Winners, losers in the free-agent frenzy
Tuesday, July 3, 2007 | 11:41 AM ET
It was the summer of 1999, and then-Rangers GM Neil Smith warned the rest of the league: “We’ve got money to spend and we’re going to do it.”
Smith was no liar. He went out and spent $67 million.
Theo Fleury got $21 million. Valeri Kamensky: $17 million. Stephane Quintal: $11.4 million, which is probably why the Rangers were annoyed Quintal said he wished he never left Montreal. Sylvain Lefebvre: $10 million. Tim Taylor: $5.6 million. Kirk McLean: $1.8 million.
There was also a $34 million contract extension for Brian Leetch.
Gary Bettman was so angry, it was rumoured that he badmouthed Smith for years to any owner who considered hiring the guy.
It was hard not to think about that financial explosion on Sunday as Glen Sather and the Rangers outbid the league for Scott Gomez and Chris Drury. Before the 1999-2000 season, the team was a popular Stanley Cup pick. Instead, it was a nightmare. Fleury fell apart emotionally and never played a playoff game in New York.
Quintal lasted one of four years there, Kamensky and Taylor two of four. Every one of those players was long gone by the time the Rangers finally returned to the playoffs in 2006.
This is going to be different. First, Drury (30 in August) and Gomez (28 in December) are younger than any player the Rangers signed that summer. Second, neither is showing any signs of decline. And third, they come without any off-ice concerns, always an issue for players entering New York.
I know people are wondering about Gomez, who dropped to 13 goals and 60 points last year. But, I would make three arguments in his favour: 1) He had 84 points in 2005-06; 2) he had 14 points in 11 playoff games; and 3) watching the Devils stubbornly refuse to put him out against Jason Spezza in the second round makes it very clear that he needed a change of scenery. He’ll be fine.
The Rangers still have plenty of cap room to re-sign Brendan Shanahan and Sean Avery. Goaltender Andy Montoya will be a good trade chip once Henrik Lundqvist gets his own long-term deal.
This team joins Ottawa and Pittsburgh as an Eastern favourite.
Other winners from the long weekend, in no particular order (obviously, things may change):
Ryan Smyth: When talks broke down between Smyth and the Oilers over $100,000/year, there were people who said that he’d never get $5.5 million from anyone. They were wrong. He got $6.25 million.
St. Louis & Colorado: Two of the NHL’s best second-half teams added impressive pieces. They won’t be missing the playoffs next year. I am surprised the Avalanche didn’t buy out Jose Theodore. They can’t seriously be considering another year of him and Peter Budaj (whom I like), can they?
Todd Bertuzzi: In January, we did a Headliner on Teemu Selanne with Brian Burke as one of the interview subjects. While the cameraman was tinkering with the shot, Burke and I talked about Bertuzzi, who had yet to be traded from Florida. The GM said he’d be interested in his former Canuck, if the price was right. (He got more than I thought, at $8 million.) I said then, and I repeat it now: This is the perfect place for Bertuzzi. Less money+a place that isn’t a hockey media hotbed+a great organization=what he needs. Now it’s time to play. No more excuses.
Now, will Burke have to deal with an offer sheet for Dustin Penner?
Alex Ovechkin: He finally gets an elite playmaking centre in the underappreciated Michael Nylander. Ovechkin might score 60.
Calgary: I’m as surprised as anyone about Mike Keenan and Adrian Aucoin. But by getting Jarome Iginla and Robyn Regehr done now, Darryl Sutter answered two of his three biggest questions for next year. If he follows with Mikka Kiprusoff, Sutter becomes the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978.
And if you don’t think these signings make Sutter a winner, look at what happened to Buffalo.
Not sure yet:
Philadelphia: I love that Paul Holmgren is trying. The Flyers were legitimately embarrassed about last season, and he’s telling fans it won’t be tolerated again.
Be nice if more teams were like that.
I’m just not sure about this. The most important things in the salary-cap world are good drafting and flexibility. The Flyers draft very well, but all of the long-term deals will restrict flexibility. Briere, Timmonen and Hartnell must deliver.
That said, this is a good mix of youth and experience. I love the Jason Smith trade, too.
