Plenty of solid free agents still available

Source : Nhl.com



The first day of NHL free agency saw several teams open their wallets, including huge signings of Nathan Horton (Columbus Blue Jackets) and David Clarkson (Toronto Maple Leafs).

But several key players remain on the open market and are looking for a home, either with the club they played for in 2012-13 or one that has a hole it's looking to fill.
Here's a look at 25 of the top unrestricted free agents still on the market:

FORWARDS
NAME	2012-13 TEAM	STATS	SKINNY
Jaromir Jagr	Dallas/Boston	45 GP 16-19-35	Future Hall of Famer showed he still has plenty in the tank, helping the Boston Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Final after being acquired from the Dallas Stars. A tireless worker who is respected by his teammates, Jagr is a solid top-six forward who can help a team's power play.
Alexei Ponikarovsky	Winnipeg/ New Jersey	42 GP 4-5-9	------------------------------------------ The big wing was re-acquired late in the season by the New Jersey Devils, who hoped his presence on the power play would help them qualify for the postseason. That didn't work out, but Ponikarovsky may help a club in search of a power-play specialist.
Mikhail Grabovski	Toronto	48 GP 9-7-16	------------------------------------------ Highly skilled offensive player didn’t see eye-to-eye with Toronto Maple Leafs coach Randy Carlyle and was bought out with four years remaining on his five-year contract. Wherever he lands, it’s imperative Grabovski is in a top-six role, where he’d be most effective. A three-time 20-goal scorer in Toronto.
Damien Brunner	Detroit	44 GP 12-14-26	------------------------------------------- Has 44 games of NHL experience after signing as a free agent with the Detroit Red Wings, but the 27-year-old Swiss wing is coveted by several teams and would fill a role as a top-six forward. Had nine points (five goals, four assists) in 14 playoff games, helping the Red Wings reach the second round.
Dustin Penner	Los Angeles	33 GP 2-12-14	-----------------------------------------------  His production has declined in recent years -- Penner had two goals in 33 games for the Los Angeles Kings in 2012-13 -- but a change of scenery might be beneficial. Big wing (6-foot-4, 242 pounds) has two Stanley Cup championships (Anaheim, Los Angeles).
Brenden Morrow	Dallas/Pittsburgh	44 GP 12-13-25	---------------------------------------------- The former Dallas Stars captain showed he can still produce after being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins, with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 15 regular-season games. Morrow's biggest quality is his leadership, which would be beneficial to any club.
Daniel Cleary	Detroit	48 GP 9-6-15	-------------------------------------------- Didn't put up the offense we've seen in years past, but this 34-year-old wing is scrappy and would provide leadership. Cleary is hopeful he will re-sign with the Detroit Red Wings, but if negotiations fall apart, he would be a valuable penalty killer and leader.
Milan Hejduk	Colorado	29 GP 4-7-11	-------------------------------------------- Hard to envision Hejduk anywhere else -- he's spent his entire NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche -- but the 37-year-old hit the open market. Hejduk has played more than 1,000 NHL games and is 25 goals shy of 400 in his career.
Peter Mueller	Florida	43 GP 8-9-17	--------------------------------------------- The skilled center overcame previous health issues and appeared in all but two games for the Florida Panthers in 2012-13, when he had eight goals and nine assists. Mueller, 25, can thrive in the right environment.
Brad Boyes	N.Y. Islanders	48 GP 10-25-35	-------------------------------------------- The New York Islanders signed Boyes to a one-year deal last summer to see if he could find his offensive game, and he did alongside John Tavares. Now looking for a new home, Boyes will be searching for a team in need of a top-six forward.
Kyle Wellwood	Winnipeg	39 GP 6-9-15	-------------------------------------------- Wellwood spent the past two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets and was a solid offensive player, collecting 62 points (24 goals, 38 assists) in 116 games. Much like Boyes, Wellwood needs to be in a top-six role in order to maximize production.
Scott Gomez	San Jose	39 GP 2-13-15	------------------------------------------ Gomez had his contract bought out by the Montreal Canadiens at the start of the 2012-13 season and quickly caught on with the San Jose Sharks, where he had 15 points in 39 games. Likely won't find a long-term deal, but could be a low-risk/high-reward signing this summer.
Nik Antropov	Winnipeg	40 GP 6-12-18	--------------------------------------------- Antropov suffered a lower-body injury late in the season, which may have been one of the reasons why the Winnipeg Jets again missed the playoffs. Antropov could be a decent third-line center, considering he had 15 goals for Winnipeg in 2011-12.
Mason Raymond	Vancouver	46 GP 10-12-22	---------------------------------------- Solid two-way player who probably won’t be on the market much longer. Raymond's best season with the Vancouver Canucks came in 2009-10, when he had 25 goals and 28 assists.
Simon Gagne	Los Angeles/ Philadelphia	38 GP 5-11-16	-------------------------------------------- Gagne overcame a recent history of injury problems after being reunited with the Philadelphia Flyers, where he had 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 27 games. He may not receive anything longer than a one-year deal, but can still produce offensively.
Teemu Selanne	Anaheim	46 GP 12-12-24	-------------------------------------------- Selanne turned 43 in early July and is comig off a season in which he started to look his age, But the Anaheim Ducks are still waiting to see if Selanne wants to return for another season. He's working out, and if he decides to play another season, Anaheim is the only place he'd go.
DEFENSEMEN
NAME	2011-12 TEAM	STATS	SKINNY
Douglas Murray	San Jose/Pittsburgh	33 GP 1-5-6	Hard-hitting veteran defenseman helped the Pittsburgh Penguins reach the Eastern Conference Final after being acquired from the San Jose Sharks. Solid in his own end and will provide a veteran presence in any team's dressing room.
Joe Corvo	Carolina	40 GP 6-11-17	-------------------------------------------- Another veteran (he turned 36 on June 20) who can help a team in need on the power play. Corvo isn't a top-pair blueliner these days, but can provide leadership and chip in offensively.
Ryan Whitney	Edmonton	34 GP 4-9-13	------------------------------------------- Whitney has had a tough time since suffering an ankle injury just after Christmas in 2010, and he was either a third-pairing defenseman or a scratch often in 2012-13. There's little doubt he will aim to prove Oilers brass wrong next season with whichever club is willing to give him a chance.
Wade Redden	St. Louis/Boston	29 GP 3-4-7	----------------------------------------------  After being bought out by the New York Rangers, Redden showed he's still capable of being a bottom-pair defenseman when he caught on with the St. Louis Blues before being shipped to the Boston Bruins at the NHL Trade Deadline.
Ian White	Detroit	25 GP 2-2-4	-------------------------------------------- White didn't dress for the Detroit Red Wings during the postseason, so he's out to prove he can be a quality top-six defender in the NHL. The 29-year-old has appeared in more than 500 NHL games.

