We’re less than seven hours away from midnight when the calendar officially becomes July 1 and all the fun madness starts as it pertains to NHL free agency. A day which has now become celebrated in most quarters. Unless you root for a team which never really makes a big splash.

So, what should be expected? You never know. Already, Ryan Malone’s rights were acquired by Tampa and then overpaid for in the form of a ridiculous seven-year $31.5 million contract. He’s a nice player but committing that many years is insane. Let’s see where he is in Year 4. I’m willing to bet he’ll wear down.

Sadly, this helps justify Sean Avery’s outrageous four million on average demands. By good show of hands, who actually believes Avery is a legit $4 million player? Unless your name is Larry Brooks or even NYHR sidekick Joe McDonald, you know better. Everyone realizes how valuable the agitator was to the Rangers where they had a much better record with him in the lineup. But is he really worth that much money? I don’t see it. He’s going to want at least four years on average. Who thinks the 28 year-old undersized Ontario native will live up to such a contract? Not with the kind of physical style he plays. It says here that he’ll wind up battered and beaten up morphing into the current version of Darcy Tucker, who I expect to become Avery’s replacement on Broadway.

When Avery has already had injury problems, it’s not a good sign. If I’m a suitor, I don’t go more than two guaranteed years at the most with an option for Year 3. As effective a hockey player as Sean is, I would be fearsome of going overboard due to that physical style.

Ditto Brooks Orpik, who is expected to draw plenty of interest for his big size on the blueline and rugged game. Injuries are part of the game. That’s why it’s wiser to not go long-term unless it’s a proven star who you know will produce.

So, how do we see some of the July fireworks playing out? Let’s look into our crystal ball:

1.RW Jaromir Jagr- signs with OMSK, Super Elite Russian League. Judging from No.68’s quotes in yesterday’s paper, he wants to still be the man. He’s not going to get more than a year at probably five or six million at the most from Glen Sather. So, he’ll pack his bags and go back to Russia leaving the Rangers high and dry.

2.C Mats Sundin- signs with Montreal. Like fellow blogger Brian, I just feel the Habs are going to find a way to make it happen. They were close last year and already picked up Alex Tanguay. If they’re serious about bringing Lord Stanley back to Canada, then they’ll do what it takes to get the talented Swede aboard.

3.RW Marian Hossa- signs with San Jose. The Sharks need to surround Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau with a talented finisher. This would be a similar fit to the Pens for Hossa and allow him to blend in.

4.D Brian Campbell- signs with Ottawa. Campbell returns home to help replace Wade Redden and fill a void on the power play.

5.D Brooks Orpik- signs with Phoenix. The revamped Coyotes who parted with two defensemen to get Olli Jokinen hope to team the physical Orpik with Ed Jovanovski making them a playoff team.

6.C Brian Rolston- signs with Columbus. The Lightning acquired the ex-Wild center’s rights but no way are they re-signing him. Not the way they’ve been throwing money around. The Blue Jackets don’t score enough under Ken Hitchcock and they could use a legit No.1 pivot who can teach them the ropes. Plus he plays both ends and would fit that system.

7.LW Martin Straka- signs with Pittsburgh. The former Pen returns to his first team for a third stint despite rumors he might go back home to the Czech Republic.

8.D Wade Redden- signs with Boston. He goes to play for Senators Northeast and re-teams with Zdeno Chara to solidify a blueline which includes Dennis Wideman.

9.RW Brendan Shanahan- either re-signs with the Rangers or retires. The elder statesman has enjoyed his tour on Broadway and wants to return for one more shot. But much depends on what else Sather does.

10.LW Cory Stillman- signs with Washington. The complementary wing is a solid producer who has valuable Cup experience winning with Southeast rivals Tampa Bay and Carolina. He’d be a welcome addition to a young up and coming Caps team on the verge of great things.

11.LW Kristian Huselius- signs with Vancouver. The Canucks add another scoring wing to play with new second line center Kyle Wellwood.

12.LW Niklas Hagman- signs with Devils. The two-way speedy Finn is the kind of player Lou Lamoriello likes as he can play both ways and is a bonafide shorthanded threat.

13.D Michal Rozsival- signs with Buffalo. It’s hard to see the Czech re-upping with the Blueshirts. Especially if his buddies leave. There’s a good chance the Ranger roster and style is totally different this Fall. The Sabres could use a serviceable defenseman who can log big minutes and play every situation. Is Darcy Regier willing to pay the price?

14.D Rob Blake- re-signs with Los Angeles. Isn’t what he used to be but still can provide leadership to a young rebuilding team. With Lubomir Visnovsky gone to the Oilers for Jarrett Stoll and Matt Greene, expect him to get moved at the deadline.

15.D Mike Commodore- signs with Rangers. They could use some beef on that blueline and an experienced winner in Commo provides it.

16.D Ron Hainsey- signs with Devils. New Jersey needs another defenseman who can chip in offensively and help Paul Martin. The overlooked Hainsey fits the bill and won’t cost a ton.

