| Sakic uncertain about future | Monday 6/16, 6:42 PM CT |
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Joe Sakic still hasn't decided if he will return for a 20th NHL season, according to the Denver Post. "Joe has not told me of any decision yet, and I assume that means he hasn't told the team anything yet," Don Baizley, his agent, said.
Our View: Sakic is coming off a rough season abbreviated by injury, but he was his normal high scoring self when on the ice with 40 points in 44 games. Sakic can still play, so it would be a shame to see him end his HOF career when he still has gas left in the tank. |
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| Oilers could trade for draft picks | Monday 6/16, 4:32 PM CT |
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Robbie Schremp or J.J. Jacques may be traded to prior to the NHL Entry Draft as the team tries to add to their meager total of selections this year, according to the Edmonton Journal.
Our View: The Oilers have a selection in the first round (#22), but then have to wait until the 103rd selection for their next player. The Oilers are usually pretty aggressive, so don't be surprised if they pull the trigger on something. |
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| NHL transfer agreement expires | Monday 6/16, 4:28 PM CT |
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The NHL's transfer agreement with European free agents has expired, according to ESPN. As a result, NHL team's will no longer be required to pay $200,000 to each team they take a player from. The downside is that it also means that the NHL cannot sign players that are under contract, they may only target European free agents.
Our View: Not much will change since the majority of the players signed in this way only make it to the NHL after a few years of seasoning. As an example, only six of the 59 European players signed before last season played in the NHL this season with 46 ending up in the minors. |
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| Walz to begin coaching career? | Monday 6/16, 4:23 PM CT |
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Wes Walz, who announced his retirement last December, has been asked about his interest in taking on an assistant coaching position with the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to the Star Tribune. "I was asked if I'd be interested in a position if it's available, and my answer was, 'I would be,'" Walz said.
Our View: Hey, it's a slow news day. The Lightning would also like to speak with Rich Tocchet and Cap Reader about the opening. |
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| Sundin not going to Detroit? | Monday 6/16, 4:20 PM CT |
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Mats Sundin will not be leaving his home in Toronto to join the Red Wings, that is if you believe the words of Wings star Henrik Zetterberg, according to the Detroit Free Press. "My gut says he'll be back with the Leafs."
Our View: Sundin is an unrestricted free agent and given the plethora of Swedes on the Wings it's only natural that Detroit would surface as a possible destination. Wherever Sundin ends up he will likely be roughly a point-per-game scorer, so keep an eye on his destination as it will have a hugely beneficial impact on those players who are fortunate enough to end up on his line. |
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| Hedberg resigns with Thrashers | Monday 6/16, 4:08 PM CT |
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Johan Hedberg signed a multi-year contract to remain with the Atlanta Thrashers though financial terms were not disclosed, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: Hedberg is a fine backup goalie who owns a career 89-86-20 receord, though he offers little in terms of fantasy potential backing up Kari Lehtonen in Atlanta. |
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| Suter agrees to extension | Monday 6/16, 2:56 PM CT |
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Defenseman Ryan Suter has agreed to a four-year extension with Nashville, worth $14 million, according to TSN.ca. GM David Poile stated, "Ryan has established himself as an integral part of our team and one of our core players moving forward. He has shown the ability to play in all key situations, including both special teams units."
Our View: In 2007-08, the 23-year old established career highs in assists (24), points (31) and penalty minutes (71) while leading all Nashville defensemen in goals with seven and finishing second in points.
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| Emery trade market weak | Monday 6/16, 11:46 AM CT |
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The Senators will try to trade goalie Ray Emery between now and June 30, but a deal doesn't seem likely. " "This won't be a hockey deal if the Senators are able to trade him, but that's a slim chance and a longshot," a league executive informs the Toronto Sun. The Senators will release Emery if they can't find a trade partner.
Our View: Along with it being a "slim chance" and a "longshot," we hear it's unlikely and once-in-a-blue moon. Anyway, Emery isn't long for Ottawa, and we can only sit back and see where he'll land. |
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| Yashin may rejoin the Islanders? | Monday 6/16, 7:39 AM CT |
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The Islanders are believed to be interested in bringing back Alexei Yashin, according to Newsday. Last year the team bought out the final four years on his 10-year contract, but his return to the club with a one-year deal is being discussed.
Our View: The Islanders want to go young, but ranked 29th in scoring in 2007-08, and could use the experienced, if a bit controversial, Yashin's offensive skills next season. Yashin scored 18 goals and 32 assists over 58 games with the Islanders back in 2006-07. |
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