GOALIES
NAME	2011-12 TEAM	STATS	SKINNY
Tim Thomas	Boston/ N.Y. Islanders	Did Not Play	The world-class goaltender opted not to play in 2012-13 and became an unrestricted free agent once the New York Islanders decided not to toll his contract. If/when Thomas signs, he'll have to show he can step right in and be a No. 1 goalie again.
Ilya Bryzgalov	Philadelphia	19-17-3, 2.79 GAA	------------------------------------------ It didn't work out for the Russian netminder in the City of Brotherly Love; his nine-year, $51 million contract was bought out with seven years remaining. Perhaps a change of scenery will help Bryzgalov get back to the form we saw in Phoenix.
Jose Theodore	Florida	4-6-3, 3.29 GAA	------------------------------------------- Ultimately, Theodore would like to stay with the Florida Panthers, but the team has Jacob Markstrom waiting in the wings. That means Theodore has to find work elsewhere, and he may have to settle for being someone’s backup.
Johan Hedberg	New Jersey	6-10-3, 2.76 GAA	------------------------------------------- Hedberg found himself without a job last week after the New Jersey Devils acquired Cory Schneider from the Vancouver Canucks. After being bought out, it's up to the 40-year-old to see if he can find work elsewhere in a backup role.

Canadiens : Une déception, une motivation

Source : Rds.ca



« Détruit », voilà le mot qu’a écrit Jean-Sébastien Dea sur son compte Twitter pour exprimer sa vive déception quelques instants après avoir été ignoré une deuxième fois par l’ensemble des clubs de la LNH lors du repêchage, dimanche dernier à Newark.

« Avec la saison que j’ai connue, j’avais confiance. J’ai tout fait cette année pour me donner les chances d’être repêché, mais ce n’est pas arrivé. »

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Fort d’une récolte de 85 points, dont 45 buts, l’attaquant des Huskies de Rouyn-Noranda avait en effet raison d’espérer. Dea avait notamment attiré l’attention des recruteurs de la LNH en tout début de campagne en inscrivant 17 buts à ses 10 premiers matchs.

« Ça m’a surpris, une saison comme celle-là, ça n’arrive pas tous les ans, confie le centre de six pieds et 160 livres. Mon poids a peut-être été un facteur déterminant dans tout ça, mais il y a toujours moyen de l’augmenter. Je garde espoir. »

Car à défaut d’avoir entendu son nom résonner dans les haut-parleurs du Prudential Center, Dea a néanmoins endossé un uniforme d’entraînement du Canadien cette semaine à titre d’invité au camp de développement de l’équipe, qui se conclura aujourd’hui avec un match intra-équipe.

