July 19 2010 by Scott.

Kovalchuks mom tells a Russian radio station that his deal with the Devils is for 17 years.  If this is true then it is a major gamble by the Devils. 

Multiple news outlets are reporting that forward Ilya Kovalchuk resigned with the Devils.  He will be introduced at a press conference at the rock tomorrow.

All I have to say is its about freaking time!!!

Posted in NHL News | 3 Comments »

July 05 2010 by Scott.

According to reports legendary enforcer Bob Probert has passed away at age 45.  Our prayers go out to Bob’s family and friends!

Posted in NHL News | 2 Comments »

July 04 2010 by Scott.

According to the LA time the Kings are out of the bidding for the services of Russian sniper Ilya Kovalchuk. 

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2010/07/ilya-kovalchuk-kings-nhl-free-agency.html

If they indeed are then that would leave the Isles and Devils by themselves in the bidding for the high scoring winger.  Things should be really interesting in Islanders Country in the next day or two.

Posted in NHL News, New York Islanders | 1 Comment »

July 02 2010 by Scott.

3:47: According to Katie Strang our final signing of the day will be Tampa tough guy Zenon Konopka 

3:14: It sounds like the Isles are going to make one more move for today and rumors are its going to be signing Alexander Frolov.  More to come… 

2:45: According to agent Allen Walsh the Isles have signed Milan Jurcina and P.A. Parenteau to 1 year deals.  Jurcinas deal was 1 year 1 million and PA’s was 1 year 1 way for 600,000.  Why would you give PA a 1 way deal?  This years Tambellini I guess.

2:30: Katie Strang reports the Isles are closing in on 2 more deals.  One with d-man Milan Jurcina and one with former Ranger P.A. Parenteau

This does nothing to impress me at all.  Jurcina has injury problems and PA is a former Ranger I want no part of

2:03: Isles sign Mark Eaton to a 2 year deal worth 2.5 per

Hes pretty good and def. an upgrade over the likes of Bruno but 2.5 is a tad much IMO.  Hopefully we land Souray now.

 1:55: Chris Higgins to the Panthers for a 1 year deal

 1:52: According to Chris Botta the Oilers have placed d-man Shelden Souray on waivers

This is something we should get it on!!!  Trading for him would’ve been kind of tough but now all we have to do is claim him.

1:51: Islanders resign goalie Nathan Lawson to a one year 2 way deal

1:51: Pavel Kubina signs 2 years with the Lightning

Posted in NHL News, New York Islanders | 1 Comment »

July 01 2010 by Scott.

We will keep track of all confirmed signings in these type of threads for the next few days.

7:51: Eric Nystrom to the Wild 3 years 1.4 per according to tsn

I guess Garth doesn’t want to do anything today

7:20: Andrew Rycroft to the Stars

7:20: Jeremy Reich back to the Bruins

6:21: Tim Jackman to Calgary 2 years 1.1

6:20: Matt Cullen to Minnesota

6:16: Adam Burish to the stars 2 years 1.5 per

5:48: Ducks resign Saku Koivu 2 years 2.5 per according to tsn

5:28: Devils sign Johan Hedberg to 1 year 1.5 million dollar deal

5:15: Prospal resigns with the Rangers for a year 1million in base salary and 1.1 in incentives according to Larry Brooks

5:11; Jordan Leopold to the Sabres for 3 years

4:39: Chicago and ATL have agreed to a deal sending Andrew Ladd to ATL pending a trade call per tsn.  TSN says ATL traded a pick and a prospect for him.  They haven’t contacted his agent yet to talk extension.  Ivan Vishnevsky and a second round pick for Ladd.

4:32: Olli Jokinen back to the Flames, 2 years 3 million per

4:31: Chris Mason to ATL 2 years 3.7

4:30: Devils reel in Volchenkov on a 6 year deal according to puck daddy.  I guess there out on Kovy now.

4:26: Jeff Tambellini to the Canucks

4:15: Hamhuis to the Nucks 6 years 4.5 per according to Bob Mckenzie

4:05: Kurtis Foster to EDM 2 years 1.8 per according to tsn

3:55: Henrik Tallinder to the Devils 4 years 3.375 per according to tsn

3:15: Ray Whitney to PHX 2 years 3 per according to tsn

3:13: Tony Lydman to the Ducks 3 years 3 million per

2:37: Rangers got Derek Boogard according to tsn believed to be 4 years 1.65 per

2:30: Paul Martin to the Penguins according to Scott Burnside from espn 5 years 5 million per according to tsn

2:16 Jody Shelly to Philly 3 years 1.1 per according to tsn

2:14: Dan Ellis to Tampa Bay 2 yr deal worth 3 million according to tsn

1:56: Derek Morris resigns in Pho. 4 years 11 million according to Spectors Hockey.  TSN is now confirming to

1:53: Isles are one of a couple teams to contact Carlo Coliacavo

http://twitter.com/erlendssontrib/status/17509715244

1:50: Manny Malholtra to the Nucks 3 years 7.5 million according to tsn and a NTC

