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July 22, 2008
Real-Time Journal:
Checking emails
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[TORONTO,
ON] -- I'll be taking your emails throughout the
rest of the month.
Feel free to
email me any questions or
rumors you're hearing, and I'll be happy to reply to as many
as I can and post the answer here. |
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12:57pm ET - Still no news on the Teemu Selanne front... and I've not heard anything remotely concrete related to any Ilya Kovalchuk trade rumors. I do know one thing, if the Thrashers don't improve quickly, he won't be there long-term.
12:11pm ET - A quick note. According to Eric Boguniecki's website, he's signed a two-way deal with the Anaheim Ducks.
12:00pm ET - Just to briefly touch on the Sundin situation... other than what was reported yesterday, there isn't much to report. (Ground breaking, I know!) I've told you from the get-go that Sundin was to make his decision at the end of the month and that still looks to be the case, although it might spill into August. Based on the opinions of those I've spoken to, and factoring in my own, I believe Sundin will be back. He still has a lot of gas left in that tank (likely 2 years left). Once he decides, in his mind, that he's coming back, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto will continue to fight to get him.
JULY 21, 2008
3:44pm ET - On the Sharks: There isn't any update on the Shanahan front, other than reports suggesting he's not interested in heading there. Also, Jonathan Cheechoo and Kyle McLaren's names continue to swirl around the rumor mill, but nothing's concrete nor imminent from what I've heard.
3:40pm ET - A boat load of emails from Rangers fans... about your Blueshirts... they have realistically and safely $3 million to spare under the salary cap at this point. There is still a solid chance Brendan Shanahan returns to the club next season, although that might be the end of their activity this summer. Mats Sundin looks to be out of the picture, unless they shed a bunch of cap space - and that isn't likely right now. They wouldn't mind adding a defenseman to level out their backend. With Redden, Staal, Rozsival and Kalinin rounding out their top-4, and Mara and Girardi filling up the two-remaining spots, their blueline isn't that bad. Marc Staal is expected to have a big year in 08-09 (I expect him to, as well), while Redden wants to prove his worth and should do well. Unless one of their kids from the system step up at training camp, the Rangers' top-six is pretty set (I don't expect Michael Del Zotto to make such a quick jump, but he will be a very good NHLer once he's ready). GM Glen Sather is always looking for ways to improve his club, and while it's possible he finds a deal that fits for him, he's pretty satisfied with his defensive core.
3:25pm ET - Checking out a lot of emails from Leafs fans (yes, I do sympathize with you). Outside of the potential of Mats Sundin returning, there isn't much going on in town. Sure, there are some discussions surrounding Pavel Kubina (and the team would still love to part ways with Bryan McCabe), but nothing appears imminent. Like every team, they have irons in the fire and are weighing their options, but I wouldn't expect a blockbuster for someone like Jay Bouwmeester to go down any time soon.
12:30pm ET - Back on the Kings for a moment. There are a few reports out there suggesting the Kings have offered free agent defenseman Danny Markov a contract. That certainly appears to be the case, however a decision isn't expected to be made until the end of the month. Markov's under contract with Dynamo Moscow of the KHL, but has an out in his contract to return to the NHL during the off-season. He's to meet with Dynamo management later this week and should make a decision before August.
12:23pm ET - The Kings continue to negotiate with restricted free agents Patrick O'Sullivan and Jarret Stoll. Unfortunately, it's uncertain, at this point, how far or close the Kings are with either player because neither the team nor their agents are saying much.
12:17pm ET - Another week, another batch of emails. Starting out this week on the Buffalo Sabres... The signing of Ryan Miller was inevitable. He's their goalie, they guy they'll turn to in key situations, and I don't think anyone's doubting their decision to get him locked up. As for the future, the team will try to get Jason Pominville signed to a new deal, and that's about it. GM Darcy Regier doesn't have much on the trade front, from what I've beent old, and they seem pretty set with their club until the start of training camp. Opportunities always pop up and things do change, but as it stands right now, there isn't much else doing on in their camp.
JULY 18, 2008
It's been
a crazy week here at TFP HQ, as we
prepare for a number of changes coming to kick-star the
2008-09 NHL regular-season. But before I get too
off-topic, I'll be taking your emails throughout the
rest of the month.
1:05pm ET - A few quick notes. First, nothing on Ilya Kovalchuk trade rumors. I've heard them pop up over the month, but there doesn't appear to be anything imminent, nor would I expect there to be... Touching on the Panthers and Jay Bouwmeester. As it stands, the Cats don't want to move Bouwmeester. If they can't get a long-term extension worked out with him, they'll likely look to move him during the season.
12:45pm ET - Reviewing some emails... Nothing new to report on Pavel Kubina trade discussions. I've heard there are still some talks going on, but nothing concrete at the moment. The Leafs have a window of until Aug. 15 to move Kubina, if they so choose.
12:24pm ET - Back in action today. The KHL has released a statement voicing its concerns over the IIHF suspending players. Check out the main page shortly for the news.
JULY 17, 2008
3:24pm ET - Talks between the Bruins and Dennis Wideman are ongoing... Nothing new on Leafs' trade-front... No news on how many fish Mats Sundin has caught this week... Nothing to report on the Teemu Selanne front.
3:21pm ET - Regarding the Devils... GM Lou Lamoriello has been looking around at ways to improve his club. While Brian Gionta's name is still rumored to be on the "available list," the club has both ends of the rink to address. If they move Gionta for a steady defenseman, that leaves a hole up front - and the team struggled to score last year. Even with the addition of Brian Rolston (welcome back), the Devils would like to try and strengthen both ends of the ice. The blueline is a focal point for the team, but unless it's a top-two rearguard, I'd be surprised if they part with Gionta for a d-man.
3:13pm ET - A quick note on the Russian KHL. The KHL, IIHF and NHL reached an agreement on July 10, stating that KHL teams will not sign NHL players under contract with NHL clubs. Free agents, however, are game. While the agreement won't be officially signed until August 1, 2008, the KHL squads shall honor the "Memorandum of Agreement" between now and then. What this means for Alex Radulov remains to be seen, as he apparently signed his deal two-days prior to the agreement. However, Radulov has 1-year left on his deal with Nashville and the Preds could take legal action if they ever get to that point.
3:04pm ET - Lots of questions surrounding Chicago, so I might as well get through them now. After speaking with a couple people in Chicago, I can tell you nothing appears to be imminent. The Blackhawks have their inaugural fan appreciation gala this weekend, and I can't see them making any major moves at this time. GM Dale Tallon certainly has some irons in the fire, but he's in no rush to pull the trigger. No, the team is not about to trade Brent Seabrook. At least that's what I've been told. Cam Barker is in play, and so is Nikolai Khabibulin. However, according to sources, the Hawks have a number of options and they can get under the cap without dealing the Bulin Wall. Granted, things can happen in the blink of an eye, but I wouldn't expect any trades coming out of Chicago for at least a week.
3:00pm ET - Going over some questions regarding the St. Louis Blues, many people want to know if they're "done." Well, the Blues were never major players this summer in the free-agent market. They put out some offers and made some calls, but John Davidson, Larry Pleau and Co. are set on building from within. I don't believe there are any imminent changes for the Blues. They're very happy to be heading into the 2008-09 season with young studs like Erik Johnson, David Perron, Brad Boyes and possible Alex Pietrangelo.
David Pagnotta is the Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Period Magazine and covers the Toronto Maple Leafs and the NHL for TheFourthPeriod.com. He is also a contributing writer for NBCSports.com and MSNBC.
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