17.D Mark Streit- signs with Rangers. Would fit as an ideal power play option and probably won’t cost as much as some of the other overpriced free agents.

18.W Sean Avery- signs with Toronto. Avery gets his payday from the Leafs, who will use him as a Tucker replacement. Wouldn’t it be interesting to see Leafs Nation who hated him suddenly change their minds?

19.W Darcy Tucker- signs with Rangers. This is the man Slats is targeting. If not Broadway, then he’ll wind up in another place which appreciates rugged style in Philly.

20.RW Markus Naslund- re-signs with Vancouver. It’s hard to see the veteran Swede who’s played almost his entire career in British Columbia leaving countrymen the Sedins and Mattias Ohlund.

21.RW Radim Vrbata- re-signs with Phoenix. If he’s smart, he’ll take less to stay in the Desert where suddenly Wayne Gretzky’s club isn’t far away. If not, possible suitors could be the Islanders, Blue Jackets and Panthers who could all use scoring.

22.D Brad Stuart- signs with San Jose. A return to his original team wouldn’t be a surprise. Especially if Campbell isn’t back. Stuart had a strong playoffs for the Wings who probably will balk at his asking price.

23.RW Michael Ryder- signs with Islanders. Taking a waiver on a former 30-goal finisher when you don’t have much scoring to speak of seems logical. I could also see him winding up with the Ducks.

24.C Michael Peca- signs with Wild. The veteran pivot is still a solid player who gives an honest effort. Something Jacques Lemaire prefers. They need someone to help offset the loss of Rolston.

25.G Cristobal Huet- re-signs with Washington. They didn’t get him at the deadline just for one run. The smart money says he’ll stay.

26.G Jose Theodore- re-ups with Colorado. The Avs have already re-signed defenders John-Michael Liles (4 yrs, 16 mill) and Adam Foote. They want to take a run and are banking on Joe Sakic to put off retirement and hope a rejuvenated Theodore stays instead of going for big bucks to a losing team such as the Kings.

27.W Jay Pandolfo- re-signs with Devils. Could you really see John Madden’s sidekick out of a Devil jersey?

28.Bryce Salvador- re-signs with Devils. Lamoriello likes the physical stay-at-home D and will bring him back.

29.G Stephen Valiquette- re-signs with Rangers. has already been rumored to have re-signed. Isn’t going anywhere.

30.C Pavol Demitra- signs with St. Louis. John Davidson brings back the former Blue to help in the scoring department.

Well hockey fans, for some July 1st signifies the beginning of a shopping spree, and for others it brings back haunting memories of seeing your two best players sign on with two despised teams in less then an hour (but we will not name any names, right?!?) I will offer some predictions as to where some of the top tier UFA’s might land in the upcoming days (and no, I will be using an E4, E5 system like someone else does!)

Marian Hossa, W

Hossa will garner a ton of interest when the clock strikes Midnight, but my gut says the New York Rangers will land this 40 goal scorer, especially if the Jagr to Russia rumors are true.

Brian Campbell, D

He was a favorite of mine as a Sabres fan, but he is not worth TOP dollar as a defenceman. Someone will overpay for his services, and I will go with a dark horse in the Chicago Blackhawks, who can really use a guy like Campbell to put it all together in Chicago.

Sean Avery, W

I am still stunned given the popularity Avery had in New York, that the Rangers are just going to let him walk. Avery will bring some feistness and grit to the Washington Capitals. AO and Avery in the same town?!

Wade Redden, D

Redden is a guy who has underachieved at times, but is still an elite defenceman. The pick here is that the New Jersey Devils attempt to make up for the loss of Brian Raflaski and ink Redden.

Mats Sundin, C

Sundin played his cards right by waiting till July 1st to make a decision, and now his price will go up. I still believe the Montreal Canadiens will find a way to get Sundin in a Habs uniform, much to the chagrin of Leafs Nation.

John-Michael Liles, D

Liles is somewhat of an enigma, tons of talent but he is not consistent. Gut feeling here is that the San Jose Sharks try to make up for the loss of Brian Campbell.

Brooks Orpik, D

A man who raised a lot of eyebrows in the playoffs will now get paid. Look for Orpik to go ‘home’ to Western New York and sign with the Buffalo Sabres.

Jaromir Jagr, W

The end of a great era comes to end, and he will send former boss Glen Sather a postcard from Russia and a Cuban cigar.

Other Quick Picks:

1. Look for the Buffalo Sabres to unload Maxim Afinogenov to a team and possibly bring in Brian Rolston.

2. The NY Rangers will be very active come July 1st, as they need to build a roster again. Do not look for the big splashes like last July 1st, I envision the Rangers signing Hossa and signing a few other players in the process.

3. This year’s Thomas Vanek? Defenceman Mike Green from the Washington Captials might be the player who get signed to an overinflated offer sheet.

4. Boy, it really seems that the Toronto Maple Leafs are doing everything in their power to land phenom John Tavares in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Better keep an eye on the auditors who oversee that draft and they are not bought out!

