| Bergeron nearing return to ice | Sunday 6/22, 9:43 PM CT |
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Patrice Bergeron skated in only 10 games last season due to a severe discussion, but he continues to progress well in his rehab and is almost ready to return to contact on the ice, according to the Boston Globe.
Our View: Bergeron is back up to 190 pounds, five below his normal playing weight, and he has been able to work out six times a week recently as he is symptom free. We wish the 22 year old all the luck in the world, and it clearly sounds like he should be physically ready to go by training camp. |
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| Tanguay glad to be away from Iron Mike | Sunday 6/22, 9:38 PM CT |
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Add the name of Alex Tanguay to the long list of players who have been involved in disagreements with current Flames head coach Mike Keenan, according to The Gazette. "I've done a lot of thinking since the end of the season and I realize there are things I could have done better on my side," Tanguay said.
Our View: Apparently Tanguay asked GM Darryl Sutter to seek a trade, though he wanted to keep that request on the down low so as not to be a distraction to his teammates. After establishing himself as a 70-point performer, we would expect a happy Tanguay to return to that level in the coming season. |
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| Rolston negotiations difficult | Sunday 6/22, 9:30 PM CT |
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Brian Rolston would like to remain in Minessota, but it is unclear if he and the organization will be able to work out a deal to keep the 35 year old whiz in town, according to the Star Tribune. The team claims they have yet to receive a counter offer from Rolston's agent which prompted GM Doug Risebrough to say that "When you've made three [offers] and haven't got one, it doesn't motivate you to make four."
Our View: Rolston is the second most valuable forward on the club behind Marian Gaborik, and if he truly does go elsewhere his loss will open up a gaping hole amongst the clubs top-6 forwards. |
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| Legace likey to start over Mason | Sunday 6/22, 9:25 PM CT |
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Manny Legace will have to battle for playing time with newly acquired Chris Mason, but the club expects Legace to continue to hold down the top spot, according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch. "They're our goaltenders, and if Manny plays as well as he has in the past, he'll get lots of playing time," GM John Davidson said. "Chris is going to come in and help us, and if they push each other, that's wonderful.
Our View: Legace, who has been rehabbing his knee after arthroscopic surgery, should be full prepared to shoulder the majority of the load, but at 35 years of age, expect Mason to see his fair share of starts over the course of the year. |
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| First round pick unlikely to make team | Sunday 6/22, 9:20 PM CT |
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Drew Doughty, chosen second overall in the recent Entry Draft, isn't likely to break training camp as part of the Kings lineup, according to the Los Angeles Times. When asked if Doughty would be part of the team, here is what GM Dean Lombardi had to say. "Expect? No. Does he have a chance? Yes."
Our View: Many youngsters, especially those that roam the blueline, often take years of seasoning to find their games at the NHL level. Even if he somehow impresses the team's brass and is on the opening day roster, expecting big offensive numbers from him would be a mistake. |
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| Sundin to meet with Canadiens | Sunday 6/22, 9:32 AM CT |
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Recent quotes from veteran forward Mats Sundin have suggested the future Hall of Famer may be interested in finishing his career outside of Toronto, and those words have gotten the attention of the Montreal Canadiens, according to the Toronto Star.
Our View: The Star reports Canadiens GM Bob Gainey will travel to Sweden to court Sundin later this week (believed to be meeting on Wednesday). The Maple Leafs remain hopeful of insuring Sundin finishes his career in the same jersey he's worn for so long, but there is going to be a nice bidding war to get the deal sealed. Stay tuned. |
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| Jagr looking to stay in NY | Sunday 6/22, 8:16 AM CT |
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While the Rangers are admittedly lacking in desire to sign Sean Avery before NHL free agency begins, GM Glen Sather is feeling a differnt vibe about forward Jaromir Jagr , according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Jagr's agent Pat Brisson and Sather have reportedly met to discuss terms of a deal that would keep the veteran from hitting the free agent market. Those same reports indicate the team has two contractual options they are considering and hopes that one will be signed soon seem justified. |
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| Avery to test free agency | Sunday 6/22, 8:06 AM CT |
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The New York Rangers are apparently ready to move forward without Sean Avery , according to the New York Daily News.
Our View: Reports indicate Rangers GM Glen Sather spent time with Avery's agent, Pat Morris, on Saturday and, following that meeting, Morris let the press know that he is all but certain the Rangers will be unwilling to present a number that will keep Avery from testing the market as an unrestricted free agent. Free agency begins in 10 days and Avery is sure to garner interest, but the Rangers seem unwilling to agree on their desired number to secure him now. |
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| Malkin nearing deal with Pens | Sunday 6/22, 7:57 AM CT |
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Updating an ongoing story, reports are coming forth that Pittsburgh forward Evgeni Malkin and the Penguins are currently working on a new long-term deal to keep the offensive powerhouse in Pittsburgh, according to ESPN.com.
Our View: Several sources have reported various representatives from a budding Russian professional league have contacted Malkin to steal him away, reportedly receiving offers of $12.5 million per season. Now Malkin's agent, J.P. Barry, is reporting that negotiations with the Penguins have the two parties in a "framework" for a new long-term deal to stay in the NHL. |
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