NHL News
By Michael Dell, editor-in-chief
Note: A complete review of off-season activity is included at the end of the report.TRANSACTIONS
Here's a recap of some of the most recent transactions:Anaheim: Re-signed Darren Van Impe, d, to a two-year contract.
Boston: Traded Jozef Stumpel, c, and Sandy Moger, rw, to LA Kings for Dimitri Khristich, c/lw, and Byron Dafoe, g.
Calgary: Traded Gary Roberts, lw, and Trevor Kidd, g, to Carolina for Andrew Cassels, c, and Jean-Sebastian Giguere, g. Signed centers Aaron Gavey and Erik Andersson.
Carolina: Traded Andrew Cassels, c, and Jean-Sebastian Giguere, g, to Calgary for Gary Roberts, lw, and Trevor Kidd, g. Signed Steve Martins, c, and forward Ethan Philpott. Announced Brent Fedyk, lw, accepted free agent tryout. Acquired Enrico Ciccone, d, from Chicago. Traded Alexander Godynyuk, d, to St. Louis for Steve Leach, lw, and a sixth-round pick.
Chicago: Agreed to terms with Jimmy Waite, g.
Colorado: Re-signed Joe Sakic, c.
Dallas: Signed Chris Tancill, lw. Announced Neal Broten, c, retired.
Edmonton: Traded Mariusz Czerkawski, rw, to NY Islanders for Dan Lacouture, lw.
Florida: Re-signed Johan Garpenlov, lw, to a three-year contract.
Los Angeles: Traded Kevin Stevens, lw, to NY Rangers for Luc Robitaille, lw. Traded Dimitri Khristich, c/lw, and Byron Dafoe, g, to Boston for Jozef Stumpel, c; Sandy Moger, rw; and a fourth-round draft pick.
Montreal: Re-signed Valeri Bure, rw, and Scott Thornton, c, to one-year contracts.
New Jersey: Acquired Vlastimil Kroupa, d, from San Jose for a 1998 third-round pick.
NY Islanders: Traded Dan Lacouture, lw, to Edmonton for Mariusz Czerkawski, rw. Announced Bob Beers, d, retired.
NY Rangers: Signed Brent Thompson, d; Jeff Finley, d; and Pierre Sevigny, lw. Acquired Mike Peluso, lw, from St. Louis for future considerations. Waived David Oliver, rw.
Ottawa: Signed Chris Phillips, d, to a three-year contract. Traded Steve Duchesne, d, to St. Louis for Igor Kravchuk, d. Re-signed Lance Pitlick, d. Signed Derek Armstrong, c.
Philadelphia: Signed Chris Gratton, c. Traded Mikael Renberg, rw, and Karl Dykhuis, d, to Tampa Bay for the four first-round draft picks lost by signing Gratton. Announced Dale Hawerchuk, c, retired.
Phoenix: Signed Jeff Christian, lw.
Pittsburgh: Signed Martin Straka, c, and Brad Werenka, d. Re-signed Ian Moran, d. Invited Rob Brown, rw, to training camp. Acquired Jiri Slegr, d, from Edmonton for a third-round pick.
San Jose Sharks: Traded Vlastimil Kroupa, d, to New Jersey for 1998 third-round pick. Signed Bill Houlder, d. Released Ray Whitney, c. Announced Tim Hunter, rw, retired. Two days later, Tim Hunter's nose announced its retirement.
St. Louis: Traded Igor Kravchuk, d, to Ottawa for Steve Duchesne, d. Signed Shayne Toporowski, rw.
Tampa Bay: Lost Chris Gratton, c, to Flyers. Traded the four first-round compensation picks back to the Flyers for Mikael Renberg, rw, and Karl Dykhuis, d. Signed Louie Debrusk, lw; Paul Brousseau, rw; and Viktor Ignatjev, d. Signed Yves Racine, d.
Vancouver: Signed Grant Ledyard, d.
STEINBRENNER BUYING ISLES?
New York Islanders owner John Pickett is still trying to find someone to take the club off his hands since the deal with John Spano fell through. Rumor has it that NY Yankees owner George Steinbrenner is among four possible buyers. Steinbrenner isn't saying if he'll make a bid or not, but he has already fired several Islander employees and has inquired about the possibility of naming Billy Martin has coach.NHL PRESEASON SCHEDULE
Here's the schedule for all the boring, meaningless games that clubs still charge fans full price to see...
Date Schedule Time (EST) Sat, Sept 13 Florida vs. Boston at Charlotte, NC 7:00 NY Islanders at Carolina 7:30 Philadelphia at Pittsburgh 7:30 Toronto at Montreal 7:30 Ottawa vs. Buffalo at Hamilton, ONT 7:30 Dallas at Chicago 8:30 Sun, Sept 14 NY Rangers at Montreal 5:00 Boston at Florida 6:00 Washington vs. New Jersey at Albany, NY 7:00 Phoenix at Calgary 8:00 Dallas at St. Louis 8:00 Anaheim at Edmonton 8:00 San Jose vs. Los Angeles at San Diego, CA 9:00 Mon, Sept 15 Ottawa vs. Carolina at Bathurst, NB 6:30 Toronto at NY Rangers 7:30 Los Angeles at Colorado 9:00 Vancouver at Edmonton 9:00 Tue, Sept 16 Phoenix at Calgary TBA Ottawa vs. Carolina at Halifax, NS 6:30 Detroit at Pittsburgh 7:30 Montreal at Toronto 7:30 Dallas at Tampa Bay 7:30 Wed, Sept 17 Pittsburgh at Detroit 7:30 NY Rangers at NY Islanders 7:30 Washington at Tampa Bay 7:30 Philadelphia at Montreal 7:30 Edmonton at Ottawa 7:30 Boston vs. St. Louis at Oklahoma City, OK 8:30 San Jose at Colorado 9:00 Vancouver at Anaheim 10:05 Thu, Sept 18 Buffalo at Carolina 7:30 Washington at Florida at Tallahassee, FL 7:30 St. Louis at Colorado 9:00 Anaheim at Phoenix 9:00 Vancouver at San Jose 10:30 NY Islanders at NY Rangers TBA Fri, Sept 19 St. Louis at Dallas 7:00 New Jersey at Philadelphia 7:30 Toronto at Detroit 7:30 Washington vs. Florida at Mobile, AL 7:30 Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh at Huntsville, AL 7:30 Montreal vs. Boston at Providence, RI 7:30 Phoenix at Chicago 8:30 Sat, Sept 20 Chicago at Dallas 7:00 Tampa Bay at Washington 7:00 Detroit at Toronto 7:30 Philadelphia at New Jersey 7:30 Calgary at Phoenix 9:00 NY Rangers at Vancouver 10:00 Colorado vs. Los Angeles at Las Vegas, NV 10:30 Edmonton at Anaheim 10:35 Sun, Sept 21 Buffalo vs. Pittsburgh at Cleveland, OH 3:00 Boston at Montreal 5:00 Edmonton at Vancouver 8:00 Calgary vs. Phoenix at Tucson, AZ 9:00 Colorado at San Jose 10:30 Mon, Sept 22 Montreal at Ottawa 7:30 Chicago at St. Louis 8:30 NY Rangers at Calgary TBA Tue, Sept 23 Detroit at Carolina 7:30 Buffalo at Toronto 7:30 Tampa Bay at Florida 7:30 Pittsburgh vs. Boston at Worcester, MA 7:30 Chicago at Phoenix 9:00 Ottawa at Edmonton 9:00 NY Rangers at San Jose 10:30 Los Angeles vs. Vancouver at Tacoma, WA TBA Wed, Sept 24 Tampa Bay at Dallas 7:00 Boston at Pittsburgh 7:30 Carolina at Detroit 7:30 Washington at Philadelphia 7:30 Colorado at St. Louis 8:30 Calgary at Vancouver 10:00 Phoenix at Anaheim 10:35 Los Angeles vs. San Jose at Boise, ID TBA Thu, Sept 25 Florida at Tampa Bay 7:30 New Jersey at NY Rangers 7:30 Toronto at Buffalo 7:30 Carolina at NY Islanders 7:30 Colorado vs. Washington at Moline, IL 7:30 Dallas at Phoenix 9:00 Ottawa at Edmonton 9:00 Fri, Sept 26 Boston at Detroit 7:30 Toronto vs. Florida at Hamilton 7:30 NY Rangers at New Jersey 7:30 Philadelphia vs. Washington at Richmond, VA 7:30 Buffalo at Ottawa 7:30 Montreal at Chicago 8:30 Los Angeles at Anaheim 10:35 Sat, Sept 27 Pittsburgh at Philadelphia 4:00 Colorado vs. Washington at Hershey PA 7:00 Phoenix at Dallas 7:00 Detroit at Boston 7:00 NY Islanders at New Jersey 7:30 Florida at Toronto 7:30 Chicago at Montreal 7:30 Carolina at Buffalo 7:30 Calgary at Edmonton 8:00 San Jose at Vancouver 10:00 Anaheim at Los Angeles 10:30 Sun, Sept 28 Tampa Bay at Detroit 7:00 Edmonton at Calgary 8:00 St. Louis at Chicago 8:30 Mon, Sept 29 New Jersey at NY Islanders 7:30OFF-SEASON REVIEW
Since LCS Hockey took the summer months off to work with the Peace Corp. in Guatamala we failed to report on most of the off-season activity in the NHL. So, here is a recap of the last three months of the NHL...Tuesday, June 10, 1997
RON WILSON NEW COACH, GEORGE MCPHEE GM OF CAPITALS
The Washington Capitals will play in a new building next season. Monday, they decided who will put together and run the team that plays there. The Capitals hired former Mighty Ducks of Anaheim coach Ron Wilson and former Vancouver Canucks vice president of hockey operations George McPhee as their new general manager. Terms of the contracts for both Wilson and McPhee were undisclosed, but the Washington Post reported Saturday that Wilson's deal is worth at least $700,000 per year plus incentives. Wilson, who coached Team USA to victory in the World Cup, guided Anaheim to its first-ever playoff appearance this season. The Mighty Ducks compiled a 36-33-13 record this season and finished in fourth place in the Western Conference. McPhee had served as vice president of operations with the Canucks the past five seasons. He worked in tandem with general manager Pat Quinn and handled all contract issues.
"George and Ron have all the tools necessary to take the Washington Capitals to the next level," said Capitals chairman Abe Pollin. "Both of these men have outstanding reputations throughout the NHL, and I believe that these gentlemen will bring the Stanley Cup to Washington. The addition of George and Ron to the Capitals will bring excitement not only to the team, but also to the MCI Center and the entire city."
SCHOENFELD RESURFACES AS NEW HEAD COACH IN PHOENIX
Less than a week after being let go as head coach of the Washington Capitals, Jim Schoenfeld is back in the NHL. The Phoenix Coyotes Monday named Schoenfeld their new head coach, replacing Don Hay, who was fired on May 6 after just one season behind the bench. "I have always been impressed with Jim as a player, coach and a person," said Coyotes general manager Bobby Smith. "He is an excellent leader, teacher and motivator, and I'm confident that he will lead our team to many successful seasons in the future." The Coyotes finished third in the Central Division and fifth in the Western Conference with a 38-37-7 record last season and were ousted in the opening round of the playoffs. Schoenfeld was fired by the Capitals last Tuesday after the team failed to make the playoffs for the first time in 14 years. He guided the Capitals to a 33-40-9 record and a fifth-place finish in the Atlantic Division. Schoenfeld took over the Capitals late in the 1993-94 season and compiled a 113-102-34 record in three-plus seasons with Washington.
DARRYL SUTTER NAMED NEW SHARKS COACH
The San Jose Sharks, who finished with the worst record in the Western Conference last season, named Darryl Sutter their new head coach Monday. Sutter coached the Chicago Blackhawks for three seasons, compiling a 110-80-26 record before leaving after the 1995 season. The Blackhawks advanced to the Western Conference finals that year, losing to the Detroit Red Wings in five games. "I believe the Sharks are an organization with a tremendous future," said Sutter at a news conference Monday. "I want to thank (owner) George (Gund), (president and CEO) Greg (Jamison), and (general manager) Dean (Lombardi) for this great opportunity and to let San Jose know that we will put a team on the ice which they can be proud of." Sutter also played for the Blackhawks from 1979-87, and was captain from 1982-87. San Jose, which finished the season with a 27-47-8 record, fired coach Al Sims on May 9. The Sharks have yet to record a winning season since joining the league in the 1991-92 season. San Jose's best season came in 1993-94, when it went 33-35-16 and made its first-ever playoff appearance. The Sharks upset the Detroit Red Wings in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the Toronto Maple Leafs in seven games in the second round.
U.S. SENATE: RUSSIAN MAFIA EXTORTION IN NHL
The extent of extortion by the Russian mafia among NHL players is greater than previously believed, according to the U.S. Senate. Citing a 15-month Senate investigation that produced more than 100 interviews with NHL players, officials, owners, team officials and agents, ESPN reported Monday that serious conclusions have been drawn about the Russian mafia's influence among NHL players. There are 50 former Soviet players in the NHL and most of them are Russian. "If you add in people who would know firsthand about extortion that occurred, I would venture to say, based upon our investigation, that a significant percentage of Russian hockey players skating in the NHL have been extorted in some way," Senate investigator Michael Bopp told ESPN. "Based on the sample of players we spoke to, I would conclude that a third of the players had some direct involvement."