« Cette invitation m’a donné un élan. C’est sûr que c’est décevant de ne pas avoir été repêché, mais je suis ici pour montrer que j’aurais dû l’être. L’important maintenant est de ne pas baisser la tête et de demeurer positif malgré la situation », note le Québécois de 19 ans.

À moins d’un revirement inattendu, Dea retrouvera donc son casier dans le vestiaire des Huskies la saison prochaine. À sa troisième campagne en Abitibi, l’attaquant sera toutefois dépouillé de son compagnon de trio Sven Andrighetto, sélectionné au troisième tour (86e au total) par le Canadien.

Une perte certes, mais surtout une preuve que tout est possible.

« Il a connu une excellente saison à 19 ans et le voilà maintenant dans l’organisation du Canadien. Je prends exemple sur Sven », lance Dea.

« Ce qui lui arrive c’est exactement ce que j’ai vécu il y a un an, note Andrighetto, qui prend lui aussi part au camp de développement du CH.

« J’imagine que je n’étais pas encore assez bon à l’époque. Il y a toujours des aspects de notre jeu que les recruteurs et les équipes de la LNH aiment moins. C’est ce sur quoi il faut travailler, sans oublier de peaufiner ses forces. »

Dea y travaille déjà. « Je dois retrousser mes manches et connaître une autre bonne saison », promet-il.

« Si on regarde ma progression depuis deux ans, on voit que je vais vers l’avant et que je ne recule pas. Je continue à m’améliorer chaque jour et après chaque pratique. C’est à moi de garder le rythme. »

Andrighetto penche pour Hamilton

Maintenant qu’il a un pied dans la porte, Andrighetto a plus ou moins envie de s’en éloigner.

Sous contrat pour les trois prochaines saisons avec Genève-Servette, un club de première division en Suisse, Andrighetto n’est en effet pas pressé de rentrer dans son pays natal.

« Si le Canadien m’offre d’aller à Hamilton, j’irai sans hésiter », indique l’ailier droit de cinq pieds neuf pouces et 188 livres. Une clause dans le contrat d’Andrighetto avec Genève-Servette lui permet d’évoluer dans la Ligue américaine ou dans la LNH.

« J’ai 20 ans et je ne savais pas si j’allais être repêché après avoir été ignoré l’an dernier. Je ne pouvais pas courir de risque et j’avais donc besoin d’un plan B. C’est pourquoi j’ai signé avec Genève », explique le joueur natif de Zurich.

Andrighetto a peut-être un plan B, mais ça reste un plan B.

« Je baigne déjà dans le hockey nord-américain. Y demeurer serait ce qu’il y a de mieux de pour moi. »

NHL free agency promises more free spending

Source : Cbc.ca

As NHL teams rush to reach deals with potential free agents (even as others scramble to reduce payrolls to the $64.3-million US salary cap for the 2013-14 season) the money that has been spent in the last month has been mind-boggling. 

From the time Patrick Bordeleau inked his three-year, $3-million extension with the Colorado Avalanche back on June 6, up until Jordan Leopold's two-year, $4.5-million extension with the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, there have been a whopping 21 players signed to 58 years and $172.65 million worth of contracts.

Thirteen more players, to a tune of 70 years and $106.02 million, have been given their freedom with compliance buyouts.

Will this free spending continue when the free-agent signing period begins at noon ET on Friday? Why not? Who would not want to add players like Danny Briere, David Clarkson, Nathan Horton and Jarome Iginila, to name a few.

We'll publish a full list of free agents once it's released on Friday, but for now here are our 10 most intriguing unrestricted free agents:

1. Jarome Iginla -- He's 36, but durable, and although his production has dipped slightly, only Alex Ovechkin (371) and Ilya Kovalchuk (309) have scored more goals than Iginla's 280 since the 2004-05 cancelled season.
2. Danny Briere -- He's looking to stay in the East. He's 35 years old and his production has dipped to 22 goals over the last two seasons, compared to 60 in the two seasons before that. But he always has been a big playoff performer.
3. Ilya Bryzgalov -- Will anybody be willing to take a risk on this strange soul? His two-season stint in Philadelphia was a disaster, but he's only two years removed from his best days in Phoenix and only 33 years old.
4. Andrew Ference -- At age 34, he has played the best hockey of his career in the past two seasons. Not big, but he does play physical. He is a top-four defender who can help out on the power play and penalty kill.
5. Valtterri Filppula -- The 29-year-old Finn is two years removed from his most productive season of 23 goals and 66 points. Can he flourish on another team after playing behind Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in Detroit? 
6. David Clarkson -- Since his junior coach Peter DeBoer arrived in New Jersey, the 29-year-old forward has scored 45 goals in 128 games. He's a power forward who goes to the net, certainly a desirable commodity in today's game.
7. Stephen Weiss -- It's hard to believe the Toronto native already is 30 years old. He was limited to 17 games last season because of wrist surgery. He has only seven games of playoff experience after nine seasons in Florida. 
8. Nathan Horton -- At 28, Horton has scored 20 or more goals in six of his nine NHL seasons. He wants a quieter hockey market to continue his career after two trips to the Stanley Cup final with Boston in the past three years.
9. Daniel Alfredsson -- With the news on Wednesday that the Bruins have contacted the long-time Senators captain, it will be interesting to see what transpires with the 40-year-old Swede. He won't leave Ottawa, will he?
10. Manny Malhotra -- After being shelved in Vancouver by general manager Mike Gillis, the hard-working 33-year-old forward wants to continue his career. He's good in the faceoff circle and a solid penalty killer.

Team	Payroll	Cap Space	Roster Size
Philadelphia	$67,578,522	-$318,522	24
Minnesota	$65,598,868	$2,451,132	21
San Jose	$62,331,667	$2,643,333	20
Pittsburgh	$60,173,333	$4,126,667	19
Boston	$60,733,810	$5,153,690	19
Carolina	$57,912,500	$6,397,500	17
Los Angeles	$57,796,894	$6,638,106	17
Anaheim	$57,779,167	$7,490,833	20
Vancouver	$56,802,778	$7,497,222	16
Columbus	$60,833,809	$7,991,191	21
Washington	$55,834,295	$8,465,705	19
Tampa Bay	$55,765,477	$8,534,523	19
Montreal	$57,973,333	$9,024,167	20
Chicago	$55,109,295	$9,545,705	18
Detroit	$54,602,879	$10,707,121	20
Nashville	$54,411,310	$11,248,690	20
Colorado	$55,658,333	$11,351,667	22
Buffalo	$51,449,524	$13,700,476	19
Dallas	$51,052,777	$13,857,223	19
NY Rangers	$50,906,667	$14,155,833	17
Edmonton	$54,186,667	$14,935,833	17
St. Louis	$49,907,500	$15,825,000	20
New Jersey	$47,337,500	$16,962,500	19
Florida	$52,052,875	$17,069,625	20
Calgary	$47,874,583	$17,421,667	19
Phoenix	$45,941,667	$18,358,333	14
Toronto	$45,579,167	$19,020,833	13
Ottawa	$43,500,833	$22,074,167	19
Winnipeg	$41,607,500	$23,917,500	14
NY Islanders	$32,337,333	$32,812,667	15

La chasse est ouverte

Source : Rds.ca



Marc Bergevin ajoutera-t-il du poids à sa formation? Qu’arrivera-t-il de Nathan Horton, Ryane Clowe et David Clarkson? Où Jaromir Jagr et Jarome Iginla termineront-ils leur carrière? Mike Ribeiro signera-t-il une entente à long terme?

Toutes les plateformes à contribution

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• Section Joueurs autonomes 2013
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La chasse aux joueurs autonomes s’ouvre dès midi, aujourd'hui, et RDS met toutes ses plateformes à contribution pour offrir aux amateurs une couverture complète de l’ouverture du marché des joueurs autonomes. Les équipes de Sports 30 et de Hockey 360 unissent leurs forces pour la présentation d’une émission spéciale  présentée entre 11 h et 19 h sur RDS Info. On s’attardera alors aux dernières rumeurs et signatures de contrats qui émaneront des quatre coins de la Ligue nationale. Une diffusion simultanée est prévue sur RDS de 11 h 30 à 14 h 30, puis de 18 h à 19 h.

Basé au pupitre de Sports 30, Marc Labrecque est entouré des analystes Gaston Therrien et Patrick Lalime, tandis que David Arsenault est en poste dans le studio de Hockey 360 en compagnie de Mathieu Darche et Denis Gauthier.

Notre informateur hockey Renaud Lavoie se tient quant à l’affut des jeux de coulisses et de toutes les rumeurs. Les journalistes Luc Gélinas et Alexandre Tourigny sont également sur la route pour recueillir les commentaires des joueurs et organisations concernées. L’animateur Luc Bellemare se charge de nous transmettre les dernières nouvelles alors que Valérie Sardin assure un suivi des réseaux sociaux.