5. Speaking of the Leafs, how ironic would it be to see Darcy Tucker sign with the Ottawa Senators?

6. Kristin Huselius is an underrated UFA who can really help a sagging offense. I really envision him going to the Vancouver Canucks who seem to be offensively challenged since Pavel Bure left town.

7. Another underrated UFA is defenceman Ron Hainsey, and the feeling with me is if this team fails to sign Orpik, I can see GM Darcy Regier and the Buffalo Sabres bringing him into the fold.

That is all I have for now, let’s see if I am better then Eklund! (Is that REALLY that hard?!?!)

Hello all.

I have not posted in quite some time. College graduation, full time summer job and a little bit of relaxing and celebrating took over for about a month and unfortunately, I put this blog on the back burner.

I have now returned, ready for the free agency period to begin. There are some great stories and posts below, which should have kept you up to date. The NHL versus the Dolans and the Rangers, Mats Sundin as a potential NYR target this offseason and a whirlwind of trades are all covered below.

In the last few days, there have been numerous newsworthy items coming out of Ranger camp. On paper the Rangers made some quality picks in the draft, including Evgheny Grachev, who may have been a steal in the draft according to several analysts. The prospects and recent draft picks are in New York now, working out in a mini-training camp.

Also coming out in the last couple of days, Marty Straka may have fled the NHL and moved back to the Czech League. The Rangers are currently denying it, and no one knows for sure, but several sources have said that he has in fact left the league. I am a huge fan or Straka’s hustle and work ethic, but it appeared last year that his best years may be behind him. Should the Rangers resign Jaromir Jagr, and this signing isn’t official yet, I would expect Straka back in Broadway blue.

Speaking of Jagr; There have been unofficial reports of him getting a contract offer from Omsk in the Czech League in the neighborhood of three years, $35 million. That may be two years and $30 million more than the Rangers are willing to offer him, so if it’s money that the Rangers’ captain wants, he may no longer be with the team either.

One of the more surprising stories that came out of yesterday was that Mats Sundin was prepared to sign a two year, $5 million deal with the Rangers on July 1st. I didn’t see the story, but it was apparently first reported on ESPN.com. That story has since been removed and it said to be untrue. Should the Rangers sign him, either Chris Drury or Brandon Dubinsky would shift to a wing, most likely on the top line. Personally, I say pass on him and spend the money on a solid, physical defender.

Other news around the league, Brian Rolston may in fact become available on July 1, as talks have broken down between him and the Minnesota Wild. Barry Melrose was named coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning and soon after Vinny Lecavlier was signed to a massive, extremely smart deal. Brooks Orpik also became the latest Pittsburgh free agent to reject offers from the club. Evgeni Malkin, Marian Hossa and Ryan Malone were the previous members of the team to do so.

Free agency is only a few days away, which means things could get real interesting, real soon. Sources are saying the Nigel Dawes and Stephen Valiquette are already resigned, but those won’t be announced until after the big rush of free agency is over. (P.A. Parenteu was resigned the other day.) I don’t expect much to happen in the next couple of days, and anything that comes out will most likely be strictly speculation. I do expect the free agent period to be hectic on the first day, probably within the first few hours, much like it was last year. I don’t expect the big Gomez and Drury-like splash this year, but we could make a decent impact.

Tune back in this week for more updates which will hopefully include a resigning of Sean Avery, a reduced role for Brendan Shanahan, an acquisition of a physical defenseman and the resigning of other, smaller role players. Until then…

Well, hockey’s silly season - a.k.a unrestricted free agency - is about to begin.  Even in their glory years the Devils seemed to suffer key losses every summer but since the lockout the losses have hurt more.  Captain-in-waiting Scott Niedermayer left despite a supposed five-year offer at max salary, and he got to have his cake and eat it too, winning a Stanley Cup while enjoying a much ballyhooed family reunion.  Last offseason Scott Gomez and Brian Rafalski leave, which was bad enough considering the impact on the team itself.  Worse, Gomez tormented the Devils for 13 games this season (eleven Ranger wins), particularly in the playoffs while Rafalski helped his hometown team to their first Stanley Cup in six seasons. 

So will this UFA cycle be any different for the Devils?  The good news is Jay Pandolfo and supposed rental Bryce Salvador are the biggest names to hit the UFA market.  While losing either would hurt, it would not be the crippling blow the Devils have received in recent offseasons.  But there’s also much less margin for error now, not only do the Devils need to keep who they can but they have to add this offseason.  Even Martin Brodeur spelled out the urgency during the NHL Awards show when he alluded to being excited over changes that will be made to bring the Devils back to being a Stanley Cup contender.  Heady words for a normally mundane speech. 

Granted said improvements probably include a trade or three, but the Devils have precious little both in the farm and on the big club that can be classified as a tradeable asset.  And as much as other Devil fans want to kick Brian Gionta out the door I don’t think trading one of the few goalscorers on an offensively-challenged team will solve any problems.  I still say he’ll be an effective scorer again if you give him a real NHL centerman and he crashes the net more than he did last season.  Not to mention you can always count on Gio for maximum effort - although sometimes it’s misplaced (even I started counting the number of times he shot while stationed next to the boards).