1:39: Sean O’Donnel to the Flyers for a 1 year deal according to tsn

1:35: Antero Nittymaki to the Sharks per tsn deal is a 2 year deal worth 2 million per according to Pierre Lebrun

1:34: Colby Armstrong 3 year deal worth 3 million per with the Leafs per tsn

1:29: Alex Auld to the Habs, 1 year 1 million per tsn

1:11 Z. Michalek to PIT is done for 5 years at 4 per according to Darren Dreger of TSN

1:06: Vladimir Sobotka signs 1 year 750K in STL per Andy Strickland

1:02: Lightning resign Marty St. Louis to a 4 year extension according to the teams twitter account worth 22.5 million

12:58: Ottawa resigns Jesse Winchester 2 years 750K per according to Bob Mckenzie

12:55: Alexander Steen resigns in STL 4 year deal worth 12 million per Andy Strickland

12:46: Anton Babchuck signs in Carolina 1 year 1.4 

12:44: RDS says the Isles are close with Volchenkov

12:27: Erik Christiansen resigns with the Rangers for 2 years at 925,000 per

12:23 Alex Tanguay to the Flames 1 year 1.7 per with a NMC per tsn

12:23: Braydon Coburn resigns in Philly 2 years 3.2 per

12:18: Sergei Gonchar to Ottawa 3 years 5.5 per with a NTC per Darren Dreger from tsn

12:06: Dan Paille resigns in Boston 2 years 1 million in the first year and 1.15 in the second year.

12:06: Marty Biron to the Rangers 2 years 875,000 per

Posted in NHL News, New York Islanders | 2 Comments »

July 01 2010 by Scott.

Earlier tonight the Hawks traded forward Kris Versteeg and the rights to forward Bill Sweatt to Toronto in exchange for Viktor Stalberg, Christopher Didomenico, and Philippe Paradis.  Interesting deal for both sides and on the surface it looks as though Toronto got the better end of this one.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=326203

According to Bob Mckenzie on twitter it seems as though Andrew Ladd will be the next Hawk to be dealt and reportedly up to 14 teams have shown interest in the gritty winger. 

http://twitter.com/TSNBobMcKenzie/status/17469923261

Do you guys think the Isles should make a play for him?

Posted in NHL News, New York Islanders | 4 Comments »

June 26 2010 by Scott.

According to various news out lets the Flyers have been given permission to talk to goalie Evgeni Nabakov about signing a contract with them.  If they are able to sign him prior to July 1st then the Flyers will give the sharks a 7th round pick next year.

Posted in NHL News | No Comments »

June 25 2010 by Scott.

Here are some things I have been hearing from people currently in LA

-Andy Strickland reports Sergei Gonchar is looking for a 3 year extension at 5 million per but the Pens are offering 2.

-Katie Strang from newsday say that an 08 trade down scenario looks like a strong possibility

-tsn.ca reports that Dan Hamhuis is miles apart with the Flyers and maybe traded prior to July 1st

-Pierre Lebrun reports that the Oilers have made multiple plays for the 2nd overall pick but have been shot down each time.

If you don’t have a twitter I suggest you get one, follow and us at twitter.com/savetheisles

You will get the latest on happenings from LA there.

Posted in NHL News, New York Islanders | 1 Comment »

June 24 2010 by Scott.

Since I am not really to familiar with the prospects in the second half of the first round I am only going to do a mock for picks 1-15. 

1) Edmonton Oilers-Taylor Hall

To me this is the obvious pick, the crown jewel of this draft.  He will make last season worth it for the Oiler fans and give them hope for next season and beyond.

2) Boston Bruins (from Toronto)- Tyler Seguin

Well some people have been saying that after their acquisition of Nathan Horton that the Bruins may shoot for a d-man here.  I don’t see it happening, Seguins skill and size down the middle is to much for the Bruins to pass up.

3) Florida Panthers- Erik Gudbranson

The consensus pick among many Islander fans, doesn’t reach us.  Florida repeats what they did taking Jay Bouwmesster #3 overall and hopes it leads to better results then he did.  His size and mean streak prove to much for the Panthers to pass on.

4) Columbus Blue Jackets- Brett Connolly

Although he had some injury problems last year, the idea of him and Rick Nash on the same line is more then enough reason for the Jackets to snatch him up here.

5) New York Islanders- Cam Fowler

If Fowler in fact reaches us I see no way in the world we pass on him.  His playmaking skill and ability prove to much and we snatch him up.

6) Tampa Bay Lightning- Nino Niederreiter

The idea of El Nino and Steve Downie together proves enough for the Lightning to snatch up physical winger here.

7) Carolina Hurricans- Brandon Gormley

He is widely considered as the safe pick among the defense trifecta this year.  While people have no doubt that he will be a long time NHL’er he just doesn’t have the extra aspect to his game that Gudbranson and Fowler do.  Carolina plays it safe and takes him here.

8) Atlanta Thrashers- Ryan Johansen

Johansen is ranked the second best North American center behind Tyler Seguin.  Given Atlantas lack of depth at center this pick surprised nobody.

