Eklund's Hockey Rumors - Coming Sept 15th - HockeyBuzz.com

HOCKEYBUZZ.COM IS ALIVE!!!!!!!

2005-09-15T21:22:00.000-04:00

CLICK HERE TO GO TO HOCKEYBUZZ.COM "HOME OF THE EKLUND BLOG"

Still a bit buggy, but come on over...This will be my last post on hockeyrumors.blogspot.com...

Come to my new home and meet the other bloggers...and play fantasy hockey to win an HDTV!

THE BLOGGERS OF HOCKEYBUZZ.COM (more being added soon)

Stan Fischler-MSG Network
Tim Panaccio-Philadelphia Inquirer
BOB FOLTMAN-Chicago Tribune
Dan Russell-SportsTalk, Vancouver
Howard Berger-Fan590, Toronto
Kevin Greenstien-InsideHockey.com
Iain Morrel-McKeen's Hockey
John Madden-NHL Stud
PJ Stock-Ex-NHL Stud
Jeff Rimer-Voice of the Blue Jackets
Dale Arnold-Voice of the Bruins
Johnny Ahlers-Voice of the Mighty Ducks
Kevin Gibson-640AM Toronto
Rob Kerr-FAN960 Calgary
Andy Strickland-KMOX, St. Loius
Jeremy White-WGR, Buffalo
Kevin Lee-Phoenix Coyotes, Team1200
Paul McCann-Nashville Predators Commentator
Alan Walsh-Player Agent
Bill Zito-Player Agent
Dan Wallace-Fantasy Hockey Specialist
Adam Porrier-Fantasy Hockey Specialist
Gilles Moncour-NHL on TV
and....Garth

We're Trying!!!

2005-09-15T16:07:00.000-04:00

Should be any minute now...

FREE ICE CREAM TO EVERYONE!!!

(ugh)

Launch Delayed until 4pm ET...

2005-09-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

small problems..shut down until 4pmET...worth the wait I believe!!!

We will be flying soon...one hour from now....promise!

thanks for your patience

TODAY WE LAUNCH 3pm ET!!!

2005-09-15T08:45:00.000-04:00

I have been working around the clock with a team of several others getting ready for today's launch of hockeybuzz.com. Incredible experience putting together this website and gathering the best people to write for hockey blog world. And I still looking for more writers, for the fan part of it, which will launch in phase 2. But the professional part of Hockey Blog World will launch today as will signups for our free fantasy game where you will be able to win an HDTV and several other prizes. You can still buy a discounted season ticket this morning by clicking here...

SEE A PREVIEW AND GET YOUR DISCOUNTED SEASON TICKET HERE FOR $24.95

See you at hockeybuzz.com

Ryan Smyth and Peter Bondra

2005-09-14T12:51:00.000-04:00

Ryan Smyth has reportedly signed a two year 7 Million Dollar Deal with the Oilers and the Insurance Issues regarding Bondra's signing have been resolved, and Peter's deal with Atlanta will be finalized today.

Bruins Sign Goalie

2005-09-14T10:29:00.000-04:00

Tim Thomas, goalie (MVP in Finland last year) has signed a one year with Boston, 1-way contract. This guy is a real talent to be watched. Will be announced later today...(e5)

Close The Doors and Figure this Out

2005-09-14T09:44:00.000-04:00

I am just about at my wits end about this. This Saskin situation is still all over the map, and the time has come, for the better of hockey, to close the doors on it. I am begging the PA the take this back into the house and work it out. It is the last thing that the sport needs right now. I talked to a highly respected reporter friend last night who shared my sentiment exactly. "I won't write about it, " he said, "I hear all the stories, but I won't write about it."

I will write about today. One last time before the new website opens tomorrow at 3pm. Because the idea of hockeybuzz.com is to create a place where the sport will be allowed to grow by leaps and bounds through people who love the sport. I spent a year of my life writing positive stuff in hockey's darkest hour, trying to keep the sport alive through the surgery. It thrills me to see the sport is alive now. Someone at the NHL office told me yesterday that they anticipate a full sellout on opening night. Considering what has happened that is an amazing testament to hockey fans and just how good this sport is.

This Saskin thing is a pissing match now..no one wins a pissing match. It is easy to find plenty of fault with both sides.

The PA is at fault for ignoring several procedures, and doing so in a way that left them vunerable to the remnants of Bob Goodenow's supporters. Now, it is not only Goodenow's goons that think something wrong has been done. It is several of hockey's respected people who are worried that procedure needs to be followed. However, the fact that procedures weren't followed is nothing new to the PA at all. This organization never follows procedure on anything it does. It is one of the reasons that a season could be lost without the players having any say whatsoever. It is why players would call me to find out what was going on in the lockout for crying out loud! That is why people are looking to procedures now. In procedures comes some sort of stability. In the past they wouldn't have mattered.

What Ted should do, and I hate using the word should, is call a task force together to write a new constitution for the PA. One that assures the players will be communicated to and allowed to control their fate more. That would calm many people moving forward. It would be a constitution that everyone would be forced to follow. The one written now was written by Eagleson when there were twelve teams. It is moot in many ways. Especially when it comes to marketing.

See this the thing. What the PA has done is wrong, but most people are willing to forgive based on the past and the fact that Ted is the guy. However, they are more concerned this continues a pattern that will keep them in the dark. A new constitution would soothe those fears.

The other issue I have with the PA right now is that the player reps are in disarray. Prior to this secret ballot it would have been better to hold secret ballots to elect new player reps. Right now so many guys are on new teams. Mark Recchi is the rep for the Penguins for example. Robert Esche quit the Flyers post. The anti-Saskin folks are going around telling player reps that if they vote on Ted they may be liable themselves in a criminal case. That is ridiculous according to a lawyer I spoke to last night, who said, "It sounds like they are afraid this vote will clear Ted."

And this segways into the problems i have with the other side. Taking this dispute public may help get your case some attention, but it stabs hockey in the back over and over again. If you have a case, hire a lawyer, like you did, and deal with it internally and through the courts. What lawyer is advising you to release internal emails to a reporter? I agree that there are things that need to be looked at, and you may be right about many of them, but to use a sport that has been beaten up as your cover is the most horrible offense that has happened here. Afraid of the escrow? Airing your laundry in public could scare away sponsors that are already iffy about hockey's stability.

Finally, and absolutely most importantly, these fans deserve better. These people are being forgotten here. They open their sports sections to read about new line combinations not this. Hockey is a release from the everyday. We all go to work, and hear gossip, and people get fired, etc. When we come home we turn on hockey and don't want to talk business. We have talked about your business for over a year now. Deal with it yourself and let us watch the games.

Berger Fix on All Things Leafs Up

2005-09-13T14:51:00.000-04:00

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

IT WAS CERTAINLY A PLEASURE to be back in an authentic hockey atmosphere yesterday, as the Maple Leafs began their 2005 training camp with physicals and fitness testing. The Ricoh Coliseum, on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition, is the main site of Leafs’ camp, and will serve as home ice for the American Hockey League Toronto Marlies this season, the club having re-located from its long-time base in St. John’s, Nfld. – one of the friendliest places on earth.
Read the rest...

GET YOUR BERGER FIX

Hockey Buzz Launches Thursday at 3pm ET

2005-09-13T11:53:00.000-04:00

You may be experiencing some issues with our chat room and message board currently. We are in the process of switching functions to one domain. www.hockeybuzz.com. We are launching the site at 3pm ET on Thursday Sept 15. Until the launch we are offering a Season Ticket for $5 off..$24.95

For 24.95 you will get one full year of Full Site Access plus all the benefits below:

-Fantasy League Tip Sheets
-Real time scoring stats for Fantasy League
-The luxury box‚ a chat room just for season ticket holders.
-The press box, a chat room for scheduled chats with players and other hockey personalities.
-Eklund podcasts, that feature players, writers and other hockey personalities.
-A special call-in number to ask guests questions.
-A personal contact form to email Eklund directly with questions for podcasts
-Ability to comment & interact with the bloggers on the message boards.
-10% off everything in the hockeybuzz.com store.
-Up to the date email notifications on updates to Eklund blog or receive a daily digest once a day.

SEE A PREVIEW AND GET YOUR DISCOUNTED SEASON TICKET HERE

"Hockey Blog World" will feature the best the sport has to offer...players, agents, broadcasters, hockey writers, and one anonymous blogger...It will truly be the place to kill time.

The Fantasy Game will be amazing, free to everyone, and we will give away prizes galore including: Jerseys, XBOX 360, T-shirts, and an HDTV. Anyone who signs up for the fantasy game prior to Oct 5 will get a chance at winning an Authentic Rick Nash Columbus Blue Jackets Home Jersey.

More than anything hockeybuzz.com will be aplace that celebrates the triumphant return of the sport we all love! I am really looking forward to it. Now back to work...alot to do!

Thanks for your support.

Scott Young To the Blues

2005-09-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

According to three sources.

Saskin Steps Up

2005-09-13T00:53:00.000-04:00

As predicted he would...

The PA just put out this statement ten minutes ago:

"Following a conference call with members of the Executive Board on Monday evening, Ted Saskin made the following statement:

“After good dialogue with members of the Executive Board, I decided that it was in the best interests of the membership to conduct a secret ballot vote amongst our Player Representatives and Executive Officers so that there are absolutely no questions regarding my election as Executive Director and General Counsel.”

The NHLPA will make no further comment on this matter until the voting process has been completed."

In my opinion this goes a long way towards putting this behind us and allowing the sport to start the season with only positive energy. It is a great move and I commend him for it...

There is a belief out there among players that if someone else was to fill this position it wouldn't be good at all for the PA. Basically what many players are thinking is summed up by this: This CBA is Ted's deal and we need a guy in there who is accountable to this deal. He will work harder to make this deal work than anyone else. If we bring another guy in, he could always say, "I didn't make this deal."

The secret ballot that will be conducted, upholds the NHLPA constitution that requires a secret ballot to ratify Ted's position. The fact that this didn't happen has been a major issue since the five hour conference call that started this controversy.

After this vote, should Ted be elected, I feel the fact that he did this will allow the PA to become a much stronger and more united organization. Ted can turn this into a unifying and positive event.

Berger Fix on Maple Leafs Training Camp

2005-09-12T13:57:00.000-04:00

BY HOWARD BERGER

CONSIDERING THE MAPLE LEAFS were in a state of paralysis during the height of the free agent scramble this summer, general manager John Ferguson has done a decent job of playing catch-up.

The process evolved in stages for Ferguson, and it began with astonishing incapacity after the club failed to position itself, financially, for the cream of the free agent crop. Part of that failure involved choice, as the Leafs, like most other teams, decided not to add salary by executing buy-outs of current players that would not count against the cap. While competitors eagerly scooped up front-line talent such as Peter Forsberg, Scott Niedermayer, Sergei Gonchar, Adam Foote, Brian Leetch and others, Ferguson stood by – allegedly dreaming about next year – which has long been a pastime for fans of the Blue and White....

Read the rest...

GET YOUR BERGER FIX

The Saskin Story Continues

2005-09-12T10:54:00.000-04:00

Well it is truly getting crazy in PA land.

There is a problem here, and not a small one, but I think we need to sit back and grab some perspective.

Great leaders become so by how they react to adversity. Ted has a golden opportunity here to unite a group that has been divided for years.

Hockey players are incredible people. And all this turmoil really doesn't matter to them right now. They want to play. They, by a wide majority, wanted Ted. They appreciate the work he put in to get this season on ice. If you ask them, like I did to a head coach recently, they will likely say, “Whatever..they got the right guy.”

Does this mean that Ted and Trevor did this the right way? Not at all. It is frustrating to all involved to see how they handled it. A respected agent said to me, “Given the history of distrust to the position, certain people are waiting for mistakes. They found some and they are jumping on it.”

Does this mean the PA is in turmoil? Not at all. The PA is reporting to training camp. They are all saying the same thing to me at least, “We wish it had been handled differently, but Ted will do a great job. He is our guy”

Talking to a source at the PA late last night there are serious concerns about the internal emails being leaked to the press. The belief among several sources was that the emails are being leaked by someone within the executive committee.

“He is still a member of the executive committee last we checked. He goes around saying that what we did was wrong, and at the same time he goes and releases internal emails to the press? How can we work with the guy? How can we trust sending him anything right now? I view it as a desperate attempt to keep this controversy alive. These emails came out just when this was about to die on the vine. The player reps are calling in saying 'what the hell?'”

There are some fascinating rumors circulating surrounding this. One says that Linden is trying to get another conference call together to address the internal leaks with the player reps, and stop the leaks.

The other is that a suit has already been file.

The moment I heard that rumor, I went back to some player reps that I had talked to who said that during the conference call the disgruntled group had told the reps that they were dropping the case and moving on. One rep I talked to was very upset about this, claiming, “he gave his word.”

I have yet to have a player say to me that they thought Ted shouldn't be the guy in the job. I have had many say that they wish it had happened differently. Some do feel that he should step back and allow a search. Make a statement to the effect of, “Due to the fact that concerns have arisen, I will allow a search for my position to be performed, I will act as the guy for now, and will throw my hat in the ring of course.”

One respected agent said to me, “In doing this he would regain control immediately and squelch this group. Take away all their ammo, and get the job he deserves.”

The PA source didn't appear to expect this to happen. “If Ted did that it would be giving credence to a very small vocal group of out-of-work players led by opportunity seeking agents. The vast majority of players are fine with him and realize his 15 years at the PA and the tireless work he did to get here are what matters.”

The fact is the PA is damaged right now by far more than this controversy. The players will let this blow over, but the agents, not just a few, are notably concerned about the lasting effects. And they are waiting for Ted to make his move and lead. I believe and hope that he will. I think Trevor and Ted have done some things less than perfect, but it can be fixed. I don't believe for a second it was done for greed or as any sort of blind ambition. It was done quickly so that the PA could put the past behind them and move on. The conference call was put together so that big business would know the PA now has a stable and respected leader that can work with the NHL.

And after what hockey went through, that is no small potatoes.

The relationship that Daly and Saskin have is the kind of relationship needed right now. They work together extremely well, and are both motivated to find ways to grow the sport in creative ways. And that is UNBELIEVABLY VITAL right now.

How Ted deals with this will be a big part of his legacy. If he can find a way to overcome this, and he should be able to, he will have more power and effectiveness as a result. This can be turned into a positive. If he doesn't handle it well, everyone's radar will be up. People will remember the ones that came before him. And his power will be nullified. Great leaders find ways…and I think Ted has that in him.

The players of the NHL are the reason the sport exists. They hire the PA so they can play hockey and not worry about the business. There is a huge peace of mind that comes from knowing how those you hired are working on other things for your benefit and you can do what you do. Ted Saskin is someone the players still feel that way about. That is obvious from talking to over a hundred of them. They just want to know they don't have to worry about this anymore. Time to put away the suits and put on the skates.

BONDRA TO ATLANTA (e5)

2005-09-12T08:35:00.000-04:00

According to an Atlanta based source, "Peter Bondra was signed to a one year deal late last night."

I have to say this is a great move by a team that will be fun to watch this year. And from what I am hearing Kovalchuk isn't far beihnd. The Thrashers have made some great progress signing guys like Holik, and picking up Hossa, Devries and now Bondra. Very skilled guys. Can you imagine the Power Play in a league where there will be plenty of them?

Farewell to Three Wise D-Men

2005-09-11T11:05:00.000-04:00

Three great defensemen, all hall of fame bound, have zipped up the hockey bag for the last time. Al Macinnis, Scott Stevens, and James Patrick.

Macinnis was known as the guy that could make every goalie cringe. (that's what happens when you split a goalies mask with your shot, as he did to Mike Liut) The reputation that he carried of having the hardest shot in the NHL was mentioned by every announcer every time he stepped on the ice. In 1989 he not only won a cup with Calgary, but he won the Conn Smythe for MVP of the play-offs. He is a rare player who actually is claimed by two teams. Calgary and St. Louis. You hate to think that you won't see that shot again. Unless you are a goalie of course.

Stevens…well, growing up in Philadelphia of course I have seen too much of Scott Stevens. The Lindros hit is all that needs to be said about that. Scott caused me years of anguish. It is hard to remember him as a Capital, but he was for many years, before his brief stint in St. Louis. He ended up in NJ after an arbitration case awarded him to the Devils following the Blues signing of Shanahan. At the time Shanahan was the big name, and Brendan has had an amazing career. But that arbitrator helped turn the Devils from as Gretzky put it, “A Mickey Mouse Franchise” into a mini Dynasty. Stevens may have been the most intimidating player on the ice in the decade of the 90's. And (almost) every one of those bone-crunching hits was clean. He just had an amazing ability to time his weight distribution and completely level his opponent.

James Patrick is the picture of class, and the kind of player the NHL needs more of today. An intelligent, well-spoken ambassador to the game, who spent over twenty years in the NHL. Most will think of him as a Ranger, but he also made huge impacts in Calgary and Buffalo. You always hear his name equated with class at every turn. And due to his experience and communicative abilities he was always the first guy to bring a young guy along. I don't know his future plans, but I can only hope he intends to stay in hockey for a long, long time. We need him.

As for some rumors for you today….

It is looking more and more like the Thrashers will sign Kovalchuk soon, and follow that up with Peter Bondra…

Another Berger Fix on Internet Message Boards

2005-09-11T08:39:00.000-04:00

UPON FURTHER REVIEW…

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

Alright, you Maple Leaf message-board junkies: You’ve brought me to my knees. I thought I’d never receive anywhere close to the number of e-mails I got after the columns I wrote back in August on the Todd Bertuzzi/Steve Moore saga. But, you folks have annihilated that figure. On Thursday and Friday, I had more than 750 messages on my personal e-mail. Combine that with the various chat-site threads on the subject, and there must have been 3,000 bits of discussion. Obviously, this is more of a cottage industry than I imagined, and it prompted me to take a closer look at the phenomenon.
For the rest of the story click here

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NHL06 vrs. NHL2k6...and my history of hockey games

2005-09-10T09:05:00.000-04:00

First, some background…

I have always been the guy to get every hockey game available.

When I was growing up, in the 80s, there really weren't many hockey games. Strat-O-Matic was, and arguably is still, the best for die hard hockey fans. In SOM each player has a card that reflects his last season stats. This was the pre-curser to the video games of today. The difference was, you really learn the players when you play strat-o-matic, and your job is to put lines together and match lines. Unbelievably fun, really.

As a kid, 4 or 5, I remember my grandmother had the old “Bobby Hull Rod Hockey” game. The metal players weren't in slots as I remember it. They were stationary and just spun…The puck had a metal ball bearing in it; it really moved.

Of course there was knock-hockey. A great game of angles, and you used a little wooden stick on a board…Knock-hockey is still a good time.

Then came Air Hockey; at least in this kid's timeframe. I liked air hockey, because as a goalie, it was all about reflexes. We used to sand the puck down so it moved faster.

Then came Atari. One orange button, one big joystick. One turning knob to play pong hockey with. I vaguely remember activision hockey for Atari, but it was Intellivision that brought the first real ice hockey video game with which I became obsessed. Remember you could trip guys, and the trick was to take a shot, the goalie would go down and you could score on the rebound? My friend had intellivision and we played that game until our thumbs bled. Remember the intellivision controllers? The silver circle?

Then I got an Odyssey 2 game. They had a rather uninspiring hockey game I believe.

But then came Nintendo Ice Hockey. Arguably still one of the best video games, not just hockey games, ever created. You selected your team based on three different sized men. Fat, skinny, or normal. The fat guys had killer shots, the skinny guys could fly around the ice.

About the same time a few arcade hockey games were hitting that I remember. There was one game, I can't remember the name of it, but it was just one on one and the ice got all scratched up; played that for hours!!! And then “Blades of Steel." “Hit the Pass!”

Then EA starting putting out games for Sega. These were a giant leap. NHL 94 was absolutely perfect for the time. I believe it was '94 when you could fight and the loser would lay on the ice with blood spewing from his head.

From that point on I bought all the EA games, and shifted to Playstation. EA lost it for awhile around 98-99. They went for realism over playability.

Anyway, that was a long background, but a fun one to remember…

So let's get to it: NHL06 vs. NHL2k6

Both of these games have some unique features. Both look excellent. For me the choice comes down to a generational thing. I am 37 years old and can do things with an X-Box controller fairly well, but I was more amazing with three buttons, and one joystick, something my parents couldn't fathom at the time.

The X-Box Generation blows MY mind. 6 buttons, two triggers, and three joysticks. I am getting better, but you are what you grew up with.

For me NHL06 is just more fun so far. Less things to think about and more playable. Another big plus is that NHL06, despite being released earlier, has many of the players on the right teams. Not all of course, but about 90%. For example, NHL2K6's Line 1 for the Flyers is Roenick, Amonte, and LeClair…UGH! Why? Amonte and LeClair weren't Flyers from the moment players could get bought out.

Compare that to NHL06 where Forsberg and Hatcher skate out as Flyers.

NHL06 kept the guys like Lindros as free agents. That way you can put them on the right team. In both games guys like Crosby, Carter and Richards don't exist. That is due to a NHLPA rule. However how can you play this season without Crosby?

In NHL06 you can create them, which I did immediately. You can actually shape their faces and hair colors. So I sat down with photos and stats and created the three players. So when I play the Flyers I can use the actual lines that I guess will start the season:

Forsberg, Carter, Gagne
Richards, Knuble, Sharp
Primeau, Kappanen, Radio
Handzus, Brasheer, Stevenson

Anyway, they both have great franchise modes.

This is not to say the NHL2k6 doesn't do some things better than NHL06.

NHL2k6 reminds me of Madden. All kinds of controls. You can make all sorts of moves by pressing certain combinations, plus there is “Pro Control” where you can pass to specific players ala Madden's new passing.

2K6 has a really awesome practice area to learn these skills, also like Madden. There is an enforcer system where you can lessen your opponent's effectiveness through intimidation--a great idea! There is also a Super Box section where you can play Air Hockey and win tokens to unlock features.