Assuming they can’t get what they need in the trade market, the Devils will have to make a play for a big name through free agency.  Does that mean Pittsburgh’s Marian Hossa?  San Jose’s Brian Campbell?  I won’t believe either in Devil red and white until I see it, especially after how badly GM Lou Lamoriello got burned in UFA two years ago with the Unholy Trinity of Mogilny, Malakhov and McGillis.  But if there’s ever going to be an offseason for a big Devils splash it’s this one.  Brodeur isn’t getting any younger - neither is Lou for that matter - and time is running out for the Devils to enjoy having the dual advantage of the best goaltender in the world and (post-lockout performance aside) one of the shrewdest GM’s out there.  Not to mention there are seats to sell in a new arena, novelty won’t sell them forever.

More likely there probably will be two or three mid-level additions.  Brian Rolston gets mentioned for obvious reasons, being an ex-Devil for one, not to mention he was one of Jacques Lemaire’s favorite players in Minnesota (with a similar system) for the last several years.  John-Michael Liles from Colorado has been mentioned as well.  I wouldn’t mind either in a Devil sweater.  God knows the Devils can use offensive help in the worst way on the blueline and Rolston instantly becomes one of the top three goal-scorers on the Devils (sadly).  And odds are there will be a couple of people added that nobody would think to predict in their right mind - Lou seems to do this a couple of times every year to keep the fans and media honest!

Okay. So I usually like jot down a whole bunch of thoughts about what’s going on. But tonight at this hour, I’m all out of ideas but came across a bizarre pic on TSN which I couldn’t stop laughing at. It’s just so freaking comical.

Judge for yourself:

Okay. I know. I reaaaallly shouldn’t be laughing at or making fun of current Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher. The man’s been around FOREVER. I mean look at him! God. He looks like he could’ve been hanging out with George Washington and Thomas Jefferson back in 1776.

Would you want someone who looks like that running your organization’s offseason?!?!?!?!?! I know how it sounds but I just can’t contain myself.

No wonder they’re referred to by Brian as the Maple Laughs. Because they sure are providing plenty of laughs these days!

Here’s our sponsor for this entry:

Copyright Getty Images 

They have a new old familiar face returning to the bench. Now, it looks like he’ll get to coach their best player for a long time if things work out.

The Tampa Bay Lightning and superstar center Vincent Lecavalier are very close to announcing a new mega-deal worth a reported $77 million over nine years. The 28 year-old Quebec native has played his entire NHL career with the franchise after being selected first overall a decade ago helping lead it from league doormat to Stanley Cup champions four years ago.

One of the game’s best players had another outstanding season amassing 40 goals and 52 assists for 92 points finishing in a three-way tie for sixth in scoring. Over the past couple of seasons, he’s totaled exactly 200 points (92 goals, 108 helpers) while netting a combined 26 power play goals, six SHG and 14 game-winners. In fact, Vinny has posted seven deciding markers in each of the last three seasons proving just how clutch a performer he is.

The 6-4 223-pound pivot was entering the final season of a four-year $27.5 million contract where he’ll make $7.167 million. In 710 career games over nine seasons, he’s tallied 273 goals and 329 assists equaling 602 points.

Tampa will be charged an average of $8.55 million when the new deal takes effect. However, if Lecavalier’s still playing in the final year at age 37, he’ll only get $3 million.

Analysis: This was a no-brainer for the new management in St. Pete. Lecavalier’s easily one of the top five best players in the game and would’ve been wildy sought after had he become available next summer. In order to assure Lightning fans that they’re serious about competing, they needed to get their best player locked up and looked to have done just that here. Now, they just need a couple of solid defensemen and hope that Mike Smith proves his worth in net after coming over from Dallas.

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Are the Rangers really interested in signing Mats Sundin? According to the NY Post’s Larry Brooks, that just might be the case. Though the Canadiens currently have a negotiating window before July 1.

The 37 year-old Swedish pivot has had an illustrious career playing first for the Nordiques and for over the last decade with the Maple Leafs. The nine-time All-Star all with Toronto all after coming over as part of the Wendel Clark trade has been one of the game’s most consistent forces up the middle. While it’s true his only 100-point season came way back in 1992-93 with Quebec, Sundin’s always been a complete player who played both ends of the rink and could be relied on for 30+ goals and over 70 points while posting a respectable plus/minus on a defenseless Original Six team north of the border.

His size (6-5, 231) makes him a royal pain to play against as he combines strength with finesse. The super skating is still there as is the touch. Sundin also is superb in the faceoff circle placing 13th at 55.2 percent. It’s worth noting that Ranger pivots Chris Drury (54.9 pct, 18th) and Scott Gomez (52.5 pct, 30th) also fared well.

