The former Hawks netminder was outstanding during the playoffs last year being a key reason for Chicago winning the Stanley Cup. Going into the playoffs he was the biggest question mark the team had. By the end of the playoffs those questions were no longer asked.

With each game played he gained confidence; remember that horrendous goal Dumont scored in the first game against Nashville. That was an after thought by the Western Conference against San Jose where he played his best series of the playoffs.

Even though the Hawks swept the Sharks that was not indicative of how close the series was as every game was decided by one goal. When it came down to making clutch saves at the most crucial parts of the game Niemi stepped up big and was the sole reason for at least two of the wins which I believe he stole single handedly.

Going into the off season Niemi was an RFA who was going to receive a nice raise from the 700 K he earned last year from an arbitrator. This is exactly what happened as he was rewarded a one year $2.75 million contract.

With the Hawks up against the salary cap even after being forced to trade away & or not re-sign Byfuglien, Ladd, Versteeg, Sopel and Madden  In addition, the Sharks also made an RFA offer sheet four year $14 million  to young up and coming Niklas Hjarlmasson which the Hawks decided to match.

Chicago never knew exactly what the final number Niemi would be awarded with so they waited to see if it was something they approved of. The second it was to high they resorted to plan B which was bringing in Marty Turco for $1.3 million for one year.

At the time I was very critical of that decision for two main reasons. Number one, it’s an insult to have zero respect for the goalie who exceeded all expectations and was very good in the playoffs. Number two, I believe he is that good and could be the long term answer the Hawks. At $2.75 million for an above average goalie who is in his prime and comfortable with a team seemed like a no brainer to me.

Obviously the cap issues forced them not take on the contract. But, I am sure they could have worked some angles, dealt a few other players or buried some contracts if they really wanted to make it happen. It’s quite clear they didn’t.

So now the Sharks will be the team benefiting most from this decision. Niemi’s agent reported that he received several offers with a higher salary but choose the Sharks because he wants a chance to win now.

Therefore, the Sharks really are getting a great deal at $2 million for one year. I wouldn’t put Niemi in the category of elite goalies that generally make $4 million plus and have done it for many years; something only fifteen goalies make. Niemi’s contract next year will make him the 24^th highest paid goalie in the NHL. I believe he is far better than that.

Furthermore, he is joining a team in San Jose that plays a similar style of hockey to Chicago. Very dominating forwards that play a puck possession game with skill and a physical edge. So it’s not like he is going to a bottom feeding team where he would be facing a lot more shots and have to bail his team out of constant defensive breakdowns.

Even if Niemi plays awful and it was the biggest one year fluke of all time in net last year then San Jose walks away after one year. They really have nothing to lose in this contract.

This move caps off a complete reversal in theory & strategy and goaltending for the San Jose Sharks. For the last decade Nabokov had been a mainstay in net always racking up the regular season wins. This forced the Sharks to fork out big money somewhere in the $5 million neighborhood annually.

They were not getting the return on the investment they were looking for with constant playoff failure with early exits. After watching what happened in this year’s playoffs with Niemi, Leighton and Osgood in past years they realize it isn’t necessary to pay your goalie a ton of money in order to be successful.

Niemi will now join Nittymaki who was also signed a free agent earlier this off season to two year $4 million contract. In addition, last year’s back up Tomas Greiss will still be in the mix for some playing time. The three of them combined to make under $5 million this season which is less than what Nabokov was making.

Even though it’s something the neither Sharks nor Nittymaki could have ever predicted when they agreed on their contract. Everyone in the organization should have no problem giving the starting job to Nittymaki. He’s had the most success in his career and didn’t sign with the Sharks at a discounted rate to sit on the bench. In the event he doesn’t live up to expectations San Jose can feel confident with its back up situation.

Written by

Chad Margulius

Throughout last year the Coyotes were one of the best defensive teams with one of the best goalies in the league with Bryzgalov. But, the one thing that prevented them from being considered an elite NHL team was the lack of offense. That is why they traded for Stempniak at the deadline.