So 2k6 wins out in terms of features beyond the game and player control.

But I admit, it is beyond my hand-eye coordination at this point. I like it in Madden, but hockey happens so fast and is a sport of reaction and instinct. That gets thrown by thinking “what buttons do I use to kick it to my skate in the corner?”

NHL06 has a 9 page instruction booklet. NHL2K6 is 45 pages.

In summary, I miss hockey and I want the right guys on the right teams. And I want to play it NOW. I've waited long enough for hockey. So for this one person, it is NHL06 all the way.

Others I'm sure would differ, and I'd encourage your opinions.

McKee signs with Sabres

2005-09-09T16:29:00.000-04:00

Good move

Hatcher and Forsberg Injured

2005-09-09T15:51:00.000-04:00

Read Panaccio tomorrow in the Philadlephia Inquirer...He just informed me that Hatcher will be out 3-6 weeks (knee) and Forsberg is having surgery on Monday (and will miss 2-3 weeks) for removal of bursa sac.

Another Berger Fix on the Maple Leafs Up

2005-09-09T14:43:00.000-04:00

BY HOWARD BERGER

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN young general manager John Ferguson, and “old” head coach Pat Quinn of the Toronto Maple Leafs has been the subject of intrigue ever since Ferguson assumed the role two years ago last month. Not only was a 36-year-old coming aboard in a position of authority over a 60-year-old, but the young buck was taking the wily veteran’s job. It seemed like a surefire invitation for strife and conflict, and a number of hockey observers predicted the Ferguson/Quinn union to be a disaster.....

For the rest of the story click here

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Friday Morning's Random Paragraph

2005-09-09T10:23:00.000-04:00

Trying out a new feature...

Friday' Morning's Random Paragraph

I talked to a few goalies over the last 48 hours regarding the rumor flying around that the NHL is considering allowing Goalie Jerzees to be different than those of other players...The goalies I talked to loved the idea. It gives them their own product to market, in a similar way to their mask designs. Except there isn't a group of people out there buying masks. So if they get good designers, it could be interesting. I know this flies in the face of tradition, so I am sure it will be hugely controversial. The rumors have largely focused on the goalies selling advertising on their jerseys, but I have been told that element has been discussed but isn't a definite at all..If a guy can make more money by selling advertising he should be able to. It hasn't hurt Nascar any. We all hated when ads were put on the boards, but now seeing a game without them looks odd. Fact is these players signed a linkage deal and they need to increase revenues. That is the bottom line. I am a purist as well, but I am also a realist. I am a purist when it comes to the game, but I like the rule changes. At least I like the sentiment. To say I like the rule changes until I see them in action is impossible. I like progressive thinking. I guess I am a purist when it comes to the way players are. The respect they give to the fans. The concept that they should be appreciative for their gift. I don't mind advertising, I do mind Terrell Owens. That is where I draw the line. Anyone in the entertainment industry that doesn't treat the people who pay the freight like gold doesn't deserve to make a cent. I have been playing NHL 06 and NHL 2k6 back to back as I work on a review to compare the two of them side by side.

++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Penguins will hold a press conference to announce Sydney Crosby's signing today. A very symbolic moment in the new NHL...Exciting stuff.

DATSYUK PONDERS NO RUSSIA (e3-4)

2005-09-08T18:58:00.000-04:00

The rumor goes like this...According to three good sources, all is not well with Datsyuk and Russia. The Team that he signed with for 6 Million he very much wanted to play for. However, the Russian team he played for prior has matched the contract offer and he is frustrated and doesn't want to play for that team. So he told a few of his Russian buds back here that he is strongly considering bagging the whole thing and coming back to Detroit....(e3-4)

There are some players on the Wings who aren't happy with him at all! .there was a conference call today where some strong opinions were expressed....There are some that feel he really messed up Holland's plan, forcing him to spend more on Zetterburg and not go after UFAs during the frenzy....

This is how it works with the Russian Teams and players returning to the NHL. It took me all day to figure this out, so I apologize...This applies to Kovalchuk as well..(if there is an out clause)..Kovalchuk played for his Russian Team last night and registered an assist. However as long as he doesn't play into the NHL regular season he can return. Same with Datsyuk. This is the Reijo Ruotsalainen rule....if they return to the NHL after playing a game outside the league during the NHL regular season they would have to clear waivers...something Atlanta or Detroit would never risk...

By the way Jokinen in FLA is threatening playing over there as well...(e2)

we have ourselves a soap opera!...ugh!

Stuff and Berger Fix on Internet Chat Sites

2005-09-08T15:36:00.001-04:00

On the Oct 5th deadline to sign Kovalchuk or he plays the year in Russia....From a source about Kovalchuk, "The way it works is that the deadline can pass Oct 5 as long as he doesn't play a game in Russia...If he plays one game he can't get out..."

This source, a very respected hockey guy, also believed that the Kovalchuk deal in Atlanta would get done and that they are just negotiating years....I am not so sure...we will see, and I will continue to hunt.

Macinnis...according to future blogger for hockeybuzz.com, AndyStrickland, Al Macinnis will hold a press conference with the Blues tomorrow to announce his retirement.

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

It has recently been brought to my attention by a close friend that there are a number of Internet chat sites devoted to the Toronto Maple Leafs. I’m not sure why this took me by surprise, considering that every topic from A to Z has some form on on-line connection these days. But, I had no idea about the scope of the industry. I was aware of one such entity – TMLfans.ca – whose proprietor, Rick Couchman, I’ve come to know in the Air Canada Centre press box over the years. Rick’s a good guy, and he isn’t prone to viewing all things Leaf related through rose-colored glasses....

For the rest of the story click here

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Kovalchuk Update

2005-09-08T12:21:00.000-04:00

According to a source and some close to Kovalchuk, his deal with the
Russian team contains a clause that he can get out of until oct 5th.
(E4)...at that point he will be obligated to play in russia for the
season. Kovalchuk has been telling people his first choice is still to
play in Atlanta...stay tuned..the plot thickens

Czerkowski a Leaf

2005-09-08T07:44:00.000-04:00

pending a physical.

Kovalchuk

2005-09-07T22:13:00.000-04:00

From a very good source, "Atlanta was informed by Kovalchuk that he signed today in Russia with NO escape clause. (e4)" Looks like he will not be playing in the NHL along with Datsyuk. More on this as it develops.

DiPietro, McKee and Others

2005-09-07T14:53:00.000-04:00

As we continue to put the finishing touches on hockeybuzz.com, word comes in from various sources, including Alan Hahn of Newsday, that the Islanders have inked their goalie to a one year, 2.5 Million Dollar deal. Also according to sources it is looking more and more as if the Sabres are finished with Jay McKee. There are plenty of teams out there that will be jumping into the fray...Phoenix (e3), San Jose (e1), and Calgary (e2) are the first rumors to circulate..

Thanks to the many of you who are getting your hockeybuzz.com season tickets. After all of the money we have spent on the fantasy game, it is helping me sleep a bit better at night!

Detroit's FAs and Introducing Bob Foltman

2005-09-07T09:16:00.000-04:00

From a good source(e3), "Zetterburg is very close to signing a deal with the Red Wings. Talks have intesified over the last 24 hours. I feel it will be done by the week-end at the latest. Datsyuk is another story altogether...It appears as though the one year contract with his Russian team may not contain an "out" clause. "

Sportsnet has reported that Omsk is paying Datsyuk 6 Million. I will get more on this as the day progresses..

++++++++++++++++++++

Bob Foltman has been at the Chicago Tribune for the last 15 years. He was one of the more passionat reporters during the lockout, and one of the more insightful to read. Bob has a great sense of humor and will surely bring a great perspective (from a great hockey city) to Hockey Blog World....Here is a sample of what is coming...

++++
Bob Foltman
Chicago Tribune

The general consensus is that the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is a boom for the small market teams and the Chicago Blackhawks will certainly vouch for that.

It may seem odd to consider a team playing in the nation's third-largest city a small market, but when one considers what's happened to this franchise in the last decade, the term applies.

Through their own mismanagement, the Hawks have managed to remove themselves almost completely off the sporting landscape in the city, a stunning decline for a good hockey market and an Original Six franchise with a storied history.

But while they have done so much so wrong for so long, the Hawks have managed the pre and post-lockouts as well as, if not better, than nearly everyone else in the league.

There is an adage in sports that the worst thing to be is mediocre. There was a belief among cynical Hawk fans, of which there is no other kind, that mediocrity suited the Hawks just fine. As long as they played well enough to make the playoffs they were happy.

But mediocrity slipped into downright awfulness. At least in the 2003-04 season, there was a plan to the madness. Already mired in the basement of the West and sensing a long stoppage, the Hawks jettisoned nearly every veteran with a sizable contract for draft picks and to clear salary cap space.

It's one thing to have a plan, it's another to execute it and here is where veteran Hawk watchers are still having a hard time grasping what has happened this summer.

They did what they said they would do.

The key move of what has turned into the best summer in this franchise's history was the hiring of Dale Tallon as general manager. There were many who felt that Tallon would be another in a long list of pawns under the thumb of ever-present Sr. Vice-President Bob Pulford.

But those doubts were dispelled about five minutes into Tallon's introductory news conference, when he fired coach Brian Sutter. One has to understand the relationship between Pulford and the Sutter family, particularly former Hawk player and coach Darryl, to understand how important a move that was to signal Tallon is in charge.

With Tallon, new head coach Trent Yawney and Vice-President Peter Wirtz beginning to assert more power, there is a belief among many that this franchise may finally be ready to turn the corner.

Pulford is still around, wandering around at the team's prospects camp this week. An ominous presence to some, perhaps he is waiting for the day when owner Bill Wirtz once again asks him to take over the steering wheel instead of basking in a life of retirement and golf.

The chance of that happening appears to be slim.

Tallon has made his imprint, from speaking the unspeakable (declaring the goal was to win the Stanley Cup) to signing the premier goaltender on the free agent market, he has in three months put the Hawks back at the big boy table in the NHL.

It's not a coincidence that the decline of the Hawks coincided with the decline of the NHL. The league needs its three major media markets to matter. The Hawks haven't mattered for years in Chicago and that hurts the NHL as a whole.

Perhaps that's about to change.

+++++++++

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I will be holding a chat for the Season Ticket Holders today at 3:00pm ET. Look for your password this afternoon.

Berger on the Arenas

2005-09-06T17:28:00.000-04:00

Howard continues his wildly applauded look into the inside of the stadiums of hockey.

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

In Part 3 of my look at NHL arenas, past and present, I offer my personal ratings of the 15 current facilities in the Eastern Conference. Ratings of Western Conference arenas will be done in late November, as I will make my first visit to Glendale Arena in Phoenix for a Nov. 20th game between the Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets. Glendale is the only NHL building I have not yet seen, and I hear it’s quite spectacular. These ratings are based on several elements – many of which relate to my personal experience as a reporter. Also taken into account are factors that you, as fans, might entertain… ambiance, aesthetics, parking, and the quality of the immediate neighborhoods in which the arenas reside. Keep in mind, as always, that these are subjective opinions which may not coincide with your own viewpoints. Feel free to offer any rebuttal – or concurrence – to howard.berger@rci.rogers.com.

1. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: Though it’s the second-oldest arena in the NHL – opening in February, 1968 – there is still nothing quite like a visit to the historic home of the New York Rangers. ....

For the rest of the story click here

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Rumors and Our Fantasy Game Preview

2005-09-06T09:37:00.000-04:00

Well, summer is over!

With Labor Day Weekend behind us, we can now focus firmly on the season at hand, and not on looking for dark, cool places… We are finally in a month where games will be played!

Kovalchuk. Despite rumors that he wouldn't mind a trade to the Rangers, it looks more and more like he could be signing in the very near future with the Thrashers. Kovalchuk reportedly is looking for over 7M a year (e3).

The Thrashers also still have their sights on Peter Bondra. By adding both players the Thrashers, who also added Holik and Hossa, will be a force, especially on the powerplay.

Yanic Perreault is reportedly in heavy discussions with the Maple Leafs, (e3) Yanic is a talented guy who has been the #1 face-off guy in the last three years.

Our fantasy game is coming along really well and you will be able to sign up for the game in the near future. In our fantasy game you will draft a team by using the actual player salaries, and keeping your roster under 39 Million..just like the real GMs!

The scoring will be interesting and in depth, with points given for goals, assists, shots, pim, +/-, and others. Every week your team will go head to head with another team from somewhere on the planet. The team with the most points at the end of the week will get a win. Following the Olympic break, the best 128 teams will compete in a tournament that will yield 1 champion. That champion will win an HDTV! We will also have monthly winners who will get official NHL customized jerseys of their choice, and weekly winners who will get hockeybuzz shirts. The Fantasy game will be free for all to play in. Season Ticket Holders will have the ability to track their stats in real time! This is a very expensive feature to offer, but how much fun will that be?

SEE A PREVIEW AND GET YOUR DISCOUNTED SEASON TICKET HERE

I will be holding a chat for the Season Ticket Holders today at 4:30pm ET. Look for your password this afternoon.

Berger Fix On Steve Thomas

2005-09-04T13:06:00.000-04:00

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

TORONTO (September 4) – As Steve Thomas continues to skate with the Maple Leafs in their pre-training camp workouts, questions abound as to whether he’ll be re-signed by the hockey club at the age of 42.

Public sentiment appears to be on his side, and that’s understandable. For more than 20 years now, Thomas has been one of the finest people in the game, to go along with a borderline Hall of Fame career of 421 goals. Twice previously – from 1985-87 and 1998-2001 – he’s played well for the Maple Leafs, recording seasons of 20, 35, 28 and 26 markers, and throughout his career, “Stumpy” has been among the great clutch scorers in overtime games… regular season and playoffs. Though he hasn’t stated so, publicly, it seems a given that he would sign with the Leafs for close to the NHL minimum ($450,000 U.S.), and his desire to continue playing is genuine.

For the rest of the story click here

BERGER FIX

Kovalchuk and Smyth

2005-09-04T10:26:00.000-04:00

Rumors continue to go strong that Kovalchuk is forcing Atlanta's hand. The Rangers rumors continue, leading to some speculation that a deal may be worked out between the two clubs early next week. (e1) I still find it hard to imagine that Atlanta won't find a way to keep him. Speculation in today's Inquirer by future hockeybuzz.com blogger Tim Panaccio that the Flyers and Ryan Smyth may make sense. Handzus' name is the natural trade partner, but don't be too surprised if RJ Umberger is part of the deal. RJ is a good young center with the Phantoms, but word is that experiments to move him to wing have not been fruitful.

Have a great holiday week-end...I am working on hockeybuzz.com and will only update should news break.

Kovalchuk and a Berger Fix on the Maple Leafs

2005-09-03T08:15:00.000-04:00

Rumors continue to swirl the Kovalchuk could be offered a max contract by the Rangers. (e3) That would probably force the Thrashers to match, however four first rounders from the Rangers could be pretty good picks as the team rebuilds. This will be very interesting to follow. next week, as will the Bondra saga which continues....

Not much is expected in terms of movement for the next three days as the US goes on a holiday weekend. We aren't going on holiday. We will be working hard at getting hockeybuzz.com up and running...For a preview go to www.hockeybuzz.com where you can join the others who are buying their Hockey Buzz Season Tickets at the discounted rate prior to September 15th...Have a great a holiday weekend in the US...when we come back on Tuesday, summer will be over...and that means hockey is here again!

SEE A PREVIEW AND GET YOUR DISCOUNTED SEASON TICKET HERE

Now for one of the many celebrity bloggers that you will be reading on hockeybuzz.com come September 15th, the amazing Howard Berger...

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

TORONTO (September 3) – As the Maple Leafs continue pre-training camp sessions at Lakeshore Arena, I’d like to offer the following observations about the club’s forwards, and their potential for the coming season.

If you’ve studied Pat Quinn’s coaching methods at all closely, you know that he makes use of all of his forwards by rolling four lines almost every game. The third and fourth-liners obviously do not get the same ice-time as the first two units, but everyone plays. In the past, this strategy has not been a problem for Quinn. During his tenure as coach (and GM for much of the time), the Leafs have almost always had enough proven scorers to effectively fill out the line-up. And, if a given forward unit was not clicking, Quinn was very quick to mix things up. That type of flexibility will be extremely important for Quinn this season, because he doesn’t have the scoring depth of previous years. Many Leaf fans have been e-mailing me with suggestions for the lines Quinn should use, but until he gets a close look at some combinations during training camp and the pre-season games, it’s impossible to determine who might fit where, and for how long....

For the rest of the story click here

BERGER FIX

Theodore Signs

2005-09-02T18:27:00.000-04:00

Three years with Habs

Bondra

2005-09-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

Reports that he has signed with the Caps as of 1:31pm ET are completely false according to a good source in Washington. (e4)

Bondra, Detroit, and a Berger Fix!

2005-09-02T12:34:00.000-04:00

As has been reported, today is D-Day for Bondra and Washington. Stay tuned for that...

I also talked to a source in Detroit that had this to say, "The feeling is that the cat and mouse game with Datsyuk and Zetterburg is about to come to an end. It could still get uglier before it gets better, but the feeling is that in all likelihood both will be back as Red Wings in the upcoming season."

Now for a Berger Fix...Part 2 of his popular arena series...

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

I want to begin by thanking the many readers who have e-mailed their memories, in response to my first in a series of columns on National Hockey League arenas, past and present. As promised, I will incorporate many of your recollections in a future column, so keep them coming to howard.berger@rci.rogers.com. The first submission on this topic dealt with my top ten former arenas. Today, I look back at numbers 11 through 20 of defunct NHL buildings:

11. LE COLISEE: The home of the Quebec Nordiques from 1972 to 1995 was among the liveliest arenas in both the WHA (’72-’79) and the NHL. Like so many of the older buildings, this one had superb sightlines, as the seats rose on a very steep incline. The seating bowl had the same color scheme as in the Montreal Forum, with red seats closest to the ice, blue chairs further up, and white ones near the top. Now known as the Pepsi Colisee, it is still very much a functional building – home ice for the QMJHL Quebec Ramparts. I saw only two NHL games in the building – both in 1981 – as the Nordiques hosted St. Louis and Montreal. And it’s doubtful there has ever been an NHL rivalry comparable to that of the Nordiques and Canadiens

For the rest of the story click here

BERGER FIX

The Saskin Story

2005-09-02T08:36:00.000-04:00

Tim Panaccio has an interesting story in today's Inquirer regarding the the conference call that lasted 5.5 hours two nights ago that made Saskin the official guy...
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/12538790.htm

There is some unrest among players and others about how this went down. Talking to a player who called me last evening, while I was out with family and friends bowling...he said, "We love Ted. Ted's our man. But why all the secrecy? Why the emergency meeting? Why no secret ballot as is in the constitution? You can't have a secret ballot on the phone..."

I also talked to a pair of player reps with interesting opinions. The first said, from his locker room following a scrimmage, "There are 35 guys in this room that don't have a problem with it. We needed Ted to have full power moving forward. We could have waited, but what's the point? There are some agents stirring the pot for their own interest. Guys who probably wanted the job. We are united."

Another player rep, who also called me during my bowling game, said, "We didn't want OLN or others to think that there was any unrest among us. It was decided during the day yesterday that this is how it should go. I did fight at first to wait and have this brought before my teamates in a vote...especially because of the faction that was bringing legal stuff. they were pretty convincing. But so were Guerin and Shanny...at the end of the day we don't need that. It is time to play hockey. Everyone is tired of this."

Those legal actions he mentioned have to do with a lawyer, formerly employed by the NBA, that Klatt and Irbe reportedly had hired to look into the actions that occurred going back to Bob's removal. There are two very different stories going around about how Bob's leaving went down....

One goes the way it was reported. That the executive committee met and discussed Bob's future and it was mutually agreed to.

The other version that is buzzing around goes this way. The executive committee met to discuss it, Bob got wind of it through one of them, Bob approached Linden, Linden got into a heated discussion about it and fired him on the spot.

If the latter was true (and I honestly don't know because i wasn't there) there would be serious issues with the NHLPA constitution...

I do know that Trevor, Ted, and Shanahan were the heroes of the lockout on the PA side, without them there would be no hockey at all...I know many stories that I probably shouldn't know about that.

"But there are procedures for a reason" one source said. Another source added, "I talked to Bob, and he had absolutely no intention of leaving."

Fast forward to Wednesday Night's Conference Call....The first vote was taken to see if a vote should be taken immediately or if the reps should discuss it with their players and vote in a few days.. That vote was deadlocked at 17-17, with Trevor casting the deciding vote to vote now...Then, after several hours of serious debates, Ted was voted in by an overwhelming margin...31-6...(although I have heard other final tallies as well..20-6 with some guys not voting...either way it is a big majority..)

There was no secret ballot as is required by the constitution...A high source at the PA said, "player reps are supposed to be voted in by certain procedures as well, but that never happens either. This constitution was made by Alan when there were twelve teams. It needs to be looked at again."

The PA source went on to say, "There is a vocal minority, led by people with their own interests, that are stirring this pot. The majority of players are emailing us thrilled with the decision."

I have to say, talking to a well respected hockey guy, that it isn't just the fringe that are concerned. One of the most respected people in hockey said this, "I hate to say it, but stuff like this throws up red flags to those of us who were around during past years. Making up the rules as you go along stuff. It makes me crazy! Is the way it is going to be again? It lloks like they acted out of panic to me. Ted is the guy."

Although this source had a great point I feel that the PA deserves a bit of a mulligan here. Things have been crazy and there is a lot of nervousness in an organization just dying for stability. Ted represents that stability to these guys. To say this points to a trend to buck the by-laws is premature. Should people be alert for stuff like this down the line? Always. We can't let things get out of hand and have seasons at risk. I think everyone would agree to that. People should be held accountable.