However, if the Blueshirts were able to add Sundin at a discount with money deferred in some sort of package with Jaromir Jagr to form a lethal top line, once again Drury would be centering the third line or even moved to the wing due to Brandon Dubinsky’s development. On paper, this might seem like a good problem to have. However, many Ranger fans remember what happened when they became so overloaded at center a few ugly years back with Eric Lindros, Bobby Holik, Mark Messier and even Petr Nevded destroying Jamie Lundmark’s career.

Sometimes, having too many bullets in one hole can be a detriment because there won’t be enough ice-time for everyone to be happy and serve in defined roles.

From the looks of it, it sounds like Sundin wants Broadway more than the other way around. With Glen Sather needing to decide whether Jagr’s returning and if Sean Avery, Martin Straka, Brendan Shanahan and Michal Rozsival remain in their plans, it’s awfully hard to get a read on where exactly the future 600-goal Hall of Famer fits.

The Rangers need to focus on upgrading the blueline with a top defender who can log significant minutes while shutting down the opposition and find a capable skating D who can run the power play. Brooks Orpik would address the lack of physicality but his asking price might be too steep. Factor in that the Pen has been injury prone and handing out a long-term contract to a player who plays that rugged style might not be such a great investment.

As for the PP solution, Brian Campbell has been mentioned a ton. While the ex-Sabre who likely won’t return to San Jose after being rented has the skating and offensive game to upgrade a man-advantage, he’s not the best player in his end and will command a ton of cash. Someone will overpay. Is he worth it? After watching how weak he performed for the Sharks, I say no.

I’d much rather go after Mark Streit from Montreal, who did a stellar job getting his point shot through on the No.1 ranked PP in the league while also doubling up front. The versatile 30 year-old from Switzerland who totaled 62 points (13-49-62) had more than half via the power play (7 PPG, 27 PPA) and would be a cheaper alternative.

Another player who wouldn’t be a bad idea is Kristian Huselius. The 29 year-old left wing is a solid skater who can score and setup teammates. The former Panther evolved into one of Calgary’s top forwards the past two seasons totaling 59 goals and 84 helpers for 143 points along with a plus-31 rating. If there was a hindrance, it was that he didn’t find the back of the net during the Flames’ last two first round ousters finishing with just six assists in defeats to Detroit and San Jose. He’ll likely be on the market next week when the free agent frenzy begins.

Huselius is a complementary forward who can play on a first or second line. If say Straka or Avery (perhaps both) aren’t back, he wouldn’t be a bad idea. It really all depends on what direction Sather decides to go.

Leafs Buy Out Tucker: Also in the news yesterday was the Leafs making it official buying out Darcy Tucker paving the way for the gritty wing to become a UFA. Clearly, the 33 year-old’s career is on the downside after an injury plagued 2007-08 in which his production suffered tallying 34 points (18-16-34) in 74 games. The prior season, he missed 18 more games and produced nine more points including 24 goals.

Tucker isn’t the same player but it’s not had to see Slats deciding on the veteran as a replacement for Avery, who looks to have priced himself out of New York. Why wouldn’t it shock me if they traded places?

Melrose Place Now In St. Pete: And finally, it became official yesterday as Barry Melrose Place is no longer Bristol but rather St. Petersburgh. The ex-King coach who was a solid NHL analyst on ESPN for more than a decade will return to coaching 12 years later as he tries to turnaround the Lightning. Best of luck Barry. You’ll need plenty!

You know it’s gone to hell when the NHL gestapo starts making threats to get rid of the Rangers’ ownership due to a difference in philosophy regarding what’s appropriate for the league’s 30 team websites.

To quote a star from another sport, “We talkin’ about WEBSITES!”

Are they freaking kidding here?!?!?!?!?! I wish I could say NHL commish Gary Bettman was but apparently he’s really lost his mind. Granted. There’s no way he’s making the decision himself but why should the league have full control over what the 30 teams put on their sites? Aren’t they supposed to be for the fans? Considering the cost of tickets these days as the league continues to rake it in since they got their wish a few years ago, aren’t the fans being forgotten about?

Without us to fill up arenas, where would this league be? Nowhere! It’s nice to know that at least the Rangers want to give their fans something because when it comes to ridiculous costs, few teams compare with what Jim Dolan is getting away with. We’re talking crazy playoff prices which defied logic. What if they had made say the Conference Finals or even the Cup Final? Not every fan would’ve been able to afford it.

So whose responsibility is it? Ah but wait. Higher ticket costs have become a common theme in the salary cap NHL. As it turned out, ‘cost certainty’ was just a way to put more money into the league’s and owners’ pockets. Unfortunately, that excluded fans. So, who pays through the roof after an entire 2003-04 season went up in flames? You guessed it.

What does this have to do with this latest preposterous issue between Bettman Inc. and Dolanvision? Just this. It’s the same ass backwards approach which is coming from league headquarters. To even contemplate actually threatening to rid of a team’s ownership over such petty nonsense is just crazy. It speaks to how off the wall the current leadership is.