The NHL's vice president of security, Dennis Cunningham, does not agree with the Senate's findings. "I would say that's inflated as far as I was concerned," Cunningham told ESPN of the percentage of involvement. "I was kind of surprised he (Bopp) would pull this number out. We have asked for the specifics and attempted to help him on many occasions. So I'm a little bit surprised he could make that blanket statement. And I'd be happy to speak to him about that." ESPN also cited law-enforcement sources in two different countries that the one-third figure is easily accurate and indicates an ongoing problem. In addition, the Senate's investigation also uncovered the Russian mafia's entry into the National Basketball Association and professional tennis. The NBA told ESPN that it has no knowledge, rumor or otherwise, of encroachment by the Russian mafia, while the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the governing body of men's tennis, told the network that no player has ever come forward.
BLUES TAB PLEAU AS NEW GENERAL MANAGER
The St. Louis Blues signed New York Rangers vice president of player personnel Larry Pleau to a four-year contract Monday as their new general manager. Ron Caron served out most of last season as interim general manager after coach and general manager Mike Keenan was fired on Dec. 19. Joel Quenneville was named coach on Jan. 6 and led the team to a fourth-place finish in the Central Division. The Blues lost to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings in six games in the first round of the playoffs. Last season was Pleau's first as vice president of player personnel for New York. He had been in the Rangers' front office since 1989, when he was the assistant general manager of player development. The 49-year-old Pleau was coach of the Hartford Whalers from 1981-1984 and coach and general manager of the Binghamton Whalers for the 1984-85 season. He returned to the Whalers bench for a part of the 1987-88 campaign and all of the 1988-89 season. Pleau becomes the 10th general manager in the 30-year history of the franchise. Pleau played three seasons with the Montreal Canadiens from 1969-72 before becoming the first player to sign with the Hartford Whalers of the World Hockey Association. Pleau was also a member of the 1968 U.S. Olympic team.
BRUINS TO MAKE JOE THORNTON AVAILABLE TO MEDIA TUESDAY
The Boston Bruins will make center Joe Thornton, their likely selection in the upcoming NHL entry draft, available to the media in a press conference on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. EDT at the FleetCenter. The Bruins are expected to make Thornton the top overall pick in the draft and have had negotiations with his representatives. Because they have the first pick, the Bruins have the rights to negotiate with Thornton or any of the other available players. The club did not say it was going to announce the signing of Thornton and added only that he was being made available to the media. Thornton, who played for Sault Ste. Marie of the Ontario Hockey League, was rated as the top offensive player by NHL Central Scouting. The 6-foot-4, 198-pound Thornton had 41 goals and 81 assists in just 59 games while racking up 123 points. The NHL draft is scheduled for June 22 at Pittsburgh. Thornton will turn 18 on July 2.
Wednesday, June 11, 1997
STANLEY CUP CHAMPION RED WINGS CELEBRATE WITH PARADE
The Detroit Red Wings exorcised the biggest demon in hockey by halting their 42-year drought and winning the Stanley Cup. Tuesday an estimated 750,000 cheering fans lined the streets of Detroit for the Stanley Cup parade, which started in front of the Fox Theater on Woodward Avenue and Fisher Freeway shortly after 11:30 a.m. EDT. It traveled south on Woodward and finished at Hart Plaza at approximately 1 p.m. with a rally. "When we went down Woodward and saw the fans coming out of buildings, hanging on telephone poles, it really gets you emotional," said Detroit right winger Darren McCarty. "It's such a great feeling." Captain Steve Yzerman, a Red Wing for the last 14 years, received the loudest ovation from the fans. "This parade shows the world what we knew all along and that is that Detroit Red Wings fans are the greatest and the most loyal in the world," said Yzerman. Season ticket holders reveled in a "Thank You" rally Monday at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings completed a four-game sweep of the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals with a 2-1 win Saturday night at the Joe.
Thursday, June 12, 1997
HURRICANES EXTEND CONTRACTS OF ENTIRE COACHING STAFF
The Carolina Hurricanes will have a new home, a new name and new uniforms when they start the 1997-98 season, but they'll have the same coaching staff after granting multi-year contract extensions Wednesday to Paul Maurice and his assistants. Financial terms were not disclosed. The 30-year-old Maurice just completed his first full season behind the bench for the Hurricanes, formerly the Hartford Whalers. He guided them to a fourth-place finish in the Northeast Division with a 32-39-11 record, two points out of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Maurice took over in Hartford 12 games into the 1995-96 season and has a 61-72-19 mark with the franchise. Returning with Maurice will be assistants Tom Webster, Randy Ladouceur and Steve Weeks.
SABRES NAME REGIER GENERAL MANAGER
The Buffalo Sabres Wednesday named Darcy Regier as their new general manager. The 40-year-old Regier worked as an assistant general manager to Don Maloney with the New York Islanders for four years and was given the title of player personnel director in 1994-95. When Maloney was fired during the 1995-96 season and replaced by Mike Milbury, Regier remained as personnel director. But Regier was fired by Milbury last Dec. 26 over what Milbury termed "philosophical differences." Regier was responsible for negotiating player contracts with New York, securing the Islanders' minor league affiliations, and setting up training camp facilities. He also implemented a computerized network that improved scouting reports and communications, and continued to oversee its operation. "I am thrilled by this opportunity," said Regier. "The type of season the Sabres had in 96-97 and the personnel foundation here only helps add to my excitement for my first GM job. I'm anxious to get started with the draft and eventually training camp." Regier succeeds John Muckler, who was fired on May 14 after a long-standing rift with head coach Ted Nolan.
Saturday, June 14, 1997
THREE RED WINGS INJURED IN CAR CRASH
A night of celebration turned into tradegy when a limousine carrying Vladimir Konstantinov, Slava Fetisov and trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov, veered off of the road and crashed into a tree on Friday night. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov suffered severe head injuries and Fetisov suffered a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest. The driver of the limousine received only minor injuries. An investigation into the accident if forthcoming.
Tuesday, June 17, 1997
REPORT: FOUR U.S. CITIES SELECTED FOR NHL EXPANSION
Nashville, Tenn., Atlanta, St. Paul, Minn., and Columbus, Ohio, reportedly have been selected as the National Hockey League's next four expansion cities. The Sports Network of Canada and CNN/SI reported Monday night that the Nashville franchise will begin play in the 1998-99 season, followed by Atlanta in 1999-2000 and St. Paul and Columbus in 2000-2001. National Hockey League officials could not be reached for comment, but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said during the Stanley Cup Finals that the new expansion sites would not be disclosed until all details had been ironed out. Nashville, Atlanta, St. Paul and Columbus are among six cities under consideration for expansion franchises, which would boost NHL membership to 30 to 32 teams. The other locations being considered by the league's Board of Governors are Oklahoma City and Houston. According to TSN, the four cities have the support of the NHL's expansion committee, but must be approved by the full board, which meets June 25 in New York. CNN/SI also reported that the committee will recommend extending the NHL's current collective bargaining agreement through 2002 or 2003.
WINGS' KONSTANTINOV UNCONSCIOUS BUT SLOWLY IMPROVING
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov remained unconscious and in critical condition Monday at William Beaumont Hospital in Birmingham, Mich., but has made small steps of progress. According to a hospital spokesperson, Konstantinov has been able to make "reflex movements". His eyes were responsive to shined light, considered a positive sign by doctors. Konstantinov, along with teammate and defenseman Slava Fetisov and trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov, were involved in an accident Friday night after their limousine crashed. The 30-year-old Konstantinov is on a ventilator, and a cranium pressure monitor was placed in his skull Friday night. Fetisov, who suffered a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest, was upgraded to very good condition Monday and could be discharged as early as Tuesday. Mnatsakanov, the Red Wings' Russian-born masseur, is still unconscious and in critical condition. He suffered a serious head injury in the accident and underwent surgery early Saturday morning.
HURRICANES FILE LAWSUIT TO PROTECT NAME
The Carolina Hurricanes, formerly the Hartford Whalers, have filed a lawsuit in North Carolina Federal Court Monday seeking legal confirmation that they are free to use their new nickname. The Whalers previously announced that they will relocate to Raleigh, N.C., for the 1997-98 season and will be called the Carolina Hurricanes. Prior to the move, Raleigh lawyer Robert Holmes submitted a trademark application, registering the name Carolina Hurricanes. The NHL team announced that in addition to the lawsuit, it has filed a protest with the North Carolina Secretary of State. The announcement of the lawsuit comes on the same day that the Hurricanes unveiled their new colors and logo. The colors will be red, black, silver and white. The design of the primary logo is a hurricane framed by two red and black swirls shaped as a "C" for Carolina, and the eye of the hurricane is a moving puck.
MAPLE LEAFS AGREE TO TERMS WITH CZECH FORWARD PROCHAZKA
The Toronto Maple Leafs, coming off their first last-place finish in six years and left without a pick in the first two rounds of Saturday's NHL Draft, agreed to terms Monday with winger Martin Prochazka. Terms were not disclosed. The 25-year-old was Toronto's eighth-round selection in the 1991 draft. He led all scorers at the 1997 World Championships with seven goals and seven assists in nine games, helping the Czech Republic to the bronze medal and earning a spot on the All-Tournament team. Prochazka attended Maple Leafs' training camp in 1992 and made one appearance in a preseason game before returning to Europe. He spent eight seasons in the Czech Extraleague and was named Czech Player of the Year in 1994-95, when he was second in the league with 25 goals and 33 assists in 41 games for Poldi Kladno. At the 1996 World Championships, he scored with 19 seconds left in regulation as the Czech Republic defeated Canada to win the gold medal.
Wednesday, June 18, 1997
WINGS' KONSTANTINOV UNCONSCIOUS BUT SLOWLY IMPROVING
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov remains unconscious with stable vital signs and in critical condition Tuesday at William Beaumont Hospital in Birmingham, Mich. According to the hospital, Konstantinov continues to receive encouragement from friends and teammates and has been able to make reflex movements, though he has not yet regained consciousness. A press briefing has been scheduled for Wednesday at 1 p.m. EDT at the hospital. Konstantinov, along with teammate Slava Fetisov and trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov, were involved in an accident Friday night after their limousine crashed. The 30-year-old Konstantinov is on a ventilator, and a cranium pressure monitor was placed in his skull Friday night. There was no reported change in the condition of Mnatsakanov. Fetisov, who suffered a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest, is slated to be discharged soon, according to a hospital official.
SENATORS' RHODES UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL ANKLE SURGERY
Ottawa Senators goaltender Damian Rhodes underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle Monday in London, Ontario. Doctors cleaned up irritating scar tissue from the left ankle. Rhodes will rest for three to four days and increase his full offseason training program in the next couple of weeks. The 28-year-old injured the ankle on Feb. 23 during the second period of a 4-3 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. He returned to the lineup for two games in late March, but then missed the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. Rhodes finished 14-20-14 with a 2.72 goals-against average and .890 save percentage in 50 games this season. He was acquired from Toronto in January 1996 after five-plus years with the Maple Leafs organization.
Thursday, June 19, 1997
PAGE OUT AS COACH OF FLAMES
Pierre Page is out as coach of the Calgary Flames. Flames executive vice president Alan Coates said Wednesday that Page was released after the coach asked for a two-year extension on his existing contract or to be released. The Flames did not immediately name a successor. "He is therefore released to pursue other coaching opportunities with any team in the National Hockey League," said Coates. "We thank Pierre for his contributions and wish him the best of luck." Coates added that any team in the Pacific Division must seek written consent before talking to Page, who had one year left on his contract. The Flames finished in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a 32-41-9 record this past season and did not make the playoffs. In two seasons as coach, Page was 66-78-20. The Flames made the playoffs in their first season under Page but were swept in four games by the Chicago Blackhawks. Calgary has yet to win a playoff series since winning the Stanley Cup in 1989, losing six opening-round series and failing to make the playoffs on two other occasions. The Flames were the third NHL coaching job for Page, who also was in charge of the Minnesota North Stars and the Quebec Nordiques.
FETISOV LEAVES HOSPITAL, OTHERS REMAIN UNCHANGED
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Slava Fetisov was thankful to leave William Beaumont Hospital in Birmingham, Mich., Wednesday, but left behind teammate Vladimir Konstantinov and trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov, who are still comatose. "I appreciate the support and concern that everyone's shown," said Fetisov, who was released Wednesday after sustaining a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest in the limousine accident Friday. "Of course, I am happy to go home, but Vladdy and Sergei still need our thoughts and prayers." The conditions of Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov remain virtually unchanged, though doctors have seen signs that continue to make them optimistic. Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Fetisov were involved in an accident Friday night after their limousine crashed in Birmingham. The 30-year-old Konstantinov is on a ventilator, and a cranium pressure monitor was placed in his skull Friday night. Fetisov issued a statement but did not answer questions.