If a search had been done, a secret ballot cast, all parts of the constitution adhered to, the end product would have been Ted, and Ted is not Alan or Bob. Ted is Ted and let's see what he can do.

He is one of the good guys. He has a good marketing head on him. He has the respect of the league and the players have always been comfortable with him. People outside the NHL are comfortable with him...all this is very important. Especially following up the travesty of a season lost.

As one player said to me, "Who the hell else would we hire?.Now let's play hockey."

Barry Melrose

2005-09-01T21:14:00.000-04:00

Has signed a new contract to remain at ESPN. He will still be covering hockey and other sports for the network...Congrats Barry!

More on the Escrow Fears

2005-09-01T14:21:00.000-04:00

Andy Bernstein,from Street and Smith's Sports Business Journal, emailed me this,

"What most people seem to miss is that there are TWO variables. One is revenue, the other is average salary. So the league can be 100% right about the revenue projection of $1.7 billion, but if clubs, on average, spend more than the midpoint, the escrow will still kick in.

And anyone who ever claimed the escrow wasn't likely to kick in either didn't understand it or was lying, because there is absolutely no question whatsoever, and never has been, that clubs will spend more than the midpoint on average.

Without any luxury tax, there is nothing to stop clubs from spending at or near the cap (other than revenue sharing eligibility, but that only effects half the clubs and it stops them at the midpoint, not below).

It's been very clear to me from the outset that you're going to have 3 or 4 clubs well below 31, a handful at 31, and at least half the league, maybe 20, clubs up near the cap.

In that case, the escrow will definitely kick in regardless of revenues. The revenue thing is a red herring on escrow, and won't even be a factor next season when they work off real numbers, not projections.

The escrow is an equalizer when clubs inevitably spend over the midpoint (on average)."

Another anonymous source sent this to me regarding the escrow situation,
"The league-wide payroll (after all anticipated signings) should be $1.0 billion. In addition, for escrow purposes and the 54% calculation, you have to add $66 million for benefits into the payroll calculation. So, total compensation for the league is $1.066 billion. Subtract $852 million (54% of $1.7B -$66M) and you have $208M over the linkage cap, or 24%! All the players better hope that the $1.7B revenue target is low."

The Escrow Scare

2005-09-01T08:22:00.000-04:00

Slow day for rumors, so I thought I would throw out something ALOT of the guys I talk to are concerned about. The Escrow. Remember the escrow? It was being touted as a big deal when the deal was signed, but there were words out there sort of implying that you shouldn't worry about it. It was sort of brushed under the table....

Well it exists, and current trends point towards it kicking in..or do they? Larry Brooks had a short section alluding to this recently, and that got alot of players talking. Now there is a bit of a frenzy being whooped up about it. What is it? What does it mean? Will these players be getting the money they are signing for?

To start the escrow is set up to guarantee that player's salaries don't exceed 54% of league revenues. That 54% had a little to do with why we missed an entire year, remember? Basically how it works is that the final paycheck is held back until revenues are determined.

When this cap was set it was set at 39 Million it was based on the estimation that league wide revenues would be 1.7B. That 1.7 billion really was a shot in the dark, and that is why it is hard to tell whether or not the escrow scare is legit or not. Some say, given a year off, the 1.7 is EXTREMELY high and that the league will take a much bigger hit.

So what does this mean based on the current "Free Agent Frenzy?"

So far 540 players are signed at around $900,000,000, that makes the current average salary $1.66 Million. There are 144 players left to sign, and let's assume they sign for 1/2 the current average, $800,000(remembering there are some very big names still out there to sign) that is an extra $115,200,000.

That means salaries are at $1.05 billion and the cap is based on a revenue stream of 1.7B...so if the current trends continue, on the highly conservative side, the salaries will represent 62%...8% higher than 54, and therefore the players would be giving back 8%...If some of the guys left sign big contracts, that number will go higher.....the amount lost will be greater

So there lies the escrow scare. However the thing that the players need to remember here is this. the 1.7 is a shot in the dark number. Some say the 1.7 is based on the old model of revenues, and that Saskin, Linden, Shannahan, and Gartner work really hard to find more revenue streams and this CBA is as long as it is because of that...Ticket sales are very strong, and yet some cities that always sell out, lowered prices...that lowers revenue. The OLN deal helps in alot of ways..The new stars mean new Jerseys to sell...etc..

So this scare is like all scares...not enough info creates fear. We just don't know yet..It is foolish to scream from the mountain tops, "The Escrow is coming, the Escrow is coming!" and it is also foolish to think that the players don't need to work hard everyday as partners here to make that 1.7 moot.

Bottom line is this. We will not be able to judge how strong the CBA is for quite some time...and the Escrow is a trigger point to this in some ways. Too soon to tell how well everyone did putting this CBA together...

************************

On a much more important note...the tragedy in my country to the great people of the northern gulf coast weighs very heavy on all of our thoughts. There are hockey fans down there and they have been emailing me, encouraging me to help...I am going to help, and I encourage people everywhere to help...This blog gets millions of readers a month from all over the world. Please do what you can. During the Tsunami crisis we raised some money, and we need to do so again. please call the American Red Cross at 1-800-HELP-NOW. It always seems like these disasters happen somewhere obscure...Most of the people reeding this could hop in there car and be to the front lines in a matter of 15 hours..many of you less. We should all consider it. And consider your prayers as well. The human spirit is incredible. In the end, even when everything is taken away that we depend on, we are survivors. We find a way to live. Lets help these people find that. Thanks.

Berger's Fix on Hockey Arenas

2005-08-31T14:37:00.000-04:00

Now for a great Berger Fix about arenas...One of my favorite topics.

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

As hockey fans from coast to coast in Canada and the United States anxiously await the start of training camps, I’ve been asked by several e-mailers to rate the arenas in the NHL, both past and present. And, to post a favorite memory from each of the buildings I’ve been fortunate enough to visit over the years. For purposes of length, I’ll split this up over several submissions – beginning, here, with my top 10 former arenas. In order to have a bit of fun with this idea, I’d like to return the invitation and ask readers to e-mail me stories from NHL cities you may have visited. I’ll incorporate the best of them into a column sometime in the next few weeks. It seems that many fans have viewed the coming season in a serious vain, debating the merits of your favorite team, and wondering how the signing spree in August might alter the balance of power in the NHL. We’ll have plenty of time to update predictions as the regular season draws closer. In the meantime, let’s see who has the fondest arena memories. Send your recollections to howard.berger@rci.rogers.com and be sure to include your name. Now, for my rating of defunct NHL arenas:

1. MAPLE LEAF GARDENS, TORONTO: Where to start? I probably saw 1,000 NHL games in the Leafs’ old stomping ground between 1966 and 1999. I do remember my first Leaf game, on Dec. 5th, 1966 – Toronto vs. Detroit – if only for the thrill of seeing Gordie Howe play in person. I also somehow remember Paul Henderson, still wearing No. 19 for the Red Wings, all decked out in a surgeon’s mask that night. The game was actually shown on LEAFS TV CLASSICS several months ago, and there was the future Canadian hockey hero looking like a doctor on skates. Apparently, he’d been fighting some form of allergy, and required the protection. Henderson would be traded to the Leafs in the famous Frank Mahovlich deal 15 months later. The most vivid memory I have of attending any Leaf game was Darryl Sittler’s record-breaking night on Feb. 7th, 1976. I sat in the corner red seats and marveled at the way everything Sittler touched turned into a goal or an assist. He scored six times and set up four others for 10 points: a single-game mark that somehow withstood the era of Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. The Maple Leafs destroyed the Boston Bruins, and beleaguered coach Don Cherry, 11-4, in that incredible game.

2. MONTREAL FORUM: The first time I visited the shrine on Rue Ste. Catherine was for the NHL draft in 1981. And, it was rather awe-inspiring to walk the floor of the building I’d seen so many times on television. I later covered a number of playoff games in the Forum – the most memorable being the night the Calgary Flames won the 1989 Stanley Cup, and became the one and only visiting team to carry the mug in the Habs’ lair. Everyone remembers the goal Lanny McDonald scored that night after coming out of the penalty box. But, the best player on the ice was a future Leaf, wearing No. 39 for the Flames, by the name of Doug Gilmour.

3. CHICAGO STADIUM: Reputed to be the loudest building in the NHL, the Blackhawks’ former home was quite raucous, but I’ve been to other arenas that were just as noisy on a given night. My most memorable visit was for the game that turned out to be the Hawks’ final appearance in the Stadium – in April of 1994 – when they were ousted from the opening round of the playoffs by the Maple Leafs and goalie Felix Potvin, who recorded three shutouts in the six-game series. My first visit to the Stadium was for a Blackhawks-Leafs game in 1988, and I remember Chicago defenseman Gary Nylund (drafted by Toronto in 1982) spitting at former teammate Allan Bester as he left the ice after being ejected from the match.

4. DETROIT OLYMPIA: I saw only one game in the home of Gordie Howe, Terry Sawchuk, Ted Lindsay, and all the great former Red Wings’ players. It was the final appearance by the Maple Leafs – a matinee in March, 1979. I sat over one of the blue lines in the upper balcony, which surrounded the entire ice. The Leafs lost the game, but the many Toronto fans in attendance still taunted the Red Wing rooters because the Leafs were on their way to the playoffs, while Detroit had been eliminated from contention. I’d heard the horror stories of the ghetto in which the Olympia was located, and I remember having some anxious moments while scurrying back to the car after the game.

5. BUFFALO MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM: The Sabres’ former home still stands, vacant, across the parking lot from the club’s current building, HSBC Arena. The Aud was a terrific place to watch a game, as the seats rose on a very steep incline all around the ice. They used to have a great organist, who knew how to perfectly gauge the mood of the crowd. I only saw a few hockey games in the arena, and none really stand out. My most vivid memory comes from attending an NBA playoff game in 1975. The Buffalo Braves (now the Los Angeles Clippers) routed the Washington Bullets thanks to a 50-point performance by big center Bob McAdoo.

6. PHILADELPHIA SPECTRUM: This arena had the greatest press box location in the history of the NHL. It was in back of the first 25 or so rows of seats, right at center ice, and the dressing rooms were directly below the box, down a short flight of stairs. What a bonus for a reporter! Clearly, the best Spectrum memories I have are from covering my first-ever Stanley Cup Final: the 1985 series between the Flyers and Edmonton Oilers – Gretzky and Co. winning their second consecutive championship that spring. All the seats, in three levels, were a dark-red color, and were built close to the ice. While on a Leaf trip to Philly in 1998, I was allowed inside the Spectrum to show it to a friend who was with me. We had the run of the place – walking along the arena’s cement floor, looking eerily about the empty building, and trying to recall all the great hockey memories from years past, as the Flyers had since moved to their new home (Wachovia Center) across the parking lot.

7. BOSTON GARDEN: This grand old building drops a few spots in my personal ratings because I nearly suffered heat-stroke while watching Stanley Cup Final matches in 1988 and 1990. I was sitting in the auxiliary press box, up behind one of the goals, when the lights went out on May 24th, 1988, during Game 4 of the Final between the Bruins and Edmonton. Anyone old enough to have watched that series will remember the game being canceled because of a heat-induced blackout in Boston. And what a relief it was! It must have been 120 degrees where I was sitting, with zero air circulation. I was completely drenched in sweat, and more than happy to climb out of the darkened arena. The same thing almost happened on another sweltering night during Game 1 of the ’90 Final, also with Edmonton. This time, only one bank of lights went out, and the teams played on into the wee hours of the morning. Peter Klima scored the winner for the Oilers in triple overtime, and, again, it was a blessing for me to escape the suffocating arena.

8. LOS ANGELES FORUM: I loved watching hockey games in the circular, Roman-columned arena that Jack Kent Cooke built for the Kings and Lakers in 1967. The seating area had the strangest color scheme imaginable: half the building was gold, the other half orange. And, of all the Leaf playoff encounters I’ve covered over the past two decades, perhaps the most memorable was in the L.A. Forum – Game 6 of the Kings-Toronto Cup semifinal in 1993. The Leafs trailed, 4-2, midway through the third period, but Wendel Clark finished off a hattrick to deadlock the game in the dying moments of regulation time, on a pass from the corner by Doug Gilmour. The game went into overtime, and a Toronto goal would put the Leafs into the Cup Final for the first time since ’67. But, Leaf-killer Gretzky scored the winner on a powerplay early in the first OT, with former Oilers’ teammate Glenn Anderson serving a silly boarding penalty for the visitors. Gretzky then played what he called his greatest-ever post-season game, as the Kings eliminated the Leafs two nights later in the deciding match at Toronto.

9. ST. LOUIS ARENA: The old barn on Oakland Avenue served as home of the Blues from their 1967 inception through the lockout-shortened season of 1994-95. The first Leaf playoff series I covered on the road for The Fan-590 (we hadn’t yet become an all-sports station) was against the Blues in 1990. Like the Auditorium in Buffalo, the Arena seats were practically on top of one another as they rose from the ice. The seating area had a very steep incline, which made for great viewing. I’ll always remember not being able to see much of the first two games of that ’90 series. We had the Leaf radio rights back then, and I had to stand at the doorway of our broadcast booth to prevent the Blues’ wild GM Ron Caron from entering and screaming at Joe Bowen and Bill Watters, who were taunting him as he looked over from his private Arena box next door. What a scene that was, I’ll tell you!

10. COW PALACE: Exactly as its name implies, this ancient relic in Daly City, Calif. – just south of downtown San Francisco – was used primarily as a showplace for livestock. It also had about 10,000 seats and was the only semblance of an arena in San Francisco. It therefore served as home of the San Jose Sharks for the first two years of that franchise, as the San Jose Arena (now the H-P Pavilion) was being constructed 45 miles south. Renowned for several appearances by The Beatles, the Cow Palace hosted the NHL in the early expansion era, as the Oakland Seals traveled across the Bay to play a handful of home games in 1967 and ’68. But, I reflect on covering an afternoon game in March, 1992, between the Sharks and Maple Leafs. Toronto had acquired Gilmour from Calgary two months earlier and was threatening to make a late-season push for the playoffs. The Leafs threw about 48 shots at a terrible, first-year San Jose team, but Sharks’ goalie Jeff Hackett played the game of his career, and San Jose won, 4-1, thus killing the Leafs’ momentum, and ending their post-season hopes.

Introducing Dale Arnold

2005-08-31T11:24:00.000-04:00

As we speed towards the launch of www.hockeybuzz.com, I am proud to introduce another blogger that will have his own blog on www.hockeybuzz.com....Dale Arnold is one of the most passionate hockey people I have met in my life...In great hockey towns there are great hockey people...Dale exemplifies this to a T (or should I say "to a B"?)

Dale Arnold could probably be considered a hockey lifer. He started his career with five years of college hockey broadcasting, followed by seven years in the American Hockey League with the Maine Mariners. He spent two seasons as the radio voice of the New Jersey Devils, one as radio voice of the Boston Bruins and the last ten as the TV voice of the Bruins, winning two New England Emmy awards. He has also served as play-by-play voice for the New England Patriots and New England Revolution. For the past fourteen years he has also been a full time talk show host on WEEI Radio in Boston.

Here is a sample of what to expect from Dale's Blog...this article is exactly why I am thrilled to have him aboard.

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Dale Arnold

It’s an isolated and insulated little world we live in. As hockey fans we have become accustomed to talking amongst ourselves. Misunderstood by many and mocked by more than a few, it’s simply been easier (and less painful) to talk about our sport with other hockey fans. Baseball fans have no problem discussing their favorite sport with any other sports fans; football fans simply assume that everyone is a fan of their favorite sport anyways. But hockey fans have an interesting internal conflict --- a love of their sport coupled with an inferiority complex.

And if we were honest about it, there has been much to feel inferior about for the last several years. We love a sport that has slowly but surely become a shadow of its’ former self. Night in and night out, the fastest and most graceful sport has devolved into a tractor pull. Many nights, the game could be played in shorts and sneakers for all the speed and grace we’ve been witness to. Our sport has expanded beyond what many feel the world’s talent pool can realistically support, and the game’s truly great players have been largely stifled by over-coaching and antiquated rules.

Fans of other sports have a totally outmoded view of hockey, seeing it as one part ultimate fighting and one part professional wrestling. They harp (incorrectly) about stick work and fighting, while refusing to acknowledge or understand that there are more bench-clearing brawls in baseball than there are in hockey. In fact, hockey fans of a certain age will steadfastly maintain that there is more emotion and physicality in a WNBA game, and that what hockey needs is more black and blue, not less.

Then came the ultimate embarrassment. Hockey disappeared from the sports scene and the consciousness of sports fans for an entire season. Hockey became less than boring; it became something even more dire. Hockey became irrelevant. Fans of the other sports, who never truly understood our passion or our game, no longer mocked us, they simply ignored us.

Then suddenly, the clouds broke and the sun shone through. Not only was hockey coming back, it could and should be coming back better than ever. The only good thing about a season lost to lockout was that it gave the game an opportunity to reinvent itself. Hockey finally acknowledged what its’ fans knew for a long time --- the game was broken and needed to be fixed. Anything and everything was open for discussion and the rules changes implemented for the NHL’s return season are a starting point, not necessarily the end of the road. The emphasis on division and conference play, the elimination of the red line, the implementation of the shootout, touchup offside, larger offensive zones, and new goalie equipment and puck-playing rules are all geared to giving the fans what they’ve always wanted and deserved --- greater flow and greater entertainment value.

Perhaps the greatest change in our game was the realization by management and players that the sport was priced beyond the range of the blue collar fan that is an essential staple for our survival. A hard-working guy would scrimp and save for a month of two, skipping the night out at Chuck E. Cheeses, and putting together enough money to take his wife and two kids to an NHL game; an NHL game that in many instances had little or no entertainment value. That hard-working fan felt duped and cheated, vowing in many instances to never return. The upcoming season not only promises greater entertainment value, but guarantees that in virtually every NHL arena the tickets will be more affordable and more available.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, there is an undercurrent of excitement and anticipation that most longtime NHL fans haven’t seen in their hockey lifetimes. My day job is as a sport talk show host at the highest rated all-sports station in North America. Granted that having the defending Super Bowl champions and the defending World Series champions in our city would make it difficult for the Bruins or Celtics to get much attention under any circumstances, but the amount of hockey talk in our market since the new CBA was announced has been unprecedented. The free agent signing frenzy has grabbed the attention of even the peripheral sports fan, and the move of star players from team to team and city to city has got even baseball and football fans buzzing. The question of whether the Bruins could or would keep Joe Thornton actually dominated our airwaves for nearly a week.

Now comes the hardest part --- following through on the promise of summer and giving the fans a reason to come back in the fall. Players say they’ll be more accessible than ever, now they need to prove it. Management says the game will be more exciting and wide open, now it has to show it. NHL officials say the game is now viable, on and off the ice, now it has to maintain it. The games have to be emotional, fast-paced, hard-hitting, exciting and entertaining. We’ll be there because we’re hockey fans. Whether we can lure our fellow sports fans into the rink is dependent on all of the above.

It’s been a long time since we hockey fans could hold our heads high in our favorite sports tavern. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel; a red light indicating that our game has scored a big, big goal.

You can email Dale with your thoughts Darnold850@aol.com

What's a Devil to Do?

2005-08-31T08:57:00.000-04:00

I get countless emails pertaining to the situation on the Turnpike, and questioning how Lou is going to get under the cap? Lou keeps repeating the same mantra, "I have until October."

Were it anyone else, or almost anyone else, you would question this more. But talking to many people around that are very familiar with the situation it appears that Lou is banking on a fact that has not been discussed much. There are many question marks on many rosters that involve players teams are banking on. Guys who are older. Guys that had they missed a year due to injury, we would have wondered about. With older players, a year off is a big deal. And many of these guys are being written in on depth charts.

I believe Lou is waiting on this. He knows he has to move some players, but currently their trade value is little or nothing...but...when the teams hit camp and some of the guys can't fill in those positions they are slated for, Lou will have some valuable pieces....

Theodore and The Habs..

This situation is getting very dicey.

Apparently the two sides are in that critical spot that all negotiations come to where it could go either way. The numbers are apparently close, but Theodore wants a longer deal (e2). I will try and get more info on this as the day goes...

Another rumor floating around is this one...

Vancouver: Luke Richardson, Marc Denis, Nikolai Antropov
Columbus: Dan Cloutier, Ed Jovanovski
Toronto: Matt Cooke, 2nd round pick from Columbus

I am hunting this down for validity as well....that's why they call them trade rumors...I will be on the phones alot today...

Insider Chat at 3pm..look for your password...

Many thanks to those of you who are getting your early discounted season tickets to the new website at www.hockeybuzz.com. Your support is enabling us to do some pretty amazing things.

Your Berger Fix

2005-08-30T14:44:00.000-04:00

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

There are two elements of scoring goals in hockey that are unrelated, but equally significant. The first adage clearly suggests that no person can be taught to score. You either have natural, God-given ability to put the puck in the net, or you don’t. The second element is more of a crap-shoot. It suggests that goal scoring is the same as riding a bicycle. In order words, if a player once scored at a prolific pace, he should be able to re-discover the touch after playing a secondary role.

Fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to find out how accurate that is in the coming season. A decade ago, winger Darcy Tucker emerged from Junior hockey as one of the top gunners on a three-time Memorial Cup champion. While skating alongside fellow NHLers-to-be Shane Doan and Jarome Iginla on the Western Hockey League Kamloops Blazers (Junior champs in ’92, ’93 and ’95) Tucker had seasons of 31 goals/89 points, 52 goals/140 points and 64 goals/143 points. He led all Junior scorers in the 1995 playoffs with 16 goals in 21 games. Mostly because of his size (5-foot-10, 170 pounds), Darcy was Montreal’s eighth choice (151st overall) in the 1993 NHL draft. But, he continued his offensive prowess in his first year of pro (1995-96), compiling 29 goals and 93 points in 74 games with Fredericton of the AHL. Only when he graduated to the Canadiens the following season, did his numbers plummet.