There is no one that could have predicted him playing as well as he did averaging a PPG. And going on a crazy run scoring 14 goals in 18 games, many of them clutch game winners.

It’s quite clear the 27 year old winger found his comfort zone after getting an opportunity to play on the top two lines; an opportunity he wasn’t granted with the Leafs the last year and a half & his final season with the St. Louis Blues.

After an impressive career high 52 points in 82 games in the 2006-07 season he’s seen his offensive production drop off. The year after a decrease of 14 points down to 38. With all the young forwards in St. Louis he became expandable getting dealt to the Leafs after 14 games two years ago in a trade for Carlo Colliacovo & Alex Steen. He would go onto have 44 points in that 2008-09 season.

Last year with the Leafs he was expected to be a top six forward and contributor. At times he was given that opportunity but it didn’t happen all year long. Ron Wilson wasn’t a big fan of his style of play and often demoted him throughout the year to checking lines. That is why point production wasn’t great only having 30 points in 61 games with Toronto.

After the final eighteen game torrid pace it brought his year totals up to a career high 28 goals & second best point production season with 44. This helped get a two year contract paying him $1.9 million per year for the next two seasons.

This is a great deal for the Coyotes getting a potential 30 goal & 50 point scorer for under $2 million dollars. Based on four year average of 45 points per season, being only 27 years old and coming of a career high in goals he probably could have gotten over $2 million per season.

I believe Stempniak enjoyed his time in Phoenix and wanted to stay there. All the players on that roster have been considered cast offs or underdogs to some degree and Tippet had them all playing with a sense of urgency. With an attitude of we are going to prove all the doubters wrong. That is exactly what Stempniak did along with all of his teammates.

Often criticized for being a slow skater, lazy backchecker and overall defensive liability Tippet knew he still had great hands and if put in the right system could get the most out of him.

Most of the core group of Phoenix forwards from last year will all be kept in tact with Shane Doan, Martin Hanzal, Wojtek Wolski (also acquired at the deadline), Radim Vrbata and Scottie Upshall (injured for most of last year).

However, they did lose leading scorer Matthew Lombarid and veteran Robert Lang up front. Ray Whitney was signed to try and replace some of that scoring. So re-signing Stempniak became very important for a team that doesn’t have much star power up front.

The great thing about this group of forwards is the overall diversity between skill, grit, speed and size. All of the aforementioned players will be mixed and matched all season long to find the right mix; so expect Stempniak to be given the same opportunity as last year to play on one of the scoring lines.

In addition, to all the veterans you can’t forge the three great young forwards still in the Coyotes system with Kyle Turris, Mikael Boedker & Viktor Tikhinov. Who knows exactly what role they will take on with the club this year? But, the future looks bright for the Coyotes forwards.

Even after this signing the Coyotes still remain $10 million under the cap. They can still sign more players this off season or maybe bring in a bigger contract through a trade in the season. I can’t see them rushing out to bring a big contract considering the team is still in Bankruptcy court every other week and the long term ownership picture is very unclear.

If the defense & goaltending can put on the same performance as last season this group of forwards should give them a chance to get back to the playoffs.

Written by

Chad Margulius

However, with this signing regardless of what direction the franchise is going it’s a great move. MacArthur is a good young 25 year old forward with some pretty good upside. He plays with a physical edge and can still chip in offensively.

He spent the first few years of his career competing for a spot on the Buffalo Sabres roster; this led to some time in the minors. But, since he’s played in the NHL full time the past two years he’s recorded 31 & 35 points each season.  Last year he was dealt to the Thrashers at the trade deadline after spending his entire career in the Sabres organization.

From a pure value stand point Burke got an absolute bargain. MacArthur was set to receive $2.5 million in arbitration as an RFA with the Thrashers. But, after they declined to pay him that money it made him a UFA.