Rendez-vous au RDS.ca

Le RDS.ca est évidemment au cœur de l’action. La section spéciale joueurs autonomes de la LNH 2013 est encore une fois un incontournable aujourd'hui. Le  site propose aussi la programmation de RDS Info en webdiffusion (11 h à 19 h) ainsi qu’une discussion en direct pour les amateurs engagés. Les internautes peuvent aussi s’informer via la page Facebook RDS, l’application RDS HOCKEY et le RDS MOBILE. Sur Twitter, le mot-clic pour suivre la conversation est #JA2013.

Enfin, à compter de 19 h, sur RDS Info, l’équipe de Sports 30 fera un retour sur l’ensemble des mouvements de personnel qui auront marqué cette journée spéciale et prendra le relais pour annoncer de nouvelles signatures si nécessaire.

Thirteen potential UFAs who figure to attract attention

Source : Nhl.com



The free-agent frenzy is scheduled to begin at noon ET on Friday, and with as many as two compliance buyouts available to all 30 NHL teams this summer, some additional intriguing players are expected to hit the open market.

Here are 13 of the most notable potential unrestricted free agents who were likely to be available Friday (listed in alphabetical order):

Danny Briere

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A compliance buyout from the Philadelphia Flyers, Briere is 35 years old and coming off his worst season in more than a decade with 16 points and a minus-13 rating in 34 games. However, few forwards have excelled in the Stanley Cup Playoffs as well as Briere has over his career.

He has 109 points in 108 career playoff games, including 30 points in 23 games during the Flyers' run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2010.

Briere reportedly has a lot of teams interested in him, and it has to do in part with his performance in the playoffs. He's also two seasons removed from scoring 34 goals.

Ilya Bryzgalov

It will be interesting to see if any team takes a flyer on the eccentric former Flyers goalie, who was issued a compliance buyout despite having seven years and $35.5 million left on a nine-year, $51 million contract.

Bryzgalov became known for his brutal honesty, his wild opinions, his unique interests and beliefs as well as his feuds with the media in Philadelphia. He also won 52 games over two seasons but couldn't help the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2012-13, when he appeared in 40 of 48 games and posted a 2.79 goals-against average and .900 save percentage.

The Edmonton Oilers reportedly pushed for Cory Schneider before the Vancouver Canucks traded him to the New Jersey Devils, so maybe they'll be in the market for Bryzgalov. The New York Islanders haven't re-signed Evgeni Nabokov, so it's conceivable that if he walks they could inquire about Bryzgalov.

David Clarkson

Clarkson scored 15 goals in 48 games in 2012-13 and 30 goals in 80 games in 2011-12. He is reliable and resilient, having missed two games over the past three seasons. He's coming off a three-year, $8 million contract, which was somewhat of a bargain for a 30-goal scorer who brings a physical element as well.

The Devils want Clarkson back, but his agent said he will hit the open market July 5 to see what his value is. For comparison purposes, Clarkson is a slightly cheaper option than Nathan Horton. Clarkson is from Toronto and the Maple Leafs could use a player like him.

Ryane Clowe

Clowe, a rugged left wing, is coming off multiple concussions, but when healthy he is a top-six forward with a history of performing well in the playoffs.

The New York Rangers would like to re-sign Clowe, but it may not be possible because of their salary-cap situation and the fact Derek Stepan, Carl Hagelin, Ryan McDonagh and Justin Falk need new contracts. Clowe is coming off a four-year contract that paid him $3.625 annually.

Clowe had 19 points in 40 games split between the San Jose Sharks and Rangers in 2012-13. He had three goals and five assists in 12 games after being traded to the Rangers, but was injured for most of the playoffs and appeared in two of 12 games. He has 46 points in 70 career playoff games.

Pascal Dupuis

Dupuis was so good on a line with Sidney Crosby he enticed the Pittsburgh Penguins to give him a four-year contract worth $15 million. Dupuis scored 20 goals in 48 games in 2012-13 after scoring 25 in 82 games the previous season. Dupuis, who was making $1.5 million in each of the past two seasons, did it without a regular role on the power play.

The Penguins added him to a group that includes Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, Chris Kunitz and Brandon Sutter getting or expected to get raises for the 2014-15 season.

Andrew Ference

The Bruins have some younger, cheaper defensemen on the rise (Torey Krug, Matt Bartkowski, Dougie Hamilton) and a need to replace two right wings, Horton and Jaromir Jagr, so it would appear Ference's days in Boston are over. He had quite a ride, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011, getting back to the Final last month, and becoming one of the most community-driven athletes in the city.
Ference is 34 years old and coming off a three-year contract that paid him $2.25 million annually. He can play in a top-four role and brings a little bit of everything to the table. There should be teams lining up to sign him to a short-term deal.