Tucker isn’t one to live in the past, so he won’t whine about the coaches who tried to change his game almost 10 years ago. Nor does he pay much heed to the fact that many proficient scorers at levels below the NHL cannot maintain their numbers in the big league. Fairly or not, the stigma of being a second-to-third line, checking-type pest has remained with Tucker through his years in Tampa Bay and Toronto. Four times in his NHL career, he’s broken the 20-goal barrier – 24 being his career high – but he has never been used in the same leading offensive role that allowed him to flourish in Kamloops. All of that may change this season, and Tucker, therefore, looms as one of the most important players for the Maple Leafs.

Having lost proven wingers Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk, Alexander Mogilny and Owen Nolan, Leafs’ coach Pat Quinn could well utilize Tucker on a scoring line, possibly alongside the team’s best player, Mats Sundin. It would be a welcomed change for the Castor, Alberta native, who turned 30 years of age this past March. Is it possible that Tucker still has the innate scoring skills from his years in Kamloops? And that he’s been “held back” in a checking/agitating role during his NHL career? What an incalculable boost it would be to the Maple Leafs if that were to ring true.

And, don’t bet against it. Darcy has his detractors, but I don’t remember a single game in which he didn’t show up ready to compete – usually against opponents quite bigger than him. He is still (and may always be) despised in Long Island, N.Y. for the borderline hip-check that knocked Mike Peca out of a bruising Leafs-Islanders playoff series in 2002. But, Tucker said this week he’s more than willing to reform his game, and do whatever is required of him to score more goals. When I wondered if he believes he can reach and, perhaps, surpass the 30-goal mark for the first time in his career, he answered with an unqualified “yes.” Darcy has certainly never lacked for confidence… always evident in his style of play.

Tucker missed a thwack of games near the end of the 2003-04 season, and he underwent surgery to correct a lower-abdominal muscle tear. The lost NHL campaign was a blessing in disguise, allowing Darcy to fully recover, and he now says he feels better than ever. Should he remain healthy – and if Quinn stays patient with him on a scoring unit – I firmly believe Tucker can pot 35 goals. That may sound like a stretch to those who have watched his antics the past few years, but if goal-scoring is somewhat like riding a bike, Tucker might just be able to hop back on and cruise once again.

Strickland on Al Macinnis

2005-08-30T14:40:00.000-04:00

I spoke with Al Macinnis this morning, and he was still pretty hesitant to commit on what his plans are for this season. There is no question Al wants to play, the concern is obviously his eye injury, but to be honest I get the feeling he is more concerned with his good eye than the bad one. I left the rink today, coming to the conclusion that we should not expect to see Al Macinnis play in the NHl again, and I think Al will make that announcement soon. Blues General Manager Larry Pleau will give Macinnis as much time as Al needs to make a decision. Pleau and Macinnis plan to meet again soon. The organization would love for Al to be involved this season in some capacity, I could see him taking the time working one on one with young up and comer's such as Barrett Jackman, Christian Backman, and Eric Brewer who once shared the blue line with Macinnis playing for team Canada in the 2002 olympics in Salt Lake City. St. Louis Blues Head Coach Mike Kitchen told me he would love for Al to be involved, especially controlling the power play, but Kitchen is very realistic and understanding of the sensitive situation Macinnis finds himself in. I asked Al if he would be interested in being a full time assistant coach this season and he was quick to point out that he has spent the last 22 years traveling and being away from his family, plus he understands how much time and work assistant coaches put in off the ice during the season, but he did not rule out coaching in the NHL in the future.

Al is very comfortable with his life, as he has become very involved with youth hockey here in St. Louis. He coaches two AAA teams which keep him very busy. There is a lot to be worked out between the Blues and Macinnis, in terms of insurance paperwork ect..When it is all said and done I 'm sure the Blues will do the right and give Macinnis his proper respect and retire his #2 jersey (sorry Eric Brewer you will have to find a new number) at some point this season.

More to Come,

Andy Strickland

Introducing Tim Panaccio

2005-08-30T09:06:00.000-04:00

Quick note to start...

No word on Bondra yet, although I am haring that Atlanta may be out of the bidding, and it may be NJ or Philly coming down the stretch...Other teams still may jump in, but it is possible those two teams are trying to clear room under the cap prior to signing Bondra. Clarke was on TV here in Philly playing very coy about the whole thing. Saying the Flyers are done, but adding if they were offered a great offer tomorrow they would do it...sounds like a challenge...I will hold insider chats at 3pm and 8pm today...

Anyway, as we continue to speed towards our Sept 15th launch of www.hockeybuzz.com, I proudly introduce another blogger that will be a major part of "Hockey Blog World." A very connected individual who those of us in Philly fortunately get to read throughout the season. Now you'll get much more of him on hockeybuzz.com. Tim loves the game and knows the game as well as any writer I have met. (better than some GMs) He has some definite opinions that will be sure get the hockey world talking....the whole idea of hockeybuzz. We are lucky to have him!

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By Tim Panaccio

The Mouth that Roared

Those of you who read my Sunday NHL notebook in the Inquirer know that one of my pet peeves is Bruins' owner Jeremy Jacobs, who never met a player he couldn't undercut in a contract negotiation.

Jacobs is one of the richest men in hockey, but has conducted business in Boston for generations on the cheap.

Along with Peter Karmanos (Carolina) and Craig Leipold (Nashville), Jacobs led the lockout and shafted YOU, the fans out of hockey last season. Jacobs was the head of the Eight Man Salary Cap Band.

I just love it when Jacobs decides to play general manager for a day and expound upon the free agent signings in hockey. A thank you here to Matt Kalman (Hockeyjournal.com) for giving us full insight into the text of what Jacobs told reporters this past week at the Bruins' annual charity golf bash in New England.

"I think (the free-agent period) has gone as good as anybody could have anticipated," Jacobs said. "I'm really pleased with it. I wish we had played a better role in the (Peter) Forsberg situation, but he chose not to come here (and instead signed with Philadelphia). I think we wound up with probably a more dependable center (in Alex Zhamnov). He probably would've made more headlines, but I think the result is better and Zhamnov was a better move for us. And I think he's going to fit in here and he's going to be stable and be somebody that we would really look forward to."

Okay, I was stuck in La La Land (Los Angeles) for the past eight days, helping my nephew enroll in college outside Marina del Rey and getting adjusted to the California life (babes, bars and freeways). So I missed Jacobs. But I heard plenty from my son, Nick, the second my plane landed.

Is Jacobs serious? Does he believe that Alexei Zhamnov is better than Peter Forsberg? How many Stanley Cups has Zhamnov delivered in his career in Chicago or anywhere else? Are you kidding me to imply that Forsberg wouldn't have fit just as well in Boston as Philly? Who would not want Peter Forsberg?

And this is an NHL owner who was playing the bagpipes for the small market clubs, even though he's a big-market owner with a small wallet.

With the Jacobs', the Wirtz's, the Karmanos' of hockey, we're going to have a grand, old time this season with quotes.

I drove a fair portion of the Southern California freeways this past week in Los Angeles County and did not see a single billboard for the LA Kings.

Anyway, you'd think the marketing people at the Kings might have thought about having J.R.'s face splattered across the 405 freeway, the 10 freeway and the 105 freeway, promoting smash-mouth hockey coming to La La Land.

Nope. All quiet on the western front, folks.

email Tim at tpanaccio@phillynews.com

You can read Tim Panaccio daily in the Philadelphia Inquirer at Phillynews.com

Chat Tonight...HockeyBUZZ Preview online.

2005-08-29T15:12:00.000-04:00

Getting exciting..the window is open in my office and the breeze has a subtle hint of fall....thank god, I can't stand the hot months...hockey weather is coming.

Insider/Season Ticket Holder Chat tonight at 8pm ET. Look for an email with the password.
(I will be sending out a transcript to the insiders late this evening if you can't join us)

We have a preview up and running for hockeybuzz.com!

Go to http://www.hockeybuzz.com/preview and click on "BLOG"

From there you can click on "Features" and "Season Tickets," and see if you'd like to join our gang.

You can get your discounted season ticket, and become an insider, by joining prior to Sept 15th.

Today we had another blogger join "Hockey Blog World." Former player, P. J. Stock...A great guy with some fascinating opinions and views that are guaranteed to get the hockey world talking...Welcome aboard P.J.!

Introducing Jeremy White

2005-08-29T14:28:00.000-04:00

I wanted to introduce you to another fine Blogger that will be a part of Hockeybuzz.com.

Jeremy White has had an incredibly quick rise to Buffalo stardom at the age of only 26. He worked Sabres postgame shows in 2003-04 for 550 WGR. He joined the brand new WGR morning show in November of 2004 as co-host/update guy/executive producer. Very passionate about Sabres hockey and very knowledgeable in regards to the NHL. Here is a preview of what to expect on hockeybuzz.com come Sept 15.
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Jeremy White
WGR 550 Buffalo

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Watching that free agent frenzy from the outside...

When the NHL's new CBA was announced, many Buffalo Sabres fans came away with a feeling of, "We won." One of the many small market teams, and one that had been through a bankruptcy, finally had hopes of competing on the same level as the big boys of the league.

As free agency opened up, there was a feeling (from fans) that the Sabres would be a player. They'd be chasing after free agents to fill out some roster spots. Miroslav Satan, and Alexei Zhitnik, two of the team's best players, both joined the New York Islanders. Many fans thought the team would be looking to fill those holes, and the market was full of players who could do the job. However, Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier was trying to tell fans that wasn't how it was going to work. While Regeir has been subject to criticism for this plan, it's my feeling that it's the right move.

First a breakdown of where the Sabres are: The team entered the free agency period with a mindset, to keep payroll between 27 and 29 million dollars. They'd spend enough money to compete, and at the same time, be eligible for the league's revenue sharing. This is an organization that has been losing money, some reports in the neighborhood of 10 million dollars for the 2003 season.

Free agency opened, and the Sabres didn't bite. The defense, which was the biggest issue, was not helped until Teppo Numminen signed on. As you might estimate, it wasn't a signing that brought a parade in the streets of Buffalo.

The Sabres approach to the new CBA seems to be a "wait and see." Darcy Regier has been criticized at times for being too patient. His critics say that he's afraid to pull the trigger on trades, won't spend money on free agents, doesn't trade away players when he can get something in return, and] the Sabres approach in free agency just adds to the reputation. He's afraid. While the previous criticisms may be accurate, the latest isn't fair, YET.

The Sabres like their team; that should be noted first. There are a lot of young players that got good experience in the AHL with the Amerks last year. I think the organization would LOVE Ryan Miller to take the starting goaltender job. That would allow some flexibility with both Martin Biron and Mika Noronen. In the case of Biron, he's set to make over 2 million dollars, to compete for the starting job. That doesn't seem right.

Thomas Vanek, the team's 1st round draft pick of 2 years ago had a MONSTER year in Rochester. He'll be up with the team. At the trade deadline of 2003, Mike Grier was acquired. It almost feels like he'll be a brand new player this year, because his time in Buffalo has been short to this point.

The organization has bright futures, but the team needs a playoff appearance as soon as possible. This is where the Sabres find themselves in a fix. The fans have been patient and want playoffs now. While the Sabres would love to reach that goal, they won't sacrifice the next 5 years to do it this year.

Regier wants to "wait and see," what the NHL will be like under the new system. How important is goaltending going to be? How much of a role will the enforcer play? Do you have to be big and tough on the blue line, or is it speedy defenseman that will flourish?

Look no further than Sabres defenseman Jay McKee. The team declined an option on his contract, and now he may just take a one year qualifying offer. McKee is hoping to work out an extension, but if the Sabres opt NOT to extend McKee, it's another indicator that they aren't quite sure what to expect from the new league and it's new rules. Is McKee going to be able to keep up? Is he worth a 3-4 year deal? Maybe he is, but the team isn't likely to go in blind. They'll opt to "wait and see."

For Regier the biggest issue is not the money of these new contracts, it's the term. He's not going to lock himself into a long term contract, especially when you have NO idea what the league is actually going to look like.

For anyone that has criticized the Sabres for a lack of action in free agency, remember one thing. It happens again next year. All the teams that went CRAZY this past offseason, won't be moving much come 2006. The Sabres can now compete, in theory, with the big boys. Regier has been cautious, and while it hasn't been very popular in Buffalo, it is the right move. After all, the playing field has been leveled for more than just this one year.

Comments or questions or anything like that: whitey@wgr550.com

Jeremy White

Bondra, Kovalchuk, and Waddell

2005-08-29T09:23:00.000-04:00

I am hearing from several sources that Peter Bondra could come down today or tomorrow...Philly, Was, and NJ the favorites...

Interesting article by Larry Brooks saying that the Rangers should go after Kovalchuk...I agree with him on this one firmly...Kovalchuk may be the most dynamic star out there and draft picks, in this day and age of falling free agency ages, are not as important....

From Brooks' article...
"Joe Thornton won't be available next summer, and neither will Vincent Lecavalier. Martin St. Louis and Marian Hossa are locked up, too. In other words, all that cap space the Rangers will have available for a franchise player in 2006 is looking more and more as if it will be nothing more than vast, empty air. Moreover, it is likely to remain that way in 2007 and 2008. Liberalized freedom in the NHL has essentially erased the distinction between restricted and unrestricted free agents. If a new paradigm has been established in this first capped off-season in league history, it's that teams will pay whatever is required to keep young, marquee talent off the open market. Which, among other reasons, is why the Rangers should immediately extend a six-year, maximum-contract offer sheet of $7.8 million per year to Atlanta's unsigned Ilya Kovalchuk, the 22-year-old left winger who, three seasons into his career, has emerged as the NHL's most dynamic goal scorer."

He speculates, as I do, that Atlanta would match in all likelihood.

On Atlanta, they are a very classy organization. Don Waddell has done a great job at building a team that the city can be proud of. In the new NHL, they will be a force and, I predict a contender...The best example of this class is the latter Waddell posted to fans following last Tuesday's trade...this should serve as an example of how teams should always communicate with their fans...

"To the Atlanta Thrashers Fans,

It is with mixed emotions that I write to inform you of a very significant player move that the Atlanta Thrashers made today by acquiring one of the game's elite players, winger Marian Hossa and veteran defenseman Greg de Vries from the Ottawa Senators, in exchange for Dany Heatley.

Today's trade came about quite suddenly and was set in motion by Dany's request to be traded to another team. When Dany called me on August 9th to inform me of his desire to leave, he assured me that his decision was not based on his contract negotiations with the team, the Thrashers organization, or the incredible fans in our great city. Rather, he described the extreme difficulty he has playing here due to his emotional ties surrounding the tragic accident that he and the Snyder family endured almost two years ago.

Our entire organization is thrilled to add a highly-skilled, proven scorer in Marian and a solid veteran defenseman such as Greg who has Stanley Cup winning experience. We have now significantly upgraded our roster with six new, key veterans (Hossa, de Vries, Holik, Modry, Havelid, Mellanby), each of whom possess the qualities that will help us become an upper echelon team for many years to come.

Marian is arguably one of the top players in the world and is always a scoring threat. He consistently places among the league leaders in all offensive categories and holds several of Ottawa's team records. He also competes hard on every shift and sets the tone for his teammates. We believe he is the type of exciting player you will want to come out to Philips Arena and watch.

He has enjoyed a very successful career and at 26-years old, he has already scored more than 30 goals in the last four consecutive seasons, including 45 in 2002-03. He was named to the NHL's 1998-99 All-Rookie Team and finished second in voting for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year. He has also represented Slovakia in 11 international competitions, including the 2002 Olympics and the 2004 World Cup of Hockey.

Greg de Vries possesses the intangibles you need to achieve success. He comes highly recommended from Coach Bob Hartley, whom he shared a Stanley Cup with at Colorado in 2001, and adds another significant element to our already bolstered defense.

Over the past few seasons we have whole-heartedly supported Dany, and our decision to honor his request is based on what we believe is right for him while protecting the best interests of our franchise. It is both Dany's, as well as our hope, that a fresh start will enable him to continue moving forward with his career, and more importantly, his life, in a positive way. Click here to read a message that he asked us to send on his behalf to each of our fans.

This trade represents a pivotal moment for our franchise. Both players are under contract for multiple years (Hossa - three, de Vries - two) and are an important part of our future. We have significantly upgraded our roster and have provided Bob Hartley and his coaching staff with a team built for short and long-term success.

We look forward to seeing you soon at Philips Arena, and again thank you for your unyielding loyalty and commitment to being "True Blue" fans.

Sincerely,

Don Waddell"

For All you Leafs Fans, A Q & A with Berger

2005-08-28T20:26:00.000-04:00

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

As a testament to the hockey traffic on this website, I frequently receive between 100 and 200 e-mail messages for every column I write – particularly when it pertains to the Toronto Maple Leafs. While I try to respond to the majority of reasonable questions, time doesn’t permit me to answer all of them. As such, I’ve jotted down several of the more prominent and interesting Leaf-related queries from the past several weeks, and I’d like to address them here. As always, if you have further comments, feel free to e-mail howard.berger@rci.rogers.com. Hopefully, I can give you some of the answers you are seeking in the following paragraphs.

Q. Why do you feel that Mats Sundin will leave the Maple Leafs after his contract expires in 2007?

A. I’m not convinced, at the moment, that Sundin will go elsewhere, but I think it’s a possibility Leaf fans should start considering. Beyond the fact that 13 years in hockey-crazed Toronto is enough to make any player loopy, there could be a number of reasons for Mats to move on. The most significant, of course, would be the chance to play for a legitimate Stanley Cup contender towards the end of his career, should the Maple Leafs not attain that status in the next couple of seasons. There is no guarantee that bolting to a championship-caliber team will put Sundin’s name on the Cup. Curtis Joseph went that route in Detroit, and it didn’t work. But, life-long Bruin Raymond Bourque certainly gained from his move to Colorado in 2001. The guess here is that Sundin will strongly consider it worthy of the gamble. And, don’t convince yourself that just because Mats signed a long-term deal with the Leafs a few years ago, he’s unwilling to play elsewhere. The circumstances in 2007 will be completely different. For one, the Leafs made it extremely worthwhile for him to commit, long-term, because they offered to pay him an annual salary that ranged between $8 million and $9 million – one of the highest in the NHL. And, Mats was a restricted free agent who really had no alternative. In ’07, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career. Under the new CBA, no player can make more than 20 percent of the salary cap figure, and Sundin – at 36 years of age – won’t likely command an offer close to the maximum. So, money will not be the overriding factor. Nor is he tied to Toronto in other ways. Even if Mats gets married and becomes a father in the next two years, he’ll have minimal concerns over moving. When Scott Niedermayer left the Devils to sign with Anaheim, for instance, he had to deal with 13 years of family entrenchment in New Jersey. He took his kids out of their familiar school and away from their life-long friends. He still made the move to California, but not without emotional upheaval. Sundin won’t have the same issues, and do not underestimate how significant that may be. After his many years of loyal, distinguished service, he will owe absolutely nothing to the Toronto hockey community. Knowing Mats, it will simply come down to choosing where he can best live out his Stanley Cup dream. And, not many Stanley Cup dreams come true in the land of the Maple Leaf.

Q. Why are you acting so negatively towards the Leafs for the coming season?

A. Before I answer the question as it pertains to the Leafs’ chances in the Eastern Conference, let me clarify something important. Like I’ve mentioned numerous times on radio, I do not deal, as a reporter, in positives, negatives, optimism or pessimism. I never use the terms “fortunately” or “unfortunately” when speaking on a Leaf-related matter. Nor do my colleagues who cover the team on a regular basis. When I comment on the Maple Leafs, it’s the listener – based on his or her allegiance – who determines whether I’m “positive” or “negative”. If, for instance, I suggest that the Leafs will struggle to make the playoffs this year, a passionate Toronto fan might consider me “negative”. A fan of the Montreal Canadiens or Ottawa Senators, conversely, would look upon the remark quite favorably. To that person, there would be nothing unfortunate or pessimistic in my projection. So, it isn’t me – or any other reporter – who determines the connotation of a remark. It’s the listener or reader who does so, and that’s why many of us on the media side are encouraged by our employers to speak our minds. In a hockey-mad city like Toronto, an honest opinion stirs up interest and passion. More people read, watch, and listen when we offer strong views on the Leafs. It’s simply our job. Do I speak more passionately about the Leafs because I grew up in Toronto? You bet. It’s one of the main reasons I have this assignment. Nothing would be more tedious or exasperating than to hear someone from the outside speaking flatly and unemotionally about hockey in Toronto. It’s why columnists like Damien Cox and Steve Simmons are so widely acclaimed. Fans may not agree with their opinions, but they cannot dispute their credentials or background. Nor can they usually wait to read their next emotion-charged offering. Sadly, so many Leaf supporters are hopelessly narrow-minded. They won’t allow themselves to even consider that reporters or columnists who criticize the team are doing so honestly, and without a bone to pick. The attitude is symptomatic of a fan-base that has grown to expect failure. In Toronto, hearing or reading the truth about the Leafs becomes increasingly difficult to digest. With that as a backdrop, my sense that the Leafs will scramble for a playoff spot this season is based on a clear lack of depth at the wing positions. If the club goes through the entire season without suffering a long-term injury to one of its key performers, it might challenge the 100-point mark once again. But, we all know that isn’t going to happen. A trademark of the good Leaf teams in recent years has been the ability to plug holes in the line-up with efficient part-timers; to compensate temporarily for the hundreds of man-games lost to injury. Without proven wingers like Roberts, Nieuwendyk, Mogilny and Nolan, that depth has been lost, because their replacements (Ponikarovsky, Belak, Kilger, Wilm, Antropov, etc.) will now have to fill out the second and third forward units. And, they aren’t nearly as gifted, offensively. Some people have pointed out that Roberts, Nieuwendyk, Mogilny and Nolan were in the line-up together for only 19 games in 2003-04. So what? They still accounted for 77 goals while missing a ton of games (Mogilny only eight because of his hip surgery). Can the replacement wingers achieve that total, even if healthy all season? Not likely. And what might befall this Leaf team if any of Sundin, Lindros, Allison or O’Neill goes down for a spell? We all know it’s going to happen, at some point. Who replaces THEM? Certainly not the same forwards as in previous years, because they’ll all be regulars this season. Then there’s the never-ending issue of finding a kingpin defenseman. Ken Klee said the other day that the acquisition of Brian Leetch late in the ’03-04 season had little to do with the club compiling 103 points. Very true. But, Leetch was magnificent in his short tenure with the club, performing at a point-a-game pace on the blue line, and one can only imagine what his presence would mean to the current Leaf squad over an 82-game schedule. Obviously, we’ll never know, because Leetch recently signed with Boston. Who replaces him? You can spend all day dreaming that Antropov and Ponikarovsky will become 25-goal shooters. That Kyle Wellwood and Alexander Steen will be in a neck-and-neck race for NHL rookie-of-the-year. Or that Alexander Khavanov will suddenly contend for the Norris Trophy. But, until it happens, or until GM John Ferguson acquires scoring help on the wing, the Leafs will struggle to play as competently as they have in recent years. If the Leafs, as rumors indicate, are trying to acquire young Red Wings’ left-winger Henrik Zetterberg, they’ll have to make a fairly significant trade. Zetterberg is a restricted free agent, and Detroit will want at least one proven forward in return. Certainly, that’s what I’d be asking for if I were Wings’ GM Ken Holland. And, the Leafs don’t have many proven scorers to spare.

