term but once again I dont think he is worth 2.5 million dollars. Conroy's contract looks awesome compared to Holik's.
- Columbus signs D Mike Commodore to a 5 year deal worth 18.75 million dollars. I like Commodore alot but I would never think for a second to him for this kind of contract.
- Chicago signs D Brian Campbell to a 8 year, 56.8 million dollars. I like Campbell alot and thought Calgary should have took a run at this guy at last years deadline. He didn't have the greatest of playoffs but is still an elite defensemen in the league. At 7.1 million dollars a season though, I dont think he is worth that much but with the market these days did anyone expect less?
- The Islanders sign C Doug Weight to a 1 year contract.
- The Penguins sign D Brooks Orpik to a 6 year deal worth 22.5 million dollars. This deal looks very good when you put it beside Hainsey's deal.
- The Rangers acquire RW Nikolai Zherdev and C Dan Fritsche from Columbus for D Fedor Tyutin and D Christian Backman. The Blue Jackets look like they are going to give young guys like Jakub Voracek a chance to play while really shoring up their defense. Good deal for both teams.
- The Senators sign RW Jarrko Ruutu and RW Shean Donovan.
- The Thrashers sign D Ron Hainsey to a 5 year deal worth 22.5 million dollars.
- The Stars sign LW Sean Avery to a 4 year deal worth 15.5 million dollars. Avery + Ott = MAJOR HEADACHE!
- The Red Wings sign RW Marian Hossa to a one year deal worth 7.4 million dollars. Well the rich get richer, this one is stupid haha.
- The Canucks just going wild with their 'offensive upgrade' add both RW Darcy Hordichuk and C Ryan Johnson. Just Joking!
Finally Day 2.
- This deal goes down with the Jeff Finger one, not quite as bad but still pretty bad. The Bruins sign RW Michael Ryder to a 3 year deal worth 4 million dollars a season! This is really getting ridiculous.
- The Islanders sign D Mark Streit to a 5 year deal worth 20.5 million dollars.
- The Leafs, actually the genius Leafs who once again just finished cleaning house give LW Nicklas Hagman a 4 year deal worth 3 million dollars a season. All I can say is WOW!
- The Rangers sign both D Michal Rozsival and D Wade Redden to a 4 year deal worth 20 million and a 6 year deal worth 39 million dollars respectively. I like both signings but once again overpaid for both players.
- New Jersey signs LW Brian Rolston to a 4 year, 20 million dollars contract and C Bobby Holik to a 1 year contract worth 2.5 million dollars. Rolston has proved the last couple of years that he can put the puck in the net. Once again though at 5 million dollars he isn't worth it, especially at 35 years of age. Holik's contract makes a little more sense at only a 1 year term but once again I dont think he is worth 2.5 million dollars. Conroy's contract looks awesome compared to Holik's.
- Columbus signs D Mike Commodore to a 5 year deal worth 18.75 million dollars. I like Commodore alot but I would never think for a second to him for this kind of contract.
- Chicago signs D Brian Campbell to a 8 year, 56.8 million dollars. I like Campbell alot and thought Calgary should have took a run at this guy at last years deadline. He didn't have the greatest of playoffs but is still an elite defensemen in the league. At 7.1 million dollars a season though, I dont think he is worth that much but with the market these days did anyone expect less?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
The Frenzy
Well it is Canada day and with that brings the NHL's free agent frenzy. I have decided to put my input into todays and recent moves that have happen so far in this frenzy time!
- Another desperate move by the Canucks....they put a offer sheet in for LW David Backes for 7.5 million dollars. Man these guys are desperate!
- Sadly the stupid Avalanche sign the only player I wanted the Flames to get...Darcy Tucker. He signed a 2 year contract worth 4.5 million which in my mind is a very fair price and the ideal price for which I wanted the Flames to sign him for. This is two years in a row the Avalanche have signed the guy I wanted to see in a Flames uniform, last year it was Scott Hannan. I also think this spells the end of Forsberg in Colorado probably even in the NHL.
- Olaf Kolzig signs. Guess where......Tampa Bay. Defense??
- Rangers add some depth up front by signing LW Aaron Voros.
- The Panthers add some leadership by signing LW Cory Stillman to a very rich 3 year deal worth 10.6 million dollars. Way over-paid!
- The Blackhawks sign G Cristobal Huet. I would say they are definitely shopping the Bulin-Wall, lets hope he doesn't end up in Colorado.
