Eastern Conference Preseason Analysis:
As another season begins, let us take a look at how the Eastern Conference teams have prepared themselves for TFHL season 19.
Bobcats:
Offense: The Bobcats have performed consistently well over the past several seasons, including capturing the conference title two years in a row. Naslund and Artemenkov should be key players in the Bobcat offense but don't could out other players like Samsonov, Kolanos and Ellison. They have a lot of depth and they have proven that they know how to use that depth effectively.
Grade: A-
Defense: This team has a very solid defense led by Sergei Gonchar. This team may very well have the best defense in the conference and expect them to make it difficult for other teams to get the puck past Nabokov.
Grade: A-
Goaltending: Nabokov should give them the confidence this team requires in the net and the free agency signing of Hnilicka has given them a compentent backup for the season.
Grade: B+
Overall Grade: A-
Saints:
Offense: The Saints have built themselves up to be an offensive powerhouse. Having several of the top goal scorers from last season, it is pretty safe to assume that they will once again cause sunburns to appear on the backs of the necks of rival goaltenders. Higgins will once again lead the team's offense but he will have the assistance of Kovalchuk, Paille, Arnott and many others.
Grade: A
Defense: The Saints' powerful offense has caused a weak spot in their defense. While Baranka, Ballard and Rozakov will be strong on the blueline, they will have difficulty when they are not on the ice.
Grade: B-
Goaltending: Rask has developed into a solid goaltender and should give the Saint's the security they need in the net to be be successful.
Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B+
Ignite:
Offense: Do I have to say it? Jerome Iginla. Look to him to be the star and leader of this team once again. While this team has other talent, the Ignite will have to rely heavily on Iginla's performance. Tambellini, Allison and Desautels will also have to play well, but all in all, this team's offense is in pretty good shape.
Grade: B+
Defense: The Ignite defense is fairly well rounded and balanced, but it lacks a clear leader. Will Gauthier, Orpik or Goc be able to step up to fill that role?
Grade: B-
Goaltending: Fleury is a good goalie that should be able to save the defense when necessary. If Fleury can play at the top of his game, this team should have no problem winning their fair share of games. Hopefully, Enroth will be able to save him if he falters.
Grade: A-
Overall Grade: B+
Marauders:
Offense: The Marauder offense lacks the depth of many other teams in the league. They will have to rely Gordon, Fehr, Peca and Alfredsson to pick up the slack and provide much needed leadership for the team in the scoring department.
Grade: B-
Defense: The Marauder defense is, perhaps, there strongest area. With Kosmachev, Regehr and Chara at the point supported by other solid defenders, their defense should be the determining factor on the amount of success that they have this season.
Grade: A-
Goaltending: Martin Brodeur is an experienced goalie who should provide the team with solid backing. However, the team better hope that he doesn't get injured or tired too quickly, because Esche and Pogge would have a very difficult time filling his shoes.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B
Spirit:
Offense: It is no secret that the Spirit are a defensive team, Steen, Dvorak, Little and Fisher make it hard for other teams to get much offense going. However, they will have to rely on Hossa, O'Neill and Kovalev to pick up the slack in the scoring department. The Spirit have a balanced offense that should perform well in most situations.
Grade: A-
Defense: The Spirit's blueline looks a little weak going into this season. Phaneuf will have to be the leader in that department, and hopefully for the Spirit, he is up to the challenge. Fortunately for the Spirit, their defensive forwards should help pick up the slack.
Grade: B-
Goaltending: The Spirit have a strong combination with Salo and Turco between the pipes. Salo should provide them with quality goaltending, while Turco will give them the assurance they need when Salo is on the bench.
Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B
Pontiacs:
Offense: The Pontiac offense will find its leadership in Fritsche, Johansson and Roenick. They are a young team that should find the experience of Roenick and Palffy invaluable. However, the team still lacks the offensive punch of many of its rivals.