Q. Can Ed Belfour continue to be a standout No. 1 goaltender at age 40?

A. I think he can. If the surgery he underwent a year ago has alleviated his back problems, and if he hasn’t developed any damaging rust from the canceled NHL season, Belfour’s age shouldn’t be a factor. He is maniacally devoted to keeping his body in peak condition, and he studies his craft as intensely as any netminder. Remember, however, that Belfour is habitually a slow starter. If he struggles out of the gate, it may not be reason to panic. Many Toronto hockey observers (me included) weren’t aware of this in Belfour’s first year with the club (2002-03), and that’s why we tended to write off the Leafs after they wobbled to a 4-9-2 record. When Belfour found his game, however, the Buds improved dramatically and recovered from their brutal start. Mid-to-late-November is usually a better time to start evaluating the veteran puck-stopper. And while he stole a playoff series with Ottawa in 2004, Belfour hasn’t yet provided the Leafs with the same quality of post-season excellence that Curtis Joseph did. At his age, The Eagle is increasingly likely to tire as the playoffs progress. Perhaps that’s why he’s been less effective in Toronto’s second-round series. It will be up to Ferguson to provide him with an adequate back-up, and coach Pat Quinn to utilize that back-up in a manner advantageous to Belfour.

Q. Does Ferguson have a legitimate plan to keep the Leafs competitive?

A. That’s a question we’ll all be much-better equipped to answer two years from now. Certainly, many Leaf watchers were startled when Ferguson lay dormant during the frantic first week of free agency. But, he had no other choice. The club strangely did not position itself to compete under the salary cap for the best available players. Ferguson did a commendable patch-up job – signing Lindros, Allison and Khavanov, and trading a draft choice for O’Neill. But, those moves were not indicative of a long-term plan. And, as I’ve mentioned previously, the theory that Ferguson was banking on next year’s free agency crop is ridiculous. Let’s wait and see what he has up his sleeve. Lots of respected hockey people speak very highly of JFJ. I, too, think he’s an intelligent man. But, many-an intelligent hockey mind has failed to win the Stanley Cup. The jury is still out on the Leafs’ GM.

Q. Why did Ferguson re-sign Quinn for two years, when the club is sure to get younger?

A. This one is simple. Quinn was retained because he is one of the best coaches in the NHL. Period. Yes, he has strongly relied on veteran players during his Leaf tenure, and the club will get younger in the next few years. But, Quinn has simply not done anything to warrant being fired. He has kept an often injured team at or near the 100-point plateau and the Leafs have gone deep into the playoffs on several occasions. While Quinn hasn’t yet won a Stanley Cup, it’s unfair to judge him solely on that basis. Wayne Gretzky did not call upon the Big Irishman to coach Team Canada because Quinn asked for the job. Nor did Gretzky have any prior affiliation with Quinn. He simply felt that Quinn was the best man for the task. And, no one can say with any legitimacy that the Leafs have lost out in the Stanley Cup playoffs because of Quinn. If anything, he has overachieved with rosters that were either not deep enough, or crippled by injury. Ferguson made a very shrewd maneuver by bringing much-respected Paul Maurice into the organization. Barring the unforeseen, Maurice will succeed Quinn behind the bench for the 2007-08 season. Until then, Quinn has earned the right to stay where he is.

The Richards Rumor

2005-08-28T09:46:00.000-04:00

I have removed the Richards trade rumor from the blog after much speculation to its validity. I was very slow to post this at all yesterday even thought many, many folks emailed me with the rumor throughout the day..I did not believe the rumor at all at first. It wasn't until I got home from Atlantic City last night that I talked to two sources who verified there was something to it. They verified the fact that Tampa and Montreal had had discussions regarding Richards...However did not know the names. I am now going to spend a lot of time today seeing if the names are similar to the rumor that is out there..According to a source regarding this rumor, "This rumour got started on Hockeytraderumors.com, claiming CBC Radio 640 AM in Bonavista was reporting Michael Ryder's brother was claiming this trade was about to go down. Two problems with this. First, CBC employees have been locked out by management across Canada for over two weeks now, leading to little news coverage, let alone sports news coverage. Second, CBC Radio isn't heard on 640 AM in Bonavista, but 750 AM."

This is an interesting case where someone may have invented a rumor from thin air, and stumbled on a player, Richards, and a team, Montreal, that is indeed being thrown around..I will get to the bottom of it...

Your Weekend Berger Fix!

2005-08-27T13:23:00.000-04:00

Now for you Leafs Fans, the ever popular Berger Fix....

LEAFS/SUNDIN MARRIAGE WON’T LAST FOREVER

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

Mats Sundin’s career with the Toronto Maple Leafs has spanned the exact number of years that yours truly has been covering and traveling with the team on a full-time basis for The Fan-590. In fact the radio station was still known as The Fan-1430 when I began following the Leafs from city to city during the lockout-shortened season of 1994-95. And, I have crystal-clear memories of a shy, reticent young man, only 23 years of age, with a full head of wavy blonde hair, lining up for his first physical as a Toronto player.

The Big Swede of September, 1994 bore no resemblance to the confident, well-spoken veteran we know today, as he nervously fumbled for words to answer questions about “replacing” the monstrously popular Wendel Clark, for whom he’d been traded three months earlier. Perhaps the best thing that ever happened to Sundin was the postponement of that initial campaign. The 103-day work stoppage allowed him precious time to observe the intensity of the hockey atmosphere in Toronto, and he seemed far better prepared to handle the daily toil when the NHL returned in the third week of January, 1995.

From that point on, Sundin has been no less than the second-most important hockey face in Toronto. For just more than two years, he shared the brightest spotlight in Maple Leaf land with Doug Gilmour, and when the “Killer” was traded to New Jersey in February, 1997, Sundin assumed the leading role. For all but one season, he has been the club’s leading scorer, and he begins the 2005-06 campaign within reasonable striking distance of Darryl Sittler’s team records for goals (389) and points (916). He is also the third-longest serving captain in Leafs’ history, starting his eighth consecutive season with the ‘C’. Only George Armstrong (12 seasons) and Hap Day (10 seasons) held the role longer, and Sundin has done it for more years than Ted Kennedy, Dave Keon and Sittler.

Unfortunately for No. 13, however, it appears all but certain that he will finish his Maple Leaf career with “Marcel Dionne” stigma – an outstanding individual talent devoid of a Stanley Cup ring. Sundin has two years remaining on his contract, and you can bet the house he’ll bolt to another team if the Leafs aren’t solidly in position to contend before the summer of 2007. At 36 years of age, Mats – if healthy – will probably still have three or four years of hockey left in him, and he’ll almost assuredly seek out the best opportunity to fill his championship void.

Two years, then, is all that remains for the Leafs to prove to one of their greatest all-time performers that they can legitimately challenge to end their Stanley Cup famine.

While Sundin has a knack for saying all the right things – and mesmerized followers of the Blue and White gobble up every word of encouragement that comes out of his mouth – he is neither delusional nor overly content. His annual proclamation that he is “sick of losing in the playoffs” has become a mantra, and he admitted earlier this week that the second-round loss to Philadelphia in 2004 pushed him close to the edge. Another season or two falling short of the Cup Final will undoubtedly send him over the cliff, and it will come as anything but a surprise if he chooses to finish his brilliant career elsewhere – perhaps in a place where he won’t have to continuously answer for his team’s shortcomings. Putting on a brave, smiley face in front of cameras, notepads and microphones is tolerable for time, but Mats has done it far longer than anyone should reasonably expect.

There isn’t a professional athlete on earth who has responded to his city’s sporting climate in a more consistent, accomplished manner. When Sundin is questioned about the demands of playing hockey in Toronto; about the endless years of coming up short in the playoffs, and whether he’d honestly like to try his luck elsewhere, the affable, always-patient Swede insists there is no better place to come to work. At times, he appears to do so through clenched teeth, and who can blame him? But, his remarks always reflect favorably on the Leaf organization and the crazed hockey atmosphere in southern Ontario.

The Leafs have paid him handsomely to portray that image, and to perform at an optimum level each night. While he struggled for a half-decade or so, in the minds of many, to attain the brilliance expected of him (and to re-discover the dynamism of his early NHL years in Quebec City), Sundin has been unfailingly dependable since the late-‘90s. He is a rock-solid, supportive teammate, who never attempts to hog the limelight. Whether he scores a goal, or another Leaf player does, he’ll show the same level of excitement and enthusiasm. He abhors losing, and is not able to hide his consternation like he used to after a disappointing game. The older he gets, the hotter his fires rage to play on a championship team, and his devotion to the Leaf organization has been unquestioned, to this point. Given his druthers, he would love to win that elusive Cup as a member of the Blue and White.

But, Sundin is also a practical, intelligent person who knows that his chances in Toronto are running out. Leaving, therefore, increasingly becomes an option. Not being married, Mats has no concerns about uprooting a family. He could easily move on and take his chances in another city, and you have to think the Leafs are fully aware of that. Sometime in the next 12 months, it seems logical that GM John Ferguson will approach Sundin’s agent, J.P. Barry, about a contract extension that would allow the veteran centre to finish his career in Toronto.

The offer will be tempting to a loyal Sundin, but it says here that Barry, among others, will convince him to think long and hard before committing. And, that Mats will ultimately choose to see what the open market bears in the summer of ’07. Undoubtedly, a large segment of dyed-in-the-wool Leaf zealots will read this and consider it nothing more than fiction. Like so many did the “nonsense” during the 2001-02 season that Curtis Joseph would leave Toronto if not re-signed before the July 1st cut-off date.

Mats Sundin has given more of his soul to the Leaf organization that Cujo, or any other player in the past decade. He has entirely earned the right to choose, sometime relatively soon, if Toronto is the place to live out his ultimate dream. And, no one should either begrudge him, or be taken by surprise if the Big Swede decides to skip town before hanging them up.

Its Friesen in Calgary...brrrrrrrr

2005-08-27T09:25:00.000-04:00

Sorry...late night....Last night while preparing for my weekly spot on Rob Kerr's show on Fan960 in Calgary I stumbled on a minor rumor the Jeff Friesen may get moved to the Flames as a part of NJ's coming fire sale....(count the puns in this article so far)

Anyway, I mentioned it on the air, and then got some emails from some sources around Calgary that said it was definitely being discussed, and that Sutter would love to have Jeff once again. The two shared some good days in San Jose...So I made some more calls and it is safe to raise it to an (e3) on the rumor scale....

In today's St. Louis Dispatch, Bernie Miklasz, the number one sports columnist in St. Louis who basically rules the sports scene, gave hockeybuzz.com a plug...thanks Bernie!

More Luongo Rumors Persist with Vancouver. However Montreal (e2) may be getting involved as well...I was able to get confirmation of discussions but not players involved. Also Colorado (e1) is working up a package for Luongo.

More talk that Handzus may be on his way to Edmonton (e2) and this could be clearing the way for Bondra to Philly as early as Monday (e3). But the bidding for Bondra is still heated.

Slow day today, so I am heading to Margate NJ to take in lunch at the Greenhouse and perhaps over to Atlantic City to split some aces (although never against a face card).

A Berger Fix

2005-08-26T11:28:00.000-04:00

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken some off-season lumps from media and fans, but the organization put on a terrific show for its season-ticket holders this week at the Air Canada Centre. On three separate nights, the Leafs invited their subscribers to the arena floor for an informal meet-and-greet session with management and players that had “first class” written all over it.

With such an enormous and widespread fan base, it’s practically impossible for the Leafs to reach out to their die-hard supporters in an intimate way. Most Leaf junkies are content to live vicariously through the team and its players – as are the fans of any popular sports franchise. It’s the reason the Maple Leafs pull in untold millions of dollars each year through the licensing of their paraphernalia, and it’s been that way for as long as anyone can remember. If it’s considered a badge of honor to walk around wearing a Leaf jersey nowadays, it was just as exciting 40 years ago.

I still have some old, black-and-white photos of myself from the morning of my seventh birthday – February 3rd, 1966. I’ll always remember my parents anxiously awakening me before the sun rose that day, and presenting me with a blue Maple Leafs’ jersey – the kind they wore at home… a woolen garment with the old-style ‘60s logo. As a memorable moment from my childhood, few rank more vividly. Today, I live the same feelings my parents had, when I observe my 8 1⁄2-year-old son, Shane, who is similarly enthralled with anything related to the Leafs.

As such, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment deserves credit for going the extra mile this week to make its hockey ticket holders feel special. The Air Canada Centre ice surface was covered with wooden planks, and the fans were invited to walk onto the floor. The club served pizza and drinks, and a number of the players (Tie Domi, Mats Sundin, Darcy Tucker and Carlo Colaiacovo among them) signed autographs and posed for photos. They were joined in a nice touch by members of the Leafs’ alumni – former players and coaches like Wendel Clark, Bob Nevin, Jimmy Jones, Jack Valiquette and Dan Maloney. It was the type of pep-rally occasion that’s more common in cities where hockey is not the number-one sport. As such, it was a meaningful gesture by the Leafs.

On a large stage, the long-time radio/TV voice of the club – Joe Bowen (only Foster Hewitt has called more Leaf games) – emceed a presentation in which general manager John Ferguson and coach Pat Quinn spoke about their vision for the club this season – Ferguson’s speech accompanied by graphics projected onto a screen. Also on hand were Toronto Marlies’ AHL coach Paul Maurice, and the versatile Mike Penny, who contributes to all of the Leafs’ personnel decisions.

There was an indelible air of excitement and anticipation in the building, as the subscribers looked forward to the return of hockey this fall. And, it was clearly a touch of class by the Leaf organization.

On another subject, I’ve come to realize that I was unfair to the Buffalo Sabres in making my predictions for the coming season, by burying them in the Eastern Conference basement. I think I got carried away by the losses of Alex Zhitnik and Miro Satan (both to the New York Islanders in free agency), while overlooking the club’s good, young players, and – most importantly – the ability of coach Lindy Ruff to squeeze blood from a stone.

There are few people in the game I like and respect more than Lindy, and while I feel his team will struggle more often than not this season, I see in him a number of Pat Quinn’s coaching qualities… primarily in the level of respect he commands from his players. If Lindy has the horses to work with, he’ll get the extra mile out of them.

Plenty to Talk About

2005-08-26T08:51:00.000-04:00

The trade of Lydman prompted dozens of emails regarding Jay McKee's status from Buffalo fans and ...I continually get a lot of inquiries from around the league regarding Jay's contract status....not just fans, but hockey people... Jay is in a very unique position. When you look at what Mike Rathje got in Philly and you realize that Jay will be a UFA next year at the age of 28 with ten years experience under his belt...

Other rumors out there...

Damphousse (e2) may sign with the Ducks today.
Joseph Marha (e1) with the Bruins
The Bruins are also looking at tough guy Peter Worrell (e3)

Morozov is likely to not return to Pittsburgh. (e2)
and the same goes for Gill in Boston.(e1)

Peter Bondra...a decision is likely early next week. There is quite a bidding war going on for his services apparently, with Phil, Wash, Atl, NYR, and NJ...yes the team that forgot about the cap. not to worry Lou has a plan I am told...

Which goes to this next rumor..It involves a big trade that I am continually hearing rumors about...the names are sketchy, and all over the map, but it is a three-way trade involving Fla, Van, and NJ.

Florida would end up with Jovanowski and Cloutier (or possibly Bertuzzi), Langenbrunner, and Friesen
Vancouver would end up with Luongo and Brylin
NJ would end up with a three high draft picks

As I said, these players are all highly speculative, especially the NJ guys. Very hard to get specifics, but there is enough smoke about this one to merit discussion at least. I will give the fact that this trade is being discussed an (e2) rating...but I will not give an e rating to any of the players except Luongo.

As for the crazy three-way Toronto trade that is out there...

Toronto Gets: G Roberto Luongo + D Jay Boumeester
Florida Gets: C Mats Sundin + First Round Pick

the Toronto turning around

Tampa Bay Gets: G Ed Belfour + 3rd Round Pick
Toronto Gets: F Brad Richards

And Last but not least has

Toronto Gets: G Mathieu Biron or G Mika Noronen ( Most Likely Noronen)
Buffalo Gets: D Ken Klee

I give it a e minus 5 rating...ugh! (Belfour and a third for Richards????????????????)

Finally for my Philly Readers...WPEN 950 AM is about to become all sports talk and go up against WIP, the station that didn't put the Hoss/Heatley deal in its updates. (not a very big trade I guess) Rumor has it that Jody Mac could be a big part of WOGL.

...

Introducing Andy Strickland

2005-08-25T21:08:00.000-04:00

Now something for you Blues fans...(I know you'd like a scorer, but this is the next best thing)

Andy Strickland will be a blogger on hockeybuzz.com and I couldn't be happier. This guy is passionate and very, very tied in. If it is happening in St. Louis, or with a Blues player, Andy knows about it...I have been so fortunate to meet people like this as a result of the blog.... People that are young, hip and love this sport like no other. He is a person like myself, and many of you who read this, that will not let hockey die. It took about five minutes into my first conversation with him to know that I needed him on my team.

Andy Strickland covers the NHL for legendary radio station KMOX in St. Louis, Missouri. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Strickland's hockey coverage has taken him to the World Cup of Hockey, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the NHL All star Game, the NHL Draft, The Ontario Hockey League playoffs, as well as doing Play By Play in the United Hockey League during the NHL lockout. He is a frequent contributor to radio shows throughout Canada and the United States.

Here is a preview of Andy's work...Welcome Aboard!

************************************************************
It looks like it won't be long before St. Louis Blues owner Bill Laurie pawns the NHL franchise.

I spoke with Robert Caporale, chairman of Game Plan LLC, the Boston Based company the Blues hired to orchestrate the sale, He told me the next step is to come to St. Louis to make a presentation to the various groups that are interested in purchasing the Blues. He would not confirm exactly how many groups have expressed serious interest ( at least four that we know of). Caporale said he expects a front runner to emerge in the next 30 days, and that the team could be sold by the end of the calendar year. Caporale also said none of the parties have expressed interest in moving the team outside of St. Louis.

A good source told me today that Tony Novelli of Apex Oil, a company based in St. Louis, has recently emerged as the front runner, although Caporale would not confirm that. Caporale also said it is realistic that two seperate companies could own the Blues and the Savvis center. It has been reported that AEG, a company out of Los Angeles, has expressed interest in buyng the Savvis Center, Caporale told me that if a separate company owned the Savvis, it would not jeopardize the chances of the Blues staying in St. Louis, noting the Blues are the primary tenant.

Also the anticipation of knowing the future of future hall of famer Al Macinnis is coming to an end.

I spoke to Al Macinnis today. He will meet with Blues General Manager Larry Pleau this week to decide his future as a NHL player. He told me he really hasn't made up his mind and hopes to make a decision by early next week. This may come as a surprise to many considering the seriousness of Macinnis's eye injury. Back in February Macinnis was one of the better players on the ice playing in a charity game that included Rob Blake, Chris Pronger, Keith tkachuk, Brett Hull, Joe Nieuwendyk, Gary Roberts, Robert Esche, and Adam Foote ( just ask Esche if Al can still shoot the puck). Following the game many of Al's peers were raving about how well played and encouraged Al to come back for one more season. Macinnis said he is in good enough shape to play and has been doing a little bit of skating. Pleau, who confirmed the meeting, told me this will be 100% Al's choice, I don't get the feeling the Blues will push Al in either direction. Al understands he needs to make a decision soon and said he will not participate in training camp just to get a feel if he can still physically play at this level. Many of Macinnis's current teammates feel that Al should not risk further injury to his eye. Expect an announcement from Al by early next week, whatever decision Al makes, it won't change the fact that Al is one of the classiest people in history of the sport.

More to come,

Andy Strickland

feel free to e-mail me @ abs9kmox@hotmail.com

Lydman to Buffalo

2005-08-25T17:10:00.000-04:00

A good move by Buffalo...Now they really need to get McKee signed. i think jay is the key...more on that later...

Roy Denies Comeback

2005-08-25T11:53:00.000-04:00

how's that for a quick retraction... a source just contacted me who spoke to Patrick about these rumors and Patrick laughed and said "nothing to it"...

Luongo Loses

2005-08-25T11:30:00.000-04:00

1 year 3.2 Million...Trade Alert Just went UP!