Detroit: Ken Holland gave Brian Rafalski the money he wouldn’t give Mathieu Schneider. Statistically, it makes sense, as Rafalski is four years younger and played two more minutes a game. (The point totals are about equal.) I’ve always been a Schneider fan, though, and I’m curious to see if Rafalski can replace his impact. Schneider had a superb season.
Also, can’t help but wonder if it’s a concern that Dominik Hasek is not signed yet.
Sheldon Souray: Are the options drying up? Will he have to take less than he wanted? (Remember, he turned down $12.6 million from the Canadiens, which was thought to be well below his market value.) Or, will he only get good money in a situation where the team has no chance of winning (Islanders)? You always wonder about the big names who don’t sign fast.
Doug Risebrough: Risebrough told one Minnesota newspaper he was stunned by the length of the contracts, saying he would only give one of his own free agents such long-time deals. It’s admirable that he sticks to his principles, particularly since he’s built his team the right way, but can you win in the NHL with such a stance?
Risebrough also deserves credit for going to see Wes Walz face-to-face to explain why the respected veteran was only getting a one-year offer.
Toronto: I pity John Ferguson. The Leafs and the Bruins are two of the worst-run franchises in the NHL. Whatever you think of him as a GM, he did not deserve the public neutering he got last week from team president Richard Peddie. Disgraceful.
Jason Blake is a good addition, if he can tolerate the Toronto media. But I see too much of the same old, same old.
Uh, oh:
Buffalo: I am going to link you to Bucky Gleason’s Monday column in The Buffalo News. He says it better than I could. http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/111227.html
Montreal & Los Angeles: The worst feeling on free-agent day belongs to the GM who wants to make an impact, but swings and misses like Rob Deer. This year, that’s Bob Gainey and Dean Lombardi. It’s a tough position to be in, because you know your team needs help, you need some excitement (particularly when you are right down the freeway from the Stanley Cup champion) and you want to make a move.
What it can lead to, then, is contracts you know in heart are bad ideas, simply to make a move. Gainey – one of hockey’s best GMs – clearly wanted to change the culture of his team. That’s why Craig Rivet was traded, Souray was lowballed, Sergei Samsonov was bought out, and Alexei Kovalev is available to anyone offering a fish bucket in return. But word is out that the media pressure makes Montreal a tough place to play, and Briere wanted no part of that.
Spurned by his top choice, Gainey gave Roman Hamrlik four years and $22 million. He’ll be 37 when that deal’s up. Not sure about that one.
After missing out on Gomez, Drury and Briere, Lombardi basically told The Los Angeles Times he hated building through free agency anyway. Then, he went out Monday and spent $36 million on Michal Handzus, Tom Preissing, Kyle Calder and Ladislav Nagy.
I have an idea what’s happening there. Kings president Tim Leiweke is the guy who brought David Beckham to MLS. Lombardi would rather build properly through the draft, but it’s not going to work in that organization – particularly with the Ducks waving a Stanley Cup in your face.
Now, the Kings have three guys – Nagy, Calder and Preissing – who were benched by their teams in playoff elimination games. Nagy and Calder didn’t get long-term deals, at least. I love Handzus, but four years is risky for a guy who can’t stay healthy.
Edmonton: It’s painful to watch what’s happening here. One win from the Stanley Cup in 2006, the Oilers are off the rails and out of control. Local fans must accept some of the blame for this, since rumours about the private lives of Chris Pronger and Ryan Smyth made their way across the NHL and scared players away from the Alberta capital.
Joffrey Lupul had to go, but I really don’t like Pitkanen for Jason Smith. I understand Kevin Lowe was bitterly disappointed with how his team collapsed after the Ryan Smyth deal – I would be too – but I’ve watched a lot of Pitkanen and I’m not a fan. The Flyers tried everything with him.
Vancouver & Dallas: These teams didn’t make bad signings, but they didn’t improve in a conference that will be tougher. Nashville is the only playoff team that took a step back – more like a total nosedive – while Colorado and St. Louis will be much, much better.