Grade: B
Defense: The Pontiac defense does not look phenomenal but neither does it look weak. While the Stuarts and Coburn are the definite leaders on defense, there appears to be no gaping holes for other teams to exploit.
Grade: B+
Goaltending: The Pontiacs will be relying heavily upon Teemu Hovinen again this year, but, much like other teams in this conference, they lack a quality backup. Hovinen and Dupont also lack the experience of other goaltending combos, having both been drafted only at the beginning of last season.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B
Owls:
Offense: Thornton and Sullivan will probably be the team leaders in points, but they have a lot of depth on offense that shouldn't limit them. Their acquisition of Sackrison should be a powerful asset to the team's performance this season.
Grade: B+
Defense: The Owls' defense has been led my Bouwmeester for the past few seasons and expect his leadership to play a major role again this season. Their defense is not as stunning as others we have seen but it is well balanced and should provide the team with relative security in their own zone.
Grade: B-
Goaltending: Auld and Luongo are an impressive 1-2 combination. Luongo could play as a starter on other teams in the league but here he will probably be on the bench as Auld's backup. They should give the Owls' forwards peace of mind that their backs are covered.
Grade: B+
Overall Grade: B
Aces:
Offense: The Aces' possess solid depth up front with Bertuzzi, Walter, Madano, Gaborik and Demitra. If the team is able to gel together then I think this team could put a lot of points on the board.
Grade: B+
Defense: Keith and Picard will be heading up the Aces' defense. They will receive some support, but they will need to pick up the slack for some of their comrades on defense.
Grade: B
Goaltending: The Aces' have the best 1-2-3 combination in the league, however, it is logical to assume that one of them will be moving, if the trade rumours are accurate. In truth, they have no need for three goalies of Pitton, Vokoun and Denis's character but whatever combination they retain should still provide them with a solid presence between the pipes.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B
Hurricanes:
Offense: The Hurricane offense should put some pucks in the net, but these goals should come from a wide spectrum of players. While Svitov and King will be key leaders for the team on the ice, look to see the whole team getting their share of goals.
Grade: B
Defense: Their defense is by no means spectacular, but it should get the job done. Hamrlik and Redden will be expected to lead the Hurricane defense but each pair should be able to stand up for themselves.
Grade: B-
Goaltending: Once again Boucher will be the uncontested #1 goalie for the Hurricanes, but will GM Derek Major pull up Jeremy Smith to replace Schneider as backup? For this we will have to wait and see. Boucher will do the job, but the absence of a solid backup could be a problem.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B
Mustangs:
Offense: What can I say? The defending TFHL Champions have a great offense with great depth. The can put together three lines that compare to many teams first line. But, we shall see if Nash, Crosby and Baranov can be the catalysts towards another TFHL Championship.
Grade: A
Defense: Here is another fairly well rounded defense, This should provide the team with good coverage in their own end. Expect Chistov, Jovanovski and Waugh to be their defensive leaders.
Grade: B+
Goaltending: Here is the Young Guns achilles heal. With the loss of Jose Theodore to Free Agency, the Young Guns have a gaping hole between the pipes. It is unlikely that Montoya and Dubielewicz can hope to fill the hole left by Theodore. Expect the Young Guns to be in the market for a starting goalie early in the seaon.
Grade: C
Overall Grade: B
Rednex:
Offense: Look to see Lindstrom, Brent and Nilsson heading up the offense for the Rednex. It looks as if they will have to carry the brunt of the offensive load. The rest of their offensive squad will have a difficult time making much of a contribution considering the defensive talent in the league.
Grade: B-
Defense: The Rednex defense seems to be in much the same shape as the offense. Ohlund and Bodnarchuk will be expected to pull more than their fair share of the wait on the blueline.
Grade: C+
Goaltending: The Rednex' Johnson/Vincent combo should provide adequate protection between the pipes. They will be expected to pick up the slack from the defense.
Grade: B
Overall Grade: B-
Misconduct:
Offense: The Misconduct has their work cut out for them this year. Lindros will have to provide some much needed leadership for the team to be successful this year on the offensive front. Look to Havlat, Cole and Eaves to pick up their game to provide some necessary points for the team.