Dr. Karol Zakalik, a trauma surgeon and one of the attending physicians, answered questions about the two remaining in the hospital. "I expect Vladdy to take a long time to wake up, but things about his condition make me optimistic," Zakalik said. "They never had the pressure buildup, have good circulation, maintained the blood flow through the brain and show some awareness. We want Vladdy to return to being a father and husband and a regular person. Anything about hockey playing would be pure speculation." Mnatsakanov apparently is slightly ahead of Konstantinov. "Sergei appears to be obeying commands from the staff and his wife, for example, squeezing the hand," Zakalik said. "Konstantinov is also showing signs of improvement. He shows some response to Russian-speaking visitors. His intercranial pressure is normal, with good profusion and circulation. Sergei is able to squeeze his right hand, open his eyes on command, but he's not looking at anything, he's just opening his eyes. He wiggled his toes and he's aware of people speaking, because his vital signs get excited."
Friday, June 20, 1997
SABRES' HASEK FIRST GOALTENDER IN 35 YEARS TO WIN HART
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dominik Hasek became the first goaltender in 35 years to win the National Hockey League's Hart Trophy as most valuable player Thursday in Toronto. On a night tempered by sadness by last week's limousine accident that left Detroit Red Wings defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov in a coma, Hasek lived up to his nickname of "The Dominator." He was the only double-winner, also capturing the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender. He was the first goalie to win the Hart since Jacques Plante of Montreal in 1962. The 32-year-old netminder from the Czech Republic accounted for 37 of Buffalo's 40 wins in the regular season, led the NHL in save percentage for the third straight year (.930), finished fourth overall in goals-against average (2.27) and posted five shutouts. In voting by the Professional Hockey Writers Association, Hasek was selected over recently retired Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Mario Lemieux and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim winger Paul Kariya, who won the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship.
Konstantinov's condition placed focus on the Norris Trophy, for which the Red Wings defenseman was a finalist. However, the award for top defenseman went to Brian Leetch of the New York Rangers. Leetch led defensemen in scoring with 20 goals and 78 points in 82 games and finished at plus-31. All of the award winners expressed sorrow and best wishes for Konstantinov and team trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov, who also was left comatose by last Friday night's accident. Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and defenseman Slava Fetisov all were hurt when their limousine crashed in Birmingham, Mich. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov have been unconscious with head injuries since, while Fetisov suffered lacerations and a bruised lung and was released earlier this week.
Five other awards were handed out on Thursday. Ted Nolan, who led the Sabres to the Northeast Division title, won the Adams Award as coach of the year, and Mike Pecca made it four awards on the night for Buffalo when he was honored as the best defensive forward with the Selke Trophy. Defenseman Bryan Berard of the New York Islanders won the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. San Jose Sharks winger Tony Granato received the Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Six months after undergoing brain surgery, Granato returned to the NHL. Vancouver Canucks captain Trevor Linden was awarded the King Clancy Trophy for noteworthy service to his community.
Tuesday, June 24, 1997
CONDITIONS OF KONSTANTINOV, TRAINER REMAIN UNCHANGED
Detroit Red Wings star defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and team trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov remained in critical, but stable condition Monday at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oaks, Mich. Both are still comatose, but continue to show signs of improvement. Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Red Wings defenseman Slava Fetisov were involved in an accident on June 13 after their limousine crashed in Birmingham, Mich. Fetisov sustained a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest in the accident and was released from the hospital last Wednesday. The driver, 28-year-old Richard Gnida, was released from the hospital two days after the accident. Gnida was driving with a revoked license and would not have been eligible to receive a review for his license until January 1998. Police have yet to file charges or make any arrests until further toxicology tests come back, and there are still questions about the cause of the accident. Konstantinov has also undergone surgeries to his right elbow to repair a tendon and remove debris. Konstantinov, nicknamed "The Vladinator" for his punishing physical style, was a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the National Hockey League's top defensemen.
Thursday, June 26, 1997
NHL FORMALLY APPROVES FOUR EXPANSION FRANCHISES
The National Hockey League's Board of Governors formally granted expansion franchises to four new cities -- Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta; Columbus, Ohio and Minneapolis-St. Paul. The NHL's Expansion Committee recommended the four sites last week and the Board of Governors unanimously approved each of the four new franchises at a meeting Wednesday in New York. The Nashville franchise will begin play in the 1998-99 season, followed by Atlanta in 1999-2000 and St. Paul and Columbus in 2000-01. Each will pay an $80 million entrance fee and must have their club president, general manager, head coach and marketing director in place at least one year prior to the expansion draft.
As part of the expansion plan, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association have agreed to a four-year extension to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which would put the basic terms of the contract in effect until Sept. 15th, 2004.
Friday, June 27, 1997
NOLAN REJECTS ONE-YEAR OFFER FROM SABRES
The Buffalo Sabres offered NHL coach of the year Ted Nolan a one-year contract Thursday, but he said in an interview later in the day that he did not accept it. The Sabres held a news conference Thursday morning to announce the offer, but said that Nolan, who is spending the summer in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has not yet gotten back to the team regarding the undisclosed offer. Nolan, who is hosting a golf tournament for Native American women, was reached by Buffalo's WBEN Radio and said that he didn't accept the offer. "I will not accept a one-year deal," he told WBEN. "I've had nothing but time (to look at a potential offer) in the last few weeks or so. (I'm) very disappointed." Nolan, a Native American who will be shown support by a Native American rally outside Buffalo's Marine Midland Arena on Friday, added that his biggest disappointment is that he and his family have established good relationships with the fans and community. He also talked about pursuing other jobs if there is interest out there. Reports out of Toronto have the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, among others, being interested. Nolan, whose contract expires Monday, won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year after surprisingly guiding the Sabres to the Northeast Division title. Nolan has been the Sabres coach for two seasons and compiled a 73-72-19 record in the regular season and a 5-7 playoff mark. He is the 14th coach in team history.
BLACKHAWKS' DENIS SAVARD ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Center Denis Savard, one of the most popular players in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks, announced his retirement Thursday. Savard had 473 goals and 865 assists for 1,338 points in 1,196 career games over his 17-year NHL career and ranks 17th on the all-time points list. "I gave everything I could to be a good hockey player," said Savard. "I was lucky. Seventeen years I played and I've never had any major injuries." As a Blackhawk, Savard had 377 goals and 719 assists for 1,096 points in 881 games. The 36-year-old holds club records for single-season points (131 in 1987-88), single-season assists (87 in 1981-82 and 1987-88) and most 100 point seasons (five). But Savard struggled through the 1996-97 season. He had nine goals and 18 assists in 64 games with a minus-10 rating and had just two assists in six playoff games. Savard will remain with the Blackhawk organization as both a developmental coach and in a community relations capacity. Savard, the third overall pick in the 1980 draft, played the first 10 years of his career with the Blackhawks and led the team in scoring seven consecutive seasons from 1981-82 to 1987-88. He also played three seasons with Montreal and was a member of the Canadiens' 1993 Stanley Cup championship team. The Tampa Bay Lightning signed Savard as a free agent in July of 1993 and he was reacquired by Chicago in April 1995.
GAINEY WILL REMAIN STARS GENERAL MANAGER
New Toronto Maple Leafs president Ken Dryden made a run at getting his former teammate to become his general manager, but Bob Gainey has decided to remain in the same position with the Dallas Stars. Dryden, who starred with Gainey for the Montreal Canadiens in the 1970s, wooed the Dallas GM unsuccessfully. Gainey, 43, could have gone to the Maple Leafs, who would have given Dallas defenseman Mathieu Schneider in return. "After careful consideration of all the professional and personal issues involved with this process, I have decided to remain with the Dallas Stars," Gainey said. "I would like to thank the Stars, especially Tom Hicks and Jim Lites, for allowing me to discuss this opportunity. My commitment to the Stars is stronger than ever and I look forward to the challenge of the 1997-98 season." The Stars recorded a franchise-high 104 points this season and went from worst-to-first in capturing the Central Division title. Gainey has been with the Stars for seven seasons. He took over as coach of the Minnesota North Stars in 1990 and guided them to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins. He gave up his duties as coach to become the full-time GM during the 1995-96 campaign, handing the reigns to Ken Hitchcock.
Saturday, June 28, 1997
HURRICANES DEAL FOR STEPHEN LEACH, SIGN FOUR OTHERS
The Carolina Hurricanes made their first deal Friday since moving from Hartford, sending defenseman Alexander Godynyuk to the St. Louis Blues for right winger Stephen Leach and a sixth-round draft choice in 1998. Leach missed 59 games due to an ankle injury last year. The 32-year-old played in 17 games and had two goals and one assist. Leach has also played for Washington and Boston before joining the Blues in March of 1996. "Steve has proven over his career to be a solid two-way player," said Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford. "His physical play, character and experience will be an asset to our team both on the ice and in the locker room." Godynyuk totaled four goals and 15 assists in four seasons with Hartford. His best season came in 1993-94, when he recorded three goals and nine assists in 43 games. The Blues will be the fifth stop in an NHL career that has seen him play with Toronto, Calgary and Florida before the team formerly known as the Hartford Whalers.
Sunday, June 29, 1997
ISLANDERS' SALE REPORTEDLY HITS SNAG OVER PAYMENTS
The sale of the New York Islanders to John Spano from John O. Pickett, approved by the National Hockey League in February, reportedly has hit a financial snag. Newspaper reports in the New York area Saturday claim that payments due to Pickett either were not fully paid or have not been paid at all. The NHL Board of Governors approved the complicated $165 million sale to a group headed by Spano, a Dallas real estate developer who is the president of a group that leases heavy equipment and aircraft. But reports claim that Spano has not made the payments, which New York's Newsday said could be as much as $20 million. The New York Daily News reported that the snag could cause the NHL to withdraw its approval of the deal while Newsday reported that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has ordered Spano not to touch team assets until the situation is resolved. "It's true there are some outstanding issues between John Pickett and myself," Spano told Newsday. "I won't comment on what those issues are. Sure, Gary Bettman has been involved, because we have an obligation we need to meet. But this issue is not with the league, it is not with the Islanders. It is John and John."
Monday, June 30, 1997
CONDITIONS OF KONSTANTINOV AND MNATSAKANOV UPGRADED
Detroit Red Wings star defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and team trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov are both gradually emerging from a coma and have been upgraded from critical to serious condition. At an afternoon news briefing Sunday, doctors at William Beaumont Hospital reported that they have removed the ventilator from Konstantinov, and he is breathing completely on his own. Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Red Wings defenseman Slava Fetisov were involved in an accident on June 13 after their limousine crashed in Birmingham, Mich. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov have been in a coma since the accident and Fetisov sustained a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest. Konstantinov needed a ventilator to assist his breathing since the accident before Saturday. He is now consistently opening his eyes, is able to follow simple commands, and his vital signs are stable. Mnatsakanov is in the process of being weaned from a ventilator. He is also showing steady improvements in responding to commands from family and doctors, and his vital signs are stable. A rehabilitation team consisting of doctors, physical and speech therapists are working with Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov to provide stimulation and educate the families of the patients.
"No further surgery is needed for neurological injuries for either patient," said neurosurgeon Karol Zalkalik.
The driver, 28-year-old Richard Gnida, was released from the hospital two days after the accident. Gnida was driving with a revoked license and would not have been eligible to receive a review for his license until January 1998. Police have yet to file charges or make any arrests.
Tuesday, July 1, 1997
NOLAN SAYS SABRES PULLED CONTRACT OFFER OFF TABLE
The NHL Coach of the Year is looking for a new job. Ted Nolan, who coached the overachieving Buffalo Sabres to the Northeast Division title and an appearance in the Eastern Conference semifinal this season, told a radio station Monday night the team has pulled its one-year contract offer off the table. Speaking to WBEN Radio in Buffalo from his home in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada, Nolan said new Sabres general manager Darcy Regier flew to his house to tell him the news. "Darcy flew up to me and said they're going to no longer extend the contract offer to me. It was about a five-minute conversation," Nolan said. "Darcy's the general manager of this hockey club and he told me it was his decision and his decision only, and I have to take his word for it. He came to the conclusion that I would not be his coach and so be it. The fans in Buffalo have been sensational to me and I've enjoyed my time in Buffalo these two years."
Last Thursday, Nolan rejected the one-year contract offered by Regier, who came over from the New York Islanders to replace John Muckler. Nolan and Muckler clashed throughout the season. "I'm a pretty good optimist and I thought maybe today we could work something out," added Nolan. "I was keeping that hope, but it didn't work out. I'm disappointed, but that's life. But I'll keep my head up and continue to fight and hopefully another job (will be there) down the road." Nolan, who won the Jack Adams Award for his performance this season, had been the Sabres coach for two seasons and compiled a 73-72-19 record in the regular season and a 5-7 playoff mark.
DISPUTED SALE OF ISLES HEADED TO ARBITRATION
The sale of the New York Islanders -- approved over four months ago -- is headed for arbitration as former owner John O. Pickett said he has not received payments from current owner John Spano. Pickett demanded arbitration from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, the league announced Monday. No date has been scheduled for the arbitration hearing. Spano, a Dallas businessman with New York roots, was to pay $165 million for the Islanders, a deal that was finalized in January and approved by the NHL's Board of Governors on Feb. 24. But in his demand, Pickett said that Spano did not make payments required for the purchase of the team and other matters. Until further notice, Spano has agreed not to be involved in the operation of the Islanders and is not authorized to take any actions on behalf of the team, according to a statement from the league. Pending arbitration, general counsel Bill Skehan will continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations and general manager Mike Milbury will handle player matters in accordance with a budget established earlier this year.