The same one mind you that thought it was a novel idea to sign over with a network which hasn’t proven it cares enough about the NHL fan. You now know the former OLN as Versus. A station which continues to make mind boggling mistakes. There’s really no need to repeat them because I’ve come to the conclusion that it will only continue. And since they’ll continue airing games over the next six years, there’s not much we can do about it.

By show of hands, who actually prefers the new team sites which have been mandated by the league which for some reason saw fit to oversee all 30 beginning last Fall? To be honest, it’s just not as good. Why must the NHL go and ruin everything? So much for having creativity. Oh wait. This league NEVER does! They wouldn’t know the first thing about marketing if it hit them right between the eyes a la a football to Stuart Scott’s glass eye.

If the league wins this lawsuit, then Dolan could be out. I loathe him about as much as any Ranger/Knicks fans. However, I think the league is taking this way too far. They shouldn’t be threatening to get rid of ownership because of a difference in opinion regarding site control, etc. Why not just go to court and get an official ruling? They already won once in November.

Let’s say the Dolans were out. The league could then do whatever it wanted with the Rangers franchise. This is the marquee American franchise in the biggest market. Having such uncertainty the team which plays in Manhattan wouldn’t be beneficial. It would just be more negative propaganda.

I can’t comprehend what the NHL is trying to do here. They’re coming off their best Stanley Cup ratings since 2002. It would be wiser to go to court and get an official ruling and put this behind them. Instead, it’s just another unnecessary distraction.

I’m baffled beyond belief.

In case you missed it, the NHL Draft came and went fairly quickly. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be home to watch the anticipated first round which saw top Canadian prospect Steven Stamkos go No.1 overall to Tampa Bay.

However, it wasn’t the 18 year-old local Ontario native which was the biggest story. Instead, this draft became more about some of the big names which moved to new NHL homes. Olli Jokinen, Alex Tanguay, Mike Cammalleri and R.J. Umberger all were dealt Friday night as the first round was taking place.

In a three-team trade, the 26 year-old Cammalleri went from the Kings to Calgary with the Ducks also involved. Preparing to trade Tanguay across Canada to Montreal which had been rumored since last year, the Flames sent their 17th overall selection plus a 2009 second round pick to rebuilding Los Angeles for Cammalleri. Instead of retaining No.17, the Kings then swapped it along with their 28th overall to Anaheim for No.13 overall to select defenseman Colten Teubert.

The 28 year-old Tanguay was then shipped to the Canadiens with a 2008 fifth round pick (Maxim Trunev) in exchange for No.25 overall (Greg Nemisz) plus a 2009 second rounder. 

The wheeling and dealing wasn’t done though as the biggest name to find a new home was Jokinen. The 29 year-old Finnish pivot who captained the Panthers couldn’t get along with former coach turned GM Jacques Martin. Despite a terrific seven-year career in the Sunshine State which saw him score 188 of his 208 career goals along with 231 of 253 career helpers for an impressive 439 of 461 points, the former Kings’ 1997 third overall selection is moving to the Desert to play with the Coyotes.

Amazingly, Phoenix only parted with defensemen Keith Ballard and Nick Boynton off their roster while also including No.49 overall (Jared Staal).

In an attempt to save cash to re-sign potential Group II Jeff Carter, the Flyers sent impressive 2008 playoff performer Umberger to the Blue Jackets along with the 118th pick overall (Drew Olson) for No.19 overall (Luca Sbisa) and No.67 (Marc-Andre Bourdon).

Amazingly, the 26 year-old Umberger will be on his fourth NHL club. Originally drafted in the first round seven years prior 16th overall, he didn’t sign instead getting dealt with minor league defenseman Martin Grenier to the Rangers for Martin Rucinsky. Following a 10-day tryout with Hartford, the Blueshirts passed on signing the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native allowing him to wind up with the Flyers four years prior.

In three seasons with Philadelphia, the two-way center developed into a solid player posting career bests in assists (37) and points (50) this past season. His postseason performance was even better as he tallied 10 goals and five assists for 15 points during the Flyers’ run to the Conference Finals. Eight of those goals came at the expense of the Canadiens in a five-game second round upset.

Instead of having to deal with his asking price, the Flyers opted to get what they could now netting a solid return. Columbus, who still has yet to make the second season will need to get him signed if they’re to challenge for the playoffs next year.

There were a couple of more deals as well with Philly acquiring veteran D Steve Eminger from the Capitals along with No.84 overall (Jacob Deserres) for the 27th overall pick (John Carlson).

Nashville also resolved their goalie issue by trading away Chris Mason to the Blues for a fourth round choice which wound up going back to the Rangers in another deal which saw the Preds get a seventh rounder (Jani Lajunen). The Blueshirts tabbed right wing Dale Weise with their original 111th pick back.

The Preds inked Dan Ellis to a multi-year $3.5 million deal. In 44 games last season, the 28 year-old original Stars’ 2000 second round pick exceeded expectations by posting a 23-10-3 record with a 2.34 GAA, .924 save percentage along with six shutouts. Before the surprise season, he was essentially a career minor leaguer with just one game of league experience coming before the lockout. They better hope it wasn’t a fluke.