Grade: C+
Defense: The Misconduct's biggest weakness is their defense. Tselios will be expected to provide the leadership on defense that the team is lacking, but is he up to the challenge and is he able to fill those shoes? Look for the Misconduct testing out their farm prospects to try to fill the gaps in their roster.
Grade: C-
Goaltending: The team's strength this year will definitely be in their goaltending. Bryzgalov and Cloutier should provide solid coverage between the pipes. With Ridderwall as a good third goalie, they should be able to give Bryzgalov and Cloutier the rest they need to remain consistently on top of their game.
Grade: B+
Overall Grade: C+
Season Prediction:
Once again it looks like the Saints, Bobcats and Ignite will be competing for the Conference Title. The Mauraders, Pontiacs, Spirit, Hurricanes, Owls, Aces, and Mustangs will be competing for the final five playoff spots, while the Rednex struggle to stay ahead of the Misconduct from being at the bottom. However, only time will tell if my predictions and analysis is correct but it looks as if the Eastern Conference is getting increasingly more competitive each year.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
PR - Fog Devils
*The opening segment of "Off The Record" on TSN runs and we see Michael Landsberg sitting with the GM of the Fog Devils Jon Osbonre and Head Coach Paul Maurice.
ML: Welcome everyone to "Off The Record" I'm Michael Landsberg, your Host, and Welcome to our week on the THFL. With me today and the GM and the new Head Coach of the Fog Devils franchise. Jon Osborne and Paul Maurice. Welcome Gentlemen.
JO & PM: Thank you
ML: Jon, let me start with you, how do you feel about the assets you have given Paul Maurice to work with and improve the club this season.
JO: I think Paul has a good team to work with this season. He has a team under him that was one win away from the THFL final last season, we were underdogs, no one really expected us to make the play offs let alone go to the seventh game of the semi finals. So he has a quality players to come in and implement his system and try and get us to the next step.
ML: Well, you have received some criticism during this off season about the lack of free agent signings, can you speak to that?
JO: Well Michael, we did obtain Chris Phillips and are happy with the addition he will make to our club, many have said we overpaid but we felt he had the stats and excelled in the areas we need to have a solid crop of defensemen this year. As far as our inactivity, I would not say we were inactive, a lot of the players we needed were RFA'S and the teams matched the bid. We were in the Bure bidding war and Pavel made a decision to go with another club. We had lots of bids out and were able to sign Matts Sundin again, despite him hitting the free agent market. He knows the quality organization we are and believes in it so much he was willing to take a pay cut to be here. So to be honest I am happy with where we are right now and our performance in the off season. But time is the only teller of how well teams did, and at the end of the season, its only then we'll know who had the best off-season.
ML: Paul, when you were announced as head coach, you mentioned in the press conference that there was a lot of work to do, what have you been doing with the team in training camp.
PM: The first thing any new coach has to do when he comes into an organization is review a lot of tape so he can get to know his players and they tendicies and the pro's and con's of their game. In training camp it's getting to know the player more personally, how far you can push em, what's gonna help motivate that particular player, what he'll respond to, whether that's yelling and screaming, or giving him a pat on the back.
ML: What are some key factors of the Fog Devils team from last year that you like, and some factors you will work to correct.
PM: I am very impressed with our special teams play. We had the leagues best penalty kill last year and a top 10 power play ranking. So obliviously they are going to be areas I want to reinforce and make sure we continue to do well. What I am really want to improve on this team is the 5 on 5 play. There were way to many players last year in the minus category for plus/minus. We need to keep smart and play well when its 5 on 5 , not just do it when we're under pressure on special teams. So I think motivating these guys when its 5 on 5 is something I am going to have to work on. But more or less I am happy thus far with the performances in training camp.
ML: Name some players that are really impressing you?
