| Red Wings sign Babcock to new deal | Tuesday 6/10, 8:11 PM CT |
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The Red Wings have agreed to a new three-year contract agreement with coach Mike Babcock, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: A source with the NHL, speaking on the condition of anonymity, has told the AP the Wings have scheduled an 11am press conference on Wednesday to announce the agreement. |
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| Wild trade for Bergeron | Tuesday 6/10, 7:44 PM CT |
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The Minnesota Wild have acquired defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a third-round draft pick in this year's NHL Entry Draft, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: The five-foot-10, 197-pound native of Trois-Rivieres, Que., has 128 points in 267 career games with Edmonton, the Islanders and Anaheim and is considered one of the better offensive-minded defensemen in the NHL. Bergeron had 19 points in 55 games last season with Anaheim and the New York Islanders. |
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| Avs trade for Sertich | Tuesday 6/10, 6:51 PM CT |
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The Colorado Avalanche have acquired forward Marty Sertich from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, according to TSN.ca.
Our View: Sertich, 25, has spent the past two seasons with the Iowa Stars of the American Hockey League. He led Iowa in scoring last season with 52 points in 79 games. The 5'9'', 165-pound centre also led the Stars in goals and power-play goals. |
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| Linden to retire | Tuesday 6/10, 6:15 PM CT |
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After 21 seasons of service in the NHL, Vancouver forward Trevor Linden will announce his retirment in a press conference on Wednesday, according to SLAM Sports.
Our View: The Canucks selected Linden second overall in the 1988 and he would go on to play 16 seasons in Vancouver. He helped the Canucks reach Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup final. In 1,382 games Linden scored 375 goals, added 492 assists and collected 867 penalty minutes. |
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| Crawford fired | Tuesday 6/10, 4:30 PM CT |
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The Kings fired head coach Mark Crawford on Tuesday, the AP reports. Crawford had one season left on his contract. The Kings posted the worst record in the Western Conference in 2007-08.
Our View: This news shouldn't surprise anyone after seeing how the Kings performed in two years under Crawford's watch. Whomever is hired will have a tough job ahead of him. |
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| Wilson introduced as new coach | Tuesday 6/10, 1:14 PM CT |
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Ron Wilson has been introduced as the new head coach of the Maple Leafs on Tuesday, according to SI.com.
Our View: The 53-year old coach was fired last month by the Sharks following the team's exit to the Stars in the second round of the playoffs. Wilson has also previously coached the Ducks and Capitals, and served parts of three seasons as a player with the Leafs in the 1970's. |
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| Norstrom set to retire | Tuesday 6/10, 1:09 PM CT |
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Mattias Norstrom is set to retire, according to the Dallas Morning News. He said, "Dallas wanted to keep me, but it is over now. I promised myself 10 years ago that I would quit while I still had a strong position in the team. And now it is over."
Our View: The 36-year old defenseman scored two goals and 11 assists over 66 games in his final campaign with the Stars in 2007-08. |
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| Islanders praise Okposo | Tuesday 6/10, 9:23 AM CT |
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The Islanders praised Kyle Okposo, according to Newsday. Team GM Garth Snow said, "He's a high-character kid, he's got great hockey sense and a nice skill set, so it's a great combination. He's a special player, a special kid and we're happy he's part of this organization." Okposo commented, "Now I know what I want to do and I have specific goals for the year. I don't want to just make the team and lolligag through. I want to be a good player on this team."
Our View: He is a top prospect, and flashed his potential over nine games in 2007-08, as he chipped in two goals and three assists. He could make a solid fantasy impact next season, as he works for a bigger role. |
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| Finger could get deal | Tuesday 6/10, 8:20 AM CT |
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Jeff Finger could receive a deal to remain in Colorado, according to the Denver Post. His agent (Neil Sheehy) said talks have commenced with the Avalanche on a deal.
Our View: The defenseman could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He provides favorable depth to the Avalanche, as he scored eight goals and 11 assists over 72 games, with one game-winning goal to his credit. |
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| Sundin's agent thinks client will play | Tuesday 6/10, 7:52 AM CT |
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Mats Sundin's agent thinks his client will continue to play and not opt for retirement, according to the Toronto Star.
Our View: Sundin is yet to voice his thoughts regarding new Toronto coach Ron Wilson. If he continues to play but doesn't return to the Leafs, Ottawa and Detroit have come up as speculated destinations, among a few others. Sundin can still play at a high level, as he scored 78 points over 74 games in 2007-08. |
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| Kapanen signs with Russian team | Tuesday 6/10, 7:45 AM CT |
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Niko Kapanen has inked a deal with Ak Bars Kazan of the Russian Super League, according to the AP.
Our View: The 30-year old center registered 28 points (10 goals) over 79 games with the Coyotes in 2007-08. |
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| Jancevski inks new deal | Tuesday 6/10, 7:21 AM CT |
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Dan Jancevski has inked a two-year two-way contract with the Stars, according to the Star-Telegram. The 26-year old defenseman would earn $525,000 in 2008-09 and $550,000 in 2009-10 if he plays for the Stars full-time. If he plays in the minors, his salary drops to $225,000 in 08-09 and $250,000 in 09-10.
Our View: He failed to register any points over four games spent between Dallas and Tampa Bay, but he did net 30 points in the AHL. |
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| Theodore may get deal? | Tuesday 6/10, 7:15 AM CT |
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A new deal between Jose Theodore and the Avalanche could be on the horizon, according to the Denver Post. His agent (Don Meehan) said, "I think things could accelerate quickly." Theodore will meet with Meehan today, to discuss what Meehan said was a contract offer.
Our View: If Theodore becomes a free agent on July 1, he would be considered the top goalie on the market. The Avalanche would be thin beyond Peter Budaj, and re-signing Theodore would be a good move. |
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| Brunette could become free agent | Tuesday 6/10, 7:08 AM CT |
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Colorado has not discussed a new contract with Andrew Brunette, and he can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: The 34-year old winger was Colorado's second-leading scorer in 2007-08 with 59 points over 82 games. That was a 24-point decrease in production from 2006-07, and his contract requirements might be too high for a player on the decline. |
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| Sakic likely to announce plans soon | Tuesday 6/10, 7:02 AM CT |
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Joe Sakic is likely to announce his plans for next season by the end of the week, according to the Denver Post.
Our View: He is pondering whether to come back for a 20th NHL campaign. He battled a groin injury and sports hernia surgery that reduced him to 44 games, but he proved he can still be effective as he scored 40 points (13 goals). |
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