New Jersey: Here’s Lou Lamoriello’s quote to one New Jersey paper: “I don’t see at it as a damaging day.” Well, I’d be an optimist, too, if Martin Brodeur was in goal for me, but this is more than a small dent in the fender.
It’s not like they’re devoid of talent, particularly young talent. Their system keeps the Devils in every game. But, since the lockout, they have lost Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, Rafalski and Gomez. No other team has been hit that hard.
The Islanders: Newsday called Sunday “a dispersal draft of Islanders players.” Great line. It should be remembered that some of us – myself included – thought this team would be awful last year, only to watch a great character group make the playoffs. But Blake, Smyth and Tom Poti were big parts of that team. At least the Smyth jersey I bought my eight-year-old nephew will be a collector’s item.
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About the Author
Elliotte Friedman is the host of the CFL ON CBC. Prior to being named host in 2006, Friedman worked on the CFL on CBC broadcasts for the three seasons as a sideline reporter. A Toronto native, Friedman is well known for his additional work on Hockey Night in Canada, as well as his presence on the Torino 2006 Winter Games telecasts as a hockey reporter. Prior to joining the CBC, Friedman worked at The Score network and was widely regarded as one of the best reporters in the country. Friedman used his reporting skills to break stories and file feature reports for high profile events including six Stanley Cup Finals, four Grey Cup Championships, two World Series and one Olympic Games. He is also a regular on the nationally syndicated Prime Time Sports radio telecast, hosted by Bob McCown.
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Comments
Jason
Reading this a bit late, but great thought on Dustin Penner. It's exactly what happened.
Posted August 18, 2007 01:33 PM
JerseyJay
Ottawa
Well another round of free agency has come & the Devils have been robbed of talent once again. I know that the Devils are not the only team to have their coffers cleaned, but it seems every July 1st I am holding my breath to see who stays and who goes. I doubt moves from time to time Lou makes and I swore we didnt have a chance in 2003 but year after year, time after time, Lou and his ways constantly shock me with output.. Last season they were not that far off,considering that if Brodeur had have stole that game 3 against the Senators we may have saw a totally different series. But the Sens were the better team and deserved their fate. The naysayers are out in full force again, with statements that the Devils will not even make the Playoffs.. The defense has lost 2 Hall of famers and 1 up and comer and a horse of a D man in the last 3 seasons, it will be hard to stay competitive but I never doubt Lou or the Devils organization. If you consider that the Devils are moving into brand new digs this fall, I find it hard to believe that they wont be competitive like usual... the Devils have been the most consistant winning team along with Detroit since 1988!
Posted July 25, 2007 10:37 AM
pdml
calgary
Some info about Travis. If anyone wants to know why Travis rants about Bert here it is. About 10 years ago Bert had relations with Travis's then girlfriend, who really wasnt hot, but based on what I heard well, easy as riding a bike. She told him about it and he has been bitter ever since. Everytime that Bert (and some other Islanders since he was playing with them at the time) came to Alberta she would drive up and give them all a good night. This was while Travis was with her. Eventually SHE left him since being a hockey puck (touched by many hockey sticks) was better than being with a loser like him. Travis get over it everyone knows now so stop sullying every post with your desperate attempt to try to "pay" Bertuzzi back...Everyone had a turn with her so go after someone else. (P.s. get yourself tested).
Posted July 12, 2007 02:21 PM
Peter Sheppard
Newfoundland
I think Gainey needs to try for Sheldon again the Habs need to keep their PP QB and see if he can hold things together and get himself and the team on line again. Their PP was decent this year but Sheldon had a good bit to do with that. If not Sheldon then who is their PP QB going ot be this year? They need to keep the leaders on the team, on the team.
Posted July 11, 2007 11:23 PM
Ray Bungay
Marty, you asked if Toronto is the worst organization in the NHL and missed by 1 point...simple sir, the Leafs clustered or at least were clustered in with worst bunch of teams the NHL had to offer last season. Other than Ottawa, Jersey and Sabres, the rest of the teams were on the outside looking in most nights. This left only 5 other marginal teams to make the playoffs and the Isles were lucky enough to play jersey in the final game of the regular season and we all know how that played out.If the league were not broken into East and West, I don't think there would too many teams from the East deserving to be in the playoffs.