Valtteri Filppula

Filppula is interesting for teams seeking a second-line or third-line center. He earned $3 million annually on a recently completed five-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings, who were in the market for Vincent Lecavalier, a sign they could have been willing to let Filppula walk.
Filppula has played center for most of his career but spent a good portion of 2012-13 at left wing in a top-six role. He struggled with 17 points in 41 games before scoring six points in 14 playoff games.

Nathan Horton

After a very strong postseason with Boston, Nathan Horton should command significant interest on the free agent market despite needing shoulder surgery.

Horton has told the Bruins he wants to test free agency. He should be a sought-after power forward even though he needs surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder.
Horton spent most of his time in Boston playing on a line with David Krejci and Milan Lucic. Horton struggled in 2012-13 with 13 goals and 22 points in 43 games but rebounded in the playoffs with 19 points in 22 games. His 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons were cut short by concussions.

Jaromir Jagr

At 41 years old, Jagr can still play. He wasn't as productive as he was hoping to be during the Bruins' playoff run (no goals, 10 assists), but he was  dangerous with his strength and ability to control the puck on the right wing.

Jagr wants to play in the NHL next season and it's a good bet he will get another one-year contract. He had 35 points in 45 games split between the Dallas Stars and Bruins in 2012-13, when he played for $4.5 million.

Vincent Lecavalier

Already guaranteed more than $30 million for the next 14 years from the Tampa Bay Lightning because of his compliance buyout, Lecavalier agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Flyers on a reported five-year, $22.5 million deal.

Lecavalier spent most of the weekend meeting with teams, including the Detroit Red Wings, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames. They all pitched their organization and their city to the former Lightning captain, who wound up choosing Philadelphia.

There was obviously little doubt among NHL general managers that Lecavalier can be at least a No. 2 center at 33 years old. He had 10 goals and 32 points in 39 games in 2012-13. He has 135 points in 168 games over the past three seasons.

Mike Ribeiro

Center - WSH

GOALS: 13 | ASST: 36 | PTS: 49
SOG: 63 | +/-: -4

Ribeiro was the best center scheduled to hit the market before Lecavalier was bought out by the Lightning. It's debatable if anything has changed considering Ribeiro, who like Lecavalier is 33 years old but is coming off a better 2012-13 season. He had 49 points in 48 games with the Washington Capitals, who could probably use him again as a No. 2 center but have so far balked at his contract demands.

Ribeiro reportedly wants a five-year deal. Some of the same teams that are after Lecavalier could be interested in Ribeiro.

Rob Scuderi

All Scuderi does is play for winning teams. He won the Stanley Cup in 2009 with the Pittsburgh Penguins and again in 2012 with the Los Angeles Kings, who are desperate to keep the veteran stay-at-home defenseman.

Scuderi is 34 years old and coming off a four-year contract that paid him $3.4 million annually. He has not addressed his contract situation publicly, but part of the reason Kings general manager Dean Lombardi traded goalie Jonathan Bernier to the Toronto Maple Leafs was to make sure there was enough room under the salary cap to make a run at re-signing Scuderi.

Stephen Weiss

The longtime center for the Florida Panthers was limited to four points in 17 games in 2012-13 because of a wrist injury. He was considered potential trade bait until his season was derailed in early March.

Weiss, who made $18.6 million on a recently completed six-year contract, has played 654 games with the Panthers and has 145 goals and 249 assists for 394 points. He could be a slightly cheaper option for teams looking for help at center that don't want to pay Lecavalier or Ribeiro.

LNH : Les Coyotes restent à Phoenix

Source : Rds.ca

Le conseil municipal de la ville de Glendale a accepté l'entente de Renaissance Sports & Entertainment (RSE) pour la gestion de l'amphithéâtre Jobing.com Arena, dans la nuit de mardi à mercredi, et les Coyotes restent à Phoenix.

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• Un partenaire crédible

Plus de quatre heures après le début de la séance, quatre élus ont voté en faveur de l'entente de bail de 15 ans et 225 millions $ avec RSE concernant la gestion de l'amphithéâtre alors que trois se sont prononcés contre. RSE a annoncé plutôt dans la journée qu'il s'était allié avec l'entreprise propriétaire des Flyers de Philadelphie, Global Spectrum, afin de promouvoir et de gérer le Jobing.com Arena, ce qui a probablement rassuré les élus de Glendale.

La ville de Glendale aurait aimé avoir la même clause échappatoire que RSE qui permet au groupe de déménager l'équipe après cinq ans ou si les pertes s'élèvent à plus de 50 millions $. La clause a été abandonnée par le conseil municipal, mais RSE a promis de payer les pertes qui dépasseraient les six millions $ que la ville a budgétés pour l'entretien de l'amphithéâtre si l'équipe déménage.

