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Leafs Buyout Tucker
Toronto has decided to buyout forward Darcy Tucker. Tucker still had three years remaining on his contract. This now makes me believe that Mats Sundin will not return as a Maple Leaf next season. -
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Posted on 25 Jun 2008
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Leafs Waive Raycroft, Wellwood
The Toronto Maple Leafs waived (G) Andrew Raycroft and (C) Kyle Wellwood on Tuesday.
Raycroft was acquired from the Boston Bruins in 2006 for prospect goaltender Tuukka Rask. Raycroft ultimately struggled with the Maple Leafs. He went 39-48 (.448), posted a 3.17 GAA (.890 save percentage) with two seasons with Toronto.Kyle Wellwood has been sidelined with injuries for two consecutive seasons. In 2006-07 he played only 48 games, and only played 59 games in 2007-08 due to a groin injury. He posted 108 points (31 goals - 77 assists) in three seasons with Toronto.
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Posted on 25 Jun 2008
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Sundin to Test Free Agency
TSN reports that Mats Sundin is likely going to test free agency.
While the Montreal Canadiends currently hold rights negotiating, it appears Sundin is reluctant to any type of deal right now.
Sundin is just somewhat of a mystery right now, and only time will tell obviously. I think he could end up landing with one of three clubs: Detroit, Montreal, or back with Toronto.
He would be a perfect fit for Detroit. Detroit could use a skilled veteran like him, and there's an extra spot open since Dallas Drake (no, I'm not saying he's another Dallas Drake, Sundin's much better) is likely to retire. For Sundin, it would be a short term deal, would be close to home, and be on a contending team. Detroit should have well enough cap space to fit Sundin in for a one year deal. -
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Posted on 25 Jun 2008
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NHL Adopts New Rule Changes
The NHL approved of three new rule changes on Wednesday. Two of the three changes involve faceoff positioning, and the third, icings.The first change enforces where a faceoff will be after a penalty is called. So no matter what, after the puck is touched up on a delayed call, the faceoff will be in the defensive zone of the team who is penalized. I do like this rule, because it offers more protection to teams that are victim to intentional fouls late in a game.
The second change of faceoff positioning requires that if a puck hits the goal post or crossbar and leaves play, the faceoff stays in that respective zone. I disagree with this rule because the goal post doesn't count for anything, and it's not part of the opposition. If it goes off the opposition, I could see that. It's simply not though, and the team attacking doesn't deserve to hold the zone because of a missed shot (which is what a post hit is) which ended up going out of play.The third and final change is intended for player safety. During delayed icings, players are only to make contact for the purpose of playing the puck - but not stopping another player from doing so. This is to prevent serious injuries, much like the one incident last season involving Kurtis Foster (who broke his leg) and Torrey Mitchell. A video can be seen here of the incident: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRwAyABEVBE
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Posted on 24 Jun 2008
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Tampa Bay Lightning hire Barry Melrose
Good news for fans who fear the "Barry Melrose curse." He will no longer be destroying your team's playoff run by picking them, because he is no longer with ESPN.
"The Mullet" was introduced today as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning by the newly appointed ownership. He is the sixth head coach in Tampa Bay Lightning's history, and precedes John Tortorella (who is currently without a job).
This move is quite questionable, considering the other potential candidates out there (Pat Burns, Paul Maurice, Pat Quinn to name a few). What makes Barry Melrose so special? He hasn't even been coaching in thirteen years.
Nonetheless it will be quite interesting,
Good luck Tampa Bay...
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Posted on 24 Jun 2008