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| Ovechkin Likley to win MVP | Wednesday 6/11, 4:57 PM CT |
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Alexander Ovechkin is likely 24 hours from being named the NHL's MVP for the 2007-08 season, according to the Associated Press. The team also is looking to become the first squad in history to sweep the MVP, Rookie of the Year (Nicklas Backstrom) and Coach of the Year (Bruce Boudreau) in the same season.
Our View: Ovechkin is a shoe-in, while Backstrom figures to receive some strong competition from the Blackhawk boys (Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane). It would also be a bit of an upset for Boudreau to win the coaching honor, but having all three men nominated is huge for a club that was in last place in the Eastern Conference at Thanksgiving only to find themselves wind up as Southeast Division champs. |
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| Sertich traded to Avs | Wednesday 6/11, 4:35 PM CT |
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Marty Sertich, a 2004-05 finalist for the Hobey Baker award for most outstanding college player, was traded from the Stars to the Avalanche in exchange for a seventh round pick in the 2009 Entry Draft, according to TSN. ''Marty is a skilled offensive player who will provide depth at the center position,'' said Avalanche Assistant GM Greg Sherman.
Our View: Sertich is 25 years old and coming off a season in which he led his AHL squad, the Iowa Stars, in scoring with 52 points. He will look to crack the Av's top-6 next season, though expecting that to happen might be a bit of a stretch. |
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| Iginla doesn't believe in himself | Wednesday 6/11, 4:29 PM CT |
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Jarome Iginla is a finalist for the Hart Trophy (MVP), but don't consider him one to think he has a chance to win, according to the Calgary Herald. "I'm going pretty much knowing I'm not going to win -- well, I'm 99.9 per cent sure I'm not going to win,'' said Iginla. "But I'm going to go and enjoy it. I won't have the pressure of thinking, 'Tonight I have to make a speech,' or even that I might have to."
Our View: Inginla believes that Alexander Ovechkin will win the award, as does most everyone else. The NHL might have tipped its hand a few days ago when NHL.com offered for sale a t-shirt showing Ovechkin the winner of the award. Think someone got fired for putting that item up for sale? |
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| Reitz resigned to provide depth | Wednesday 6/11, 4:23 PM CT |
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Erik Reitz re-signed with the Wild putting his name on a 1-year deal, according to Sports Illustrated.
Our View: Reitz appears in two playoff games with the team after suiting up for 49 games in the AHL. With health concerns dogging Kevin Foster, and Keith Carney and Sean Hill unrestricted free agents, Reitz could end up playing a significant role in the coming season. |
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| Wilson becomes Leafs head coach | Wednesday 6/11, 4:20 PM CT |
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Ron Wilson is now the head coach of the Toronto Blue Jays, and though he had his differences with Patrick Marleau while in San Jose, he has nothing but kind words for his former captain, according to the San Jose Mercury News. "I would love to coach Patty Marleau again. We had our differences, but I've had differences with just about every player I've coached along the way," Wilson said. "Patty is a great player and he's going to continue to improve and he's going to be a great leader in San Jose."
Our View: Marleau's name will certainly once again come up in trade rumors this off-season, but after arguably the worst offensive season of his career, will there be any takers considering his salary? |
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| Backup keeper staying put | Wednesday 6/11, 4:16 PM CT |
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Jonas Hiller decided to remain with the Ducks and he did just that by signing a 2-year contract extension, according to the Miami Herald. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Hiller was spectacular filling in when J-S Giguere was unavailable posting simply tremendous ratios (.927 SV%, 2.06 GAA). He should once again be penciled in for about 20-25 starts in a supporting role. |
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| Holmstrom has surgery | Wednesday 6/11, 1:08 PM CT |
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Detroit News reports that Tomas Holmstrom had surgery for a sports hernia on Wednesday.
Our View: He will need six to eight weeks to recover but should be ready for training camp. |
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| Hip surgery for Rozsival | Wednesday 6/11, 1:04 PM CT |
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Michal Rozsival will undergo hip surgery today, according to foxsports.com. He is set to become a free agent on July 1.
Our View: The Rangers defense man should recover in four to six weeks. Last season he scored a career-high 13 goals and added 25 assists in 80 games. |
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| Malone's agent talking to Pens | Wednesday 6/11, 10:49 AM CT |
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Ryan Malone's agent, Mike Liut, had preliminary discussions with Penguins general manager Ray Shero regarding a new deal, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Not much was exchanged," Liut said. "We talked briefly during the regular season, too. They have a lot of free agents. They have a [salary] cap they have to deal with. They have a lot of things to think about. They have some really good young players there. One of the hallmarks of the new [collective bargaining] deal is sometimes you have to pick and choose. [The Penguins] are in the process of doing that."
Our View: Malone, who had 51 points and 103 PIM last year, is an unrestricted free agent. The Pens are hoping to get a hometown discount, but we'll see if that happens. |
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| Leafs may buy out Tucker's contract? | Wednesday 6/11, 10:39 AM CT |
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New coach Ron Wilson said he will review game tapes to determine where Darcy Tucker fits in with the team. "Darcy Tucker for years was one of my favourite hockey players, but ... he's starting to wear down. His role on the team, I'm not really sure. I want to spend some time over the next two weeks, watch some film closely, not as a fan but as a coach, and give Cliff my input. That's all I ask from Cliff, is a little bit of input."
Our View: There has been speculation that the team may buy Tucker out of his contract. Keep a close eye on this situation moving forward. |
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