I agree with the Thrashers not wanting to fork up $2.5 million for MacArthur, he would be overpaid; but, not by as much as they had thought. MacArthur has the potential to be a 20 goal & 40 point scorer. And at the absolute worst the 15 goals & 30+ points he’s had the last few seasons.

He will have every opportunity in the world to get that playing time with plenty of question marks upfront for the Leafs. Kessell & Versteeg are the only forwards pretty much guaranteed a spot on the top two lines. The rest of the scoring lines will be some combination of players including: Bozak, Kulemin, Grabovski, Caputi, Armstrong, Mitchell & Kadri (if he makes the team).

Giving up no players, assets or picks while only having to commit to a one year deal ensures the Leafs have absolutely zero risk in this move. In the event MacArthur can fulfill his full potential it will give the Leafs the upper hand to lock him up long term. This could be one of the more underrated and least spoken about deals off the off season.

Like I said I have been critical of Burke’s plan with the Leafs in terms of not wanting to fully rebuild. But, given the circumstances I do like what he’s done this off season. He’s put together a group of young forwards who do have some potential. The trade for Versteeg, signing of Armstrong, RFA deal for Kulemin + today’s acquisition of MacArthur have given them more depth and potential moving forward.

Unless the defense is as good as advertised and they get excellent goaltending they will not make the playoffs. Those are big ifs for a team that ranked 2^nd last in GAA last season with what supposed to be a great defense.

Because I don’t believe the current group of forwards is good enough even after the improvements this off season.

Written by

Chad Margulius

He is become a pretty feisty grinding type of player that can kill penalties and serve the role as agitator. Plus, add a bit off offense having registered between 19 & 27 goals, 34 & 41 points when healthy. But, that health situation has been below average in his career as he hasn’t played a full season since his days in Edmonton four years ago.

In order for him to be a key role player with the Canucks he will need to stay relatively healthy. Because the second he isn’t the Canucks have enough depth in the system with guys like Hansen, Rypien, Glass all trying to get time on the third line.

I believe the key reason he was signed was the recent news of Alex Burrows set to undergo surgery missing at least half the season. At this point Burrows is a far better offensive player having been on the first unit with the Sedins for the past year and a half putting up career numbers have exceeded Torres best NHL year.

With the Burrows injury he may even see some time on the first line with the Sedins, if granted the opportunity I am sure he will have a career year like every forward does with the twins. I can see him chipping in with 20 goals & 45 points, worst case scenario 15 goals & 30-35 points.

For $1 million he will bring a similar style of play, being a pest, physical in your face type of grinder. This is a no risk contract for Vancouver; Torres is taking a huge pay cut from the past three years having made $2.75 per season.

Worst case scenario doesn’t work out he can play on the 2^nd or 3^rd line which is great value at $1 million.  Even if he gets injured or is an absolute bust with his on ice performance, Vancouver moves on with no negative long term salary implications.

This basically means the end for Kyle Wellwood who was making similar type of money playing in the third line. I believe Torres is a minor upgrade being a bit more physical player with equal offensive skills.

Gillis makes a wise move today by adding more offensive depth to the club with limited risk. I can’t see him pulling off to many moves this off season as the Nucks are now sitting at $5 million over the cap. However, some of that money will come off the books with injuries to Burrows and Salo. But, even at that they will sit just around the $57 million cap.

Written by

Chad Margulius

Ovechkin on his technique:

“Regarding the technique — my father set up my shot. When I was a child we used to go to our dacha 100 kilometers from Moscow, where I spent a lot of time. He built a goal and put up cans in it. We had 10 pucks. Until I hit a certain number [of cans], I wasn’t allowed to go out with other kids. They were waiting for me, watching, anxious.

