The Official NHL Offseason Thread

[treble 0]

I'm guessing that Florida was the first team (maybe the only one) that wanted to sign both of them. I'm more upset that Roberts is leaving, even though I like Nieuwendyk, he was hurt a lot when he played for the Leafs and I don't think the team has a lot of cap space to dedicate to someone how might only play 2/3s of the season.

 

I wish them good luck, but it's kind of weird to me that Roberts is going to be coached by Jacques Martin.

[Red Baron 0]

Its more of the experience of Neiwendyk and Roberts is going to help the Panther team, especially with Martin coaching for them.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

Florida needed the offense. Jokinen is good, but outside of Horton (until he got hurt), he really didn't have any help last year. Plus, Anthony Stewart should be seeing time with the Panthers this season and they have hopes that he'll become the next Gary Roberts-esque power forward, so to have Roberts tutor him would go a long way.

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They needed the leadership more than the scoring. Don't forget about Huselius, who simply has to break out sooner or later.

[the max 0]

Huselius is soft. All a team has to do is catch him with a solid hit and he's practically glued to the boards for the rest of the game. They were trying to trade him before the deadline in the last season that they played, but couldn't get anything worthwhile for him. He'd be a good fit for the Canadiens though.

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

TSN.ca is reporting Foote has been signed by Columbus.

[Red Baron 0]

Huselius is soft. All a team has to do is catch him with a solid hit and he's practically glued to the boards for the rest of the game. They were trying to trade him before the deadline in the last season that they played, but couldn't get anything worthwhile for him. He'd be a good fit for the Maple Leafsthough.

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Edited for accuracy.

 

What a great pickup for Columbus snagging one of the best d-man currently on the market.

[Red Baron 0]

Huselius is soft. All a team has to do is catch him with a solid hit and he's practically glued to the boards for the rest of the game. They were trying to trade him before the deadline in the last season that they played, but couldn't get anything worthwhile for him. He'd be a good fit for the Maple Leafsthough.

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Edited for accuracy.

 

What a great pickup for Columbus snagging one of the best d-man currently on the market.

[smh810 0]

nl5 I heard a report this morning on the radio that Modano may sign with the Bruins...thoughts?

[CanadianGuitarist 0]

nl5 I heard a report this morning on the radio that Modano may sign with the Bruins...thoughts?

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They could use a complete, well rounded player like Modano, since Thornton doesn't appear to be staying in Beantown much longer.

 

He'd fit well, IMO.

[the max 0]

I'd welcome Modano, even though I don't like him. He's an elite player with skills that the Bruins could use. Plus, Joe doesn't seem too warm on returning...

[CanadianChris 0]

Blackhawks signed Adrian Aucoin away from the Islanders.

 

Aucoin's a good player, but I doubt he'll make the Hawks any less irrelevant.

[Red Baron 0]

Wow, who'd thought Chicago would do anything

[CanadianChris 0]

Wirtz HAD to do something. If he stays pat, he loses what's left of his fanbase, after being one of the biggest advocates about needing cost certainty to compete.

 

I can't see them making much more of a splash though, at least not this season.

[nl5xsk1 0]

My only beef with the Modano signing is that it means that resigning Murray is that much less likely. I recognize that they're targeting him to replace Joe when he leaves after next year - and also to probably show him that they're trying to win. But I figure the money that they're spending on Modano is money that they won't be spending on Murray.

 

/hope the B's prove me wrong, and signs both

[Guest Rrrsh]

Mike Rathje and Darian Hatcher sign in Philly.

 

I am a MASSIVE Rathje fan, wanted to sign him here in Vancouver.

 

 

Also, Bobby Holik signs in Atlanta

[fairtoflair7 0]

Mike Milbury better do something. We are losing D-men by the second. Aucoin is gone, Hamerlik is not expected to be back, Jonsson is staying in Sweeden. We need to sign somebod because Ninnimaa and 5 rookies is not the way to go to having a steady defense.

 

Dave Scatchard better not sign with the Rangers. That is the last thing I need. My favorite player signing with our worst enemy. That's the worst thing he could do possible.

[Guest Rrrsh]

Steveie Y is back with the Wings for 1 more year

 

 

Danny Markov got traded to Nashville.