PM: Dubnyk is picking up right from where he left off last season, he is in good form and he will be our started this year. Sam Gagner is impressing me, for such a young kid he has an amazing raw talent. He is very comfortable playing at this level. I don't know that from a development stand point that it would be smart to play him up here this year, but if we get hit with some injuries, look to see him in the line up.
ML: Jon, rumors are swirling that you have been receiving some interesting offers for Dan Sprang and Jocelyn Thibault, are you shopping these players around.\?
JO: No, I am not shopping them around, but if the right deal comes along that will improve this hockey club I'd be stupid not to listen. Dan is a great defenseman, always in position and a great defender in our zone, and Joycelyn was a big part in getting us to where we went last season and helped develop Dubnyk so quickly. That being said there are some areas of the team I am looking to make stronger so like I said if I get approached with the right deal, I will make it.
ML: Thank you guys for an interesting show, look forward to having you back sometime soon
JO &PM: Thank you
*show goes to commercial*
ML: Welcome everyone to "Off The Record" I'm Michael Landsberg, your Host, and Welcome to our week on the THFL. With me today and the GM and the new Head Coach of the Fog Devils franchise. Jon Osborne and Paul Maurice. Welcome Gentlemen.
JO & PM: Thank you
ML: Jon, let me start with you, how do you feel about the assets you have given Paul Maurice to work with and improve the club this season.
JO: I think Paul has a good team to work with this season. He has a team under him that was one win away from the THFL final last season, we were underdogs, no one really expected us to make the play offs let alone go to the seventh game of the semi finals. So he has a quality players to come in and implement his system and try and get us to the next step.
ML: Well, you have received some criticism during this off season about the lack of free agent signings, can you speak to that?
JO: Well Michael, we did obtain Chris Phillips and are happy with the addition he will make to our club, many have said we overpaid but we felt he had the stats and excelled in the areas we need to have a solid crop of defensemen this year. As far as our inactivity, I would not say we were inactive, a lot of the players we needed were RFA'S and the teams matched the bid. We were in the Bure bidding war and Pavel made a decision to go with another club. We had lots of bids out and were able to sign Matts Sundin again, despite him hitting the free agent market. He knows the quality organization we are and believes in it so much he was willing to take a pay cut to be here. So to be honest I am happy with where we are right now and our performance in the off season. But time is the only teller of how well teams did, and at the end of the season, its only then we'll know who had the best off-season.
ML: Paul, when you were announced as head coach, you mentioned in the press conference that there was a lot of work to do, what have you been doing with the team in training camp.
PM: The first thing any new coach has to do when he comes into an organization is review a lot of tape so he can get to know his players and they tendicies and the pro's and con's of their game. In training camp it's getting to know the player more personally, how far you can push em, what's gonna help motivate that particular player, what he'll respond to, whether that's yelling and screaming, or giving him a pat on the back.
ML: What are some key factors of the Fog Devils team from last year that you like, and some factors you will work to correct.
PM: I am very impressed with our special teams play. We had the leagues best penalty kill last year and a top 10 power play ranking. So obliviously they are going to be areas I want to reinforce and make sure we continue to do well. What I am really want to improve on this team is the 5 on 5 play. There were way to many players last year in the minus category for plus/minus. We need to keep smart and play well when its 5 on 5 , not just do it when we're under pressure on special teams. So I think motivating these guys when its 5 on 5 is something I am going to have to work on. But more or less I am happy thus far with the performances in training camp.
ML: Name some players that are really impressing you?
PM: Dubnyk is picking up right from where he left off last season, he is in good form and he will be our started this year. Sam Gagner is impressing me, for such a young kid he has an amazing raw talent. He is very comfortable playing at this level. I don't know that from a development stand point that it would be smart to play him up here this year, but if we get hit with some injuries, look to see him in the line up.
ML: Jon, rumors are swirling that you have been receiving some interesting offers for Dan Sprang and Jocelyn Thibault, are you shopping these players around.\?