Actually, the shot is my thing since I was 15. I once saw a stick in a store; I see that it’s my curve, I asked my father to buy it. We bought the stick, I came out and everything is awesome, I am enjoying it, the puck goes where I want it to. There was a shot, I had the shot. And now it’s the same.

I don’t want to say that I have the best shot in the world, but it is one of my aces.”

Ovechkin on people calling his play “too straightforward.”

“The question of why I am playing straightforward is a very simple one. It only looks that I play straightforward.

Of course, when I watch videos on YouTube or on TV, I think ‘Damn, just pull the puck right here.’ And in the game everything looks different. If you are going against one defenseman and he skates back then it’s understood that there is no point to make any kind of moves. You can break, look around, pass. But you still know that when you’re going one-on-one then why wait, if you can create a chance? You always have to push it to the max.

It is all about simplicity, actually. If I were to come up with something, then I would be who I became. As far as a big number of assists last season, all of them were from ricochets, rebounds.”

Ovechkin on the KHL:

“Of course, to play in the NHL is a dream. You can go to any youth sports school and ask those who train there — everyone will say that they dream of the NHL. There cannot even be a talk about comparing the two leagues.

The KHL right now is moving in the right direction, raising up a little, but there is no point to compare the leagues.  Let them call me names, call me a traitor, but this is true.

Medvedev did the right thing that he signed Denis Grebeshkov(notes), Maxim Afinogenov(notes), Evgeni Nabokov(notes).  He showed the NHL that Russian players can come back to the homeland and play at the same level as the NHL. But still, there are only 3-4 teams here that keep up to the level, and there are no other teams.

There is also a deception…

Look at what is happening with Lada Togliatti – it is a disgrace. In America, it is difficult to imagine not paying people their salary. And if it’s not only paid in hockey, players here get certain amounts, but imagine someone who works as a janitor, a tram driver…  We’re OK, we have the savings, we put the money in the bank; if we’re not paid now, it’s OK, we’ll survive. But their salaries are really small.”

Ovechkin on youth hockey in Russia:

“You can say whatever you want, and everyone can talk very good.  But if you look at what is happening in reality with our youth hockey, then the situation is a lot to be desired.

When I was young, there were no people who came up and said: ‘Here’s the money for you, play my son, let him play and enjoy. And then we’ll see.’  This is the worst. It’s in the clubs, in national teams — it’s the same everywhere.  And when I started playing for the national team, it was happening.  Two, three people were there who “had a pull.”  But now there are more of them.  Unfortunately, in Russia money decides everything.

The problem is also that right now hockey is an expensive sport on itself. How did my mom [basketball coach] and coaches do it back then? They went around schools, scouted girls, picked them themselves. Who of our coaches will now go to a school and say: ‘Come by’? When children there are already standing with a cigarette, with a bottle of beer, and they don’t need it.  That’s why we don’t have a generation we had in the cases of Kovalchuk, Malkin, myself.

And it’s the same everywhere: in soccer, in basketball – everywhere.”

Ovechkin on the Stanley Cup Playoffs:

“Of course I want to win a Stanley Cup. But apart from me there are other guys who want it too.

“n principle, playoffs is such an unpredictable thing, you never know who will win, who will lose. It looked we were way better than Montreal, but they [beat] us and Pittsburgh. How was it possible to think that someone can beat us, beat Pittsburgh — especially the Canadiens, [the club] people talked about as if they had no team at all? We led 3-1, came to Washington and thought: ‘Well, right now we will…’  And that’s where we were taken ‘cold and hot.’”

Ovechkin, on whose playing style he likes:

“When I was young, my father and I additionally went to train with Alexander Maltsev.  He showed me what I had to do, he entrusted me with what he knew.  And to name players against who I play…  I am so selfish, I am not going to say anything. I’d better keep my opinion. Everyone is a good player: Kovalchuk, Sema [Alexander Semin(notes)] is very good, golden hands…  But I will keep my opinion [to myself].”I have no idols, I am the only person.”