SABRES MAKE QUALIFYING OFFERS TO PECA, SEVEN OTHERS
The Buffalo Sabres, trying to remain united after a season of overachievement, Monday made qualifying offers to seven free agents, including Selke Trophy winner Michael Peca. The team also made qualifying offers to defensemen Bob Boughner, Darryl Shannon, Alexei Zhitnik; wingers Dixon Ward and Michal Grosek; and center Derek Plante. Winger Miroslav Satan was also made a qualifying offer but is an entry-level player, meaning the Sabres retain his exclusive NHL negotiation rights. Peca received the award for best defensive forward as he helped Buffalo win the Northeast Division with a record of 40-30-12. The Sabres lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. But the offseason has been one of disarray for the Sabres. General manager John Muckler was fired after a season-long power struggle with coach Ted Nolan, who last Thursday turned down a one-year contract offer from new GM Darcy Regier. Should any of the seven players sign a contract worth more than $400,000 per year with another NHL team, Buffalo would be entitled to compensation, usually in the form of draft picks.
Wednesday, July 2, 1997
SABRES FINISHED WITH NOLAN, COMPILE LIST OF CANDIDATES
Ted Nolan is out as coach of the Buffalo Sabres, who have begun compiling a list of candidates to replace him. A Sabres spokesman confirmed Tuesday what Nolan said Monday -- that the one-year offer that "disappointed" the NHL Coach of the Year has been taken off the table, completing his tenure in Buffalo at two years. Nolan coached the Sabres to the Northeast Division title and an Eastern Conference semifinal appearance this season. In two seasons with the Sabres, Nolan was 73-72-19, plus a 5-7 mark in the playoffs. He rejected the one-year offer last Thursday and met with Sabres general manager Darcy Regier on Monday at his home in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. The spokesman said assistant Don Lever is among five candidates to replace Nolan. Others whose names have been floated by both the Sabres and the media are Brian Sutter, Butch Goring, Bryan Trottier and Lindy Ruff. Sutter coached the Boston Bruins from 1992-95. Goring is the coach of the Utah Grizzlies of the International Hockey League. Ruff is an assistant with the Florida Panthers and Trottier is an assistant with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
CAMPBELL AGREES TO CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH RANGERS
The New York Rangers announced Tuesday that head coach Colin Campbell has agreed to terms on a multi-year contract extension. Terms were not disclosed, but Campbell will reportedly receive a two-year extension worth about $1.4 million through the 1999-2000 season. He was entering the final year of his current contract. "Colin has done an outstanding job for us, and of all the people in the organization that helped us get to where we got in the playoffs, he probably did the most of anybody," said Rangers general manager Neil Smith. "His experience and leadership has been an invaluable asset to the club." Campbell guided the Rangers to a surprising playoff run to the Eastern Conference finals this past season. The Rangers finished in fifth-place in the East in the regular season. After beating Florida in the first round, the Rangers upset top seed New Jersey in the East semifinals before being beaten by Philadelphia, 4-1, in the East finals. Campbell, 44, has a 101-84-27 record in three years as Rangers coach.
ISLANDERS SIGN THREE FREE AGENTS
The New York Islanders Tuesday agreed to terms with three free agents: left wings Mike Hough and Jim Storm and goaltender Wade Flaherty. Hough has played 11 seasons in the NHL, including the last four with the Florida Panthers. Last year in 69 games, he recorded eight goals and six assists with 48 penalty minutes. In 622 career games with Quebec and Florida, Hough has 95 goals and 149 assists for 244 points. Storm spent last season with Michigan of the International Hockey League, compiling 25 goals and 24 assists in 75 contests. He has collected seven goals and 15 assists in 84 NHL games with Hartford and Dallas (1993-96). Flaherty split the 1996-97 campaign with San Jose and its American Hockey League affiliate in Kentucky. In seven games with the Sharks, he went 2-4 with a 5.18 goals-against average. Flaherty has played in 53 career games with San Jose, going 10-26-2 with a 4.29 GAA.
DILLER NAMED PRESIDENT OF NASHVILLE EXPANSION TEAM
The NHL expansion franchise in Nashville has its first employee. Jack Diller, former president and chief executive officer of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, was named the president of the franchise by majority owner Craig Leipold on Tuesday. Diller joined the Spurs in May 1994 and was responsible for basketball and business operations. He was moved into an advisory capacity last week. Diller is expected to do the bulk of the hiring of the team's top executives. The hiring of a general manager and a head coach are expected in the coming months. "The increase in hockey's popularity in recent years, particularly among young fans, has been dramatic, but the best is yet to come," said Diller. "I've always wanted to build a franchise from scratch and to do that in a market with the potential of Nashville is truly irresistible." Diller first became involved in professional hockey as vice president of the National Hockey League's New York Rangers in the 1970s. He rejoined the Rangers organization in the late 1980s as president of the Madison Square Garden Sports Group, responsible for operations of both the Rangers and the NBA's New York Knicks. Before joining the Spurs in 1994, Diller served as executive vice president for the New York Mets.
Thursday, July 3, 1997
DALLAS STARS LURE BELFOUR WITH THREE-YEAR DEAL
The Dallas Stars fired the first major blow in free agency this offseason, signing two-time Vezina Trophy winning goaltender Ed Belfour to a three-year contract Wednesday worth undisclosed terms. Belfour is classified as a Group III unrestricted free agent, having at least four years of experience while being at least 32 years of age. Belfour, 32, started the past season with the Chicago Blackhawks and finished with the San Jose Sharks. The Blackhawks shipped Belfour to San Jose for winger Ulf Dahlen and goaltender Chris Terreri before the trading deadline to avoid losing him via free agency without compensation. The signing of Belfour likely means Dallas' top netminder from the past season, Andy Moog, is out of a job. Moog, who is also an unrestricted free agent, went 28-12-5 with a 2.15 goals-against average and .913 save percentage. Belfour compiled a 14-24-6 record in 46 games with Chicago and San Jose last season. He had a 2.91 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage. Belfour, who played in All-Star games in 1992, 1993 and 1996, came up with the Blackhawks and backstopped them to the 1992 Stanley Cup Finals. The eight-year veteran is second among active goaltenders with 31 shutouts, 11th in wins (204) and in the top 10 in winning percentage (.570). He is one of only five NHL goaltenders to win 40 games in a season.
RED WINGS SIGN MARTIN LAPOINTE TO FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT
The Detroit Red Wings took their first step toward keeping their Stanley Cup champion nucleus intact, re-signing restricted free-agent right winger Martin Lapointe to a four-year contract worth an undisclosed amount. Lapointe was an instrumental part of the Red Wings first Stanley Cup in 42 years. The 23-year-old established career highs of 16 goals and 17 assists in the regular season, then stepped it up in the playoffs with four goals and eight assists in 20 games. "Martin showed marked improvement in his development as a player this season, followed by a tremendous playoffs," said Red Wings assistant general manager Ken Holland. "He worked hard in the offseason and made himself as an integral part of a Stanley Cup champion and we are pleased to have signed him to a long-term contract. We feel he can use this year's playoffs as a building block for the future." Lapointe was the 10th overall pick in the 1991 Entry Draft. In four seasons with Detroit, he has accumulated 34 goals and 35 assists in 232 games.
BLUES FIRE ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER BERRY
St. Louis Blues assistant general manager Bob Berry was fired Wednesday, becoming another casualty of the new regime of general manager Larry Pleau. The Blues announced that the 53-year-old Berry, who served as head coach of the Blues from 1992 to 1994 and had two stints as an assistant coach (1988-92 & 1994-96), will no longer remain with the club. He was 73-62-21 as head coach of the Blues and also served as a head coach in Los Angeles, Montreal and Pittsburgh and has an overall record of 384-355-121. Pleau was given a four-year contract as general manager after serving as vice president of player personnel for the New York Rangers.
Friday, July 4, 1997
FLAMES NAME BRIAN SUTTER HEAD COACH
Brian Sutter, who coached the Boston Bruins for three seasons but was never able to get past the second round of the playoffs, was named the head coach of the Calgary Flames Thursday. Sutter replaces Pierre Page, who resigned June 18 amid speculation he would fill the coaching vacancy with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The 40-year-old Sutter has not coached since he was fired by the Bruins following the 1994-95 season. A native of Viking, Alberta, Sutter lives in nearby Sylvan Lake. Sutter compiled a 120-73-23 record in three seasons with the Bruins. He was runner-up for the Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year in 1992-93, his first season in Boston, after guiding the Bruins to a 51-26-7 mark, their first 50-win campaign in a decade. "As an opponent, there were some places that you didn't really like going into," said Sutter. "As the years went by, you found out those are the people and the teams that you want to be associated with the most. Calgary was always one of those. I always admired how the hockey club was run here, their attitude toward things, the people that were involved here."
Sutter began his coaching career in 1988-89 with the St. Louis Blues, the team for whom he spent his entire 12-year playing career. He became the winningest coach in Blues' history with a 153-124-43 record in four seasons behind the bench. He won the Adams Award in 1990-91, helping St. Louis to a 47-22-11 record and second overall in the league with 105 points. Sutter joins his brother, Darryl, in the NHL coaching fraternity. Darryl Sutter was named the San Jose Sharks' coach on June 9. Brian and Darryl were two of the six hockey-playing Sutter brothers. Philadelphia, Buffalo and Anaheim are the three remaining teams without a head coach.
PULFORD STEPS DOWN AS 'HAWKS GM, MURRAY TO REPLACE HIM
Chicago Blackhawks senior vice president Robert J. Pulford has decided to step down as general manager and hand the reins to assistant general manager and director of player personnel Bob Murray. Pulford joined the Blackhawks in 1977 as head coach and general manager and compiled a 157-156-62 record -- the third-most wins in team history -- until stepping down as coach in 1985. He was appointed senior vice president in 1990. "When Bob Pulford came to me and told me that he wanted to spend more time with his family, I respected his decision," said Chicago president William Wirtz. "Bob Pulford has served the Blackhawk organization faithfully for 20-plus years and I thank him for his efforts. We look forward to having Bob continue as our senior vice president as we continue to call on him for hockey advice." Murray played 15 seasons and over 1,000 games as a defenseman for Chicago from 1975-90 before becoming a pro scout for the club. Within a year, he was promoted to director of player personnel.
SENATORS SIGN FIRST-ROUND PICK HOSSA
The Ottawa Senators became the first team to sign a first-round draft pick, inking left wing Marian Hossa to a three-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed. The Senators gambled with the lowest first-round pick in team history, taking the 18-year-old native from Slovakia with the 12th overall selection. Hossa was considered a one-dimensional player by most observers, but had 25 goals and 19 assists in 46 games with Dukla Trencin in Slovakia. "We are extremely pleased that Marian has signed with the Senators and that he has shown his desire to stay in North America and try to make the team," said general manager Pierre Gauthier. "He is a talented player that has competed in a men's league (in Slovakia) this past season and he also played for his country at both the 1997 World Junior and Senior Championships." Hossa impressed scouts as a pure goal scorer after collecting five goals in six games at the World Junior Championships.
Sunday, July 6, 1997
KINGS SIGN GALLEY TO THREE-YEAR CONTRACT
The Los Angeles Kings took their first plunge into this season's free-agent market Saturday, signing defenseman Garry Galley to a three-year contract worth an undisclosed amount. Galley was the top scorer among Buffalo Sabres defensemen this year with four goals and 34 assists for 38 points. The 34-year-old Galley will be making his second go-round with Los Angeles, having played with the Kings from 1984-87. "We're excited to have Garry returning to the Kings," said general manager Dave Taylor. "He'll provide a lot of help on the power play and at the same time, bring guidance and leadership to the younger guys in our organization." In two-plus seasons with Buffalo, Galley had 15 goals and 87 assists. He had six assists in 12 playoff games for the Sabres. Galley has also made stops in Washington, Boston and Philadelphia. His best season was with the Flyers in 1993-94, when he had 10 goals and 60 assists in 81 games. For his career, Galley has 97 goals and 399 assists with 1,014 penalty minutes in 889 games.
Tuesday, July 8, 1997
MNATSAKANOV EMERGES FROM COMA; KONSTANTINOV PROGRESSING
Detroit Red Wings star defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov remains unconscious, but team trainer Sergei Mnatsakanov has emerged from a coma. Both are listed in serious condition at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Red Wings defenseman Slava Fetisov were involved in an accident on June 13 after their limousine crashed in Birmingham. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov had been in a coma since the accident and Fetisov sustained a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest. But hospital officials said Monday that Mnatsakanov, who is breathing with the help of a ventilator, is now conscious. "His level of responsiveness has improved to the point that we consider him to be conscious," said neurosurgeon Doctor Karol Zakalik. Mnatsakanov is beginning to communicate by attempting to write numbers in Russian with a pen and paper. Konstantinov was taken off a ventilator last week and continues to show signs of progress. Along with breathing completely on his own, Konstantinov now is consistently opening his eyes and able to follow simple commands. "These signs of improvement are very encouraging," said trauma surgeon James Robbins. "But it will be a long recovery process for both patients."