Dénouements dans les dossiers Lecavalier et Phoenix

Ce vote permettra donc au groupe et à la LNH de compléter la vente de l'équipe de l'Arizona. Le groupe RSE, qui est mené par les deux hommes d'affaires canadiens George Gosbee et Anthony LeBlanc, a jusqu'au 5 août pour finaliser les derniers détails de l'achat. Selon la LNH, le groupe a les fonds pour acheter la franchise.

« Nous voulions la bonne entente, le bon groupe de propriétaires, la bonne transaction et les bonnes dispositions avec la ville. Ç’a été compliqué et c’est finalement réglé. Nous devions trouver une solution. Ça ne pouvait pas continuer ainsi. Nous sommes satisfaits que tout soit maintenant résolu », a déclaré le commissaire de la LNH, Gary Bettman, qui a assisté à la séance à Glendale.

« Nous n'aimons pas déménager des franchises. Nous avons tenté d'éviter cette situation. Le bureau des gouverneurs a appuyé la franchise des Coyotes depuis longtemps. »

Si l'entente n'avait pas été acceptée, le commissaire de la LNH, Gary Bettman, avait clairement signifié que l'équipe devrait être déménagée. La LNH gérait les Coyotes depuis maintenant quatre saisons.

Outre Bettman, son adjoint, Bill Daly, le directeur général des Coyotes, Don Maloney, et le joueur Derek Morris étaient présents pour assister à cette session spéciale du conseil municipal.
L'équipe portera désormais le nom des Coyotes de l'Arizona.

Premières réactions de Québec

L'organisateur de la Marche Bleue, Mario Roy, a réagi à la nouvelle quelques minutes après la décision de la Ville de Glendale. M. Roy souligne que le commissaire Gary Bettman a été conséquent avec ce qu'il avait annoncé auparavant, à savoir que la LNH ferait tout en son pouvoir pour garder les Coyotes en Arizona. Il ajoute que rien ne garantit toutefois un revirement de situation à Glendale.

« Depuis 1996, cette équipe a perdu des centaines de millions de dollars. Je ne vois pas comment on espère changer les choses d'un coup de baguette magique. À moins qu'il se produise un miracle et que les partisans accourent vers l'aréna, je ne vois pas comment cette organisation peut connaître du succès. »

Pour Mario Roy, il y a fort à parier que la situation des Coyotes sera toujours aussi précaire lorsqu'on réévaluera le dossier dans plusieurs années.

Le chroniqueur au journal Le Soleil, Maurice Dumas, a également fait part des ses impressions à RDS. Nullement surpris du résultat du vote à Glendale, M. Dumas indique que l'arrivée du groupe d'Ed Snider a certainement joué en faveur des Coyotes.

« La LNH tenait dur comme fer à demeurer en Arizona. Elle ne voulait pas perdre ce marché, notamment en raison de réalités économiques comme les droits de télévision. »

Habs Needs & Their Odds of Landing a UFA

Source : habsaddict.com

Now that the NHL draft is complete, its time to move our focus towards free agency.  This time of year is always big for creating our own fantasy lineups and wish lists.  While most of those off-season trade wishes -- I'd love to see David Desharnais dealt straight up for Sidney Crosby -- will never come to fruition, its nevertheless fun to imagine.  This is not one of those wish list posts.

There are some glaring needs for the Habs entering the off-season.  Size up the middle at center is always a desire, as is adding size and grit to the wings.  A large, skilled forward is free-agency priority #1 for Marc Bergevin.  While we are set in goal at the NHL level (Carey Price and Peter Budaj), we do not have much NHL-ready depth at the position.  While the Habs drafted Zachary Fucale, he is at least 3 years away from breaking camp at the NHL level and is better served to apprentice in Hamilton for the next 4-5 years. Depth on defence is always desirable but with the promising AHL players we have (Tinordi, Beaulieu, Pateryn), signing a defender is not necessarily a priority.

I really enjoy the Hot-Stove discussions of the off-season.  Discussing players and their fits with the Habs is one of the best ways to spend the time during the slow-news summer months.  The following list is compiled of some of the NHL free-agents who fit the mold of what the Habs need, along with my personal opinion about signing them and my odds of the Habs' chances of landing said player.