As for how the locals did Friday, the Islanders twice traded down from No.5 and No.7 before grabbing center Josh Bailey at No.9 overall. The 18 year-old Bowmanville, Ontario native ranked third in the OHL with 67 assists while pacing Windsor with 96 points (29-67-96).

“Josh was the player we targeted from the beginning,” Islander GM Garth Snow acknowledged to reporters. “He’s a center who makes other players around him better - the type of center we need in our system.”

At 20th overall, the Rangers selected defenseman Michael Del Zotto, making him the third blueliner the club has taken in three of the last four first rounds. In 2005, it was Marc Staal while in 2006, they tabbed American Bobby Sanguinetti. Last year was the exception when they patiently waited for Russian forward Alexei Cherepanov to fall into their lap at No.17.

They went with a player player personnel director Gordie Clark felt had “good hockey sense.” Despite questions about how strong he is in his end, the organization likes the fact he was the first defenseman since Scott Niedermayer to rack up 120 points in two seasons with Oshawa of the OHL. No player in Canadian junior hockey had done it since.

As for the Devils, they traded down from No.21 to No.23 eventually to 24 before nabbing Swedish winger Mattias Tedenby. Despite his small 5-10, 176-pound frame, President and GM Lou Lamoriello was said to be enamored with the Swede’s speed referencing successful past picks such as Brian Gionta and Zach Parise.

In 2007-08 in the Swedish Elite League’s HV 71, Tedenby tallied three goals and three assists for six points in 23 contests. He’s expected to return for another pro season.

Also noteworthy from Draft Weekend was that the Blueshirts gave up on Alex Bourret after one year. Instead, the once highly thought of former Thrashers’ first round pick was traded to former assistant GM and current Phoenix executive Don Maloney for a 2008 third rounder (Tomas Kondratek).

The 21 year-old Bourret was acquired in 2007 from Atlanta for Pascal Dupuis. In 54 games last season with the Wolf Pack, he notched nine goals and 24 helpers for 33 points. Like former top goalie prospect Al Montoya, he’ll look to break into the Coyotes’ lineup and finally make his NHL debut.

It’s amazing how different talent evaluators can be. Maloney always touted his guys to the highest ceiling making you believe the sky was the limit. Wasn’t Hugh Jessiman also under his watch in 2003? The only first round pick from that draft never to play a game in the NHL. Never mind.

Hossa rejects Pens’ offer: Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t note that according to various sources including the reliable TSN, Marian Hossa rejected a seven-year $49 million contract offer from the Penguins to stay prior to becoming a UFA July 1st. It’s amazing to think the Slovak could turn that down. What the heck does he think he can get on the open market? 

While it’s true he made six million this past season playing with both Atlanta and Pittsburgh, the 29 year-old shouldn’t get much more than that average. Or at least in my eyes, he doesn’t deserve better than what the Pens offered. He had the ideal situation playing third fiddle behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who still must be re-signed by the club before some Russian teams swarms the Hart runner-up with a giant sized offer. Hossa’s never proven to be a superstar who could carry a team which is why remaining a Pen makes sense.

Unless some idiotic team blows him out of the water, he should wise up and return to Pittsburgh. Besides, they lost to Detroit for all the marbles. They’re going to be a large Stanley Cup contender again and for years to come. Hossa needs to stop listening to his agent and get his head out of the clouds.

Copyright Canadian Press

Well, it’s about time! Finally, an injustice is over and Glenn Anderson will be inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame this Fall.

The 47 year-old British Columbia, Vancouver native had an outstanding NHL career spanning 18 years where he won six Stanley Cups including all five with the Oilers and one with the Rangers in 1994. After playing a year of college hockey at the University of Denver, Anderson was selected by Edmonton in the fourth round of the 1979 NHL Draft.

He made his Oiler debut in 1980-81 putting up nearly a point-per-game totaling 53 points including 30 goals in 58 games. He would go onto become a potent finisher on those high scoring Edmonton teams which won their first four Cups in a five-year span. Despite eight consecutive seasons of 30-or-more goals including two 54-goal campaigns and the only three 100-plus point seasons of his career, Anderson was always overlooked due to bigger stars Wayne Grezky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey and Grant Fuhr.

Anderson was always very productive postseason performer putting up at least 25 points during three of the first four Edmonton championships. When Messier captained the fifth Oiler team to Lord Stanley, still there riding shotgun was the man with the trademark mustache. During the season, he had 34 goals along with 38 assists for 72 points in 73 contests. He continued his steady play helping his team win that elusive fifth Cup with 22 points (10-12-22) in 22 games.

A year before coming to the Rangers in a trade for Mike Gartner, Anderson nearly got the Maple Leafs to the Cup Finals teaming with Doug Gilmour to form a dynamic duo but their run fell short due to former teammate Gretzky whose hat trick eliminated Toronto in one of the best series ever played.