Pretty interesting stuff from OV. I have always loved the way he’s spoken his mind instead of being reserved and giving the standard safe answers so many athletes give to stay away from controversy.

I love how he pointed it out in Russia how money dictates everything and even hinted at the corruption. It’s not like that doesn’t happen in the US either, it may just not be as apparent on the surface.

The best quote was his final remarks in terms of idols. I think it’s great that he believes in himself and doesn’t have a direct idol, or at least stay quite about it. Probably not having that one prominent figure in his life he’s looked up to.

In order to be the best you often have think that you are, and no one in the past was as good as you will become during your career.

One philosophy I stand by in life is to never have one single role model or idol. For myself in order to be the best human being I can, while trying to live out my dream and passion it requires taking little bits and pieces of all people who I see as successful.

Because if you try to emulate or copy one particular person in our world, how will you ever become your own?  Whats the point on trying to live your life being a carbon copy of someone else? How unoriginal!! I believe Ovechkin see’s it the same way and that is why he never specifically mentioned anyone.

Come on other NHL players step up and speak like Ovechkin.

Written by

Chad Margulius

Besides fans and hockey analysts breaking down the situation we now have Kaberle’s father; Frantisek Kaberle SR. (yes he is also the father of former NHL player Frantisek Kaberle, brother of Tomas) weighing in on the situation. This was confirmed via an interview with his home town Czech Hockey Magazine Hokej.

And boy do I love how brash, direct and to the point he really is with his opinions regarding his son’s future or shall we say lack of future with the Leafs.

“I think that during the course of the year he will be traded to another club, there is only one chance for Toronto to get something back in return for Tomas now. In my opinion, I can’t see Tomas entering a new contract with Toronto. Not if Ron Wilson continues to be employed there.”

I agree with his comments in regards to the Leafs only having one opportunity to trade him. I doubt Kaberle would re-sign, not like he ever had the intention to in the past few years. But all the requests to waive his no trade clause multiple times must be growing thin on hin.

Even though Burke is aware of the situation he refuses to give him away for what he believes is not enough value at this point in the year. Personally I don’t understand his stance, the longer you wait to deal him the more his value goes down.

In addition, even if they get prospects in return and the team is slightly worse than they would have been with Kaberle it will not have a huge impact on the team short term. Even with Kaberle in the line up the Leafs are a marginal playoff team at best, far from contenders. It makes more sense to get as many good young players who can grow with the organization and give them a better chance to compete long term.

As for the Wilson comments it probably is true. He prefers his defenseman tobe reliable stay at home defenders not play the pinching, offensive style that Kaberle is accustomed to when performing at his best on the back end. As a UFA he will choose to play in a system with a coach that will utilize his talents to the fullest extent. Kaberle Sr. probably believes his son is being limited.

“I think that Tomas won’t even comment on (trade possibilities) anymore. He is content in Toronto with both the club and the city.”

“I still think though that some change would be welcomed.”

Kaberle is handeling the situation with class never ripping or challenging Burke and the Leafs. He’s done everything they have requested of him with waiving the no movement clause. It’s up to Burke to make it happen right now.

This is just another classic example of a parent being over protective of his son wanting to see the best for him. Especially in sports, where parents are very proud and want to take credit it for the kids success.

If Kaberle won’t speak up because he doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers that might as well let pops step up and in spitting the truth. Because I can assure Kaberle will not re-sign. Sure I dont have sources or proof of that, but all signs point in that direction. I am wiling to back that up with a wager, I am that confident and you should feel the same way to.

“I have been following Toronto for a long time, I didn’t believe it much in the beginning, but it seems that the best players don’t want to go to this club.”

“The reason is because of the huge pressure from the fans, and especially the media. Not every hockey player is able to deal with it.”

I love how he didn’t believe in the Leafs organization at first. I guess when you are that bad for that long and you aren’t a delusional biased hometown Leaf fan it’s pretty standard to have that opinion.