FLYERS NAME CASHMAN HEAD COACH
The Philadelphia Flyers named Wayne Cashman, a former assistant coach with three different teams, as their new head coach Monday. Terms were not disclosed, but it is believed that Cashman received a three-year deal to replace Terry Murray. The Flyers fired Murray less than a week after they were swept in the Stanley Cup Final by the Detroit Red Wings. The 51-year-old Cashman spent one season as an assistant with the Sharks and was a finalist to replace Al Sims, who was fired during the 1996-97 season. He was an assistant for the New York Rangers from 1987-92 and for the Tampa Bay Lightning from 1992-96. Twice he was rumored to succeed coach Terry Crisp, but did not. Cashman played 18 seasons, all with the Boston Bruins, whom he helped win Stanley Cups in 1970 and 1972. Cashman met with Flyers general manager Bobby Clarke in Pittsburgh on June 20, the day before the NHL draft, and was selected ahead of Flyers assistant Keith Acton. Clarke fired Murray on June 13, despite the team's first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals in 10 years. The Flyers went 45-24-13 this season.
RANGERS SIGN KEANE, SKRUDLAND TO MULTI-YEAR DEALS
With memories of Philadelphia's Legion of Doom line dancing in their heads, the New York Rangers dipped into the free agent market and landed two coveted checking specialists. The Rangers Monday signed right wing Mike Keane and center Brian Skrudland to multi-year deals. Financial terms were not disclosed, but it is believed that Keane signed a four-year contract worth $8 million and Skrudland signed a three-year deal worth more than $5 million. The two players immediately provide the Rangers with the foundation of a checking line to combat the top scoring lines in the NHL. The Rangers were using a checking line of Mike Eastwood centering Dallas Eakins and Shane Churla in the Eastern Conference finals against the Philadelphia Flyers and paid for it dearly. Center Eric Lindros and left wing John LeClair -- the major components of the Legion of Doom line -- dominated the series as the Flyers ousted the Rangers in five games. Keane and Skrudland will now form the Rangers' top checking line with Bill Berg likely on the right wing. The 30-year-old Keane was a member of Stanley Cup championship teams in Montreal and Colorado. He played the last two seasons with Colorado and had 10 goals and 17 assists last year. Skrudland, the only captain in the history of the Florida Panthers, turns 34 on July 31 and is coming off knee surgery. He was limited to 51 games last season and missed the playoffs. Skrudland had five goals and 13 assists in 1996-97.
Wednesday, July 9, 1997
TOCCHET SIGNS THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH PHOENIX
The Phoenix Coyotes, continually looking for a bookend for rugged left wing Keith Tkachuk, are going to give Rick Tocchet a try. The Coyotes signed the 33-year-old unrestricted free agent to a three-year contract at undisclosed financial terms. The 6-foot, 205-pounder plays a similar style to Tkachuk, though his best seasons are probably behind him. Tocchet is reunited with coach Jim Schoenfeld, who was fired from Washington following the end of last season. "I am excited to be a part of a new franchise in a new hockey town," Tocchet said. "Since the first day, the Coyotes have shown a commitment to winning, and I hope to help them achieve their goal." Tocchet, a four-time All-Star, was traded to the Washington Capitals with center Adam Oates and goaltender Bill Ranford from the Boston Bruins last season. He did not re-sign with Washington after general manager David Poile's contract was not renewed and Schoenfeld was fired. Tocchet has nine 20-goal seasons in his 13-year career and joins Dale Hunter, Pat Verbeek and Mike Foligno as the only players in NHL history with 300 goals and 2,000 penalty minutes.
MAPLE LEAFS SIGN HEALY TO THREE-YEAR PACT
The Toronto Maple Leafs landed an experienced backup goaltender Tuesday, signing unrestricted free agent Glenn Healy to a three-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the pact reportedly is worth just under $4 million. "I looked at a number of other teams, specifically Toronto and Montreal," Healy told The Sports Network of Canada. "With (interim general manager) Bill Watters' hard work and my agent's ardent negotiating, as soon as Toronto was involved I definitely wanted to come here." The 34-year-old spent the last four seasons with the New York Rangers, backing up All-Star Mike Richter. Healy was 5-12-4 in 23 games in 1996-97, despite a solid 2.61 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. Healy enjoyed his best seasons with the New York Islanders from 1989-93. He backstopped their unexpected run to the Eastern Conference finals in 1993, but was allowed to sign as a free agent with the rival Rangers in the offseason. Healy is the fourth free agent signed by the Maple Leafs, who have added wingers Derek King, Mike Kennedy and Kris King.
Thursday, July 10, 1997
POILE NAMED GENERAL MANAGER OF EXPANSION NASHVILLE
David Poile, who was fired in May as general manager of the Washington Capitals after 15 seasons with the team, Wednesday was named the first general manager of the new NHL expansion franchise in Nashville, Tenn. The announcement was made by Jack Diller, who was named president of the expansion franchise last week. "We are fortunate to attract David who not only has some of the highest credentials in professional hockey, but also great excitement about helping build a new team from the ground up," said Diller. Poile, 48, has experience in working with expansion teams. He worked as an administrator assistant with the expansion Atlanta Flames in 1972 and was promoted to assistant general manager in 1977 when the team relocated to Calgary. The Capitals named Poile as their vice president and general manager in 1982. During Poile's tenure with Washington, the Capitals went 594-454-132, but only won seven of 21 playoff series. Poile's streak of 14 consecutive playoff appearances in Washington came to an end in 1996-97, and he faced criticism for trading away youth in goaltender Jim Carey and forwards Jason Allison and Anson Carter to acquire center Adam Oates, right wing Rick Tocchet and goaltender Bill Ranford from the Boston Bruins. Nashville will begin play in October 1998 as the first of four new expansion franchises approved by the NHL Board of Governors last month.
Saturday, July 12, 1997
AVALANCHE SIGN FREE AGENT KURRI
Free-agent right wing Jari Kurri, the highest-scoring European player in NHL history, signed with the Colorado Avalanche Friday. Terms were not disclosed. The 37-year-old, a native of Finland, is eighth all-time with 596 career goals and has 1,376 points over 1,181 games in his 16-year NHL career. The six-time All-Star was a member of all five of the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup championship teams and is the third-leading all-time playoff scorer with 233 points on 106 goals and 127 assists. Kurri is no longer a top scoring threat, but remains one of the league's top penalty killers and will be used by Colorado to replace departed right wing Mike Keane, who signed a free-agent deal with the New York Rangers earlier in the week. Kurri played all 82 games for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim last season and had 13 goals and 22 assists. He had one goal and two assists in 11 playoff games.
ISLANDERS' OWNERSHIP REVERTS BACK TO PICKETT
The John Spano ownership era turned into an embarrassing error for the New York Islanders and the National Hockey League. After an all-day arbitration hearing Thursday, the league announced Friday that Spano will sever all relationship with the Islanders under terms of an agreement reached between Spano and John Pickett, the former owner of the team. Pickett will own the NHL franchise until a new ownership group is found. But with the sale to Spano falling through, the future of the franchise on Long Island could be in jeopardy. Pickett has put the team back on the market, and there is no guarantee that a buyer willing to keep the team on Long Island could be found. The NHL approved the sale of the Islanders from Pickett to Spano in February, but Pickett did not receive payments required for the purchase of the team. As a result, an arbitration hearing before Commissioner Gary Bettman was held Thursday in New York in an attempt to resolve the ownership dispute. Spano, a Dallas businessman with New York roots, agreed last fall to purchase the Islanders for $165 million, including $85 million for cable television rights. Two weeks ago reports surfaced that Spano had missed a $17 million payment to Pickett. At Pickett's insistence, the NHL decided to hold an arbitration hearing to resolve the dispute. Spano secured an $80 million loan from Fleet Bank of Boston to purchase the team, but he apparently missed the first of five $17 million payments due to Pickett to complete the transaction. The league officially suspended Spano from operating the team upon learning of the missed payment, but allowed Islanders general manager Mike Milbury to continue signing free agents.
OILERS RE-SIGN KOVALENKO TO MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT
The Edmonton Oilers retained one of their two 30-goal scorers Friday, re-signing left wing Andrei Kovalenko to a multi-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed. Kovalenko, 27, was second on the Oilers with 32 goals last season, trailing only Ryan Smyth, who had 39. Kovalenko also had 27 assists to rank third on the team in scoring. He added four goals and three assists in 12 playoff games as Edmonton advanced to the Western Conference semifinals. "Andrei will play a vital role in leading the Oilers in the future," general manager Glen Sather said. "There is no doubt in my mind that he will just get better and better as he gains experience." Kovalenko was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens on Sept. 6 for center Scott Thornton. He was a Group II free agent, requiring compensation from any team that would have signed him. "I am very happy in Edmonton," Kovalenko said. "The Oilers have treated me very well and I think our team is ready to go to the next level. I want to be part of that."
Tuesday, July 15, 1997
PAGE READY TO BECOME COACH OF MIGHTY DUCKS
Pierre Page, who resigned as head coach of the Calgary Flames on June 18, is ready to become the new coach of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The 49-year-old Page told CHQR Radio in Calgary that he can sign on, without compensation, as Anaheim's coach on Oct. 1. He said that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman gave the ruling on a conference call on Thursday. It would be the second straight season that Anaheim's coach will miss all or part of training camp. Last season, departed coach Ron Wilson, who is now the coach of the Washington Capitals, coached Team USA to a victory in the World Cup. The only coaching vacancies remain in Anaheim and Buffalo after a whirlwind offseason resulted in eight coaching changes. Brian Sutter was named as Page's replacement in Calgary on July 3. Page was not retained because he was seeking a contract extension that general manager Al Coates refused to give. Page relinquished the final year of his $240,000 contract when he resigned. Ducks GM Jack Ferreira admitted to previously asking formal permission to interview Page. Anaheim has apparently balked at a deal involving compensation. Wilson had been the only head coach in the history of the Mighty Ducks, who finished with a franchise-best 36-33-13 record and beat Phoenix, 4-3, in the first round of the NHL playoffs before falling to Detroit in a four-game sweep in the Western Conference semifinals.
FLYERS SIGN FREE AGENT RICHARDSON
The Philadelphia Flyers signed free-agent defenseman Luke Richardson Monday. Terms of the deal were undisclosed. Richardson, who had spent the last six years with the Edmonton Oilers, was regarded as the best unrestricted free-agent blueliner available on the market. The hard-hitting defenseman had a goal and 11 assists in 82 games last season and added two assists in 12 playoff games as Edmonton reached the Western Conference semifinals before losing to the Colorado Avalanche. "To be able to add a 6-foot-4, 210-pound defenseman who plays consistently well every night will help solidify our defense," said Flyers general manager Bobby Clarke. "Luke will add experience and talent to our lineup and is a big plus for our hockey club." The 28-year-old Richardson became an unrestricted free agent since his 1996-97 salary was less than the league average. He was acquired by Edmonton from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1991 as part of a seven-player trade that sent Grant Fuhr, Glenn Anderson and Craig Berube to the Maple Leafs. Richardson fits right in on a hulking defensive corps that now has nine players at least 6-feet and 195 pounds.
Wednesday, July 16, 1997
CRAWFORD NAMED COACH OF CANADIAN OLYMPIC TEAM
Colorado Avalanche head coach Marc Crawford already has a Stanley Cup ring. Now he has a chance for an Olympic gold medal. The 36-year-old Crawford, who guided the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup in 1995-96, was named head coach of the 1998 Canadian Olympic hockey team Tuesday in Toronto. New Philadelphia Flyers head coach Wayne Cashman, Andy Murray and Mike Johnson were named to round out the coaching staff. Cashman was named head coach of the Flyers last month. Murray is the coach of the Calgary-based national team and Johnson is his associate coach. Crawford helped Colorado to the 1997 President's Cup for the best record in the NHL and was awarded the 1995 Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL coach of the year. Crawford and his staff were picked by Bob Clarke of the Flyers and his assistants, Bob Gainey of the Dallas Stars and Pierre Gauthier of the Ottawa Senators, who are the general managers of their respective NHL clubs. There is heavy pressure on Team Canada's entry to bring home the gold medal in the 1998 Winter Olympics at Nagno, Japan, after the United States won last summer's inaugural World Cup of Hockey, taking the final two games in Montreal. The chance for redemption comes during a 16-day shutdown in the middle of the 1997-98 NHL season.
SABRES' PECA HAS SHOULDER SURGERY
Buffalo Sabres center Michael Peca, who came out of nowhere to win the Selke trophy as the league's top defensive forward last season, had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday on his left shoulder and will miss a portion of training camp. The surgery, which was performed by Dr. John Marzo, should keep Peca sidelined eight to 10 weeks. He had a subluxed shoulder, which he injured during the regular season, repaired. Marzo hoped that the shoulder was going to get better with rest after the season, but Peca was still having trouble with the shoulder. An MRI last week revealed the need for the procedure. "I expect a full recovery," Marzo said. "This surgery should eliminate the pain Michael experienced last year." Peca, who led the league with six shorthanded goals, had career highs with 20 goals, 29 assists, 49 points and 79 games last season, helping Buffalo win the Northeast Division with a record of 40-30-12.