Posted July 11, 2007 09:45 PM
Dan
Detroit
Come on now gang. A handfull of FA's shuffle teams. Was there really any big move that will turn a particular franchise around? Some teams improved, and some teams got weaker. No team made a guaranteed move to win the cup. NHL fans know this...It's all about Goaltending! He who has the best goalie...wins! Next important factor is team chemistry. It's the "team" that wins. There's a lot of complaining about management, and rightfully so, but it should be channeled in the proper direction. Notice that franchises like Detroit, Edmonton, New Jersey and Colorado always seem to develop players from deep in their organizations? They have a fantasic network of scouts that always seem to find a gem deep into the draft. Rangers management proved time and again that simply signing "big name" players doesn't guarantee even a playoff position. I fully understand the Maple Leaf fans frustration. An original six team with a proud history. However, it's quite obvious that the problem lies throughout the entire organization. Bottom line: Goaltending. Therefore, I think the Flyers (Biron), Maple Leafs (Toskala), Bruins (Fernandez) and Panthers (Vokoun) made the moves.
To Dman: Nice "rumors" but McCabe for Satan? Are you kidding me? The Islanders aren't that naive.
Posted July 10, 2007 04:14 PM
Bebop
Montreal
I'm a die hard Habs fan. Win or lose I'm still watching them like a sucker! BUT Pleeease someone tell them to stop signing Russians as we all know they whine and cry and take for granted acting like princesses in this league. NO HEART. Especially in playoffs. Also, I know I may get some heat for this but we need a "Canadian" captain to lead us to the cup. When was the last time an European captain won a Stanley Cup. Not just the Habs but in the entire NHL??? Sorry Saku..
Gainey, try spending more on UFAs and less on your draft picks. I still don't know how those habs' scouts get or keep their jobs.
We need one more solid Offensive "D" and a Power-Forward centremen. chaching$$$
Posted July 10, 2007 01:34 PM
DeVoe Dyette
I have a rumour, a rumour that is worth a thousand echoes; maybe not! Here it is, "Brian McCabe to the Islanders for Miroslav Satan and Andrew Raycroft to St Louis for Jay McKee." Above this, here is the greatest rumour of all, Alexander Steen and Welwood to Columbus Blue Jackets for unhappy Nikolai Zerdev. Finally Alexei Kovalev and his disgruntled contract struggle with GM Gainey to Toronto for Ponikorovsky and Antropov. Now what do you think, is this a rumour or will this be the new Toronto Maple Leafs of 07/08?
Dman
Posted July 9, 2007 06:38 PM
Andrew
Newfoundland
I think Toronto signing goaltender Vesa Toskala is a good move because he just mite be what Toronto needs to get them into the playoffs next season. Now they should sign someone who could replace Sundin as captin in the future.
Posted July 8, 2007 08:26 AM
Larry
You write: "It’s not like they’re devoid of talent, particularly young talent. Their system keeps the Devils in every game. But, since the lockout, they have lost Scott Stevens, Scott Niedermayer, Rafalski and Gomez. No other team has been hit that hard."
Um, how about Rob Blake, Adam Foote, Peter Forsberg and Alex Tanguay, that looks like a team that got hit hard and if you want to go back a year before the lockout, Patrick Roy too!
Posted July 7, 2007 07:25 PM
Tarandeep
Brampton
Leafs have a chance to make the playoffs. Toskala and Raycroft will be a great 1-2 punch. yea we have to get rid of kubina or gill. JFJ can make a trade for an offensive package. If leafs make the playoffs slap ypurself cause leafs got a great team. $$$
Posted July 7, 2007 04:51 PM
marty
vancouver
if toronto is the most poorly run team in the league then explain how they only missed the playoffs with 1 point and the most man games lost due to injury?
jfj might not be the greatest in history but he's not any worse then the management in vancouver who fired brian burke!
(ahem cue the stanley cup in anaheim and the continued drought in canucks-land)
we'll see what 07-08 brings for the blue and white...