JO: No, I am not shopping them around, but if the right deal comes along that will improve this hockey club I'd be stupid not to listen. Dan is a great defenseman, always in position and a great defender in our zone, and Joycelyn was a big part in getting us to where we went last season and helped develop Dubnyk so quickly. That being said there are some areas of the team I am looking to make stronger so like I said if I get approached with the right deal, I will make it.
ML: Thank you guys for an interesting show, look forward to having you back sometime soon
JO &PM: Thank you
*show goes to commercial*
Thursday, November 15, 2007
PR - Ignite
Indy Hoping for Breakout Year
As Iggy and the Ignite head into training camp at the Bic Pyro Center to prepare for the upcoming TFHL season, there is a great deal optimism in the dressing room due to several new acquisitions.
"There is certainly a lot to be happy about this year", said captain Jerome Iginla. "We have the core of our team back from last year, and have addressed areas that were of concern from last season".
The team has added depth to the defense core, were problems occured last year. The key free agent signing was defenceman Brooks Orpik, who is a young, all around d man.
"I'm really happy to be here with a team that is willing to do what it takes to win. They lost last year in the second round to the eventual Cup champs, so I am just hoping that I can provide some solid play
to get over that hump." In addition to adding Orpik, the Ignite have also brought in depth on the blue line with Bryan Berard, Rhett Warrener and Drew Schiestel. "Well the thought was that we
needed to bring in some guys who could soak up some minutes, and be counted on in case of any injury issues. When asked about the new additions, GM Harrison said, "We had a lot of injuries last
season and it really exposed a weakness. I feel as though we should be much better this year on the back end, and with our high powered offense back in tact, we should have more tallies in the
win column this season."
The Ignite weren't content on just adding defensive talent however, bringing in a few veteran forwards who offer a mix of scoring, veteran leadership, and puck smarts. New faces are Tuomo Ruutu
and Brendan Morrow who should bolster a fairly confident group up front. Veteran forward Jason Allison feels as though the team as a whole is getting better. "The main difference to me is that the young
guys are getting a lot better and looking ready to help lead this team. Tambellini has really impressed me and resigning him for 4 more years was a great move. Also, our man Marc between the pipes has
really improved and I think he will help carry us this year." With his career in it's twilight, Allison mentioned his desire to win sooner rather than later. "I'm getting lots of grey in my beard and I want to
taste victory once before I hang 'em up. I just hope that this team has what it takes."
GM NOTES: While GM Adam Harrison is content starting the season with the team he's got, he did mention that he would be interested in adding some more scoring to a team that finds growing competition
each year in the East. "I would be willing to deal some depth players, farm players or even some draft choices for one or two good forwards who can put the puck in the net. Any offers are welcome!"
Indianapolis Daily News
PR - Pontiacs
The offseason saw a major shakeup on the Pontiacs' roster. Key players like Eric Cole, and Daniel Paille were traded and David Legwand didn't even stay long enough to play a game. In fact, the only team to be involved in more trades than the Pontiacs during the offseason was the Misconduct with whom three of the deals were made.
GM Andrew Schoenberger's work has brought some important depth and experience to the team. Many felt that the team was too young and lacked experience and could greatly benefit from the presence of influential veterans. In response to this need, Andrew Schoenberger was able to acquire Zigmund Palffy at the end of last season and within the last week Jeremy Roenick and Brad Stuart. "These players will give us the leadership that we've been looking for." Schoenberger was quoted as saying.
Another area that was quite weak at the end of last season was defense. Schoenberger was quoted as saying that, "Trading Ivan Baranka was one of the hardest things that I have had to do in this position, as General Manager, he was the core of our defense, but the numerous injuries faced by our team last season required me to act and try to fill the holes." However, the offseason saw the Pontiacs acquire Nicholas Boynton, Brad Stuart and Teemu Laakso who should provide much needed depth to the Pontiac defense, however, this came at the cost of sending young Alex Biega to the Bobcats.