However, I do disagree with him comments about the best players not wanting to go there. Ontario produces the most NHL players in the entire world. Many of them growing up cheering for the Leafs as young kids and would find it to be an honor playing for them.

In general I don’t think the Leafs have trouble signing players or keeping star players in town. It comes down to them making the wrong decisions on talent in the organization. It’s not like they have had great players just walk away in their prime because they didn’t like Toronto.

As for the media and pressure most players embrace that, they want to play hockey in a market where people care and there are expectations. It helps create motivation and give them more of a purpose to play the game, instead of some useless SEC or Florida hockey market.

For the players that can’t deal with the media to bad. It’s part of playing in Toronto, these are grown man that should have thick enough skin to ignore all the stupid comments from the media. Much like the pressure I don’t understand where Kaberle gets off making a comment like that. These guys have no problem dealing with the media, what’s the worst thing they can do? Ask a dumb question, report something stupid… come on these guys have thick enough skin to overcome that.

Now that Burkie heard these comments will it change his thought process and strategy with Kaberle in what seems to be turning into a never ending saga this off season. Please something else exciting happen, so this can be put on the backburner. Or at least someone come out and make some controversial statements like Frantisek.

Written by

Chad Margulius

Even though I am not a Leafs fan I do have respect for many of them because for the most part they remain loyal to their team regardless of there on ice performance. Delusional? Possibly.  But which die hard biased fan isn’t? Everyone wishes for the best with their team.

However we often see cities fans rack up a bill of over $1000 dollar in transit fare for jumping on and off the bandwagon. Not in TO, Leaf nation is as strong as it gets with sports in North America.

Anyways here is what a dedicated loyal Leafs fan had to say in response…

It’s that time of the day ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the word of the day. Yesterday’s word of the day was Bozo the Clown, and that couldn’t have fit much better, as that tyrant was a joke worthy of “LOL”ing about. Bozo the Clown himself couldn’t have formulated a more comedic and ridiculous rant.

Today’s word of the day: RELATIVITY.

When Burke traded away two first round picks for Phil Kessel, he anticipated that he would be getting the better player out of the deal. With a player like Kessel, a proven goal scorer with speed to boot, Burke believed that he would be a solid addition to the Leafs roster, which arguably wasn’t horrible on paper at that time. The problem with the Toronto Maple Leafs is the stigma of constant failure caused by underperformance. Players like Stempniak, Antropov, Ponikarovsky and Blake, who are by no means superstars, plain and simply just underperformed and didn’t do what they were paid to do. With a chain only as strong as its weakest link, there were too many flimsy and volatile links in the chain for it to be strong enough to support its team, which clearly led to what we like to call ROCK BOTTOM. Now if any of you watch the A&E television drama Intervention, you’ll recall Candy Finnegan mentioning that in order to fully recover, you need to hit rock bottom. Thankfully for Leaf fans, rock bottom has arrived, and we can see a glimmer of hope on the horizon.

Looking back, the Phil Kessel trade in retrospect didn’t work out the way we expected. Had Burke anticipated his squad playing like a minor hockey house league team, he likely wouldn’t have traded away his first rounders. But my friends, that theory is all relative. If A didn’t happen, then B wouldn’t have occurred, and C wouldn’t have been the outcome. The decisions that Burke make are all relative, and without Madame Zobo’s crystal ball, there’s no way to anticipate the difference between a wise decision and a poor decision. Do you see where I’m going with this?

Now on to more recent and relevant topics, the Tomas Kaberle drama and Burke’s lack of action. Brad Fox, a self proclaimed hockey expert, believes that not trading away Kaberle was a bad move. Brad suggested that Burke should “take what he can for Kaberle, because thats what teams in rebuild mode do. You stockpile younger talent, and Burkey ignored this”. Once again, let’s talk about the word of the day; relativity.