Posted July 7, 2007 12:53 PM
Norman Babineau
WOW!!! Money, money, money. Want a good player? Get your money out. In this day and age we know that money talks, but for how long? Is there really , in NHL, a player worth all these millions. For maybe 6-8 years, sure they play good and super hockey. After that? Come on now. Hey owners, get a reality check. The more you pay, the less they play. There is not ONE sport that a player is worth all these millions. And in hockey? I should call it Ice Ballet. "Come play hockey" I say, and get millions.
Montreal Canadiens!!! My team. (For how long, I don't know.) Get a grip and sign Sheldon. Think about it. A defenceman that gets highest points in a year??? Yoohoo! Gainey. Need help, call me. Savard, time to retire. You're losing it.OOOPS! You've already lost it.
Wish I could get the Montreal Canadiens E-Mail. I'd have a few choice words for those nimbrods. To win a cup.. Spend a little.
Maple leafs?? John F. Jr. Hmmm. If you're like your dad, stick to fighting. Managing is NOT for you.Want to post my E-Mail?? Go right ahead.
Posted July 6, 2007 06:58 PM
DeVoe The Dman
What is it with the Leafs front office, seeking ressurection via Muckler? As much as I think JFJ is not an adequate GM, the treatment he receives from the front office is down right disgraceful. Bringing Muckler into the fold is like putting an erectile challenged rooster in the hen house. Obviously the front office has more money than brains. If they truly want to salvage the team, they need to start cleaning house starting at the head office.
Dman
Posted July 6, 2007 06:56 PM
Steve
Toronto
Wow!! Edmonton fans have to take some of the blame? Are you kidding me?
Posted July 6, 2007 04:36 PM
DEVOE
My question is why won't JFJ not quit? he was humiliated, undermined and his manhood practically dismissed. Then again, he is merely exploiting his true self; A Kiss Ass, abuse me why don't you mentality. If I had someone working for me after I treated him so badly, I would fire him, just on that principle alone. I will say it now, unless the Leafs make some moves through trades, they will never make the play-offs. Toskala and Blake are clearly insufficient funds to compensate the great lacking in the organization. Trade McCabe, even Kovalev would be more tangible. Still a leaf fan; just like JFJ am clinging to the belief!
Dman
Posted July 6, 2007 07:38 AM
warren new
castlegar,bc
geez travis let it go. bertuzzi did something horrible and it cost him a couple million and his reputation. but even rapists and murderers get placed back in society after their punishment was done. you are ranting over something that was and still being dealt with in the civil courts
Posted July 6, 2007 05:38 AM
Dan
Detroit
The winners and the losers? Was there really any team that signed a "franchise player" that will turn it around? Ryan Smyth is an impact player that will no doubt, make the Avs a better team. But what about goaltending? I think Maple Leaf fans will see their team playoff bound with Toskala. However, their defence is still suspect and they won't go far. The Flyers made the best moves, and I believe they will be the big surprise this season. Getting Marty Biron was huge. The Blues much like the Avs, still have goaltending issues. I'm dissapointed that the Capitals didn't pick up Gomez because I think he would have been the perfect compliment to Ovechkin and Semin. The Oilers...once a very proud and formidable franchise has totally collapsed. The Senators...is Emery truly a #1 goalie? We'll see. The Coyotes: What a mess, move them back to Winnepeg. I would sooner see a franchise in Iqualuit (Nunavut) than in Phoenix.
Posted July 6, 2007 03:29 AM
Daniel
Hello,
I would like to clarify a couple things regarding your post about the LA Kings.
First, The King's have recently been released from direct AEG involvement. They are now a separate business unit. If you take a quick look at the LA Kings' management directory you will see that Tim Leiweke's title is 'Governor',
Luc Robitaille is 'President, Business Operations' and Dean Lombardi is 'President/General Manager.' So, to state that Mr. Lombardi is acting reactively to some overbearing boss is nonsense.
Secondly, he is rebuilding the team responsibly. He is drafting character players with skill, leadership qualities and 'intangibles.' His signings do represent risk, but why would he spend $50M to grab a top-3 free agent when he doesn’t have a bona fide goalkeeper on his team yet? Sure, as a Kings fan I have grown to be patient. But I don’t think the waters are as murky as you intonate.