Other key acquisitions for the team were Patrick Dwyer, Jani Rita and Richard Zednik. It is hoped that the added depth that these players will contribute will launch the team into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, which they missed by only a hair last season.
Pontiac stars Danny Fritsche, Jonas Johannson, Mark Stuart, Braydon Coburn, and Teemu Hovinen will be remaining with the team as this season begins.
When asked why he felt that they missed the playoffs last season, GM Andrew Schoenberger said, "Well I am not much for making excuses, but the fact that many of our key players were either injured or in the penalty box most of the time did not help the situation very much, but I am hopeful that this season will be different."
The Bonnyville Pontiacs have also announced that they will be hosting a "Meet the Players" event this Saturday afternoon so that fans can come and meet both the new and old additions to their favourite team.
GM Andrew Schoenberger's work has brought some important depth and experience to the team. Many felt that the team was too young and lacked experience and could greatly benefit from the presence of influential veterans. In response to this need, Andrew Schoenberger was able to acquire Zigmund Palffy at the end of last season and within the last week Jeremy Roenick and Brad Stuart. "These players will give us the leadership that we've been looking for." Schoenberger was quoted as saying.
Another area that was quite weak at the end of last season was defense. Schoenberger was quoted as saying that, "Trading Ivan Baranka was one of the hardest things that I have had to do in this position, as General Manager, he was the core of our defense, but the numerous injuries faced by our team last season required me to act and try to fill the holes." However, the offseason saw the Pontiacs acquire Nicholas Boynton, Brad Stuart and Teemu Laakso who should provide much needed depth to the Pontiac defense, however, this came at the cost of sending young Alex Biega to the Bobcats.
Other key acquisitions for the team were Patrick Dwyer, Jani Rita and Richard Zednik. It is hoped that the added depth that these players will contribute will launch the team into the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, which they missed by only a hair last season.
Pontiac stars Danny Fritsche, Jonas Johannson, Mark Stuart, Braydon Coburn, and Teemu Hovinen will be remaining with the team as this season begins.
When asked why he felt that they missed the playoffs last season, GM Andrew Schoenberger said, "Well I am not much for making excuses, but the fact that many of our key players were either injured or in the penalty box most of the time did not help the situation very much, but I am hopeful that this season will be different."
The Bonnyville Pontiacs have also announced that they will be hosting a "Meet the Players" event this Saturday afternoon so that fans can come and meet both the new and old additions to their favourite team.
PR - Wheat Kings
OFF-SEASON MEET AND GREET
After missing the playoffs last season as defending TFHL Champions, Wheat-watchers were no doubt curious as to which direction the team would go this off-season: would there be a major shake-up? Significant FA signings? Who would come and who would go?
Perhaps suprisingly, Kings management responded with a series of relatively quiet moves which were designed to substantially improve the team without giving-up any major assets. Sunday the team called a conference to introduce the newly crowned Wheat Kings to the media and to discuss the upcoming season.
Joining the team are former Hart Trophy winner Peter Forsberg, one-time 80 point man Alexei Shkotov, long time Ace Dominic D'Amour, and offensive d-men Karel Rachunek and Jesse Lane.
Forsberg signed a two-year $30 million deal, the biggest contract in Kings history, but as Mr. Young commented: "I think we managed to grap the best potential UFA on the market this off-season."
"I'm just happy to be coming back to Saskatoon, and the Wheat Kings especially," Forsberg said. "My TFHL career began across town with the Senators [Saints] and then I got traded here half-way through that season."
"This will probably be my last contract and I wanted to end my career with this organization. I really regretted not being part of the championship run, but I knew a lot of the guys here and so I could at least enjoy it for their sake. However, I intend to win it before I retire and with the changes that Mr. Young made this offseason, I think we have as good a shot as any team."
Nevertheless, most of the talk was on the previous season.