It’s very easy to point the finger and laugh at someone who might be perceived as wrong in a given situation. Let’s talk about the magical crystal ball once again, and how it is IMPOSSIBLE to speculate the outcome of a scenario. Burke could have traded away Kaberle for any combination of picks and players, but all he would have gotten was potential. That doesn’t win championships. Kaberle is a proven player who excels on the ice as a Toronto Maple Leaf. He is without a doubt the most consistent player for the franchise, and has been for a number of years. By shipping away the most consistent player in exchange for potential, well that clearly wasn’t good enough for Burke. He needed a deal that stood out to him, giving in exchange what he thought was enough value for a player that anyone in the NHL would consider a necessary asset. He didn’t see what he liked, so he held on tight to his star studded d-man, and will continue to build his team by other means. As a Leaf fan, that sits well with me, and I can have piece of mind knowing our beloved Kabby will remain in blue and white for the upcoming season.

Take your shots, have your opinions, say what you want to say. The bottom line is the team has made significant progress dating back to the blow-up of the team (otherwise known as the Calgary Flames swap), and continuing on into the offseason. The Leafs can potentially make a fight for a playoff spot this season, which by all means isn’t winning the cup, but is significant progress compared to rock bottom. These small victories over time will mould the team into a competing organization, and if keeping Kaberle is a step in the right direction then so be it. Decisions are all relative, and the decisions that are made can potentially make or break a team in the short and long terms. Fortunately there is more than one way to skin a cat, and I have no problem putting my utmost faith in Burke as the man responsible for putting the Leafs back on track towards the path of righteousness.

Written by

Adam Joseph Mandelbaum

The least the NHL could do for its fans is have the arbitrator break down in full detail exactly the rules that were broken. And have them clear cut, and pointed out so all GM’s & players know in the future.

Written by

Chad Margulius

Back in the day Selanne was absolutely sick, one of the best goal scorers in the NHL going back to his days in Winnipeg and first run with Anaheim. Then from 2000-2005 his numbers took a bit of a dive because he went to contenders in San Jose & Colorado taking on more of a role.

Not being the bona fide all star player he once was.  His offensive output saw a decline in those years from 1998 onwards when he had his last 100+ point season down to 85 to 72 to 54 to 64 to 32 in successive years.

After the lockout season most teams thought he was on the last legs of his career and at age 35 there wasn’t much left in the tank. Except for then Ducks GM Brian Burke who took a shot on bringing him back to Anaheim on a one year contract.

Selanne started to show signs of his greatness from the past.  His quickness and outstanding offensive instincts were on full display as he had a magical 40 goal & 90 point resurgent season. This helped the young forwards grow up with the Ducks and get them back into the playoffs.

It was quite clear that he still had the skill to play at a high level. This was followed up by an even more amazing 48 goal 96 point season at the age of 36; and finally winning his first Stanley Cup being an integral part of the team.

This caused Selanne to seriously contemplate retiring going out on top. That is what he thought was going to be the case in the next season. Until more than half way through the year the itch to come back and play was there. Also Scott Niedermayer was in the same boat having temporarily retired that off season.

Once both the old players had a few extra months off their bodies were rested and ready to come back. This time the playoff success was short lived as they got bounced in the first round to Dallas.

Once again Selanne thought he would retire knowing that he is getting older and has already won the Cup. But, his desire to keep playing kept him around again in 2008-09 playing in 65 games.  Then last off season the same scenario repeated himself and he decided to play again.

So going into this off season even if it appeared Selanne was going to hang em up it wasn’t something you could take seriously. And even though the Ducks have only won one playoff series the past three years after the Cup and getting progressively worse in the regular season to the point of missing the playoffs last year he wants to keep playing.

There is no doubt he is still capable of playing at a high level. The only thing somewhat holding him back has been some of the recent injuries over the past few years not having played a full season or over 65 games in four years.