Posted July 5, 2007 09:11 PM
Mike
Toronto did decent in picking up Blake and Toskola (esp. a 40-goal scorer at 4mill a season.) Toskola is a great goalie and can be the #1 Toronto needs. That being said, Raycroft is stil decent (and young) and can be thrown into a trade with someone else for a decent player... we always have JS Aubin to fall back on as a solid #2...then there is Pogge if all else fails. With some guidance, Ferguson should be able to pull something together in the next 2 seasons to make TO a competitive team again. But, it is Toronto and I don't see any epic seasons in the near future
Posted July 5, 2007 04:53 PM
Lester
newfoundland
todd bertuzzi a criminal?? get real, you obviously have never played a game of competitive hockey before in your life. Things happen in the heat of the moment, tempers flair, things happen. Im not defending what he did, but to call him a criminal. Yeah, he meant to hit the guy, he obviously didn't mean to break the guys neck. Players get in fights all the time, and after the game they go and have a beer together, what happens on the ice stays on the ice, its the way it is.
It was clear that Bertuzzi felt and feels bad about what happened, I think its time to forget about what happened in the past. He is a respectable player. The guy is one of the biggest players in the NHL and you never see him going around bullying other players or acting like a tough guy, trying to be a hero. He playes the game hard and he made a mistake and does not desirve to be peanilized for the rest of his career because of it.
I think he will be a great addition to an already powerhouse team. How many people do you see pronger elbow in the face throughout the course of a season. He cant help it cause he's like 8'2 (sarcasism), and Bertuzzi weighing like 250 pounds, falling on your neck is sure to do some damage. In either case, it is not their intension to severly injure another player. There is respect among players and the last thing they want to see is another player leaving the ice in a streacher.
Posted July 5, 2007 02:02 PM
Oilers4ever1
Edmonton
You can complain all you want about the way Lowe handled things... point in fact is Smyth is not worth 6.25 million.. how many 100 points seasons has he had? Zip... Zilch, zero... 6.25 for a guy who's only had 70 points... this is an example of why a cap was required.. stupid contract signings. You can talk character all you want, as far as I'm concerned, the Oilers have enough character players already, its the scoring they need. If your going to shell out 6 mill it better be for a 40 plus scorer (like Vanek in Buffalo). Smith was a good dman but getting old.. too many young forwards went around him like a pylon last season.. Friedman can say all he want about Pitkanen.. obviously he missed the memo about Philly finishing dead last and the entire team practically all being on the minus side...and what about the year before and the numbers he had?? Charlie Huddy will bring out the best in Pitkanen with no issues...
...
And as far as playing here is concerned and players not liking Edmonton... how could you not want to play for a team that has won more cups in the last 25 years than any other team, was the last organization that had a dynasty, has had some of the best hockey players in the world play for it and keeps the tradition by having the guys who've won the cups run the team... From an organization structure, no other team can brag on having a management and coaching staff with more cup wins than the Oilers.. Between Lowe, MacT, Huddy, and Simmer... that total has to be close to 20...
Posted July 5, 2007 01:37 PM
Brad
Edmonton
Its time to let it go Travis. We are all sick of your Moore/Bertuzzi obsession. Get over it or keep it to yourself.
Posted July 5, 2007 01:36 PM
Jeff
Kingston
I'm floored by the dollars going to some of these players. Teams are going to end up with a handfull of decent players with the rest made up marginal players who don't cost much. This is where scouting becomes more important. The successful teams will be the ones who can find talent and build their club from within.
As for the Leaf fans- $8 million for a goalie who has groin problems, Bell who has well documented "issues" outside hockey and a defensive unit that collectively is still the worst in the NHL. I wouldn't be planning the parade yet.
Posted July 5, 2007 12:33 PM
Tate Stringer
Elliot, Elliot, Elliot. Your article is so biased in favor of the NY Rangers, it leads one to believe that the ownership/management must have you in their pockets. First and foremost, both Drury and Gomez are nothing close to franchise players. Although they are the big names in this year's free agency market, anyone who knows hockey, knows that this year's free agency market was about as strong and deep as this year's entry draft; weak at best. Briere included. You mention that Montreal and Los Angeles spent $22 and $34 million in the market acquiring multiple players, while the Rangers spent $87 million on two small forwards. Once you have had time to pull your head out of ground, re-evaluate what you wrote and publish a follow-up article that makes sense.