"Last year was a wash," Coach-GM Tyler Young began an extended mea culpa, "a lot of things went wrong. We made some major changes in the off-season which were causing problems very early on and it took us nearly the whole season to rectify those issues. Then on top of everything, we had serious injury problems for most of the last two thirds of the season and the Stuart deal caused a total collapse of our defensive system. The whole year it felt like we were in quicksand, and the more we struggled the worse it got."
The good news though for Grain-brains is that the slate is now wiped clean. After only the second time the Kings have missed the playoffs in seven years, the team that will hit the ice opening night is perhaps the best Kings squad since the President Trophy winning team of TFHL14 (which followed the only other season that the Kings have missed the playoffs).
"We do have hopes for this team," Mr. Young noted. "We're expecting that it will be more integrated than last year's group. Our core group, which has already won a Cup, is still intact and getting better. We just pulled in some new guys to fill holes, guys we think will fit our style of play - complement the pieces we already have."
"Yes there are some concerns," he continued, "but we'll see how they play out. The West is only getting tougher - the Raiders for instance have improved substantially this offseason. But if Howard can rediscover his old self and our defence can perform as well as they did in the closing fifteen games of last season, then we should be ok. We just have to get back to our old identity: keep shots against down and grind it out, and hopefully we can add a more commanding offense to that."
NEWS & NOTES: Long time King and former Alka-Seltzer Trophy winner Slava Suchy has decided to retire, meaning that forwards Brad Larsen and Shawn Horcoff are the lone members of the inaugural TFHL12 Wheat Kings still playing for the organization. Horcoff though was traded and re-signed to a minor league contract a couple of seasons later, so only Larsen has played all seven seasons with the Kings... this will be Peter Forsberg's third stint with the Wheat Kings, in his previous two terms he never lasted a full season.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
PR - Hurricanes
HURRICANES MAKE MOVE WITH REDDEN ACQUISITION
It's amazing what can happen in a span of two days. The Calgary Hurricanes today announced a trade that will bring Wade Redden back to the Hurricanes. "It's almost like I haven't left." said Redden who was traded at the end of last season and who has not yet played a game for his new team. "I guess the only crappy part is I need to re-buy a house in Calgary. But that's OK, we have a great team there and I am excited to play with them again."
As part of the deal the Hurricanes send goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, Andy Rogers and a first round draft pick to the Misconducts for Wade Redden, goal tending prospect Jeremy Smith, defensive prospect Tysen Dowzak, and a 2nd round draft pick.
"I guess you guys in the press are sick of seeing me on this podium already." joked GM Major. "Its been no secret I wanted to move a goalie. Between Ilya and Brian we wanted to hand the reigns over to one of them. Brian has a chance to run with it again after he did great for us last year and the season he before when he took us to the finals. I have high hopes for Jeremy as he is now our top goaltending prospect. That doesn't mean I've given up on Cory Schneider but those two guys will have to battle it out over the coming years along with Kevin Armstrong. One of those 3 guys will have an opportunity to our starter some day." said Major.
The Hurricanes have immediately solidied their Top 4 pairings which includes Roman Harmlik, Wade Redden, Bryan Mccabe and Robert Schnabel. "When we started to panic a bit it just seems things came together. This is great news for our club." said GM Major.
Calgary Sun
It's amazing what can happen in a span of two days. The Calgary Hurricanes today announced a trade that will bring Wade Redden back to the Hurricanes. "It's almost like I haven't left." said Redden who was traded at the end of last season and who has not yet played a game for his new team. "I guess the only crappy part is I need to re-buy a house in Calgary. But that's OK, we have a great team there and I am excited to play with them again."
As part of the deal the Hurricanes send goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov, Andy Rogers and a first round draft pick to the Misconducts for Wade Redden, goal tending prospect Jeremy Smith, defensive prospect Tysen Dowzak, and a 2nd round draft pick.