- The Pens add some toughness by signing RW Eric Godard. Does this spell the end of Laraque in Pittsburgh, I think so.
- Tampa is t it again, adding LW Adam Hall to the mix, signing him to a 3-year deal worth 1.8 million. Man I thought the Lightning were bad last year but I didn't think they had that many holes up front. Can anyone else say Defense?
- The Leafs make a slash, signing both Curtis Joseph and D Jeff Finger. Finger received a 4 year deal worth 3.5 million dollars a season, that seems a little rich for him Mr.Fletcher who has been trying to clean house of all the Leafs over-paid players at least he is only 29?
- The Canadiens re-signed their biggest RFA. Andrei Kostitsyn signed a 3 year deal worth 3.25 million dollars a season. This was a must sign for the Canadiens. I love what Kostitsyn brings, he can score but he is also very tough. One of the more tougher talented Russians I have seen for sure.
- The Red Wings have also signed Ty Conklin to a 1 year contract. Conklin resurrected his career last year with the Pens to add some goaltending depth behind Osgood.
- To solve? their goaltending issues, maybe just more help their goaltending after loosing Theodore the Avalanche signed Andrew Raycroft to a 1 year deal. This is a head scratcher, Raycroft was awful for the Leafs so the Avalanche better have some other plan to help themselves out. With these moves the Avalanche have gotten way weaker and even though it is early it is hard to see them making the playoffs next season.
- Finally Mats Sundin has reportedly gotten offers from four teams including a 2 year 10 MILLION DOLLAR offer from the Vancouver Canucks. Man I thought the Canucks were desperate but not that desperate, that is absolutely ridiculous. As a Flames fan I am liking what is going on in Vancouver, Colorado and Minnesota!
- The Caps solved their goaltending issue by signing Jose Theodore to a 2 year contract. I like what I saw from Theodore last year and I think that it is an upgrade over Cristobal Huet for the Caps.
- The Coyotes signed D Kurt Sauer to a 4-year deal. Sauer had a break out season with the Avalanche last season and the Coyotes have some holes to fill on their blueline after loosing both Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton in the Oli Jokinen deal. The Coyotes also added some toughness by signing Todd Fedoruk to a 3 year deal. Why would the Coyotes give and enforcer more than a 1 year deal?
- The Wild brought back LW Andrew Brunette to fill some gaping holes in their top-6. He signed a 3 year deal worth 7 million dollars. The Wild also acquired D Marek Zidlicky from the Preds for a draft pick and a prospect. the Wild had to do something up front becuase it looks like they are going to loose both Brian Rolston and Pavol Demitra.
- The Ducks who are going to be nip and tuck at the top of the salary cap, signed RW Corey Perry to a 5 year deal worth 26.635 million dollars. There is no way the Ducks could let this guy slip away like what happened last year with Dustin Penner. Perry is very talented and will put up big numbers offensively for years to come.
- The Penguins re-signed both LW Pascal Dupuis and D Mark Eaton.
- The Champs have been busy too, re-signing both D Brad Stuart to a 4 year deal worth 3.75 a year and D Andres Lilja to a 2 year deal. I like Stuart alot like I have mentioned and I love the pairing of him and Kronwall together. The Red Wings will have another very strong defense next season.
- The Devils re-signed two of their UFA's, locking up both LW Jay Pandalfo and D Bryce Salvador. Pandalfo signed for 3 year, 7.5 million while Salvador signed for 4 years at 11.6 million dollars. They also declined the option on Sergei Brylin's contract, thus ending his very long career in New Jersey.
- The Avalanche re-signed both their big free agent defensemen. J-M Liles agreed to a 4 year deal worth 16 million dollars while veteran Adam Foote signed a 2 year deal worth reportedly 6 million dollars.
- Our enemies from up north have been reeling and dealing so far this summer and I'm sad to say that I like all of their moves. The started with acquiring D Lubomir Visnovsky from the Kings for C Jarret Stoll and D Matt Greene. Visnovsky is a very good puck-mover and will help out Edmonton's PP alot. He isn't the greatest at ES but the Oilers should be able to help him by pairing up with someone like Steve Staios. I was never really a fan of Stoll and with the Oiler's already having Cogliano and Horcoff up the middle there wasn't much room for Stoll. Then today the Oilers acquired RW Erik Cole from the Hurricanes for D Joni Pitkanen. I have always liked Cole and I think he would look great on Edmonton's 2nd line with Cogliano and Gagner. Pitkanen seems like he is looking for a big contract that he isn't worth so the Oilers definitely took the chance to get rid of Pitkanen to the desperate Hurricanes who need a puck-moving defensemen. Finally the Oilers traded LW Raffi Torres to Columbus for C Gilbert Brule. Another solid move, I never liked Torres at all and Brule is still young and still has upside.