Patrick Roy A Hab Again? (e2)

2005-08-25T11:17:00.000-04:00

Two good sources in Montreal have told me that Patrick Roy is considering a return to the Canadiens....stay tuned for more info...i am out digging hard on this one...

More Rumors for the Pond

2005-08-25T11:03:00.000-04:00

According to a source, "Brian Burke has made a 1 year take it or leave it offer to Vincent Damphousse." (e1) and "Salie wants a longterm deal 1.5-2.5 and they are very close to reaching an agreement with him."

Some Trade Rumors for You and A Berger Fix

2005-08-25T09:31:00.000-04:00

There are a few floating around....all at the E1 level today...

Edmonton may send Ryan Smyth and a pick to Detroit for Zetterberg.

Rumors that LA may send Miller to Buffalo in return for Biron plus....

Lydman from Calgary may go to LA...no specifics on return.

The Devils, who will need to make a move may be up to something big. There is a rumor floating around that they could be involved in a three-way trade involving Florida and Vancouver.

Also you can go over to www.hockeybuzz.com and here an interview with myself talking about the new site. Details on how to get your season tickets coming soon.

Now for your Berger Fix!

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

In today’s FIX, I have a few things I’d like to clarify as it pertains to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and in response to many of your e-mails.

First off, there is a perception among numerous Leaf fans that the organization actually planned to bypass all of the top free agents this summer, in order to load up on the best available players a year from now. And that the plan is blowing up, piece by piece, as Jarome Iginla, Joe Thornton and Vincent Lecavalier lead the pack of skaters re-upping with their current clubs. Let’s think about that for a moment: A team is going to purposely sabotage itself financially so that it’s incapable of competing for Scott Niedermayer, Peter Forsberg, Adam Foote, Chris Pronger, Sergei Gonchar and others in the summer of 2005, while gambling that all of the coveted UFAs for ‘06 will fail to agree with their current clubs during a 12-month period of exclusive negotiating rights. Do you really believe that any of the 30 general managers running teams in the world’s best league are moronic enough to subscribe to such an arrangement?

Regardless of how you view the Leafs’ preparation for this summer’s market – and I feel it was questionable, at best – let’s give John Ferguson and company credit for not being lamebrains. This so-called theory had absolutely nothing to do with the Maple Leafs, and everything to do with a couple of experienced Toronto sportswriters who should have slept in on the day they proposed such nonsense. They’d have far better served their readers by simply acknowledging that the Leafs miscalculated in their preparations for August 1st, and were therefore unable to partake in the frenzied first week of bartering. To suggest Ferguson conceived the “wait ‘til next year” plan is an insult the Leaf GM doesn’t deserve.

Secondly, there was a very caustic and negative response from Leaf fans – as you might imagine – to my stab-in-the-dark prediction of 76 points and a 10th-place finish this season in the Eastern Conference. After considering your e-mail volleys, I’ll admit that I probably short-changed the Blue and White, but not to an overwhelming extent. Perhaps the Leafs do have enough top-end talent (if healthy most of the season) to challenge for something like 85-88 points, but I still see them fighting for a playoff berth. I’m far from alone in that assessment.

And another thing: If the Buds do overachieve and prove me wrong, rest assured there will be no reason to shove anything down my throat, or up my backside (as so many of you suggest). I will simply admit to my mistake – on the radio and in this forum – congratulate Pat Quinn and the players for their efforts, and probably feel quite good for them. Then I’ll go home and take my kids to the park. What sort of adult mentality stores away a sports forecast for the purpose of vindication? This is fun and games we’re talking about, not life and death.

Save your energy for a circumstance in which you’ll need it... like helping to nurse a sick family member back to health, celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or performing some kind of meaningful charity work. Only the simplest of minds would waste precious moments hoping to “get even” for an unpopular hockey prediction.

Feel free to speak up at howard.berger@rci.rogers.com.

Martin St. Louis Signs

2005-08-24T15:21:00.000-04:00

from a source, "From a very reliable source at the Lightning – Marty signs a 6 year for 5.2 per year.
Lighting will announce shortly."

Chats Today

2005-08-24T11:13:00.000-04:00

on www.hockeychatter.com

go early because you will need to register...

Insider ONLY chats at 4pm and 8pm ET

Chat in the main room at 5pm

New York's Hockey Rangers

2005-08-24T03:44:00.000-04:00

Proving that they may want to field a team after all.....Sign Rucchin and Rumor has it Czerkawski...I know the Rangers have some great young talented players, but I just have to say that I have been baffled by some of the guys that they haven't even attempted to sign that would fit into their youth movement plans and wanted to go there....unless they are building towards Martin St. Louis....

Tonight's Berger Fix

2005-08-23T21:39:00.000-04:00

Luongo has opted to not accept the deal. Arbitration tomorrow morning...

Now for the ever popular Mr. Howard Berger

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590, Toronto

It was nice to see that my late-summer attempt at forecasting the standings and playoff match-ups this season was not taken seriously! Holy Cripes. A couple of e-mailers ask me in a light-hearted way to have some fun with predictions – more than three weeks before training camps open!!! – and people are treating it like a Bin Laden videotape. Not surprisingly, it was the myopic Leaf zealots who were gripping the most. The mere notion of the Leafs re-entering a pool of teams that might scramble for a playoff spot is a bit much for the Blue and White denizens. After all, a 100-point season, followed by another aborted Stanley Cup run, has always been more than satisfactory for the Toronto crowd.

Perhaps, through all the criticism from media types the past three weeks, this really is an attempt by the Leafs to take a fork in the road. I hesitate to use the term re-build, because it normally indicates that a team is stepping back after winning something. And the Leafs haven’t won anything in 38 years. But, maybe the Buds are realizing that they must founder for a short period before taking another legitimate run at ending their Cup famine. It’s not a strategy the organization would ever confess to, for fear of touching off a suicide binge in southern Ontario. But, it seems like the short-lived days of yielding future accessories for immediate help (Owen Nolan, Brian Leetch) are over, and may never return under the salary cap.

Why is it so implausible to think that the Leafs might struggle for a time? It wasn’t all that long ago that merely qualifying for the post-season was the club’s unspoken objective from year to year. Heck, as recently as 1997 and ’98, then-coach Mike Murphy would ponder making the playoffs as a goal practically every day. It’s not that Murph didn’t want to aim higher, or even win a Stanley Cup. It’s just that he was a realist… not a dreamer. When Pat Quinn came along, the team began to threaten a bit more seriously, and Quinn is primarily the reason why. Though he still appears to be abhorred by a large segment of Leaf rooters, Quinn has been a terrific coach – one of the best in the franchise’s history. Through annual roster fluctuations, the players have repeatedly responded to Quinn, often under dire circumstances (i.e. the 2002 playoff run with half the team in sick bay). There is still a huge Stanley Cup vacancy on Quinn’s mantelpiece, but the guy has hardly been a failure.

This season is surely to be Quinn’s most imposing challenge. And, it’s the very fans that refer to such a statement as “Leaf bashing” who realize it the most. For reasons that have been thoroughly debated since Aug. 1st, Quinn is likely to enter the 2005-06 season with the most shallow roster of his Toronto coaching tenure. The king-pin defenseman the Leafs had for a brief spell (Leetch) is gone. Though Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk, Alexander Mogilny and Owen Nolan were fast reaching the stage where they had to be replaced, they represented too much of the club’s scoring balance – as wingers – to be purged in the same year. There are few NHL teams that could immediately recoup such veteran depth, and the Leafs had no chance of doing so with their self-imposed cap squeeze.

Therefore, Quinn will have to lean heavily on men who have previously skated in supporting roles, and have not been relied upon to score regularly. Does it mean the likes of Nik Antropov, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Chad Kilger, Tie Domi, Wade Belak and Clarke Wilm cannot record better numbers? Well… probably, but not necessarily. There are examples of players who have responded at least briefly to increased responsibility – few better than Alyn McCauley in the ’02 playoffs. When Mats Sundin was sidelined with a fractured hand, McCauley stepped in alongside a possessed Roberts and played the best hockey of his career. But, it’s fair to point out that Antropov, Ponikarovksy and Domi have been with the organization during most of the years in which the club felt it needed to add proven scoring depth through free agency and trades – Roberts, Mogilny, Nieuwendyk and Nolan all prime examples. Quinn has obviously never felt that the two Russians and Domi could adequately fill the gaps, and rightly so.

Prior to this summer, Kilger, Belak and Wilm would not have been remotely considered as vital cogs in the Leaf attack, or even as players to dress each night. Now, they’ll be deployed regularly as third and fourth-liners. Why, then, is it so incomprehensible to think the Leafs might slide back for a year or two? Or that sliding back isn’t the only way to ultimately move forward again in the NHL’s new economic order? For months, we’ve been saying that the Leafs will be affected as much as any team in the beginning of the salary cap era, given the club’s penchant for buying players in recent years. It seems to be ludicrous, therefore, that fans should expect another 90 or 100-point season (hoping it will happen is a different matter). Eric Lindros, Jason Allison and Jeff O’Neill were potentially smart acquisitions – injury prone like the men they replaced, to be sure – but two of the three are centremen. One of Lindros or Allison – or perhaps even Sundin – will likely be shifted to the wing, but that will deplete the strength up the middle. You can’t borrow from one area to feed the other and not suffer consequences, especially with the new rules coming in designed to open up the game. Depth, among other things the Leafs are missing, is absolutely mandatory for any Cup contender, and Toronto has less of it than it did last season.

Also, the practice of suggesting what the other Eastern Conference teams might be lacking doesn’t wash. It’s simply rationalizing, especially in Toronto. The Leafs’ opponents have been deficient in key areas year after year after year, yet the Buds are the only established team not to appear in the Stanley Cup Final since 1967. During that time – and as I’ve pointed out – 23 other franchises have somehow made it to the Dance. Only Ottawa, Columbus, Nashville, Phoenix, San Jose and the new Atlanta and Minnesota entries have missed out… along with the Leafs. That may be sobering, but it’s reality.

If they do slip back, re-attaining contender’s status won’t be as easy as some were suggesting two weeks ago, when the apparent plan was for the Leafs to swoop in on all of next summer’s delectable free agents. Already, Jarome Iginla, Joe Thornton and Vinny Lecavalier have been eliminated from that group, with more to follow. If GM John Ferguson does create significant cap space, however, the opportunity may present itself to re-coup through other means. It all depends on how cunning and creative Fergy can be.

Through all of this, the impression is that I’m suggesting Leaf fans give up on this year’s club. Not true. With Quinn’s guidance (and patience), some dormant character might emerge. The team could, in fact, be fun to root for if it plays to the hilt each night to compensate for its shortcomings. Quinn’s Leaf clubs have done that in the past. But, those who brainwash themselves into thinking the group currently assembled will not suffer a few significant bumps, are likely to be in for an enormous let-down.

Luongo

2005-08-23T16:53:00.000-04:00

Has until 5pm to accept a multi year multi-million dollar offer ...if he doesn't he will go to arbitration tomorrow with Luongo seeking slightly over 4M, and Florida offering near 2.5. (E4)

BIG TRADE COMING: HOSSA + FOR HEATLEY

2005-08-23T14:34:00.000-04:00

From a Good Source (E4-5) This trade is all but announced...

Hossa and a top four defenseman (could be Phillips, may not be) from the Sens to Atlanta for Heatley...

More coming...

Rumors....Pasi Nurminen

2005-08-23T14:08:00.000-04:00

From a Reader..."According to an article on a Finnish website, Pasi Nurminen (the #1 goalie for the Atlanta Thrashers in the 03-04 season) has been forced to retire due to a knee injury.

Here's the original Article: http://www.ess.fi/Article.jsp?article=55010

Here's a rough translation (from someone on the Atlanta Thrashers Forums)
-
http://forums.atlantathrashers.com/jive/thrashers/thread.jsp?forum=230&thread=69222&tstart=0&trange=30
:

There was an annoucement today in Lahti and a very sad man entered the building. A few moments before Pasi had received the confirmation that his hockey career was over. His knee had been hurt beyond repair.

My knee was scoped a week ago and the outlook was not good. I was hoping all the way today that my career would continue. I am still shocked over the news over what happened. My goal was to play a few more years in North America and the a few seasons in Finland.

He recently signed a 3 year deal with the Atlanta Thrashers. He had played 125 NHL games. He was the first Finnish goalie to be a #1 netminder for an NHL team.

"I didn't notice anything on the ice during practice. When I walked out of practice my knee locked up and the end result is this." The ligaments are the most important part of the knee for a goalie.

Pasi was planning to leave for Atlanta to rehab his knee injury. But Ismo Syvähuoko who performed the surgery had been in contact with the doctors in Atlanta over the weekend. Both sides agreed that nothing more could be done."

very sad news

******************************

Hossa signs....3 years and $18 million with Ottawa, he avoids arbitration. This amount of money pretty much assures a move is coming...

Rucchin may be the man out in Anaheim...rumors swirl about this...

More rumors about Zetterberg and Toronto..Steen would be involved.

The Mighty Rumors of Anaheim

2005-08-23T09:30:00.000-04:00

According to a few good sources the Ducks are soon to make a move out of need.... Pahlsson could be signed today for a deal close to 700,000 and Salie wants a longterm deal. Burke has made it known that he would like to stay around 37 and have some room for the trade deadline.

Kevin Gibson Article

2005-08-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

I found this story very entertaining form Kevin Gibson, who writes for MOJO640 am in Toronto...Kevin is one of the better rumor guys out there and continually scoops many of the big boys...

Kevin Gibson
Mojo Radio Toronto

Teemu Selanne is a Mighty Duck. Yesterday I reported a rumour that the Leafs had offered the Finnish Flash a 2 year contract. Selanne may have used the Toronto offer to get what he wanted from Anaheim which is where he wanted to play.

Let's have a look at the Toronto rumours since the CBA was announced. Jason Allison and Eric Lindros were speculated for awhile and they signed with Toronto. Other than those two, none have come to fruition. The Jeff O'Neill trade was not mentioned by anyone until a couple of hours before the trade was announced, so that really doesn't count. Alex Khavanov was on no one's radar scope. Here is a list of the one's who got away supposedly. A local newspaper had Peter Forsberg in a Leafs jersey in their sports section as the concussed Swede was thought to be coming to town like Santa Claus. PF signed with Philly. Adam Foote a Whitby resident like myself, was mentioned as a slam dunk Leaf, day one of free agency he signed with Columbus. A trade was in the works that would see Ed Belfour dealt to Detroit or Tampa. Lightning signed Sean Burke and the Wings reacquired Chris Osgood. Joseph a Leaf again? he signed with Phoenix. Anson Carter another home grown talent who took a physical with Toronto, signs with Vancouver for one year and $1 million. Glenn Murray a Nova Scotia native and Leafs fan, re-signed with Boston, Ziggy Palffy mentioned in an article that Toronto was one of the few teams he would play for and then he signs with Pittsburgh who weren't on his list. John Leclair was going to rejoin Lindros as two thirds of the legion of doom line, Leclair is a Penguin. Tie Domi wasn't coming back to Toronto, oh wait, yes he is. Kevin Weekes and Byron Dafoe are going to back up Ed Belfour, nope. Miroslav Satan is going to make the hour drive down the QEW from Buffalo, he elected for the plane ride to Nassau County instead. This just in, Toronto is making a late bid for Scott Niedermayer, the late part is right, and not enough coin and no relatives wearing the Maple Leaf are the other two parts as to why Scott Niedermayer isn't playing at the ACC. Brad May another local guy was looking to sign in Toronto as well, but Tie Domi left his heart in the Leafs dressing room so no May Day. Two weeks into the ufa season, it appeared the Leafs were going to get their puck moving point man in Roman Hamrlik, beep, beep, beep, back that zamboni up, Hamrlik is going to Calgary to geat measured for a saddle. There are a few other rumours still afloat for the blue and white, including Steve Thomas returning and a trade for Brendan Witt. Yadda, yadda, yadda. Never a slow news day in the Toronto hockey world. I'm sure that John Ferguson has talked to agents about 40 or so players, I'm sure Ferguson has made 20 or so contract offers and the Leafs GM has talked to his counterparts around the NHL about making some trades, that's what JFJr's job is. Some of this information leaks out, it's only natural. Training camp opens up three weeks from Thursday, more rumours to come.

Speaking of rumours, Ottawa will push hard this morning to sign Marian Hossa before his arbitration hearing today. It's a no brainer that Hossa will win and he'll get near $7million a season and because of cap restraints, the Sens will be forced to deal Wade Redden or Zdeno Chara, most likely of the two departing is Redden and Mike Keenan is waiting with Nathan Horton in hand. I wonder if Keenan would then trade Redden to the Leafs for.....never mind, not going there.

Joe Patterson and Dallas Eakins will be named assistant coaches of the Marlies today.

Olli Jokinen

2005-08-23T08:07:00.000-04:00

Another very talent RFA that wasn't on TSN or my list was Olli Jokinen from the Florida Panthers.....Jokinen is a very valuable commodity in the new NHL, and would be getting large interested were he a UFA.

Selanne

2005-08-22T16:13:00.000-04:00

A duck

Trade Rumors

2005-08-22T14:33:00.000-04:00

A big trade involving a d-man from the Ottawa Sens is brewing today.
Could be redden could be florida..not sure, but something is up.

Also luongo to montreal for theodore is floating around.

I am away from my email, so I will not be sending out emails
today...keep checking the blog from my sidekick.

Potvin

2005-08-22T10:30:00.000-04:00

According to a source rumors about Potvin playing in Russia were incorrect.

"Felix Potvin has no interest in the Russian league and will continue to pursue the best fit for him in the NHL."

Update

2005-08-22T09:56:00.000-04:00

Rick Dipietro of the Isles is another RFA...and a good one

Parros has signed with the Kings, and Lehoux will be playing in Russia this year

Felix Potvin is also headed to the Russian Super League

The RFA's...the fun begins

2005-08-22T09:12:00.000-04:00

Good Morning Hockey World,

We are one week closer to camps opening and These should be the quietest of times in our sport, and yet there are several players out there not yet locked up by their teams. It has been quiet so far when it comes to teams offering RFAs contracts and stealing them from their current teams. I talked to a respected NHL source last night about this...He is one of the big three in the inner circle and he had this to say...

"Teams had a sort of 'understanding' that they would allow each other a certain amount of time to get things done internally. Like any unwritten 'understanding' it is losing some steam and we could start to see some wild things this week. Agents are getting nervous, players are growing uneasy. Gms want answers...teams may have this week to get it done, or it could get really interesting sooner than that.."

Here are the RFAs not yet signed (per TSN)....I have also included the disclosed salary amounts so far

There are some serious names out there, and also some very good players. My job now is to see if any of these teams are thinking of grabbing one of these RFA's An interesting thing to note. The compensation you have to pay for a RFA depends on how much money you give them. As teams get closer to the cap, less money is out there, and the supply/demand factor kicks in. I have put the call out to my sources to start digging...I will report back with what I find...wish me luck!

Atlanta-$20,077,000
Dany Heatley, Ilya Kovalchuk, Kip Brennan, Tommi Santala.

Boston-$30,428,000
Nick Boynton, Hal Gill, Andy Hilbert, Ivan Huml, Andrew Raycroft, Martin Samuelsson, Sergei Zinovjev.

Buffalo-$18,329,472
Jay McKee, Sean McMorrow.

Carolina (none)-$26,471,145

Florida-15,039,718
Christian Berglund, Jay Bouwmeester, Roberto Luongo (taken to arbitration), Vaclav Nedorost, Mike Van Ryn

Montreal-$23,968,000
Andrei Markov, Michael Ryder, Jose Theodore, Marc-Andre Thinel.

New Jersey-$35,732,794
Ari Ahonen, Matt Demarchi, Patrik Elias, Jeff Friesen, David Hale, Paul Martin, Ilkka Pikkarainen, Krisjanis Redlihs, Colin White.

New York Islanders-$29,576,540
Shawn Bates, Rob Collins, Eric Godard, Kenny Jonsson, Justin Mapletoft, Justin Papineau (filed for arbitration), Mark Parrish, Tomi Pettinen.

New York Rangers-$27,063,348
Alexandre Giroux, Martin Grenier, Bryce Lampman, Dominic Moore, Jed Ortmeyer, Karel Rachunek, Craig Weller

Ottawa-$28,650,094
Andrew Hedlund, Marian Hossa (filed for arbitration).

Philadelphia-$34,278,600
Randy Jones, Freddy Meyer, David Printz, Wade Skolney.

Pittsburgh-$19,619,745
Ross Lupaschuk, Ryan Malone, Martin Strbak, Dick Tarnstrom (filed for arbitration).

Tampa-$31,139,379
Martin St. Louis, Nikita Alexeev, Andreas Holmqvist, Eric Perrin, Shane Willis

Toronto-$37,005,600
Pierre Hedin, Nathan Perrott, Karel Pilar.

Washington-$14,261,305
Josef Boumedienne

Anaheim-$34,168,500
Stanislav Chistov, Samuel Pahlsson, Ruslan Salei.

Calgary-$34,637,000
(none)

Chicago-$27,229,000
Craig Anderson, Michael Holmqvist, Quintin Laing, Michael Leighton, Mikhail Yakubov

Colorado-$38,731,628
Riku Hahl.

Columbus-$27,882,767
Alexander Svitov.

Dallas-$36,105,202
Dan Jancevski, Mike Smith.

Detroit-$29,662,000
Darryl Bootland, Pavel Datsyuk, Matt Ellis, Niklas Kronvall, Joey MacDonald, Henrik Zetterberg.

Edmonton-$28,662,340
Michael Morrison, Tony Salmelainen, Ryan Smyth

Los Angeles-$30,789,900
Yanick Lehoux, George Parros

Minnesota-$22,438,000
Erik Reitz.