Thursday, July 17, 1997
STARS RE-SIGN SYDOR TO ONE-YEAR DEAL
The Dallas Stars re-signed steady defenseman Darryl Sydor to a one-year, undisclosed contract Wednesday. The 25-year-old Sydor led Dallas defensemen in scoring last season, tying his career high with eight goals and establishing personal bests in assists (40) and points (48). He finished seventh in the voting for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league's best defenseman. Sydor was a first-round pick by Los Angeles in 1990 and played with the Kings from 1991 until being dealt to Dallas in February 1996. He has played in 311 consecutive games, the third-longest active streak in the NHL. Dallas also signed free agent right wing Peter Douris to a one-year contract Wednesday. The 31-year-old played with the IHL's Milwaukee Admirals last year, recording 36 goals and 36 assists. He has 54 goals and 67 assists in 320 career NHL games with Winnipeg, Boston and Anaheim.
SHARKS RETAIN VETERAN RON SUTTER
Veteran center Ron Sutter will be back for a 16th NHL season after re-signing with the San Jose Sharks to an undisclosed contract. The 33-year-old Sutter recorded five goals and seven assists with 65 penalty minutes in 78 games last year with San Jose. He had signed with the Sharks last October after playing with five different teams over the three previous seasons. In 878 career NHL games with Philadelphia, St. Louis, Quebec, the New York Islanders, Phoenix, Boston and San Jose, Sutter has compiled 194 goals and 307 assists for 501 points. He is one of six brothers to have played in the NHL, including Sharks head coach Darryl Sutter. "Ron personifies grit and determination," said Sharks executive vice president and general manager Dean Lombardi. "He is an honest professional on and off the ice." San Jose also signed 1996 first-round draft pick center Marco Sturm Wednesday. The 21st overall pick has been playing in the German League the last two seasons and played for the German National Team at the 1997 World Championships.
KINGS COME TO TERMS WITH TOP PICK JOKINEN
The Los Angeles Kings signed the third overall pick in the 1997 NHL entry draft, 18-year-old Finnish center Olli Jokinen, to a three-year contract Wednesday. Financial terms were undisclosed. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Jokinen entered the draft as the top-ranked European skater. He had 14 goals and 27 assists in 50 games for IFK Helsinki and is adept at the North American style. "I like to hit and play physical," he said at last month's draft in Pittsburgh. Jokinen was the youngest player on his Elite League team, but centered its top line. He also scored five goals for Finland at the World Junior Championships and competed at the 1997 World Championships, where he was the youngest player. "We are quite happy with our agreement with Olli," Kings general manager Dave Taylor said. "He has the raw talent and potential to be a complete player in the National Hockey League, and we like his intensity. He's a big, strong, fearless competitor." Jokinen will join the Kings for training camp in North Hills, Calif. on Sept. 9.
Saturday, July 19, 1997
BOWMAN TO RETURN AS RED WINGS COACH FOR TWO MORE YEARS
Scotty Bowman, the winningest coach in NHL history, will return to coach the Detroit Red Wings for two more years. There was speculation the 63-year-old Bowman would step down after guiding the Red Wings to their first Stanley Cup championship in 42 years. But he agreed to a two-year contract Friday. The Red Wings also promoted Ken Holland to general manager, a post previously held by Bowman, while announcing that associate coaches Dave Lewis and Barry Smith also will return for two more years. Bowman became the first coach in NHL history to win Stanley Cups with three different teams. He guided the Montreal Canadiens to the Cup in 1973 before a run of four consecutive championships from 1975-79. He was behind the Pittsburgh Penguins' bench for the second of their two titles in 1992. Only his boyhood idol, Toe Blake, coached more Stanley Cup champions (8). The always enigmatic Bowman, elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1991, became the first coach in NHL history to reach the 1,000-win mark with a Feb. 8 victory at Pittsburgh. Two years ago, he broke Al Arbour's league record for games coached. Bowman owns the best winning percentage (.662) of anyone who has coached at least 600 regular-season games and is the only coach to guide a team to a 60-win season, achieving the feat with Montreal in 1976-77 and with the Red Wings in 1995-96.
Friday, July 18, 1997
CANADIENS INK FREE AGENT MOOG TO TWO-YEAR DEAL
The Montreal Canadiens signed free-agent goaltender Andy Moog, the winningest active goalie in the National Hockey League, to a two-year contract Thursday. Financial terms were not disclosed, but the Canadiens confirmed that Moog agreed to a salary comparable to that of current Habs goaltender Jocelyn Thibault, plus a signing bonus. "We are very pleased to have come to terms with such a quality goaltender," said Canadiens general manager Rejean Houle. "Andy has had a great career in the NHL and he will bring experience and stability which will benefit our young team of goaltenders." Moog, 37, enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in 1996-97 for the Dallas Stars despite being limited to 48 games due to a bulging disk. He was 28-13-5 with three shutouts and finished second in the NHL to New Jersey's Martin Brodeur with a 2.15 goals-against average. Moog started all seven postseason games for Dallas and had a 2.81 goals-against average but saw his career there end when the Stars signed free-agent goalie Ed Belfour to a three-year contract on July 2. Moog has 354 career wins in his 17-year NHL career with Edmonton, Boston and Dallas. "I have always been fascinated by the Canadiens and their winning tradition and I am very excited by the fact that I will now play for this great team," said Moog.
DUCKS HIRE FORMER COYOTES COACH HAY AS ASSISTANT
The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim still don't officially have a head coach, but Thursday they hired former Phoenix Coyotes coach Don Hay as an assistant. Hay, fired May 6 after one season with the Coyotes, joins Walt Kyle as Anaheim assistants. The Ducks reportedly will hire former Calgary Flames coach Pierre Page, but must wait until Oct. 1, according to a ruling by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Hay, 43, guided the Coyotes to a 38-37-7 record and a playoff berth in the franchise's first season in Phoenix. But he was dumped in favor of Jim Schoenfeld after a second-round playoff loss to the Ducks. Before taking the Coyotes' job, Hay was an assistant for one season with Calgary.
Tuesday, July 22, 1997
RUFF NAMED NEW SABRES COACH
Lindy Ruff, who spent most of his playing career in upstate New York, was named head coach of the Buffalo Sabres on Monday. The 37-year-old Ruff signed a multi-year agreement for undisclosed financial terms. He played 10 of his 12 NHL seasons in Buffalo and spent the past four seasons with the Florida Panthers as an assistant under Doug MacLean. Ruff becomes the 15th head coach in franchise history and replaces Ted Nolan, who won the Jack Adams Award last season as NHL Coach of the Year. Nolan won a power struggle with fired general manager John Muckler, only to be left out in the cold by new GM Darcy Regier, who did not make a concerted effort to keep Nolan after making just one offer of a one-year contract. "I loved playing in Buffalo," said Ruff. "The fans were always appreciative, and I felt that I mirrored the city's values of hard work and persistence. As a head coach, I will continue to hold myself to these principles, and will expect the same effort from my players." Ruff worked primarily with the penalty-killing teams and defensemen as an assistant in Florida. He is credited with helping to develop defensemen Ed Jovanovski and Rhett Warrener into solid blue-line forces. In 691 NHL games, Ruff had 105 goals and 195 assists for 300 points and added 1,246 penalty minutes.
BEREZIN RE-SIGNS WITH TORONTO
Right wing Sergei Berezin, a restricted free agent, signed a multi-year contract Monday to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Berezin, who is from Voskresensk in Russia, had 25 goals and 16 assists last season, his first in the NHL. He was named to the All-Rookie team and finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting. He led all rookies in goals and was second in points (41), shots (177) and power-play goals (7). "Last season, Sergei demonstrated that he has the skills to put the puck in the net at this level," said Bill Watters, the assistant general manager of the Maple Leafs. "Sergei is a player that can provide goal production for this team for many years to come." Berezin, 25, was one of few bright spots on a Toronto team that finished 30-44-8 and in last place in the Central Division. Berezin, a participant in the 1994 Olympics and 1996 World Cup of Hockey, was an eighth-round choice in 1994.
Wednesday, July 23, 1997
REPORT: EX-ISLES OWNER SPANO WILL FACE FEDERAL CHARGES
John Spano, whose attempt to purchase the New York Islanders turned into an embarrassment for the team and the National Hockey League, reportedly is being sought by federal agents on fraud charges. Newsday (New York) reported that federal agents visited Spano's mansion in a Dallas suburb on Monday with a sealed arrest warrant, but were unable to find him. Citing unidentified sources, Newsday said the charges claim that Spano used fraudulent claims to obtain an $80 million loan from Fleet Bank in Boston that he used to purchase the team. Newsday contacted Spano at a resort in the Cayman Islands. "How in the world did you get this number?" Spano asked Newsday. "You call me again and I'm going to take this matter into my own hands." The newspaper added that prosecutors have begun negotiations to get Spano to turn himself in on Long Island later this week. Earlier this month, the NHL announced that Spano will sever all relationships with the Islanders under terms of an agreement reached between Spano and John Pickett, the former owner of the team. Pickett once again owns the NHL franchise until a new ownership group is found. Spano, a Dallas businessman with New York roots, agreed last fall to purchase the Islanders for $165 million, including $85 million for cable television rights. But Spano missed the first of five $17 million payments to Pickett.
Thursday, July 24, 1997
REPORTS: MESSIER OFFERED $18 MILLION PACKAGE BY CANUCKS
The New York Daily News and the New York Post reported Wednesday that the Vancouver Canucks have made a three-year, $18 million offer to free-agent center Mark Messier. The 36-year-old Messier scored 36 goals last season in the final year of a three-year, $18 million contract with the New York Rangers. He led the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years in 1994. The Daily News reported that the Rangers have not amended their initial offer of a one-year, $4 million deal to the star center. Messier said Tuesday he has narrowed his choice as an unrestricted free agent to five "very interested" teams. The Daily News added that Messier has also been negotiating with the Edmonton Oilers. Messier is a former captain of the Oilers and earned five Stanley Cup championships while in Edmonton.
KONSTANTINOV EMERGES FROM COMA; CONDITION UPGRADED
Detroit Red Wings star defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov emerged from a coma Wednesday and will be transferred out of intensive care within the week, doctors said. At an afternoon news conference, doctors at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich., announced that the conditions of Konstantinov and Red Wings masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov have been upgraded to fair. "Mr. Konstantinov is in a more wakeful state and has signs of conscious awareness," a hospital spokeswoman said. "He continues to breathe spontaneously without a ventilator." Mnatsakanov, who came out of his coma more than a week ago, is conscious and able to mouth words, write in Russian and make single-syllable sounds. Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Red Wings defenseman Slava Fetisov were involved in an accident on June 13 after the limousine in which they were riding crashed in Birmingham, Mich. Konstantinov and Mnatsakanov had been in comas since the accident, while Fetisov sustained a bruised lung and lacerations to his chest and was released from the hospital five days later.
Friday, July 25, 1997
EX-COACH MURRAY TO REMAIN WITH FLYERS AS PRO SCOUT
Terry Murray, fired by the Philadelphia Flyers last month after leading them to the Stanley Cup Finals, has decided to remain with the organization as a pro scout, the team announced Thursday. Murray was axed on June 13, six days after the Flyers were swept in the Finals by the Detroit Red Wings. On July 7, Philadelphia named Wayne Cashman as Murray's replacement. Murray, who turned 47 on Sunday, compiled a 118-64-30 record in three seasons with the Flyers. He guided them to back-to-back Atlantic Division titles in 1995 and 1996, as well as their first Stanley Cup Finals appearance since 1987. Murray, a former NHL defenseman, also coached the Washington Capitals for parts of five seasons and has a career coaching mark of 281-198-58.
NHL CHANGES DATE OF 1998 ALL-STAR GAME
The National Hockey League announced Thursday it has shifted the 1998 All-Star Game from Saturday night, Jan. 17, to Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18. The event will be held at Vancouver's General Motors Place with the annual SuperSkills Competition set Jan. 17. "Playing the All-Star Game on Sunday afternoon enables many more of our young fans to watch the greatest players in the world," said Steve Solomon, NHL senior vice president and CEO. "Our sport is incredibly strong in its attraction to young people throughout North America."
Saturday, July 26, 1997
PICKETT, FLEET BANK REACH AGREEMENT ON ISLES OWNERSHIP
The bizarre saga involving ownership of the New York Islanders took another turn Friday when former owner John O. Pickett Jr. reached an agreement with Fleet Bank that places him back in control of the franchise. Pickett resumed ownership of the team July 11 after John Spano walked away from an agreement to buy the Islanders. Friday's agreement guarantees "the long-term stability of the organization" and insures "its future on Long Island," Pickett said in a statement released by the team. Details of the agreement were not disclosed. Boston-based Fleet Bank loaned Spano some $80 million to buy the team and its approval of any agreement "was key to the continued operation and future of the franchise," Pickett said. "This agreement is an important step in moving forward for the benefit of the franchise and Islander fans," he added. "With a promising young team and the excitement over the upcoming season, everyone should regard this as a very positive development." The agreement also avoids an arbitration hearing scheduled for next week involving Pickett, bank executives and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. League officials will continue working with Pickett to find a new owner that will keep the franchise on Long Island. The Islanders' previous management team of Walsh/Greenwood and First Long Island will remain limited partners without management control. General manager Mike Milbury hailed tonight's agreement.