-The Lightning have gone crazy with their spending and you would have thought that GM Jay Feester would have learned from the last time he put all this money into players. After just getting rid of Brad Richard's huge contract, he has took that money and put it towards other players. He started with acquiring the rights to LW Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts. He signed Malone to a ridiculous 7 year, 31 million dollar contract and Roberts to a 1 year deal worth 1 million dollars plus bonus's. The Lightning's new ownership obviously has money but the Malone deal will bite them back one day, he has a career high of 51 points, enough said. Then the Lightning also acquired the rights to LW Vaclav Prospal which they then signed to a multi-year deal and finally today the Lightning dished out a 3 year, 9 million dollar contract to RW Radim Vrbata who had a career year last year that came out of no where. With these signings and the hiring of Barry Melrose, the only good thing going good for the Lightning is Lecavalier and Stamkos. Oh and one more thing, rumors say that they might be shipping off their only good defensemen Dan Boyle this summer to make room for these ridiculous contracts they are giving out. Good Luck keeping the puck out of your net!
- Another desperate move by the Canucks....they put a offer sheet in for LW David Backes for 7.5 million dollars. Man these guys are desperate!
- Sadly the stupid Avalanche sign the only player I wanted the Flames to get...Darcy Tucker. He signed a 2 year contract worth 4.5 million which in my mind is a very fair price and the ideal price for which I wanted the Flames to sign him for. This is two years in a row the Avalanche have signed the guy I wanted to see in a Flames uniform, last year it was Scott Hannan. I also think this spells the end of Forsberg in Colorado probably even in the NHL.
- Olaf Kolzig signs. Guess where......Tampa Bay. Defense??
- Rangers add some depth up front by signing LW Aaron Voros.
- The Panthers add some leadership by signing LW Cory Stillman to a very rich 3 year deal worth 10.6 million dollars. Way over-paid!
- The Blackhawks sign G Cristobal Huet. I would say they are definitely shopping the Bulin-Wall, lets hope he doesn't end up in Colorado.
- The Pens add some toughness by signing RW Eric Godard. Does this spell the end of Laraque in Pittsburgh, I think so.
- Tampa is t it again, adding LW Adam Hall to the mix, signing him to a 3-year deal worth 1.8 million. Man I thought the Lightning were bad last year but I didn't think they had that many holes up front. Can anyone else say Defense?
- The Leafs make a slash, signing both Curtis Joseph and D Jeff Finger. Finger received a 4 year deal worth 3.5 million dollars a season, that seems a little rich for him Mr.Fletcher who has been trying to clean house of all the Leafs over-paid players at least he is only 29?
- The Canadiens re-signed their biggest RFA. Andrei Kostitsyn signed a 3 year deal worth 3.25 million dollars a season. This was a must sign for the Canadiens. I love what Kostitsyn brings, he can score but he is also very tough. One of the more tougher talented Russians I have seen for sure.
- The Red Wings have also signed Ty Conklin to a 1 year contract. Conklin resurrected his career last year with the Pens to add some goaltending depth behind Osgood.
- To solve? their goaltending issues, maybe just more help their goaltending after loosing Theodore the Avalanche signed Andrew Raycroft to a 1 year deal. This is a head scratcher, Raycroft was awful for the Leafs so the Avalanche better have some other plan to help themselves out. With these moves the Avalanche have gotten way weaker and even though it is early it is hard to see them making the playoffs next season.
- Finally Mats Sundin has reportedly gotten offers from four teams including a 2 year 10 MILLION DOLLAR offer from the Vancouver Canucks. Man I thought the Canucks were desperate but not that desperate, that is absolutely ridiculous. As a Flames fan I am liking what is going on in Vancouver, Colorado and Minnesota!
- The Caps solved their goaltending issue by signing Jose Theodore to a 2 year contract. I like what I saw from Theodore last year and I think that it is an upgrade over Cristobal Huet for the Caps.
- The Coyotes signed D Kurt Sauer to a 4-year deal. Sauer had a break out season with the Avalanche last season and the Coyotes have some holes to fill on their blueline after loosing both Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton in the Oli Jokinen deal. The Coyotes also added some toughness by signing Todd Fedoruk to a 3 year deal. Why would the Coyotes give and enforcer more than a 1 year deal?