Nashville $25,137,740
Martin Erat , Adam Hall

Phoenix-$29,934,400
Sheldon Keefe, Paul Mara (filed for arbitration)

San Jose-$19,243,400
Alexander Korolyuk (taken to arbitration)

St Louis-$30,663,600
Colin Hemingway

Vancouver--$31,755,774
Artem Chubarov, Matt Cooke, Mattias Ohlund (filed for arbitration), Jarkko Ruutu, Nathan Smith.

Berger's Predictions

2005-08-21T23:28:00.000-04:00

I am working on my predictions still, but here is your Berger Fix with how he sees 'em!

Howard Berger
Fan 590 Toronto

As yours truly wraps up a wonderful five-week summer hiatus here in Los Angeles, and returns to Toronto to prepare for training camp, I’ve been asked by several e-mailers to go way out on a limb and predict how the coming season will unfold, from beginning to end. It’s a perilous undertaking, let me tell you, and it won’t be possible to keep the masses content. “Leaf Fan”, for example, (and there is no comparable creature anywhere on earth) will lunge for the Prozac, wondering how in the Lord’s name the losses of wingers Gary Roberts, Joe Nieuwendyk, Alexander Mogilny and Owen Nolan, and defenseman Brian Leetch, could remove the Beloveds from 100-point territory. Blasphemous is a suggestion that Toronto will not accumulate 90 points, and a prediction of less than 80 (like this one) is worthy of the electric chair.

Prepare the voltage, I say! Permit me one last conversation with my children, and lavish me with a voluminous Chinese spread (“Sea-Hi” or “Lichee Garden” in Toronto…or “Yang Chow” in Los Angeles will do). Then, put me face-to-face with… “Leaf Fan”.

The crystal ball (dusty as it may be) says here that Toronto, Colorado, St. Louis and San Jose will experience the biggest point decreases from the 2003-04 season, and that Pittsburgh, Anaheim and Chicago will rise majestically. The Penguins, in fact, will go from a 58-point season to deep into the Conference semifinals. As a testament to the new salary-cap universe, two of the four teams standing in the Conference finals will hail from north of the border. And, Vancouver will become the first Canuck… oops, Canadian squad to cop the Holy Grail since Montreal, in 1993.

Here, then, is the whole shootin’ match, from top to bottom. If business takes you to Fiji for the winter; if your home is not equipped to receive the Outdoor Life Network; should the CBC strike give you arena P.A. announcers all season, or if your Internet service craps out as frequently as mine does… have no fear. Simply print out a copy of the following summation, and attend to other matters. Your 2005-06 NHL season is safely in my hands.

Predictions include: Points For This Season/Points From 2003-04.

EASTERN CONFERENCE WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Philadelphia 108/101 1. Vancouver 112/101

2. Tampa Bay 104/106 2. Detroit 104/109

3. Ottawa 102/102 3. Anaheim 94/76

4. New Jersey 100/100 4. Calgary 102/94

5. Pittsburgh 96/58 5. Edmonton 98/89

6. Boston 94/104 6. Nashville 90/91

7. N.Y. Islanders 92/91 7. Chicago 88/59

8. Montreal 88/93 8. San Jose 84/104

9. Florida 82/75 9. Dallas 82/97

10. Toronto 76/103 10. Los Angeles 80/81

11. Atlanta 74/78 11. Columbus 74/62

12. Carolina 72/76 12. Colorado 72/100

13. N.Y. Rangers 68/69 13. Minnesota 70/83

14. Washington 62/59 14. Phoenix 66/68

15. Buffalo 60/85 15. St. Louis 64/91

PLAYOFFS—CONFERENCE QUARTERFINALS

PHILADELPHIA vs. Montreal (Flyers in 5) VANCOUVER vs. San Jose (Canucks in 5)

TAMPA BAY vs. N.Y. Islanders (Lightning in 7) DETROIT vs. Chicago (Red Wings in 7)

OTTAWA vs. Boston (Senators in 5) ANAHEIM vs. Nashville (Mighty Ducks in 6)

NEW JERSEY vs. Pittsburgh (Penguins in 6) CALGARY vs. Edmonton (Flames in 7)

PLAYOFFS—CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS

PHILADELPHIA vs. Pittsburgh (Flyers in 6) VANCOUVER vs. Calgary (Canucks in 6)

TAMPA BAY vs. Ottawa (Senators in 7) DETROIT vs. Anaheim (Red Wings in 7)

PLAYOFFS—CONFERENCE FINALS

PHILADELPHIA vs. Ottawa (Flyers in 6) VANCOUVER vs. Detroit (Canucks in 7)

STANLEY CUP FINAL—

VANCOUVER vs. Philadelphia (Canucks in 7)

The Top Ten UFA's Left

2005-08-21T09:54:00.000-04:00

As the Free Agent Frenzy winds down there are still a few gems out there and here's what I am hearing…

The Top Ten UFAs Left.

#10- Stephane Quintal-A very good defenseman that we haven't heard much about at all lately. A great leader that can dish out some serious hits still at 37. Speed is an issue in the new NHL, but some young teams who need leadership are interested. Nashville (2E) and Anaheim (1E)

#9-Lyle Odelein- Similar To Quintal, except a bit better outlet passer. Hearing the Keenan wants him (2E)

#8-Scott Lachance- Hearing that this is the last UFA Toronto will sign. (3E)

#7-Bryan Marchment-A stay-at-home guy with great leadership qualities. Could go wherever Quintal does not go to, but I haven't heard any specific rumors. Not much offense in his game

#6- Scott Young- Another great leader with tons of experience…I have heard Boston (E1) and Buffalo (E1).

#5-Brian Savage- I am hearing if Montreal doesn't get Selanne they will sign Savage. (2E) There are other teams looking at him as well, but I haven't been able to pin anything down.

#4-Vincent Damphousse- Another guy who would like to (and should) end his career in Montreal. I have also heard the Pens are considering him (E2). As are the Ducks (E1)

#3-Dave Andreychuk-You would think that after Marty is done in Tampa, they would try to bring him back. However that is not a foregone conclusion, and the Sabres have expressed interest in bringing him back (E1)…see a trend here? Some of the older FAs are interested in finishing their careers where they started.

#2-Teemu Selanne-A lot of talk about him. Montreal (E3), Atlanta (E2), St. Louis (E3), San Jose (E2), Chicago (E1).

#1-Peter Bondra-It is down to four teams. Uncertain as to exactly what the Final Four is. Atlanta, Philly, Detroit, and Washington are my guess. Toronto and LA, and the NYR have been involved as well…all these from very good sources. This is a case of where Peter wants to go. A decision should come soon. Very tough to handicap this one.

Quick Recap on the E-System...The more E's the more sources....

Your Saturday Berger Fix

2005-08-20T09:15:00.000-04:00

Quick Hockeybuzz.com and podcasting update. We are recording the first few podcasts this morning..they will be available shortly for your enjoyment. Also, we have been pretty much working round the clock on hockeybuzz.com as we prepare for the Sept 15th Launch date....there are still a few, very limited, advertising opportunities if you have a business that wants to get in front of the hockey world. email pelle@eklundshockeyreport.com, and I'll pass you along to our sales dept.

Now here's the latest from the man himself!

GIVE OLN A CHANCE

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590, Toronto

The National Hockey League’s rejection by ESPN and adoption by the Outdoor Life Network [OLN] may seem discouraging, as ESPN has long been the worldwide leader in sports broadcasting. Clearly, engaging in a rights-holder agreement with the cable colossus generates a level of prestige for any amateur or professional league, as the NFL and Major League Baseball will surely attest. But, none of that matters for hockey… nor should it.

As a critical factor, the connotation of being part of ESPN’s family did not apply to the NHL. Casual sports fans obviously were not drawn to hockey telecasts, simply because they were shown on ESPN or ESPN-2. There are any number of reasons why, and the root of the issue likely dates to its origin in the mid-1960s, when the NHL chose to double its membership in order to attract nationwide TV affluence in the U.S. Expanding westward, beyond Chicago – particularly into populace California – was thought to be the path of fortune for the league, both financially and in terms of awareness and popularity. Regrettably, the strategy did not work back then, nor has it panned out in the interim. Professional hockey – despite the commendable efforts of many people – has almost always been a regional, or niche sport in the U.S., and will likely remain as such. On only one occasion did the sport threaten to infiltrate a larger segment of the American viewing public... when the New York Rangers ended their 54-year Stanley Cup drought in 1994 by knocking off Vancouver in a scintillating Final. But, the league, itself, destroyed whatever momentum had developed by shutting down for business at the start of the following season and the NHL as a nationwide TV property has never recovered from that damaging, 103-day lockout.

Others will suggest that the monotony of watching hockey in the so-called “dead puck era” was primarily responsible for the declining TV numbers. I’m not sure I subscribe to that theory, simply because the NHL wasn’t threatening to overtake football, baseball or basketball as a viewing commodity during the splendor of the 1980s, when Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Mario Lemieux, Peter Stastny, Denis Savard and other puck wizards gave us a thrilling, wide-open spectacle every night. Some will say that the NHL’s unwillingness to ban fighting caused sports viewers to observe the game as they do wrestling or roller derby… as a put-on, or a sham. Still others contend that hockey is simply not understood in far too many areas of the U.S., and this is where I tend to lean. Baseball, basketball and football are played and watched in all corners of the country, and at all levels (high school, college, minor-pro). Hockey has forever been seen as a provincial sport, played in the northernmost regions where the climate allows for winter-like pursuits. It has never been even remotely allied with popular, every day activities in places like New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Wyoming, Nebraska – States that routinely identify with the other major pro sports. And the league has not yet made strong enough inroads in areas relatively new to the game – Arizona, Florida and the Carolinas.

As a result, the NHL’s affiliation with ESPN was never much of a factor. And that’s why I believe that the new partnership with Comcast/OLN will be more than adequate. Times have changed in the past 35 years, but the concept of NFL games in prime time – routine today – was scoffed at prior to the advent of ABC’s Monday Night Football (in 1970). What fledgling ABC did (and what powerful NBC and CBS were unwilling to try) was make football the centerpiece of a larger entertainment package. It was the first network to utilize a three-man broadcast crew, and the actual games often played second-fiddle to the shenanigans in the TV booth of Frank Gifford, Don Meredith and Howard Cosell. ABC made football seem like a priority, and not just another three-hour endeavor. Within five years, the once-nonsensical concept of evening football became the No. 1-rated prime time television show in the U.S. Hockey, I believe, has a grand opportunity right now, particularly if the rules to be introduced this season serve to make the game more appealing.

If Comcast/OLN adopts the NHL as its pet-project, the way ABC adopted football in 1970, the possibilities are immense. And that’s not to suggest that ESPN turned out a second-rate hockey telecast. Everything about the production was top-notch, from the camera-work, the graphics, and, of course, the on-air personalities. Its ownership affiliation with ABC brought hockey viewers instantly recognizable figures like Al Michaels and Chris Berman for Stanley Cup telecasts. But, there was always the feeling – justifiable or not – that hockey was little more than a time-filler for ESPN. I would watch regulars Gary Thorne, Mike Emerick, Bill Clement, John Saunders, John Buccigross and Barry Melrose, and often feel for them, knowing that their best efforts were not generating large audiences. In my country, the likes of Ron MacLean, Don Cherry, Bob Cole and Harry Neale had no such problem. I remember flying with Saunders – who once worked in my home-town, Toronto – while I covered the 2004 Western Conference Final between San Jose and Calgary. Normally a jovial sort, John seemed particularly forlorn on this occasion, and not in the mood to chat. Figuring he might be dealing with a personal issue, I respected his disposition. During the ensuing flight, however, I was reading USA TODAY when I came upon a story by sports-TV columnist Rudy Martzke that suggested ESPN’s hockey telecasts were lagging behind championship arm-wrestling in the ratings. And I quickly realized how bummed out I’d be in Saunders’ position.

Thorne, Emerick, Clement, Saunders, Buccigross and Melrose are consummate professionals, who gave their best for the sport on ESPN. I’m hoping they all get the chance to continue their pursuits with Comcast/OLN. And if the network quickly leaves the impression that hockey is its No. 1 property, perhaps that mentality alone will help to attract larger audiences. The league must step up and find a way to market its personalities the way NASCAR has promoted its drivers. And the game itself certainly has to become more of a spectacle than it’s been in recent years. It isn’t realistic to expect hockey will usurp the other major pro sports, or even pull alongside any of them. But the game, as a TV entity, has the potential to grow far beyond its current boundaries. If you’re a fan, give Comcast/OLN a big chance, and disregard the meaningless connotation of the NHL no longer being a part of ESPN. Both parties can do without the other.

E-mail comments to howard.berger@rci.rogers.com.

Bondra and Philly

2005-08-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

Bondra to Philly rumors heat up.

Bondra is in the over 35 category that allows a team to sign him and put incentives into the deal that would allow the Flyers to go over the cap. According to the new CBA a team can go 7.5% over the cap and not be penalized in such an instance. Therefore a guy like Bondra could sign for 1.5M and collect incentives close to 3M more.

Doing some research on Bondra as a goal scorer shows some very interesting figures. In the last three years he has scored more goals than the following comparable players. Palffy, Kovalev, Satan, Demitra, and Kariya. And in that period of time Peter hasn't played with a true premier center. In Philly he would have his pick of Forsberg, Carter, Primeau, and Richards, and be only a 90 minute drive from his home in Maryland.

This is a rumor and it makes a great deal of sense.

Radio Appearances Today

2005-08-19T13:55:00.000-04:00

I will be doing two radio stops this afternoon...first at Team1200 in Ottawa at 4:45 ET with Gord Wilson, Then on FAN960 In Calgary at 7pm ET with Rob Kerr.

Dovgan

2005-08-19T13:44:00.000-04:00

From a source, "The Caps' ineligible draft pick Viktor Dovgan is going to be accepted by NHL Central Registry. 6-2, 200 D, two seasons with CSKA-2 in Russia-3. Born Feb.27, 1987, not Dec.29,1987, making him eligible for 2005 selection.

Back to your regularly scheduled rumors

2005-08-19T12:13:00.000-04:00

GOOD DAY HOCKEY WORLD!

Peter Bondra.

Word is that he is coming close to a decision. A source has told me that Peter will visit the cities he's talking to and that the area he and his family live in is a major factor to him. Peter still has a home in the Maryland area and that has led to speculation that he could return to the team that he has spent most of his career with, the Caps. It has also continued to lead to speculation that the Flyers may move someone to bring him in. The Flyers may be in real need of scoring help from the wing.

Selanne.

So hard to read this one. His wife reportedly in a recent FInnish paper stated that they may be moving to the east coast for the first time. There continues to be speculation that Koivu has been pushing Montreal to consider his fellow Finn...(or is it fin) Rumors from friend in Colorado still point to St Louis. However Atlanta and Florida are still factors

One agent lent this interesting perspective last night. "With Comcast now holding the National TV rights some players are saying the Flyers may be a more attractive team to come to. The feeling is that Comcast may put the Flyers on the air more than others."

As far as the OLN Broadcast Team goes, many names are currently getting thrown around. I have heard Bill Clement will be a part of it for certain and that Barry Melrose is a good possibility as well. The
play-by-play positions are being widely speculated on. Mike “Doc” Emrick, who is one of the best people in hockey, looks to be the guy who will cover the Monday Night Games (OLN's Hockey Night in America). For the other OLN games the play-by-play guys are still being determined.

Living in Philadelphia, as I do, I would think an intriguing name and a good fit would be Jim Jackson, the Flyers play-by-play man who stepped into the legend Gene Hart's spot a few years back, filling the shoes more than admirably. Jim has been a regular host on Philly's Sports Talk Radio station WIP during the lockout.

We will be holding an Insider chat at 3pm and a chat for the common folk :) at 4pm with a Q & A session...Insiders check your emails for a password this afternoon...to become an insider and a season ticket holder, see the column to the left of the blog and click on the "Buy Now" button.

fin

A Berger Fix

2005-08-18T20:42:00.000-04:00

AN EARLY PEEK AT RESULTS OF THE FRENZIED SUMMER OF 2005

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

As August slowly winds towards September, and the start of NHL training camps for the first time in two years, the frivolous custom of predicting how teams might fare is gripping hockey fans from coast to coast.

And, why not? Forecasting is a harmless, amusing exercise that heralds the onset of every professional sports campaign – spawning much debate and contention. It is almost always colored by bias and partiality, and it frequently bears little resemblance to the end result. But, it’s a load of fun, nonetheless. In the summer of 2005, forecasting should be a delightful pursuit for fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Phoenix Coyotes – teams that were functional and creative in the free agent lottery. It is less so for followers of the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and St. Louis Blues, all of whom appear to have lost depth at key positions.

The team I follow, the Maple Leafs, is in a crisis at the moment for quality wingers. Coach Pat Quinn has indicated he will start the regular season by using his top three forwards – Mats Sundin, Eric Lindros and Jason Allison – at their natural centre-ice position, leaving the club perilously thin along the flanks. Having lost Gary Roberts, Owen Nolan, Alexander Mogilny and Joe Nieuwendyk (a center who often played the wing) from the 2003-04 squad, the Leafs are currently banking on a group of wingers that sorely lacks scoring punch.

While anything can happen moving forward, there is no escaping the fact that the nine wingers the Leafs list on their depth chart (Darcy Tucker, Jeff O’Neill, Alex Ponikarovsky, Tie Domi, Chad Kilger, Nik Antropov, Clarke Wilm, Wade Belak and Nathan Perrott) combined to score 69 goals in ’03-04. That’s an average of less than eight per man. Mogilny had eight, by himself, in only 37 games. And the total of 69 among the current group was attained by the threesome of Roberts (28), Nieuwendyk (22) and Nolan (19).

Quinn will likely discover in short order that he must shift one of his centers to the wing, but that will obviously detract from his depth up the middle. So, unless general manager John Ferguson pulls off a trade to acquire a scoring winger, or to create extra cap space, the Leafs and their fans are left with nothing but hope.

Hope that Tucker, if utilized in a scoring role, can regain the offensive creativity he had as a Junior in Kamloops. Hope that O’Neill can stay healthy and threaten the 40-goal mark. Hope that Domi can have a career year like he did with 15 goals in ’02-03. Hope than Ponikarovsky and Antropov can finally graduate beyond mediocrity. And hope that Kilger, Wilm, Belak and Perrott can score at levels that prove they do not belong in the American Hockey League, where they’d reside on any contending team with forward depth.

Those who suggest the Leafs will derive immediate benefit from rookies Alexander Steen and Kyle Wellwood are the most hopeful of all, given the club’s appalling history of player development. It can easily be argued that the Leafs have not cultivated a star performer since they chose Wendel Clark first overall in the 1985 NHL draft -- two years before Sidney Crosby was born. Defenseman Tomas Kaberle has been a surprise player considering his draft position – 204th overall in 1996. But, it’s more than a stretch to call Kaberle a star.

Legitimate hope for the Leafs evolves around second-year center Matt Stajan, who performed very well in his rookie campaign, but who Quinn did not have enough confidence in to dress during the ’04 playoffs.

On the flip side, hockey fans in western Canada could be in for the grandest season ever. It is my opinion that any of the Flames, Oilers or Canucks could easily represent the Western Conference in the 2006 Stanley Cup Final. All three teams have done a terrific job since the player market re-opened on Aug. 1.

The Flames, defending Western champions, re-signed Jarome Iginla, and added character and scoring punch by inking Darren McCarty and Tony Amonte. In McCarty, they also added the intangibles of a multiple Stanley Cup winner. If goalie Miikka Kiprusoff can play at anywhere close to his ’03-04 level, Calgary will be tough to beat once again. The Oilers – already a fast, entertaining club – made superb additions in Chris Pronger and Michael Peca. A defenseman of Pronger’s caliber rarely comes available. The entire Edmonton team will be able to rally around his size, experience and savvy. Peca has simply been one of the most reliable players in the league over the past decade. The Canucks are the most talented of the three western teams, and they enhanced their scoring ability by signing free agent Anson Carter. Re-upping with Markus Naslund was obviously the key off-season move, and Vancouver will clearly benefit from the return of Todd Bertuzzi. As always, however, the Canucks’ capacity to go deep in the playoffs will largely depend on re-signed goaltender Dan Cloutier, who has yet to overachieve in the springtime.

Exceptional work by GMs Darryl Sutter, Kevin Lowe and David Nonis will make the scramble for positioning in the Northwest Division a continuous highlight in 2005-06, augmented by the western-Canadian teams facing each other eight times. Should be a blast to watch.

Elsewhere in Canada, the Ottawa Senators made their big splash prior to the lockout when they acquired goalie Dominik Hasek. Clutch netminding has clearly been the missing ingredient for the multi-talented Ottawa teams in recent years. When Patrick Lalime – now in St. Louis – played his best hockey for the Sens, they came within five minutes of making it to the 2003 Stanley Cup Final. Lalime, however, fell apart in the seventh and deciding match of a playoff round against Toronto in ’04, and Ottawa dropped a series it dominated for all but four periods. If Hasek hasn’t lost anything significant during the NHL’s absence, the Senators will continue to be a handful for any opponent.

In Montreal, fans were buoyed by the Canadiens’ stirring comeback from a 3-1 series deficit against Boston in the ’04 playoffs. But, it’s my belief that Montreal and Toronto are a large step behind the other Canadian teams.

On paper, the State of Pennsylvania is riding high into the new season. Bob Clarke can be a curmudgeon at times, but give the Flyers’ GM loads of credit for positioning his cap-heavy team well enough to add mega players Peter Forsberg and Derian Hatcher, along with the underrated and steady Mike Rathje. Like Vancouver, the Flyers’ fate rests with goaltender Robert Esche graduating to a higher level in the playoffs, but keep an eye on rookie Finnish goalie Antero Niittymaki, who led the Flyers’ AHL farm team – the Philly Phantoms – to the ’05 Calder Cup title.