Tuesday, July 29, 1997
CANUCKS ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF MESSIER
The Vancouver Canucks announced the signing of New York Rangers free agent center Mark Messier at an afternoon news conference at GM Place Monday. Various reports say that Messier inked a three-year deal worth at least $20 million. The deal reportedly includes an incentive package that could add substantially to the overall value of the contract. The 36-year-old Messier had 36 goals and 48 assists for 84 points last season in the final year of a three-year, $18 million contract with the Rangers. In 18 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and the Rangers, Messier is 10th all-time in goals with 575, sixth in assists with 977 and fifth in points with 1,552. Messier is second to Wayne Gretzky among all-time postseason performers with 109 goals, 186 assists and 295 points. A ferocious two-way player, Messier won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP for the Oilers in 1984. He also won the Hart Trophy, given to the league's MVP, in 1990 with Edmonton and 1992 with the Rangers.
Wednesday, July 30, 1997
BLACKHAWKS SIGN AMONTE TO FIVE-YEAR DEAL
The Chicago Blackhawks signed restricted free-agent right wing Tony Amonte to a five-year contract Tuesday. Amonte, who turns 27 on Aug. 2, has emerged as one of the top right wings in the NHL. He led the Blackhawks with 41 goals and 77 points, both career-highs, and had an astounding plus-35 rating this past season. As a Group II free agent, the Blackhawks had the right to match any offer to Amonte and were entitled to compensation if he signed elsewhere. "I never wanted to leave the Blackhawk organization or the great city of Chicago," said Amonte at an afternoon news conference at the United Center. "I have always enjoyed playing in front of Blackhawk fans and I look forward to bringing them to the Stanley Cup, because they certainly deserve it." Apparently, the New York Rangers, who lost center Mark Messier to free agency Monday, were interested in reacquiring Amonte. "The Rangers were definitely always a possibility, especially with the departure of Mark right now," said Amonte, who was drafted by the Rangers and played three years in New York. "But like I said, I'm happy here. ... The contract I signed, which they didn't hold a gun to my head to make me sign, is a great contract." Amonte scored the winning goal in Team USA's triumph over Canada in the decisive game of the World Cup Finals and used it as a springboard for the 1996-97 season. The 6-foot, 190-pound Amonte scored 35 goals for the Rangers as a rookie and was a runner-up to Pavel Bure for the 1992 Calder Trophy. During his six-year NHL career, Amonte has 172 goals and 190 assists in 451 games. In 50 playoff games, he has 16 goals and 19 assists.
ARBITRATOR RULES IN FAVOR OF DEVILS IN DUNHAM CASE
An arbitrator ruled Tuesday that New Jersey Devils backup goaltender Mike Dunham is still bound to the team as a restricted free agent. Arbitrator John E. Sands conducted a lengthy hearing in Chicago last Wednesday to resolve Dunham's status after the goalie filed a grievance through the NHL Players Association claiming the Devils violated a good faith clause in the collective bargaining agreement. The Devils needed to play Dunham in 25 games last season in order to prevent him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. New Jersey often played the goalie for a minute or two and then pulled him to reach the limit. However, arbitrator John Sands ruled in favor of the club and rejected Dunham's plea to become an unrestricted free agent. The 25-year-old Dunham appeared in 26 games last year and was 8-7-1 with two shutouts and a 2.55 goals-against average. Dunham and Martin Brodeur allowed the fewest goals in the league.
Thursday, July 31, 1997
GAMES IN JAPAN, OLYMPICS INTERRUPT 1997-98 SCHEDULE
The 1997-98 National Hockey League schedule, released by the league on Wednesday, features two new wrinkles -- a pair of regular season games in Japan and a 17-day "winter break" which will allow players to compete in the Olympics. The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Vancouver Canucks will play a two-game series in Tokyo on Oct. 3 and 4. The games will mark the first regular-season NHL games played outside North America. No regular season games will be played between Feb. 8-24, as many of the league's top players are expected to represent their respective countries at the Olympics, which will be held in Nagano, Japan. Because of the break, the regular season will not conclude until April 19. The Stanley Cup playoffs will begin on April 22 and could continue through June 24 if all rounds go the maximum number of games.
Saturday, August 2, 1997
MAPLE LEAFS SIGN OHLUND TO OFFER SHEET
The Toronto Maple Leafs Friday signed Swedish defenseman Mattias Ohlund, who was the 13th overall selection in the 1994 NHL draft by Vancouver, to an offer sheet. According to IMG, which represents Ohlund, the offer is a five-year contract worth $10 million with a signing bonus in excess of $7.5 million. Vancouver has seven days to match the offer entirely or make a deal with Toronto to deal his rights. If the Canucks match the offer, Ohlund cannot be traded for one year, and if they do not, they will not be compensated by the Maple Leafs. The 20-year-old Ohlund was voted the best defenseman at the past World Junior Championship tournament, and earned second all-star team honors at the World Championships in Finland.
COYOTES ADD ROBERTS TO COACHING STAFF
Phoenix Coyotes head coach Jim Schoenfeld rounded out his staff Friday by naming Gord Roberts -- already the team's director of player development -- as an assistant coach. Roberts, who joined the team in June 1996, played in 1,097 NHL games over 16 seasons with Hartford, Minnesota, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Boston, recording 61 goals and 359 assists. He won Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992 with the Penguins.
Tuesday, August 5, 1997
NHL TOP PICK THORNTON AGREES TO THREE-YEAR DEAL WITH BRUINS
Center Joe Thornton, the No. 1 pick in the June draft, has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Boston Bruins. It is expected that Thornton will be in Boston at the end of the week to officially sign the contract. Terms were not disclosed. "Quite obviously, we're thrilled that this process has ended with this agreement," said Bruins assistant general manager Mike O'Connell. "We've made it clear since before the draft how excited we were about Joe's future with the Bruins. He's big, strong and has all the skills you look for in a player with the attitude to match." Thornton, who turned 18 on July 2, was the first 17-year-old selected first overall since the Buffalo Sabres tabbed Pierre Turgeon in 1987. Nicknamed "Big Bird," the 6-foot-4, 198-pound Thornton has drawn comparisons to Wayne Gretzky. Thornton completed his second season of junior hockey with Sault Ste. Marie in 1996-97 and finished second in the Ontario Junior Hockey League scoring race with 41 goals and 81 assists for 122 points and 123 penalty minutes in 59 games.
BLUES RE-SIGN TURGEON TO ONE-YEAR DEAL
The St. Louis Blues re-signed restricted free-agent center Pierre Turgeon Monday to a one-year contract. Terms were not disclosed. The 27-year-old Turgeon, a four-time All-Star, had 25 goals and 74 points in 69 games with the Blues last season after he was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in a five-player deal on Oct. 29. "I am really glad to have our No. 1 center under contract," said Blues vice president and general manager Larry Pleau. "Pierre decided to accept the qualifying offer, which puts him under contract for the next year." As a Group II free agent, the Blues had the right to match any offer to Turgeon and were entitled to compensation if he signed elsewhere. Turgeon, who has averaged 34 goals in his 10-year NHL career, was selected as a 17-year-old by the Buffalo Sabres with the No. 1 pick in the 1987 draft. Turgeon enjoyed his best season in 1992-93 with the Islanders when he had 58 goals and 74 assists for 132 points in 83 games. Turgeon has 344 goals and 520 assists for 864 points in 750 career games.
CANADIENS RE-SIGN SAVAGE, TWO OTHER FREE AGENTS
The Montreal Canadiens re-signed restricted free-agent left wing Brian Savage Monday to a one-year contract. Savage, 26, was third in scoring for the Canadiens last season with 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points in 81 games. He had a career-high 25 goals in 1995-96. As a Group II free agent, the Canadiens had the right to match any offer to Savage and were entitled to compensation if he signed elsewhere. The Canadiens Malso re-signed defensemen Jassen Cullimore and Craig Rivet on Monday. Cullimore signed a one-year contract and Rivet inked a two-year deal. Cullimore, 24, played in 49 games in 1996-97 and had two goals and six assists. He was acquired last November from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Donald Brashear. Rivet, 22, played a career-high 35 games with the Canadiens last season and had four assists. He also participated in 23 games with Fredericton of the American Hockey League.
Wednesday, August 6, 1997
DUCKS CAN HIRE PIERRE PAGE AFTER COMPENSATING FLAMES
Pierre Page is clear to become the next coach of the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, who reached a compensation agreement Tuesday with the Calgary Flames, his former team. "We have reached an agreement with Calgary and will begin negotiations with Pierre Page to be Anaheim's next coach," Ducks vice president Jack Ferreira said in a statement Tuesday. Page resigned as Flames coach June 18 and was courted by Ferreira, who was looking for a replacement for Ron Wilson. One month later, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman ruled that Page could become Anaheim's coach without compensation on or after Oct. 1. The Ducks, who were without Wilson for part of training camp last year and faced the same scenario this year, apparently could not wait until October, offering the Flames a conditional draft pick. They will begin negotiating immediately with Page.
Despite the first playoff appearance in franchise history, the Ducks fired Wilson, who guided Team USA to victory in the 1996 World Cup and is now the coach of the Washington Capitals. Brian Sutter replaced Page as coach of the Flames. Page, 49, was not retained by the Flames because he was seeking a contract extension that general manager Al Coates refused to give. Ferreira asked formal permission to interview Page, but the Ducks balked at a deal involving compensation until Bettman ruled. In two seasons as Flames coach, Page was just 66-78-20. He guided them to the playoffs in 1996 but the team was shut out of the playoffs last season.
CANUCKS AGREE TO TERMS WITH FREE AGENT IRBE
The Vancouver Canucks agreed to terms Tuesday with free-agent goaltender Arturs Irbe, who played last season with the Dallas Stars. Irbe, 30, posted a 17-12-3 record in 35 contests with the Stars last year. He had three shutouts, a 2.69 goals-against average and .893 save percentage. Irbe signed with Dallas as a free agent last August after five years with the San Jose Sharks. The 1994 NHL All-Star enjoyed his best season that year, going 30-28-16 with a 2.84 GAA in 74 games. In 218 career NHL games, he owns a 74-103-29 record with 11 shutouts and a 3.35 GAA. Irbe was a 10th-round selection by Minnesota (now Dallas) in 1989 before being claimed by San Jose in the 1991 dispersal draft.
Thursday, August 7, 1997
RANGERS SIGN COLORADO'S JOE SAKIC TO OFFER SHEET
The New York Rangers, who lost Mark Messier to free agency nine days ago, signed Colorado Avalanche All-Star center Joe Sakic to an offer sheet Wednesday night. Terms of the offer were not disclosed, but the deal reportedly is for three years and $21 million. Sakic was the 14th-highest paid player in the NHL last season, earning $3.1 million. Interviewed on the Madison Square Garden Network, Sakic said he was "stunned" by the Rangers' bid, which reportedly includes a $15 million signing bonus. "To tell you the truth, it kind of happened at the last minute," said Sakic. "That's something I never really expected. We're excited, but other than that, we can't say too much." Sakic, 28, is a Group II restricted free agent, meaning the Avalanche have a week to match the Rangers' offer. If they do not, Colorado would receive five first-round draft picks as compensation.
"I'm just going to sit here and wait," Sakic told MSG. "Whether they're going to match or not, we'll see. My hands are tied right now. Everything's going to happen in another week. That's when I'll know where I'm playing next season." Avalanche general manager Pierre Lacroix issued a statement late Wednesday night and said the team "respects (Sakic's) choice and his right to sign an offer sheet from another NHL team." Sakic had 22 goals and 52 assists in 65 games last season, but his minus-10 rating was the lowest on the team. He was second on the team in scoring, despite missing 17 games with a deep laceration in his left calf, an injury that kept him out of the All-Star Game.
Sakic won the 1996 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading the Avalanche to the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. He led the league in playoff scoring with 34 points and set a postseason record with six game-winning goals. The seven-time All-Star enjoyed a career season in 1995-96, setting personal highs with 51 goals, 69 assists and 120 points. He has served as team captain since 1992, when the franchise was based in Quebec. The 15th overall pick in the 1987 draft, Sakic has scored 39 goals or more four times and has topped the 100-point mark four times. Messier, an unrestricted free agent, left New York to sign a three-year, $20 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks on July 28. "I don't think I'm replacing Mark Messier," Sakic said. "I'm a totally different player. I can just be Joe Sakic."
TROTZ NAMED HEAD COACH OF NASHVILLE EXPANSION FRANCHISE
The NHL expansion franchise in Nashville, Tenn., Wednesday named Barry Trotz as its first-ever head coach. Trotz comes to Nashville after serving as the head coach and director of hockey operations for the AHL's Portland Pirates since 1993. The team captured the 1994 Calder Cup title and reached the finals in 1996 after winning the Eastern Conference. He began his career as a scout for the Washington Capitals from 1988-90 before serving as an assistant with the AHL's Baltimore Skipjacks until 1992 and head coach in 1992-93. Overall, Trotz owns a 191-166-59 record as a professional head coach. Trotz's assistant in Portland, Paul Gardner, will also be joining him in Nashville. After a 10-year NHL playing career (1976-86) with Buffalo, Washington, Pittsburgh, Toronto and the Colorado Rockies, Gardner became head coach/assistant general manager for Newmarket of the AHL from 1986-90. He was also an assistant under Trotz in Baltimore. A group headed by Craig Leipold was awarded an NHL franchise on June 17 and the team will begin play in 1998. Atlanta; Columbus, Ohio; and Minneapolis-St. Paul also were granted expansion franchises by the NHL.