Though he played a smaller role in helping the Blueshirts to their first Cup in 54 years, Anderson’s leadership certainly helped in the locker room. He would move on to St. Louis before playing overseas a couple of years. Eventually, he returned to the NHL having one more brief stint with Edmonton before playing his final 15 games with the Blues. He concluded his professional career in Italy.

In 1,129 career NHL games, Anderson tallied 498 goals, 601 assists for 1,099 points. His postseason saw him post 93 goals and 121 helpers for a respectable 214 points in 225 career games.

After over a decade away, he’s going into Toronto where he belongs.

Joining Anderson will be former Russian great Igor Larionov. Considered by many to be the Russian version of the Great One, the 47 year-old Professor was one of the first players from his country to come over and play in the NHL going onto an outstanding 16-year career.

He was one of many Soviets including all four of his “Green Unit” members which included future Calder winner Sergei Makarov, Vladimir Krutov (KLM Line) along with D tandem Viacheslav Fetisov and Alexei Kasatonov. The five players had all played together under legendary Soviet Union coach Viktor Tikhonov, who also doubled as the CSKA Moscow coach. Interestingly enough, he has a grandson with the same name who is expected to get drafted at this Friday’s entry draft.

It was Larionov’s leadership which led a Russian revolt against Tikhonov due to the crazy demands which had them confined to barracks for up to 11 months a year despite being married. He along with many of his fellow countrymen had accomplished so much winning two Olympic Gold medals at Sarajevo (1984) and Calgary (1988).

We’re talking about one of the greatest Russian players who amassed nearly a point-a-game in one of the best pro leagues finishing with 434 points (204-230-434 in 457 GP). Larionov also helped his country win four world championships and a gold in the 1981 Canada Cup. In the third and final one between Russia and Canada back in 1987 which went down as one of the most memorable, he and teammates came up just short losing in an ultra competitive three games against the Canadians when Gretzky fed a kid named Mario Lemieux for the winner with 1:27 to play.

A couple of years later, Larionov finally made his NHL debut playing three seasons in Vancouver. Though it took him some time to get acclimated to the North American style, he eventually became a solid player even helping future star and Calder winner Pavel Bure develop into a big scorer by centering his line in 1991-92. In 72 games, he had 65 points (21-44-65) and followed that with three goals and seven assists for 10 points in 13 postseason games.

Larionov took the next year off from the NHL opting to play in Switzlerland before returning with the Sharks in 1993-94. It was there that he began to cement his reputation helping lead the eighth seeded club to one of the biggest first round upsets in Stanley Cup history eliminating the President’s Trophy winning Red Wings in seven games. After posting 56 points (18-38-56 in 60 GP) during the regular season, he was one of San Jose’s most dangerous players tallying five goals and 13 assists for 18 points in two rounds. They also pushed Anderson and the Leafs seven before being ousted.

Ironically enough, a couple of years later, Larionov would wind up with Detroit helping them win their first Cup in more than four decades. Amazingly, legendary coach Scotty Bowman played him with fellow Russians Sergei Fedorov, Viacheslav Kozlov, Fetisov and Vladimir Konstantinov in what became known to be as the Russian Five applying a common philosophy utilized by Tikhonov’s teams. Not surprisingly, they all had excellent chemistry helping the Red Wings win Lord Stanley in 1997.

The following year was emotional due to Konstantinov’s career-ending injury due to a limo accident. Still, the remaining Russian members along with a cast which included Steve Yzerman repeated as champs even wheeling the emotional former top defender out as part of the Cup celebration to loud cheers in the nation’s capital. It was definitely one of the more memorable Cup moments.

In nearly a decade with Detroit, Larionov was at his best winning three Cups. The final one in 2002 which saw the crafty small playmaking pivot over 40 turned into a defining moment. With his team having dropped Game One to an underdog Carolina club, the best the Wings could do was a split before heading to Raleigh. It was in Game Three that the Russian broke the Hurricanes’ backs. With the game in sudden death, he snuck a backhand through to propel his club to a huge 3-2 victory in triple overtime. His second tally saw the veteran outwait a diving Cane faking out Arturs Irbe before deking perfectly to the backhand.

The momentum of that emotional triumph carried forward as Detroit went onto win four in a row taking the Cup in five games.

He would play one more year in Hockey Town before concluding his NHL career with the Devils in what proved to be a stint to forget. Still, Larionov had an excellent career proving he could play well on the NHL level where in 921 career regular season games, he had 169 goals along with 475 assists for 644 points. In the playoffs, the proud Russian also performed admirably posting 30 goals and 67 helpers for 97 points in 150 contests.

What’s amazing about Larionov’s career is that he didn’t come over until he was almost 29. What if he had been in the league earlier? How many assists and total points could he have had? Obviously, 1,000 would’ve been a lock.

That’s why it was a no-brainer electing him into the Hall. Especially when you combine all his achievments back home in what amounted to a brilliant pro career.

One which shall be remembered and honored properly in Toronto.

Congratulations to both former players along with the late Ed Chynoweth (Builder Category) and former referee/linesman Ray Scapinello on this tremendous honor.