Posted July 5, 2007 12:09 PM
mox
vancouver sould get ride of naslund and get tod back and they will win the cup.
Posted July 4, 2007 11:14 PM
Shaheer
Edmonton
Kevin Lowe is one of those GMs who has great intentions and hopes for his team, but he just ends up making the locker room worse than it was before. Ryan Smyth's departure at the deadline was a kick in the teeth, and now Jason Smith leaving is perhaps even more demoralising (he was the captain, after all). He finally addressed the need of an offensive defenceman, but at a price which might be too high to pay. Lowe means well, he just needs to translate those good intentions into good moves. Pitkanen is a solid D-man who put up 40+ points on a Flyer team that that didn't even get 60 points; I just hope that its enough to counter the loss of (another) heart-and-soul guy.
P.S to Travis from Vegreville: Dude, relax. We all know that Bertizzi's a jerk but get a grip, seriously.
Posted July 4, 2007 09:29 PM
Heidi
Elliotte:
Thanks for your comments regarding the Oilers. I have been a fan for years and will continue to be a fan for years to come. It's absolutely heartbraking to see what's having to this organization. I also have watched quite a bit of Pitkanen while channel surfing on my NHL Center Ice and I was not impressed with Pitkanen at all. I think Kevin and MacT are not going to do any better with him than Philly did and by trading Gator (the longest serving Oilers captain), Kevin blew apart the Oilers dressing room. I have a feeling that it's going to be very painful to watch by beloved Oilers this coming year.
Posted July 4, 2007 05:39 PM
Ziad
Ottawa
I’m with that Corey fellow, enough about Bertuzzi.
I would have liked to see Ottawa go after Ryan Smyth. He would have made an excellent addition to the Sens top line. He could have given the Spezza/Heatley line some much-needed grit. I think they could have squeezed 5 or 6 mill for a player of his talents.
...
Posted July 4, 2007 04:54 PM
Corey
Ottawa
Right on cue, Travis continues to give Vegreville a bad name...
Posted July 4, 2007 11:25 AM
Alan
Toronto
What Toronto should have done is gone hard for Ryan Smith or Paul Kariya. Maybe they did but both players seeing what a circus the media can be in Toronto opted to go to the Avs.
But he would have been a perfect replacement for Sundin instead now he's a perfect replacement for Sakic. Signing Captain Canada would have been exciting.
As for Blake, Bell, etc. They're no different than all the other "big" names signed in the past, the Kubinas, Peccas, Lindros, etc. They'll do all right but they're not the difference makers that this team needs.
It's too bad the whole NHL knows how badly run the team in Toronto is. I'm amazed any free agent would even want to come here. Well, I guess if you throw enough money at them.
Alan
Posted July 4, 2007 08:41 AM
brandon
canucks brought in a few new forwards today eh
nothing too flashy but that's what i expected
the sabre's are idiots
drury n briere were like marshall n prince for the west tigers
very exciting, very dangerous together, but prince was allowed to leave
kinda how drury n briere are
rangers, i knew they would do that with the money
n philly's just tryin to convince the fans there not ogers still
good to see burke has nothing but goonery on his mind, bert n shniedzy
oilers i really feel sorry for them...
flames...keenan...thats all i have to say
only two teams i actually think that have made a serious impact are the avs, n blues
blues might actually give the wings a go for their money...oh wait...the wings r still big n flashy as usual even without lang, shniezy, calder n big bert...still a force though
nashville, weak now, sad to see them dispand after the yrs spent building the team
and whats with captains running away from their teams...no loyalty in the game, or lill of it
its all money n thats cold
if i played in the nhl id want to play for my home team (vancouver) and i'd want to impress
good to see another burnaby boy make their way to van (ritchie) too bad Korea couldnt take the stress
Posted July 4, 2007 01:26 AM
jad
Ottawa
I disagree on your comment on Pitkanen. He is only 23 years old and logged a ton of minutes last year on a horrible Flyers team. He is big and fast and extremely talented. Give him time and surround him properly and he has the potential to become in no time an elite defenseman in the NHL!