"I guess you guys in the press are sick of seeing me on this podium already." joked GM Major. "Its been no secret I wanted to move a goalie. Between Ilya and Brian we wanted to hand the reigns over to one of them. Brian has a chance to run with it again after he did great for us last year and the season he before when he took us to the finals. I have high hopes for Jeremy as he is now our top goaltending prospect. That doesn't mean I've given up on Cory Schneider but those two guys will have to battle it out over the coming years along with Kevin Armstrong. One of those 3 guys will have an opportunity to our starter some day." said Major.
The Hurricanes have immediately solidied their Top 4 pairings which includes Roman Harmlik, Wade Redden, Bryan Mccabe and Robert Schnabel. "When we started to panic a bit it just seems things came together. This is great news for our club." said GM Major.
Calgary Sun
Monday, November 12, 2007
PR - Hurricanes
CALGARY HURRICANES SIGN ROMAN HARMLIK TO 1-YEAR 9.5 MILLION DOLLAR DEAL
Roman Hamrlik just became the highest paid defenseman in the history of the Calgary Hurricanes. The Hurricanes held an earlier press conference to announce the signing.
"Well, on behalf of the Hurricanes organization I'd like to welcome Roman to Calgary. We're a team that is going through transition and Roman wanted a situation that would allow him to continue to play at a high level while also giving him the flexibility of either re-signing, retiring or moving on in his career." Said GM Derek Major in the opening speech.
The Hurricanes took a severe hit in the defensive part of the team. As the team continues to transition from the old guard into the new the defensive corps took the biggest hit. Bryan Mccabe and Brian Leetch are not the players they used to be. Robert Schnabel is the next on the depth chart after Mccabe. Hamrlik walks into the top defensive pairing immediately because of this.
Why the drop in defense?
"To put it plain in simple, we kind of hoped our young guys would have developed faster. Up front we have incredible depth. Our top line (King, Svitov, Sundstrom) are all our own draft picks. Our 2nd and 3rd line units are made up of fairly young guys or ones in their prime. We're looking good there. On defense we are only this season starting to see that depth emerge with guys like Badass Jack and Ryan Parent. These two guys will have lots of opportunities to become regulars this season."
Because of the salary cap hit to the Hurricanes Brian Leetch and Derian Hatcher were immediately dispatched to the farm team. "I think its safe to say that those two guys are available for cheap. Brian's situation is purely a financial situation, I'd love to have him back for a smaller price." Said GM Major.
The new season is just around the corner and the team is looking very promising. The GM has stated that we should expect several new changes in the coming days and weeks.
Calgary Sun 2007.
Roman Hamrlik just became the highest paid defenseman in the history of the Calgary Hurricanes. The Hurricanes held an earlier press conference to announce the signing.
"Well, on behalf of the Hurricanes organization I'd like to welcome Roman to Calgary. We're a team that is going through transition and Roman wanted a situation that would allow him to continue to play at a high level while also giving him the flexibility of either re-signing, retiring or moving on in his career." Said GM Derek Major in the opening speech.
The Hurricanes took a severe hit in the defensive part of the team. As the team continues to transition from the old guard into the new the defensive corps took the biggest hit. Bryan Mccabe and Brian Leetch are not the players they used to be. Robert Schnabel is the next on the depth chart after Mccabe. Hamrlik walks into the top defensive pairing immediately because of this.
Why the drop in defense?
"To put it plain in simple, we kind of hoped our young guys would have developed faster. Up front we have incredible depth. Our top line (King, Svitov, Sundstrom) are all our own draft picks. Our 2nd and 3rd line units are made up of fairly young guys or ones in their prime. We're looking good there. On defense we are only this season starting to see that depth emerge with guys like Badass Jack and Ryan Parent. These two guys will have lots of opportunities to become regulars this season."
Because of the salary cap hit to the Hurricanes Brian Leetch and Derian Hatcher were immediately dispatched to the farm team. "I think its safe to say that those two guys are available for cheap. Brian's situation is purely a financial situation, I'd love to have him back for a smaller price." Said GM Major.
The new season is just around the corner and the team is looking very promising. The GM has stated that we should expect several new changes in the coming days and weeks.
Calgary Sun 2007.
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