[Guest gthureson]

Quick Thoughts:

 

1) The Flyers had their defense exposed as big, but slow and immobile and prone to injury in the last playoffs. So what do they do? Go after more big, slow defenseman and trade one of the guys who can skate faster than the proverbial molasses in winter. Clarke likes his big guys, and that probably blinds him to all else. But I'm sure they will do fine in the regular season and win a round before bowing out, so his job is safe.

 

2) Florida: Roberts and Nieuwendyk would have been major aquisitions about ten years ago. They are role and depth guys these days. Not saying they won't help Florida be a better team, but the Panthers weren't in striking distance of winning anything, and Gary and Joe aren't the guys to put you over the top anymore, so they might give them a few more regular season wins, but don't expect anything out of them.

 

3) Holik in Atlanta: Dunno what they signed him for, probably something reasonable as Bobby still hasn't finished counting all his buyout money. If it fits a sensible payroll structure for the Thrashers, good choice. Bobby should be allowed to slip into a number 2 centre spot, play solid hockey and not be expected to be the man offensively. He'll help this team into the playoffs, but they won't go anywhere--this year. Atlanta is starting to look like they are building one hell of a team. Young hot goalie, couple of young hot defenceman, two snipers, top role player....thats enough for the playoffs.

 

4) Chicago: Maybe Wirtz wants to reach the salary floor as quickly as possible so he can fill out the roster with AHL players so Yawney doesn't get lonely?

[Guest Rrrsh]

Holik is stealing 4.25 in the first year of his three year deal. The last two years have not been reported yet.

[CanadianChris 0]

Quick Thoughts:

 

1) The Flyers had their defense exposed as big, but slow and immobile and prone to injury in the last playoffs.  So what do they do?  Go after more big, slow defenseman and trade one of the guys who can skate faster than the proverbial molasses in winter.  Clarke likes his big guys, and that probably blinds him to all else.  But I'm sure they will do fine in the regular season and win a round before bowing out, so his job is safe.

 

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Clarke could go out and trade for the entire 2003-04 Pittsburgh Penguins roster -- minus Mario -- and his job would be safe. He's there for life (either his or Snyder's).

 

Oh, I loathe him so.

[Guest Rrrsh]

Plus, he drafts well. So he REALLY is safe forever.

[Guest Olympic Slam]

Losing Rathje sucks. That puts a big hole in the defence. Shark fans need a new whipping boy.

 

Holik to Atlanta for how much $? Has anyone ever looked at this guy's stats? He's never scored 30 goals. Good, but not great

[Guest Rrrsh]

Shawn McEacheron and Glen Murray went to Boston

 

Looks like Demitra will land with L.A.

[Guest Rrrsh]

Losing Rathje sucks.  That puts a big hole in the defence.  Shark fans need a new whipping boy.

 

Holik to Atlanta for how much $? Has anyone ever looked at this guy's stats? He's never scored 30 goals.  Good, but not great

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Totally agree man. Holik is still ripping teams off. He is not worth what Hatcher and Aucion are worth

[the pinjockey 0]

You have to be fucking kidding me. I didn't mind the signings of Hatcher and Rathje, they have Jonsson, Pitkanan and Seidenberg to an extent that can be offensive defensemen. But today they brought back Chris "Turnstile" Therian.

 

Quote from Clarke:

"We knew Chris (Therien) wanted to come back and play here. Both Keith Primeau and Jeremy Roenick called me on their own and said that Chris would help the team and that he is not only important on the ice, but in the locker room."

 

Translation:

We knew no one else wanted Chris and Keith and JR told me they felt sorry for him and they wanted their buddy back on the team. We realize he can't play for shit, but by golly we like him and want him back.

 

Edit: note, "You have to be fucking kidding me.", was in response to Therian, not people not liking the Hatcher/Rathje signings.

[the pinjockey 0]

Apparently they have also trade Danny Markov to Nashville for a 3rd round pick. If I liked emoticons you better believe there would be a banging head against the wall one here.

 

Interesting note: that means they got more in trade for Tood Fedoruk than Danny Markov.

[the pinjockey 0]

Who was it that had the Bobby Clarke getting shot up picture? I could use that right now.

[CanadianChris 0]

Who was it that had the Bobby Clarke getting shot up picture?  I could use that right now.

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That was me...it'll be back shortly.

[the max 0]

MUZZ SIGNS WITH THE BRUINS~!

 

Holy mother of fucking god, they actually made a good move!! I'm stocking up canned goods and heading for a shelter!!

[LaParkaMarka 0]

You guys got the old captain of the Thrashers too.