In western Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Penguins have undergone an eye-popping makeover with the addition of rookie phenom Crosby, along with accomplished veterans Sergei Gonchar, Ziggy Palffy, John Leclair and Jocelyn Thibault. The Penguins – minus these players – were one of the NHL’s lowest-ranked teams in 2003-04, but many people forget the improvement they showed in the final stages of the season, winning 12 and losing only five of their last 19 games. Defenseman Ric Jackman was absolutely lost while playing in Toronto (he had a poor relationship with Leafs’ assistant/defense coach Rick Ley), but his offensive talents flourished in Pittsburgh after being traded for veteran Drake Berehowsky – long gone, now, from the Blue and White. In 25 games with the Penguins, Jackman struck for 24 points, including six powerplay goals. If Mario Lemieux’s body can somehow hold together for much of the coming season, there’s no telling how improved the Penguins might be.

The best off-season signing of all was made by Brian Burke – Anaheim’s new GM – who lured defenseman Scott Niederemayer away from the New Jersey Devils. As with Pronger in Edmonton, the Mighty Ducks will be able to build much of their team around Niedermayer -- the defending Norris Trophy winner, and a multiple champion at all levels of the game (not to mention his character as a person). When coupled with the Los Angeles Kings’ acquisition of outspoken and talented Jeremy Roenick, southern California should be a hockey hot-spot this winter.

Even the moribund Chicago Blackhawks – who haven’t won a Stanley Cup since the days of black-and-white television – came alive in the marketplace, pilfering Cup-winning goalie Nikoali Khabibulin from Tampa Bay, while adding veterans Adrian Aucoin and Martin Lapointe to a up-and-coming group that features Tyler Arnason and Kyle Calder. There could be reason for a few more backsides in the seats at the United Center this season.

Phoenix has some big-time improving to do, but it should be a fun place to watch hockey this winter with Wayne Gretzky behind the bench, and newly signed Curtis Joseph in goal.

Red flags have risen in Buffalo, St. Louis and Denver. The Sabres – already talent-thin throughout – suffered huge free agent losses in Alexi Zhitnik and Miro Satan, both of whom defected to the Islanders (a potential darkhorse in the East). Buffalo did recoup, somewhat, by adding classy defenseman Teppo Numminen from Dallas. The Blues cannot possibly replace, in one season, what Pronger meant to them. It was only a few years ago that Pronger and Al MacInnis gave St. Louis one of the most multi-faceted defense pairings in the NHL.

And, considering Colorado’s lofty status in the past decade (two Stanley Cups), how quickly can the Avalanche rebound from losing stalwarts Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote?

So, given the fact that predictions are both perilous and harmless, my late-summer pick for the ’06 Stanley Cup Final is… Philadelphia vs. Vancouver.

A Brand New Day

2005-08-18T07:21:00.000-04:00

Way back when I wrote a blog about the NHL and how I was thrilled they didn't accept ESPN's pity bid of 30M for this year. I got pretty crazy in that post, but I was upset by the many people I was talking to around the league who thought the loss of ESPN was the death of hockey. I thought we should think more of ourselves. We have an awesome "bleeping" sport! Remember?

Well this morning we wake up with a new home of the NHL. A company that will treat us with the respect we deserve. Finally the NHL will get the "A" Treatment. Before I go any further. let me say this. The folks at ESPN who put on hockey did a phenomenal job. John Buccigross is one of my favorite people. Melrose, Pito, Ferraro(even if he does think I'm a fraud), Hradek (apparently not a fan either), Pang, Erin, Thorne, Clement, and the crews...they really did an outstanding job. But they themselves would tell you it was always a battle. NHL2-NIGHT was a great example. ESPN2 thought there were better things to put on at 11:30 at night. And on how many sportcenters did we hear the passive-aggressive digs against the sport?....you quickly realize the NHL was waaaay down the priority list..

But today is a brand new day. Comcast loves hockey. They own a team (the Flyers) for crying out loud. The people there... are hockey people. They are in Philadelphia...a killer hockey town. And they didn't throw 30M at the NHL for a single season. They threw 200M for three seasons with incentives to be more money. These are progressive people. These aren't people who throw money around lightly. They see what is happening. They see a sport about to explode. Exciting new stars coming with new rules and a cost certainty that adds stability and enables teams to be competitive everywhere.

A great example of what they are doing is that they are bringing the NHL Network to the states as part of this deal. And they will have pay-per-view games along with the Center Ice Package. They will also broadcast streaming games on the internet. All progressive moves. "Hipper" moves. This is more like it.. This is what this great sport deserves...

E S P NO

2005-08-18T04:55:00.000-04:00

I am up for the 4am feeding...the child actually slept 7 hours...I ran into his bedroom an hour ago to see if he was breathing...anyone relate? My wife actually gets more sleep since she hurt her leg....I on the other hand get 3 -4 hours a night, maybe...Anyway, I saw that ESPN did not match the Comcast bid. More on this when I a bit more coherent in a few hours...

ESPN

2005-08-17T22:01:00.000-04:00

As the deadline of midnight tonight approaches for ESPN to match the offer, there is an interesting twist. Mark Shapiro, Executive Vice President, Programming and Production, announced today he will be leaving ESPN to become CEO of Red Zone LLC as of October 1. What does it mean when one of the key people who is making the decision as to whether or not to match the OLN offer is leaving?

Berger Fix...hockeybuzz coming along.....

2005-08-17T19:41:00.000-04:00

Thank God for Howard Berger! I am out of my mind swamped these days...I am going crazy putting the finishing touches on the website and podcasting...The Fantasy Game is coming along amazingly well! I am entrenched in busy work etc...REMEMBER www.hockeybuzz.com is launching September 15. Howard will be a daily part of it along with other writers, players, agents, and media celebrities..the best of the best hockey has to offer...I am so fired up about it...we will be the most entertaining hockey place to kill some time!

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

I’ve had an overwhelming response through e-mails to the opinions I expressed on this site about the saga involving Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore. The vast majority of the messages were eloquent and full of emotion, as you might imagine. Sentiments were somewhat mixed, though slightly in favor of my stance that Bertuzzi is entitled to a second chance – from the NHL and from Steve Moore.

If there was confusion, it resulted from combining the aforementioned. A common thread seemed to be that Bertuzzi is not worthy of forgiveness from Moore because he didn’t serve a long enough suspension. Though I disagree with both, there is obvious merit to each argument. It remains my opinion, however, that they are separate issues. Bertuzzi has been so richly vilified primarily because of the injury Moore suffered. And, that’s understandable. A broken neck is not an ailment that many of us associate with hockey, as innately violent as the game can be.

It is my contention – however crass – that if Moore had somehow escaped serious injury (the result of almost every on-ice rhubarb), the incident would have been quickly lost in the maelstrom of combat that envelopes hockey on a nightly basis. I’m not saying I agree with that mentality, any more than I believe it’s acceptable that a baseball pitcher retaliates for a teammate being hit, by plunking an opposing player in the ribs with a fastball. But, the mentality is what it is. Hockey is a violent sport, fights occur (sometimes escalating into larger disputes), and we seem to watch with bemusement one night, before tuning in to another game the following night. That’s the usual pattern, anyway.

I’m old enough to remember the NHL of 30 years ago, when Bertuzzi-like incidents were sadly commonplace. The Philadelphia Flyers of the mid-1970s – “Broad Street Bullies” as they were known – used intimidation tactics as matter-of-factly as teams currently deploy the neutral-zone trap. With the slightest provocation, they would routinely surround cowering opponents like a pack of hungry wolves. On many nights, they did the provoking themselves. The results are evident to this day in the penalty totals of players like Dave Schultz, Bob Kelly, Don Saleski, Andre (Moose) Dupont and Jack McIlhargey. Before the Flyers emerged as a force in the league, the late-‘60s Boston Bruins of Derek Sanderson, Ted Green, Wayne Cashman, John McKenzie et al (a.k.a. the “Big Bad Bruins”) similarly pushed the envelope.

I have vague, but lingering memories of being at Maple Leaf Gardens as a nine-year-old in March, 1968, when the Flyers played a “home” game against the Bruins, several days after high winds had damaged the roof of the Philadelphia Spectrum. And I remember the gasps of horror from about 10,000 fans when Flyers’ defenseman Larry (Rock) Zeidel and Bruins’ pest Eddie Shack cut themselves to shreds about the face and neck in a stunning, stick-swinging battle that began in the centre-ice area and continued down the boards to the back of the south-end goal. Zeidel’s orange jersey and Shack’s white Boston uniform with the yellow piping on the shoulders were both drenched in blood.

What was missing in that brutal era of hockey was a broken neck. That’s what distinguished the Bertuzzi-Moore incident from other examples of players and/or teams seeking revenge on opponents. And don’t dupe yourself into believing that such mentality only exists in the mind of Todd Bertuzzi. It may not be quite as prevalent as it was in the pre-expansion era (before 1967), when teams played one another 14 times a season. But, the NHL of 2005-06 might have to keep an eye on the pattern re-developing, with divisional opponents scheduled to play eight times.

Hockey is policed in a much more sophisticated manner today than it was a generation ago, though I’ve never been a proponent of the one-man-judge-and-jury system currently in place (and that has nothing to do with Colin Campbell; I’d feel the same way with any person at the helm). The Bertuzzi-Moore episode (minus the broken neck) would not have caused even a stir in the 1970s, and would have been viewed less harshly today had Moore not suffered the serious injury.

The fact he did break a part of his neck is what created the firestorm, though it’s difficult to argue with those who contend that damage of this sort was inevitable, given hockey’s mentality. If that is why a number of you believe Bertuzzi was not properly disciplined by the NHL, I’m willing to listen. What I refuse to accept is the notion that if Bertuzzi were suspended for, say, two years, Moore would be more inclined to accept his apology. Even if that’s true, it’s apples and oranges. Moore is clearly the victim here, and I’m not trying to paint Bertuzzi with that brush. But, if Moore is rejecting Bertuzzi – as many of you suggest – because the suspension was too lenient, his anger should be directed at the NHL.

I firmly believe that Bertuzzi is genuinely horrified by the incident with Moore – again, primarily because he broke his opponent’s neck. You might say that’s irrelevant… that players should never assault an opponent from behind, regardless of the consequence, and I couldn’t agree more. Given the dire result of this incident, however, I don’t know why it’s so difficult to imagine that Bertuzzi is legitimately shaken by what happened. Wouldn’t any of us be?

It’s been pointed out that Moore is rejecting Bertuzzi’s advancements solely under advice from his civil-suit lawyers. While that may be technically true, I have never gained the impression from listening to and/or watching Moore that he has even the slightest desire to embrace the Vancouver player. If it’s all strictly about legalities, then Moore and Bertuzzi are both accomplished actors. In this case, Moore doesn’t seem at all willing to forgive -- nor has he been from the outset – and that’s clearly his prerogative.

One day – civil earnings in hand, or not – I’m hoping he’ll have a change of heart.

E-mail address is howard.berger@rci.rogers.com.

Stumpel

2005-08-17T16:40:00.000-04:00

To Florida (4E)

Chat This Evening

2005-08-17T15:53:00.000-04:00

Due to Popular demand, and many of your requests, we will hold a special chat in the main room at www.hockeychatter.com this evening at 8pm ET. See you there!

ESPN or OLN?

2005-08-17T12:43:00.000-04:00

Word is that the decision on whether or not ESPN will match Comcast and OLN is rumored to come down today. It will be a close call, as the rumored number of 100M for two years is very close to what ESPN considers their break even point for hockey based on old numbers. However, it is my belief that the new NHL will do much better numbers by putting a better product on the ice. As the day goes, if I get any info, I will pass it on.
--

Marleau

2005-08-17T12:23:00.000-04:00

From a source, "Marleau has signed a long term deal with San Jose, 3 years-12.5M" (5E) Always been a favorite of mine.

Update and the Ones That Got Away

2005-08-17T11:57:00.000-04:00

Has reportedly signed with Vancouver. Great move.

Alright here's a few that I missed terribly..not that some of you aren't quick to point these out. But I will stand up and face the music on these two...

LeClair.

After extensive talks with Boston and Toronto briefly, he signed with Pittsburgh out of the blue. Rechhi apparently had alot to do with this.

Mogilny.

I heard rumblings about NJ and did post them at one point a week ago as a possible destination, but I truly never thought that Lou would bring in this risk to a team that is dangerously close to the cap. I will say this. Of all the GMs in this league the one I respect the most, and the one the players all love the most, is Lou. He really cares about his players and always gives them a team that can win it all. So who am I to question this move?

The Cujo Story

2005-08-17T11:47:00.000-04:00

The Curtis Joseph saga yesterday was an interesting one. In the morning I received word that a deal was done. Shortly after that I got an email from one of the most reliable sources out there that had just gotten off the phone with the Coyotes saying the deal wasn't going to happen at all. Then TSN reports it is close to done. The Coyotes are very upset by the report saying that they have entered back into negotiations, because the CUJO camp has change the demands, but that it is still far from done. Then speculation surfaces that the agent may be putting out the story to drive up the price for a third party. Then Cujo is signed by the Coyotes.

Just another night in Hockey Rumor World.

It has been brought to my attention by some in the media, that I really trust and respect, that people are starting to really keep score with my rumors. One media guy suggested I start a rating system for my rumors, so to differentiate between rumors. To this point I have been basically throwing all the rumors out under the same umbrella...just rumors. My feeling is this. Unless you are the one making the signing or the one making the trade nothing is absolute until it is done. There have been some absolute rumors that haven't happened. Martin Lapointe to Ottawa is a good example.

So I have devised the following system

THE E-System

*E* Rumor- This is something from a single verified hockey source. It is something they heard about. Not something they are directly involved with in any way.

*2E* Rumor- This is a rumor similar to the first case except it has come from more than one verified sources. Again this is not from anyone involved in the actual transaction.

*3E* Rumor- This comes from someone very close to the rumor. Someone who would have knowledge. Someone from a team involved, A player who is close to a player involved, etc. These people are not the actual player or GM or Coach.

*4E* Rumor- This comes from a party who is closely involved and has told me it is getting done. They are sure of the validity of the rumor and can verify actual discussions are under way.

*5E* Rumor- The Deal is done just waiting for approval or to be announced.

CUJO to Phoenix

2005-08-16T22:34:00.000-04:00

rumored to be done deal

Manny Fernandez, and a Berger Fix

2005-08-16T21:08:00.000-04:00

From a source, "Fernandez will be traded to The Phoenix Coyotes."

Also a reader sent this in... "Just heard on the local sports station, Team 1260, here in Edmonton, and they had Scott Howson (Assistant GM of the Oilers) on and he mentioned there was a press conference tomorrow and wouldn't say what it's for." Could this be Messier? or Cujo? Stay Tuned..

Now for the Ever Popular Berger Fix

BY HOWARD BERGER

The Fan-590 Radio, Toronto

While it’s clear there are many people hugely disappointed with the NHL’s reinstatement of Todd Bertuzzi, I believe it’s time for all of us to take stock of the Vancouver Canucks’ forward as objectively as possible.

This is not, in any way, an attempt to justify or explain Bertuzzi’s actions in that game against Colorado almost a year-and-a-half ago. By all appearances, it was a cowardly, premeditated attack from behind on Steve Moore that would have been deemed criminal in any other walk of life. The resulting anger and resentment from Moore towards Bertuzzi – given Moore’s severe injury -- seemed entirely justified, and the NHL acted swiftly and properly with an indefinite suspension of the offending player.

What I find myself struggling with right now, however, is why Bertuzzi seems unworthy of forgiveness. And why there is such innate skepticism in the hockey world that people cannot listen to what Bertuzzi is saying, and take him at face value. I don’t know Todd Bertuzzi, so I can’t pass any judgment on the type of individual he is. I would never do such a thing, anyway, based solely on what others feel about him. I judge people in my life strictly on the manner in which they interact with me. Even that may not truthfully reflect someone’s character, but I feel it’s the best any of us can do.

As such, I can only observe from a distance the caustic reaction to Bertuzzi, and try to understand why he seems to have no allies. To me, it doesn’t compute. As I read and listen to Bertuzzi’s words of contrition this week from Vancouver, I hear a man who appears to fully comprehend the heinous nature of his crime, but one who also understands – logically and intellectually – that there is nothing he can do to reverse what actually happened. Given the months that have passed, why can’t the overwhelming majority of us accept his apology on a level? What else can Bertuzzi possibly do to convince others that he has come to truly disdain his attack on Moore?

Perhaps it simply lies in the hearts of each person, and whether or not we – as individuals – have a forgiving nature. I believe that forgiveness is one of the most eminent virtues we can possess. Not in the absence of anger, and certainly not before the reasonable passage of time. But, ultimately, it’s something we should all be open to.

Why was just about everyone in the hockey world so overwhelmingly touched by the manner in which Dan Snyder’s parents reached out to Dany Heatley, after Heatley had accidentally killed their son? Ask yourself as a parent: If that had been your child in the passenger seat next to Heatley, would you have been so automatically willing to embrace the guilty party? I don’t believe, for a moment, that Mr. and Mrs. Snyder reacted the way they did solely because their son was a close friend of Heatley’s, or because Heatley clearly did not premeditate his act. I think it speaks, more so, to a truly wonderful and natural inclination the Snyders have in their hearts towards forgiveness. And I believe that’s why all of us who watched the saga unfold fell in love with these two remarkable people.

One of the most dastardly and notorious acts in hockey history occurred back in 1933, when Boston Bruins’ defenseman Eddie Shore ran at Maple Leafs’ counterpart Irvin (Ace) Bailey from behind, dumping the defenseless Bailey on his head in the Boston Garden and causing a brain injury that almost killed the Toronto player. Yet, once Bailey recovered, he embraced Shore at a hockey benefit in Maple Leaf Gardens that served as the forerunner to the annual All-Star game. Despite having his terrific career cut short by an inexcusable act, Bailey told Shore to forget it, and move on with his life. Was there nothing noble about that?

Whether or not you were fond of the late Pope John Paul II, did he not go beyond even his own capacity for forgiveness by meeting in jail with the fanatic who tried to assassinate him at the Vatican in 1981? Though he was clearly the purveyor of God’s work, would any of us have resented the Pope for stopping short of greeting Mehmet Ali Agca face-to-face?

On a less significant scale, don’t we all marvel at the way hockey players line up to shake hands and embrace one another after going to war during a seven-game playoff series? Or the way professional boxers fall into each other’s arms after 15 rounds of trying to beat each other senseless?

What I’m getting at is the fact that I think it’s natural to forgive, even in the most dreadful of circumstances. As such, I cannot identify with Steve Moore’s reluctance to at least meet with Bertuzzi; to look into the man’s eyes in a genuine, one-on-one setting and hear what he has to say. And I can understand Bertuzzi’s frustration at not being able to relay his emotions in such a manner.

That’s because I accept Bertuzzi at face-value when he conveys to the media how terribly he feels for Steve Moore, and how he wishes he could somehow reverse what happened at GM Place the night of the incident. Why wouldn’t a human being feel that way? I also have long been of the mind that Bertuzzi was the front man for an attack on Moore that was implicitly endorsed by the Vancouver club, and that coach Marc Crawford should be equally culpable. That’s not to condone Bertuzzi’s deed, in any way. I just don’t think he was acting independently.

I do believe, however, that he’s proceeding very much on his own in trying to appeal to Moore. Outwardly, he has nothing tangible to gain from seeking exoneration from the Colorado player; it was never identified as a condition for reinstatement by the league. Nor do I endorse the notion that Bertuzzi should not play until, or unless, Moore is fit to return. If adopted as a rule, that standard would then have to apply to every injury-absence that results from playing the game, even if caused by accepted practice (i.e. a clean body check). A front-line player, for instance, could cause injury to the fourth-line thug of a divisional rival and not be eligible to return until the thug has “recovered”. Imagine how gleefully a team would hold a part-timer out of the line-up if it knew it would prevent a superstar like Peter Forsberg, Scott Niedermayer or Chris Pronger from being reinstated. That’s no way to police the game.

To me, Todd Bertuzzi has done his time – under suspension, and in the court of public opinion. Though it disappointed me the way the league slid through his reinstatement on the same day Wayne Gretzky was announced as coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, it was not the improper thing to do.

Bertuzzi deserves a second chance.

E-mail your comments to howard.berger@rci.rogers.com.

Cujo and Messier

2005-08-16T18:03:00.000-04:00

according to a source, "The Coyotes are not interested in CUJO."

also two other sources report that Messier may sign a one year deal with the Oilers in the next day or so.

IIHF DEAL DONE- RUMOR

2005-08-16T12:08:00.000-04:00

According to a source. A Two Year deal. 200,000 Flat Rate per player. Czechs are in but the Russians are out. So the Russians haven't signed this deal. Not sure of all the implications, but this apparently means that if the Penguins are going to get Malkin they are going to have to negotiate individually, and this means Jagr can go over and play in Russia and breach his contract. However, if a player is to leave Russia and come over to play the Russians would have to come over here and sue.

More details as they happen.

Your Tuesday Hockey Rumours

2005-08-16T08:43:00.000-04:00

Scott Lachance is likely to be signing with the Leafs soon. Anson Carter talks appear to have stalled a bit. Buffalo is inquiring about Carter.

Curtis Joseph is contemplating an offer from the Coyotes, and may sign as early as today.

Rem Murray, forced to leave hockey due to bizarre neck condition, has recovered after extensive treatments, and is ready to return to the NHL. The one time 20 goal scorer has hired on agent Tom Laidlaw.

Wade Redden is rumored to be on the move via trade.

Rumors still abound regarding Selanne and the Montreal Canadians. A source said to me, "He was waiting to be assured that Koivu was staying. Now that Saku has signed, you can add the HAbs to the list again." That list also includes, Atlanta and St. Louis.

There are rumors that the Flyers may be moving Handzus to free up cap space to possibly sign Bondra. The Flyers, deep enough for two teams at center, feel they need to grab a scoring winger.

The Bruins are talking to Curtis Leschyshyn about his services..

stay tuned...today has some potential on the trade front...