9) Minnesota Wild- Nick Bjugstad

The wild decide to reach a little bit hear and go for the home town player.  They passed on Minnesota native Jordan Schroeder  last season and don’t want to do it again.

10) New York Rangers- Alex Burmistov

If not for his Russian name he probably would’ve went higher.  However given their lack of depth at center the Rangers decide to gamble here and hope to hit a homerun with Alex.

11) Dallas Stars- Derek Forbert

Dallas could use the defense and although hes committed to college for next season at this point in the first round it doesn’t get any better then Frobert.

12) Anaheim Ducks- Jeffery Skinner

Well there lack of depth at center plus Skinners great scoring ability make this a no brainer pick for the Ducks.

13) Phoenix Coyotes (From Calgary)- Vladimir Tarasenko

Although he is committed to the KHL for next year his skill proves to much for the Coyotes to pass up.  Also the fact that they have two first rounders makes the gamble a little easier.

14) St Louis Blues- Mikael Granlund

His savvy offensive ability plus the fact that hes already played against men while in the SEL prove to be to much for the Blues to pass on.

15) Florida Panthers (From Boston)- Jack Campbell

Well I know this will surprise people.  However Thomas Vokoun is on the trade block and they need a franchise goalie.  After Campbells masterful performance this year they don’t let him slip by them.

Thoughts?  I would do the rest but I am not really familiar with them so I wouldn’t know who to put where.

Posted in NHL News, New York Islanders | 1 Comment »

June 23 2010 by Scott.

Update 2: Espn’s Pierre Lebrun is now saying on twitter that the deal has been announced and is official. 

Update: Various people say the deal is yet to be made official because it would put Atlanta one contract over the 50 contract limit.  If this can’t be amended then I heard the prospect would be sent to Atlanta when they are able to take on his contract. 

Earlier this evening the Blackhawks made they expected cap saving trade by sending Dustin Byfuglin, former Islander Brent Sopel, tough guy Ben Eager, and a prospect to the Thrashers in exchange for the 24th pick (Devils pick gotten for Kovy), 54th pick, veteran center Marty Reasoner, and a prospect.

I guess the Hawks lowered there demands for Big Buff a little.  I had heard that they were seeking a first plus and NHL ready prospect for him and based off what I read the prospect they got isn’t NHL ready. 

Nice trade for both sides!!  Hawks clear much needed cap and the Thrashers get some nice new pieces.

Posted in NHL News | 1 Comment »

June 23 2010 by Scott.

Update: There are now reports saying its un-true

http://prosportsblogging.com/nhl-hockey/around-the-rinks/reports-of-gonchar-to-san-jose-are-false/ 

http://insidepittsburghsports.com/story/penguins-not-ready-to-break-off-talks-with-gonchars-camp/26889/

There is a report that Pit. has traded the veteran d-man to the Sharks with the return unknown.  However there has been no confirmation of the report.  This is something you would want to look for on Wed. to see if something comes out officially via tsn or nhl.com.  Here is the report if your curious:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/410069-sergei-gonchar-traded-to-san-jose

Posted in NHL News | No Comments »

June 22 2010 by Scott.

According to tsn.ca the Panthers have traded Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to the Bruins in exchange for d-man Denis Wideman, 1st rounder in this years entry draft (15th overall) and a third rounder next year. 

Well, Horton knew he would be traded so I guess this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.  But I think it is a fair deal for both teams.

Posted in NHL News | 2 Comments »

June 19 2010 by Scott.

According to nhl.com the Flyers have acquired the rights to Dan Hamhuis along with a conditional 7th round pick in next years draft in exchange for defenseman Ryan Parent.

Well, it seems as though if they are able to sign him which I think they will that the strong have only gotten stronger.

This will give the Flyers one heck of a defense once they sign him.  Pronger, Kimmo, and him as a top 3 is pretty darn good!  Also it caps a busy day for the Preds who also traded Jason Arnott to the Devils.

Posted in NHL News | 1 Comment »

June 19 2010 by Scott.

Earlier this afternoon center Jason Arnott was dealt to the Devils for a second round pick in the 2011 draft as well as prospect Matt Halischuk.  If you remember Arnott in 2000 scored the OT winner that won the Devils their last Stanley Cup.

I think this is a good deal for the Devils, because while Arnott isn’t the player he once was he still has offensive flair and is a good offensive prescence in their top 6.

Posted in NHL News | No Comments »

June 17 2010 by Scott.

According to various news outlets the Canadians have traded goalie Jaroslav Halak to the Blues in exchange for prospects Lars Eller and Ian Schultz.  Lars Eller is NHL ready and was a 2007 draft pick.  Eller was also the Blues #2 prospect.  While Ian Schultz who is the younger brother of Caps d-man Jeff Schultz is a gritty fighter whose weakness is his skating.

This trade surprised me because I was expecting Price to get traded after the show Halak put on in the playoffs.  I guess this signals the end of the line for Chris Mason in STL. 

http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=531922&cmpid=stl-twt-061610

Posted in NHL News | 4 Comments »