- The Wild brought back LW Andrew Brunette to fill some gaping holes in their top-6. He signed a 3 year deal worth 7 million dollars. The Wild also acquired D Marek Zidlicky from the Preds for a draft pick and a prospect. the Wild had to do something up front becuase it looks like they are going to loose both Brian Rolston and Pavol Demitra.
- The Ducks who are going to be nip and tuck at the top of the salary cap, signed RW Corey Perry to a 5 year deal worth 26.635 million dollars. There is no way the Ducks could let this guy slip away like what happened last year with Dustin Penner. Perry is very talented and will put up big numbers offensively for years to come.
- The Penguins re-signed both LW Pascal Dupuis and D Mark Eaton.
- The Champs have been busy too, re-signing both D Brad Stuart to a 4 year deal worth 3.75 a year and D Andres Lilja to a 2 year deal. I like Stuart alot like I have mentioned and I love the pairing of him and Kronwall together. The Red Wings will have another very strong defense next season.
- The Devils re-signed two of their UFA's, locking up both LW Jay Pandalfo and D Bryce Salvador. Pandalfo signed for 3 year, 7.5 million while Salvador signed for 4 years at 11.6 million dollars. They also declined the option on Sergei Brylin's contract, thus ending his very long career in New Jersey.
- The Avalanche re-signed both their big free agent defensemen. J-M Liles agreed to a 4 year deal worth 16 million dollars while veteran Adam Foote signed a 2 year deal worth reportedly 6 million dollars.
- Our enemies from up north have been reeling and dealing so far this summer and I'm sad to say that I like all of their moves. The started with acquiring D Lubomir Visnovsky from the Kings for C Jarret Stoll and D Matt Greene. Visnovsky is a very good puck-mover and will help out Edmonton's PP alot. He isn't the greatest at ES but the Oilers should be able to help him by pairing up with someone like Steve Staios. I was never really a fan of Stoll and with the Oiler's already having Cogliano and Horcoff up the middle there wasn't much room for Stoll. Then today the Oilers acquired RW Erik Cole from the Hurricanes for D Joni Pitkanen. I have always liked Cole and I think he would look great on Edmonton's 2nd line with Cogliano and Gagner. Pitkanen seems like he is looking for a big contract that he isn't worth so the Oilers definitely took the chance to get rid of Pitkanen to the desperate Hurricanes who need a puck-moving defensemen. Finally the Oilers traded LW Raffi Torres to Columbus for C Gilbert Brule. Another solid move, I never liked Torres at all and Brule is still young and still has upside.
-The Lightning have gone crazy with their spending and you would have thought that GM Jay Feester would have learned from the last time he put all this money into players. After just getting rid of Brad Richard's huge contract, he has took that money and put it towards other players. He started with acquiring the rights to LW Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts. He signed Malone to a ridiculous 7 year, 31 million dollar contract and Roberts to a 1 year deal worth 1 million dollars plus bonus's. The Lightning's new ownership obviously has money but the Malone deal will bite them back one day, he has a career high of 51 points, enough said. Then the Lightning also acquired the rights to LW Vaclav Prospal which they then signed to a multi-year deal and finally today the Lightning dished out a 3 year, 9 million dollar contract to RW Radim Vrbata who had a career year last year that came out of no where. With these signings and the hiring of Barry Melrose, the only good thing going good for the Lightning is Lecavalier and Stamkos. Oh and one more thing, rumors say that they might be shipping off their only good defensemen Dan Boyle this summer to make room for these ridiculous contracts they are giving out. Good Luck keeping the puck out of your net!
Bourque welcomed to the Flames
Happy Canada Day! The Flames announced the acquisition of LW Rene Bourque from the Chicago Blackhawks today for a 2nd round draft pick. Bourque is a big kid at 6'2 and is only 26 years old. He has NHL expierence mostly on the 3rd line playing with the Blackhawks. He is a RFA, so the Flames will need to sign him to a contract, no biggie since he should come relatively cheap. I dont know much about him but I like the move. I could see him being given a chance among our top-6 but we will have to wait and see.
Flames + UFA=???
With the UFA season ready to open tomorrow, I thought I would write about my final opinion on what the Flames should do tomorrow.
