Archive for July, 2009

Hawks in Trouble… Again

This article is cross-posted from my site: www.checkingfrombehind.com. I thought I’d share it with you to explain the circumstances on why the NHL feels it is not a “legal” contract.

Almost a month after the alleged “errors” in their qualifyings of RFA players, the Chicago Blackhawks are faced with another possible problem, only this time they won’t be losing players, they’ll be losing draft picks and up to a $5M fine by the NHL. It seems their contract for UFC Marian Hossa, a significantly front-loaded 12 year deal worth $62.8M, is not in compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). How is that you ask?
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Friday Morning Fun

A quick look at the Todd Bertuzzi to Toronto scenario, the NHL’s investigation into Chicago’s Marian Hossa contract (boy have they had a tough offseason), more on the Phil Kessel contract status, and a bit about Wayne Primeau’s thoughts going into next season. +Continue Reading

Rumour Round-up: Van Ryn, White and, of course, Kaberle

• Mike Van Ryn has some interest with an expiring contract, affordable cap hit and considering he played well when in the lineup last year.
• White is a Wilson & Burke favourite, but if Burke can maximize the return on White he would heavily consider moving him as he will command a hefty pay raise after this season.

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MLHS Site Update

Due to ongoing issues with readers being impersonated in the comments area, MLHS will be requiring users to register before posting comments.

Although this change may pose a slight inconvenience to some, hopefully it will serve to alleviate concerns that many of you have previously expressed.   For those who have not yet registered a username on MLHS, the registration link can be found under the heading “Menu” on the right-hand side.

Wednesday Morning Quick Hits

• Leafs Nation Live has a nice little interview with the Leafs’ 2nd round selection this past June, Jesse Blacker of the Windsor Spitfires, talking about what it meant for the Toronto native to get drafted by the team he followed as a kid.

• Former Leaf forward John Pohl has found his way back to North America, inking a contract with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL.

• Last but not least, the fans’ petition for the return of the old school Maple Leafs logo has officially reached the mainstream media, making an appearance in today’s Toronto Star, and even drawing the attention of Hall of Famer Red Kelly. A big pat on the back for Patrick Clayton and the rest of the supporters for making the effort to initiate change. Check out their website or their facebook page to learn more about their cause.

Stralman Trade Wrapup and More

Yesterday’s trade with Calgary sparked a lot of immediate negativity amongst many of our readers at the loss of Stralman. Today we try to view it from another perspective as we clarify an important CBA related issue that may have been a key motivation for the departure the young defenseman. In other news: Burke speaks to Foxsports about prospective changes to the CBA, Leaf prospect Kenny Ryan is being recruited by the Memorial Cup champs and Vaclav Prospal bought out by the Lightning. +Continue Reading

Quick Hit: Recent Moves Setting The Stage?

Just got a tip that the Stralman-Primeau swap is the tip of the iceberg to something larger happening in Toronto.   Being told to keep an eye on the Blue Jackets – Brassard and Klesla are two names that have been bandied about in the rumour mill.

There has been a lot of talk surrounding Columbus, Vancouver and St. Louis during the past week.   The *suspicion* is that today’s Stralman trade was a necessary move to facilitate another, larger move with one of the three aforementioned teams.

Speculate away, folks.  Things are getting real interesting, real fast.  Updates will come as I receive them.

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Leafs acquire Wayne Primeau

After a short hiatus, Brian Burke has gotten right back on the horse. RDS and TSN are reporting that the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired checking forward Wayne Primeau and a 2nd round pick in 2011 from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Anton Stralman, forward Colin Stuart, and a 7th round pick in 2012. Primeau was limited to just 4 assists in 24 regular season games for Calgary last season due to a broken foot. The 33 year old carries 1 year left on his contract at a value of $1.4 million. Anton Stralman recorded 16 points in 36 AHL games and was named to the league’s all-star team last season. +Continue Reading

Monday Blues – Update: Leafs acquire Primeau for Stralman

Kicking off the week with another update on a whole lot of nothing around the NHL: The Leafs get ripped in ESPN’s Ultimate Team Standings, P.J. Axelsson signs with Frolunda, CBS Sports assigns offseason grades for the Northeast Division, and Kaberle bought out?

• Update #1: Rumors of a Calgary -Toronto trade involving Anton Stralman.

• Update #2: RDS confirms it. Stralman and Stuart to Calgary for Wayne Primeau.What the heck? +Continue Reading

Intriguing Rumor

Now that we’re in the TRUE off-season (in which nothing usually happens until September) I came across a little rumor not started by Eklund that raised an eyebrow, so I decided to pass it on. Keep in mind, I don’t even know the people personally who brought this up so it’s definitely peculation as of right now, but still interesting to say the least. It involves the Leafs, Lightning and Blues.
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