Vincent Lecavalier

Intangibles:  Brings a 6'4" frame, considerable offensive skill, a Stanley Cup winning pedigree and French Canadian status to the table.  Is also 33 years old, showing signs of decline and is arguably the top name available on the Free Agent (FA) market.  Market demand will be high, as will potential salary demands.   
Opinion:  I would love to see Lecavalier in a Habs jersey. But not at a steep price. Starting to decline offensively and showing signs of the injury bug creeping into his game. With the demand for his services high, he will probably land a 5 year/25 million dollar contract.  While I would pay him that yearly salary, I do not like him at this contract length.   
Habs Odds: 50%

Nathan Horton

Intangibles:  A true power-forward who tends to step up his game in the post-season.  When healthy, will provide 25-30 goals, 55-60 points and solid physical play and is sound defensively. Stanley Cup winner/finalist in Boston. However, rarely healthy and coming off a disappointing 2013 regular season.
Opinion: I've always been a fan of Horton's and his well-rounded game. He is only 28 years of age and will command a large salary. I always felt Horton was overpaid at $4-million per season and he wants more. He wants to be a $5 million per year player. Sorry but no. He would look good on a second line with Desharnais, but his propensity for injuries is worrisome as is the price to land him.
Habs Odds: 20%

David Clarkson

Intangibles:  29 year-old grinder turned sniper potted a career-high 30 goals in 2012 and came back with 15 goals in the strike-shortened 2013 season.  Extremely physical player will drive to the net, throw his weight around and drop the gloves. Similar skill-set to Brandon Prust, with better hands.  However, rather one-dimensional and benefited from top-line ice time on a bad New Jersey Devils team. Will command a rather inflated salary in free-agency.
Opinion:  I would love to see Clarkson in Montreal.  He would fit in extremely well with Galchenyuk and Gallagher while crowding the crease on the power-play. The size and physical aspect of his game is something lacking in the lineup. A contract along the lines of 4 years/$14 million ($3.5 million per year) is the max I would hand out, but knowing how inflated the FA market gets, highly unlikely that would be enough to land Clarkson.
Habs Odds: 35%

Ryan Clowe

Intangibles:  A tough physical player with size (6'2", 225 lbs), the 30-year old Clowe was rumored to Montreal at the deadline and has been a darling of fellow bloggers here at the Addict. His willingness to throw his weight around and the drop the gloves will compliment Prust in the lineup and has a more rounded game than fellow scoring-grinder Clarkson.  However, his offensive numbers decreased for the second year in a row as he battled some nagging injuries.
Opinion:  I did not want the Habs to trade for Clowe at the deadline, as I felt the price to land him was too high.  As a free agent, I would be willing to give him a 3 year deal at around the same $3.5 million cap hit he played under in San Jose.  Whether this is enough to land him is unknown.
Habs Odds: 40%

Dustin Penner

Intangibles:  Large (6'5", 245 lbs) winger has scored goals at an NHL level (1-time 30 goal scorer, 3-time 20 goal scorer). Two-time Stanley Cup winner. However, has not contributed any consistent offense since being dealt to the Los Angeles Kings in 2010/11.  Has a tendency to float and lacks a consistent drive. Often times has been a healthy scratch with the Kings.
Opinion: Penner played well entering his free-agent year of 2006/07, landing an offer-sheet from the Edmonton Oilers. Was a consistent producer for the Oilers, but never developed as anticipated. At his current $3.25 million rate, or for multiple years, I would stay away. If we can sign him for a one-year, show me the money deal at a discounted rate ($2 million maximum), I'd take a flyer on him. Nothing more.
Habs Odds: 20%

Brendan Morrow

Intangibles:  Gritty, physical player has good leadership skills.  Has scored goals (5 time 20-goal scorer, 2 time 30 goal scorer) and throws his weight around.  A Stanley Cup winner with the Dallas Stars and an Olympic gold medal in 2010, Morrow has played well at the highest level.  However, at 34 years-old he is feeling the effects of his style of play.  Offensive skills  have been declining and he was bitten by the injury bug the past couple of seasons.
Opinion:  Washed up veteran will be overpaid based on his name and resume, or will sign a team-friendly deal with one of the top Stanley Cup contenders (Pittsburgh could re-sign him, Chicago or Boston could be in the mix depending on the moves made by Bickell and Horton, respectively).  I would not pursue this option.
Habs Odds: 5%


Dan Ellis
Jose Theodore
Chris Mason
Mathieu Garon
Michael Leighton
Yann Danis
Jason Labarbera
Brian Boucher


Intangibles:  Experienced NHL goaltenders, with starting experience on the downside of their careers who may be willing to sign minor-league deals and provide organizational depth.  However, they are all experienced NHL goaltenders on the downside of their careers who will provide nothing more than organizational depth.
Opinion:  Dan Ellis was coveted by the Habs prior to signing Peter Budaj before he chose to sign with Carolina.  Theodore, Garon, Mason and Leighton would be decent options in Hamilton who can be called up in case of injuries to Price or Budaj.  All should be cheap. Any one would suffice.
Habs Odds: 30% chance of landing one of them.