At just over $3 million it’s a fair deal, you can guarantee Selanne would only come back if he felt up to playing. He isn’t the type of player just trying to take a one year cash grab, way to classy for that.

If he’s healthy he will still score at least 25 goals and 50 points, a fair price for that type of offensive production; if healthy he can still contribute 30+ goals and 70+ points.

The Ducks future all hinges on the three young forwards Getzlaf, Perry & Ryan they will be the ones responsible for carrying the team. He will join a good group of veterans that will fill out a pretty deep offensive team with Koivu, Lupul and Blake.

Even after this signing the Ducks still have appx $9 million in cap space, however a good portion that is put aside to sign Ryan to a long term deal as he is an RFA seeking a huge raise.

At this point they defiantly have a good enough offense to compete with the top teams in the NHL. Hiller is an above average goalie. The only probably remains on the back end, which is still hurting from Niedermayer’s retirement, Pronger being dealt last off season and Beuchemin signing in Toronto.

Going into this year the top 3 defensman are Visnovsky, Lydman and Sutton, after that it’s a complete crap shoot with unproven young players or journeyman.  They will need to spend some of that money on improving the back end if they want to get back to the playoffs.

Writtten by

Chad Margulius

I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw this shirt.  Personally I don’t really get caught up in the trash talking between cities with fans unless its the Leafs.  Because even though I am from Vancouver and a fan I realize Calgary has accomplished way more in its history. So I would never wear a shirt against another team; especially not one with that particular image on it.

It’s these type of shirts that help fuel the fan rivalry between Calgary and Vancouver.

I can’t imagine what other kind of absurd merchandise we will see in the future.

By Chad Margulius

That is clearly the case with Modano only making $1.25 million per season; that’s less than some useless enforcers like Colton Orr or Derek Boogard make.  Even at his age he’s still twice the players as those goofs and offers way more to a team.

Modano is clearly in the twilight of his career and he’s not the once ppg player and bona fide #1 center on a team.  The last three years he’s seen his point totals decreased from 57 to 46 to 30, and four out of his past six seasons less than 46 points. The decrease came after eleven straight seasons where he became one of the most prominent forwards in the NHL; averaging a PPG or more and recording eight 30+ goal seasons.

With his decrease in offensive production in his later year’s it forced him to become a better defensive center in order to remain in the league for this long. Dave Tippet deserves a ton of credit for helping Modano grow that part of his game when he was coaching the Stars.

Even though he’s mainly played on the third line with the Stars he can still contribute on the 2^nd unit PP o play the occasional shift on the second line when other centers are injured. Last year he only had 30 points in 59 games and 46 points the year before in a full season; so it’s not like he’s horrible offensively.  He is only four seasons removed from a 77 point season, coming after a 44 point season where people questioned him and already started to say he was done.

He will fit in perfectly with Detroit playing as a role player with veterans Bertuzzi, Holmstrom and Clearly. They are a good supporting cast for the core of forwards featuring Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Franzen and Flipulla. Modano could play on the third line or possibly as high as the second line if one of the three centers moves to the wing.

If given enough ice time and he remains healthy Modano could get 40+ points. Even if he’s awful and his age really catches up with him at the bare minimum expect 10 goals and 30 points.  For $1.25 million the Red Wings are risking next to nothing on a first HOF candidate player who still has a little bit left in the tank.

Written by

Chad Margulius

I know a lot of hockey fans toot their horns saying how great the Cap is.  I don’t fall into that category and this is offseason has given me more of a reason to hate the cap.  The Hawks don’t even have a fair chance to keep all of its players from last season.

It doesn’t matter cap or not the same teams are good and bad.  Please someone point out which team has benefited from the Cap and have seen a huge spike in results consistently compared to before the Cap.

Ahhhh its a topic, debate and rant for another day all together.

It’s just sad to see the goalie of the Cup winning team who played pretty good and didn’t even get an outrageous salary have to leave.

Written by

Chad Margulius