Posted July 4, 2007 01:17 AM
Mark Loewen
Vancouver
I for one am impressed by what Lowe has done. He made offers to players that were of fair value. The Oilers were not going to win a Cup this year no matter what. So why not save your money and let the young talent get some experience before locking up long term high priced talent? This should be a year of healthy developement. And let next year be the year to make a major splash with the UFA's. There is a better crop available anyway.
Posted July 3, 2007 11:34 PM
HabsnSens
Ottawa
Definitely some interesting moves. The most mind blowing has to be Cory Sarich at 5 years and 18 million. That's a steep price for a 15 point/season d man. The Ottawa media should back off Joe Corvo at 2.5 mil per year considering what you have to pay to get a dman now a days.
Why doesn't Ottawa look at a guy like Shane Endicott from Dallas?? Wouldn't he help achieve Murray's goal of getting bigger and stronger? or Vasicek??
Posted July 3, 2007 07:52 PM
The Bambino
Newfoundland
Been an Oiler fan for years. Don't think I can do it much longer. First Smyth, now Smith. Mac T and Lowe should now get the Weston.
Today they add Garon, I'm wondering if they are going to put him and Rollie in the net at the same time. They are going to be peppered with shots. Hemsky and Schremp rarely come back over the red line, they will have to introduce themselves to both goalies at the xmas team party.
Posted July 3, 2007 07:05 PM
Travis
Vegreville
I would add one more team to the loser list:
The Anaheim Ducks.
After going through last year as one of the most respected franchises in hockey, the Ducks put an end to all that by inking Criminal Todd Bertuzzi to a 2 year deal. Someone should write a column about how disgusting it is that we have forgotten that we allow a criminal to play the game - a guy who destroyed another's career on purpose. It is revolting.
Posted July 3, 2007 06:38 PM
Corey
Corey
Who wants to take bets on how long it will be until Travis from Vegreville ruins this blog with another Todd Bertuzzi rant? I'm guessing tomorrow afternoon...
Posted July 3, 2007 05:29 PM
carlos
Re: Free agency. I think the pick up of Jason Blake was a good signing for JFJ. All things considered he has not been a bad GM, as it seems to me that players such as Kubina, Gill, Mccabe underachived last year(or overachieved prior to coming to the leafs. The leafs record, and missing the playoffs also was a result of the teams injury woes. I must confess though that i am really dis-illusioned with this team missing the playoffs 2 yrs in a row and the lock out season. The team is for the most part the same and I am expecting the same results as previous years, although i would like to be wrong. Toskala was a good move & i want to see what BEll is all about. Lets see what happens. If JFJ can somehow swing a deal to get Kozlov from Atlanta it would be a miracle and generate huge excitment for the upcoming season with improved scoring, improved goal tending and improved defe--, well lets just leave it with the first two.
Posted July 3, 2007 04:41 PM
Tarandeep
brampton
TORONTO SCORED. TOSKALA,BELL and Now BLAKE AND MORE TO COME. YES JFJ ISN'T THE GREATEST GM BUT HE WILL MAKE 1 MORE KEY SIGNING
Posted July 3, 2007 04:36 PM
Joe
OH
Bettman's gotta go!!!
w w w . F i r e B e t t m a n . c o m
Posted July 3, 2007 01:35 PM
Brad
Edmonton
Too many Oil fans, including myself, had too many hopes for free agent day and a revamped Oilers team by summer's end. Instead, we lose more than we gained. Lupul is gone, our rugged captain, Smyth wouldn't return our calls, and Sykora. Sykora was one who supposedly went to Lowe and said he liked Edmonton and wanted to stay here. What happened there? Its a sad sad day and I have few hopes for the upcoming season. Maybe the young guys like Schremp, Niilson, and Pouliot will surprise and bond together. Its my long shot hope.
Posted July 3, 2007 01:07 PM