The Flames do still have some holes but with the four re-signings the other day and Sutter expressing that young kids on the team will get their chance to contribute, there might not be as many holes as some people think. I think the Flames will be looking for one top-6 forward, some forward/blueline depth and if possible a top-4 defensemen.
With the slim market of impact players there really isn't too many players that stand out. I feel there are only three players that are worth going after at all:
Darcy Tucker- I think he would be great alongside Lombo and Cammalleri. He is rugged, tough and can score some goals. He is a Alberta guy and he puts it all on the line for whichever team he is playing for. Saying this he has to come for the right price, maybe a 2 year(max) at 2 million a season. I haven't heard much on the market for this guy so I dont know what kind of numbers teams will throw at him but if teams are desperate those numbers will be way higher.
Jason Williams- He could be a good set-up guy to play alongside Iggy and Langkow. He isn't very big and is a little injury prone but has shown that he can put up good numbers when healthy. I think he is likely to come at a fair price especially since he is only 27 years old.
Brad Stuart- It is very unlikely that he would sign here in Calgary but I liked what I saw from him when he was here last year. He played very well during Detroit's run and he is Detroit's top priority to re-sign. I just like the fit for him and the Flames and just had to mention him.
So whether the Flames sign any of these guys or do anything is to be seen but better days could be ahead for the Flames with some big contracts(Aucoin) coming off the books next season and a much brighter UFA market with the likes of Gaborik, Franzen, Zetterberg, Havlat, Beauchemin, and Gionta as possible UFA's next summer, it might be a better idea for the Flames to keep some cash. I really think that Giordano could be a dark-horse to step-up in a top 4 roll, it is something to look for next season.
Finally I have to mention that with the rumors of defensemen possibly on the market and the market willing to take a chance, maybe the Flames could ship Aucoin to someone and receive some one in return that is younger and worth their contract.
The Flames do still have some holes but with the four re-signings the other day and Sutter expressing that young kids on the team will get their chance to contribute, there might not be as many holes as some people think. I think the Flames will be looking for one top-6 forward, some forward/blueline depth and if possible a top-4 defensemen.
With the slim market of impact players there really isn't too many players that stand out. I feel there are only three players that are worth going after at all:
Darcy Tucker- I think he would be great alongside Lombo and Cammalleri. He is rugged, tough and can score some goals. He is a Alberta guy and he puts it all on the line for whichever team he is playing for. Saying this he has to come for the right price, maybe a 2 year(max) at 2 million a season. I haven't heard much on the market for this guy so I dont know what kind of numbers teams will throw at him but if teams are desperate those numbers will be way higher.
Jason Williams- He could be a good set-up guy to play alongside Iggy and Langkow. He isn't very big and is a little injury prone but has shown that he can put up good numbers when healthy. I think he is likely to come at a fair price especially since he is only 27 years old.
Brad Stuart- It is very unlikely that he would sign here in Calgary but I liked what I saw from him when he was here last year. He played very well during Detroit's run and he is Detroit's top priority to re-sign. I just like the fit for him and the Flames and just had to mention him.
So whether the Flames sign any of these guys or do anything is to be seen but better days could be ahead for the Flames with some big contracts(Aucoin) coming off the books next season and a much brighter UFA market with the likes of Gaborik, Franzen, Zetterberg, Havlat, Beauchemin, and Gionta as possible UFA's next summer, it might be a better idea for the Flames to keep some cash. I really think that Giordano could be a dark-horse to step-up in a top 4 roll, it is something to look for next season.
Finally I have to mention that with the rumors of defensemen possibly on the market and the market willing to take a chance, maybe the Flames could ship Aucoin to someone and receive some one in return that is younger and worth their contract.
Flames acquire Greentree
The Flames acquired LW Kyle Greentree from the Flyers today in exchange for D Tim Ramholt. I don't know much about either of these players but from reading posts on Five Hole Fanatics, Ramholt really didn't have a hope of ever making the jump.
Greentree intrigues me a bit with his size and that he plays LW, not to say he is going to make the club next season but he could be a guy to keep an eye on. He scored 24 goals to go along with 48 points in 68 games played with the Philadelphia Phantoms. He will ultimately add depth within the Flames organization which the Flames desperately need.
Greentree intrigues me a bit with his size and that he plays LW, not to say he is going to make the club next season but he could be a guy to keep an eye on. He scored 24 goals to go along with 48 points in 68 games played with the Philadelphia Phantoms. He will ultimately add depth within the Flames organization which the Flames desperately need.
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