Friday, August 8, 1997
AVALANCHE GM: MATCHING SAKIC OFFER 'WOULD HURT'
Matching the New York Rangers' $21 million offer sheet to All-Star center Joe Sakic "would hurt" the Colorado Avalanche, Colorado general manager Pierre Lacroix said Thursday. An angry Lacroix, whose team has seven days to match the three-year front-loaded offer, criticized the Rangers' strategy and suggested the teams could have worked out a trade for Sakic. "The strategy that the Rangers used ... that was a surprise to us," Lacroix said. "There is a different way to do this. They could have called us and tried to trade for him." As for Colorado's ability to match the offer, which reportedly includes a $15 million signing bonus, Lacroix said, "You all know we have a very limited budget, we're not hiding anything. We've said it clearly that within our budget restrictions we would try to keep everybody together. It definitely would hurt if we match." The Rangers' offer came nine days after they lost Mark Messier to the Vancouver Canucks via free agency. Sakic is a Group II restricted free agent, meaning the Avalanche will receive five first-round draft choices if they do not match the New York offer. Sakic was the 14th-highest paid player in the NHL last season, earning $3.1 million.
Rangers president and general manager Neil Smith defended the offer, saying it was designed to put Sakic in a New York uniform for the 1997-98 season. "Of course, our absolute hope is that they don't match," Smith told WABC-TV Thursday. "But they now have to do what's best for them and their future. We have a gameplan but, again, how much we can say other than we're going to look at all the other options. We're doing that and we'll decide at that point what is feasible and what is smart to do." Sakic, a seven-time All-Star, has served as the club's team captain since 1992, when the franchise was based in Quebec.
CANUCKS MATCH OFFER SHEET FOR OHLUND
The Vancouver Canucks Thursday opted to match the offer sheet for Swedish defenseman Mattias Ohlund, signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs last Friday. Ohlund, who was the 13th overall selection in the 1994 NHL draft by Vancouver, agreed to a five-year contract worth $10 million with a signing bonus in excess of $7.5 million, according to IMG, which represents Ohlund. Vancouver had seven days to match the offer entirely or make a deal with Toronto to deal his rights. Now that the Canucks have matched the offer, Ohlund cannot be traded for one year. The 20-year-old Ohlund was voted the best defenseman at the past World Junior Championship tournament, and earned second all-star team honors at the World Championships in Finland. He recorded seven goals and nine assists in 47 games last season for Lulea of the Swedish Elite League.
Saturday, August 9, 1997
SABRES RE-SIGN PLANTE, SHANNON
The Buffalo Sabres re-signed two restricted free agents Friday, leading scorer Derek Plante and defenseman Darryl Shannon. No terms were disclosed. The 26-year-old Plante led the Sabres with 53 points on a career-high 27 goals and 26 assists, helping them win the Northeast Division title. The four-year veteran was plus-14 with five power-play goals and tied for the team lead with six game-winning tallies. He also led Buffalo in playoff scoring with 10 points on four goals and six assists. The 29-year-old Shannon, who had four goals last season, set career highs with 19 assists, 23 points, 112 penalty minutes and a plus-23 in his first full campaign as a Sabre. Shannon, who has played parts of nine NHL seasons, added two goals and three assists in 12 playoff games. Plante and Shannon were two of the four Sabres that appeared in all 82 games last season, joining wingers Rob Ray and Michal Grosek.
Sunday, August 10, 1997
MIGHTY DUCKS NAME PIERRE PAGE HEAD COACH
The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim became the last National Hockey League team to hire a head coach for the upcoming season, signing Pierre Page to a three-year contract on Saturday. Financial terms were not disclosed for the deal that made the Ducks the last of the 10 NHL teams to name new head coaches since the end of the season. The hiring came four days after the team reached a compensation agreement with the Flames to negotiate with Page, who resigned from Calgary in June. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman had ruled last month that Page could become Anaheim's coach without compensation on or after Oct. 1. "It took awhile to work out compensation with Calgary, but we are glad to finally have Pierre here," general manager Jack Ferreira said. "There was never any doubt in my mind who I wanted to coach this team." Page resigned as coach of the Flames on June 18 and had been courted by Ferreira, who was looking for a replacement for the fired Ron Wilson. "In my opinion, Pierre was not only one of the best coaches available, he is one of the best coaches in the league," said Ferreira. "I like the way he works with young players. He is direct and honest with everyone. All of the guys will know where they stand." Added Ferreira: "If Pierre was available to be our coach when we started this franchise, he would have been the head coach four years ago."
The Ducks, who were without Wilson for part of training camp last year and faced the same scenario this year, offered Calgary a conditional draft pick to expedite the hiring process. Wilson is now the coach of the Washington Capitals. Page, 49, was not retained by the Flames because he was seeking a contract extension. In two seasons as Flames coach, Page was just 66-78-20. "There is a lot of talent here, they have a good young nucleus of players," Page said. "Teemu (Selanne) and Paul (Kariya) are two of the NHL's best. The team is on the upswing and the players are really believing in themselves." The Ducks will be the fourth NHL coaching job for Page, who also was in charge of the Minnesota North Stars and the Quebec Nordiques.
Tuesday, August 12, 1997
DUCKS RE-SIGN HEBERT, MIRONOV
The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim re-signed restricted free-agent goaltender Guy Hebert to a two-year contract and gave defenseman Dmitri Mironov a one-year deal Monday. Financial terms were not disclosed. The 30-year-old Hebert is coming off the best season of his career, having established new career standards with 29 wins, a 2.67 goals-against average, .919 save percentage, 67 appearances, 66 starts and 3,863 minutes. He helped Anaheim to its first-ever playoff appearance, and was 4-4 with a 2.02 GAA and .929 save percentage in nine postseason games. In his career, which spans parts of six seasons with the Ducks and St. Louis Blues, Hebert is 102-108-27 with a 2.91 GAA. Mironov, 31, led Ducks defensemen in scoring last season with 12 goals and 34 assists for 46 points in 62 games, and was plus-20 after getting traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He shined in the playoffs with a goal and 10 assists in 11 games. The Ducks also announced the signing of free-agent right wing Jeff Nielson. After a career at the University of Minnesota, Nielson played three seasons for the Binghamton American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Rangers, scoring 73 goals with 59 assists in 216 games.
OILERS SIGN '96 FIRST-ROUNDER DEVEREAUX
The Edmonton Oilers signed center Boyd Devereaux, the sixth overall pick in the 1996 draft, to a multi-year contract Monday. The 19-year-old was the first of Edmonton's two first-rounders last year. Defenseman Mathieu Descoteaux was the other at No. 19 overall. Devereaux had 28 goals and 41 assists in just 54 games with Kitchener of the Ontario Hockey League, adding four goals and 11 assists in 15 playoff games. He also helped Canada to another gold medal at the World Junior Championships, scoring the winning goal in both the semifinal and title game. When he was drafted last year, Devereaux was 6-foot, 175 pounds. The Oilers said he is now 6-2 and 200 pounds. Devereaux joined Edmonton's top minor-league affiliate last spring after Kitchener was eliminated in the playoffs, but was struck on the temple by a puck in his first game, ending his season.
Wednesday, August 13, 1997
CANUCKS AGREE TO TERMS WITH MARKUS NASLUND
The Vancouver Canucks continued their offseason signing frenzy Tuesday by agreeing to terms with free agent left wing Markus Naslund. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Naslund, 24, compiled 21 goals and 20 assists with 30 penalty minutes in 78 games for Vancouver last season. He was obtained by the Canucks in March 1996 from Pittsburgh after playing his first two-plus seasons with the Penguins. The Swede has totaled 49 goals and 62 assists in 239 career NHL games. He has competed for his home country in the 1996 World Cup of Hockey, 1992 and 1993 World Junior Tournament and 1993 World Championship Tournament. Vancouver had previously pulled off the biggest free agent signing, center Mark Messier of the New York Rangers, inked goaltender Arturs Irbe, re-signed defenseman Dave Babych and matched an offer sheet to keep young Swedish star Matias Ohlund.
FLYERS DISPUTING TRADE THAT WOULD SEND GRATTON TO CHICAGO
The Philadelphia Flyers are disputing a trade that would send center Chris Gratton from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Chicago Blackhawks. The matter will be reviewed by the National Hockey League after the Flyers claimed they signed Gratton, a Group II restricted free agent, before the Lightning and Blackhawks completed their deal earlier Tuesday. "The matter is currently under NHL review," said Blackhawks spokesman Jim DeMaria. "No further comment will be made, pending the NHL's ruling." Lightning spokesman Gerry Helper also was tight-lipped, saying the team is not commenting on the matter. "There are matters under review by the league and I don't think either Chicago or Tampa Bay will comment further until the league makes a decision," he said. Neither team would disclose the other principals in the trade. "If the league rules in favor of the Flyers, obviously the players will never be known," DeMaria said. "If the league rules for the Blackhawks, the trade will be announced as soon as the NHL makes its ruling."
According to published reports in Chicago and Tampa Bay, the Lightning expressed interest in forwards Eric Daze, Ethan Moreau and Dmitri Nabokov along with defenseman Eric Weinrich. Tampa Bay reportedly was pursuing a trade for the promising Gratton out of fear they would be unable to match an offer sheet. Gratton and his agent, Pat Morris, were seeking a three-year, $8.4 million deal, while the Lightning were offering $7.2 million over three years, the Tampa Tribune reported. "This is the most frustrating thing I've been through in hockey, including my retirement," Tampa Bay general manager Phil Esposito told the newspaper. The 22-year-old Gratton led the Lightning in scoring in 1996-97, establishing career highs with 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points. He also had 201 penalty minutes and was one of only two Tampa Bay players to appear in all 82 games.
PENGUINS ACQUIRE SLEGR FROM OILERS FOR DRAFT PICK
The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Jiri Slegr from the Edmonton Oilers Tuesday for a 1998 third-round draft pick. The 26-year-old Slegr has not played in the NHL since collecting four goals and 13 assists in 57 games for the Oilers in 1995-96. He spent the 1996-97 season in Sweden, where he had four goals and 14 assists in 30 games for Sodertalje. Edmonton general manager Glen Sather said Slegr, the son of former Vancouver Canucks defenseman Jiri Bubla, no longer fit into the Oilers' plans.
Thursday, August 14, 1997
AVALANCHE MATCH SAKIC OFFER SHEET
The Colorado Avalanche Wednesday officially matched the three-year, $21 million offer sheet tendered to All-Star center Joe Sakic by the New York Rangers. "Our fan support is tremendous, the best in the NHL, and we are confident that this decision will enable them to enjoy a very competitive and exciting team during the 1997-98 season," said Avalanche president and general manager Pierre Lacroix. Charles Lyons, the CEO of Colorado's Ascent Entertainment ownership group, announced the Avalanche had matched the Rangers' offer sheet to Sakic at a 1 p.m. EDT news conference. Lyons and Denver mayor Wellington Webb also formally signed a memorandum at the news conference for the downtown Pepsi Center, which will house the Avalanche and the NBA's Denver Nuggets, beginning in 1999-2000. The Avalanche had until 8 p.m. to match the Rangers' offer, which included a whopping $15 million signing bonus. Fox Sports and Liberty Media provided a financial push for the Avalanche. Fox Sports will reportedly pay $100 million for an exclusive seven-year commitment to broadcast Avalanche and Nuggets games, and Liberty Media will purchase an equity portion of the new Pepsi Center. "It's a great day, no question about that," Sakic said. "Obviously, it's not going to beat winning the Stanley Cup, but hopefully the next time I'm standing in front of all you guys like this will be when we bring the Stanley Cup back."
The Rangers' offer sheet to Sakic last Wednesday came nine days after they lost Mark Messier to the Vancouver Canucks via free agency. Sakic was a Group II restricted free agent, meaning the Avalanche would have received five first-round draft choices if they elected not to match the offer. "We didn't expect it was a slam dunk that they couldn't match this," Rangers general manager Neil Smith said. "But we thought that we certainly were making our best attempt to land him." The 28-year-old Sakic was the 14th-highest paid player in the NHL last season, earning $3.1 million. He will earn $17 million in 1997-98. Sakic had 22 goals and 52 assists in 65 games last season. He was second on the team in scoring, despite missing 17 games with a deep laceration in his left calf, an injury that kept him out of the All-Star Game. Sakic won the 1996 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading the Avalanche to the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. He led the league in playoff scoring with 34 points and set a postseason record with six game-winning goals. The seven-time All-Star enjoyed a career season in 1995-96, setting personal highs with 51 goals, 69 assists and 120 points. He has served as team captain since 1992, when the franchise was based in Quebec.
ARBITRATOR TO DECIDE FATE OF LIGHTNING CENTER GRATTON
The battle between the Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks for Tampa Bay Lightning center Chris Gratton took another turn Wednesday when the NHL decided to bring the case to arbitration. NHL spokesman Greg Mills said that the matter will go before John Sands at an undisclosed location on Thursday. Sands also heard the arbitration case of Mike Dunham, who charged the New Jersey Devils violated the spirit of his contract by putting him in small portions of games to reach a total of 25, which denied him free agency. Sands voted in favor of the Devils. The Flyers have claimed they signed Gratton, a Group II restricted free agent, to an offer sheet before the Lightning and Blackhawks completed a deal that would send him to Chicago on Tuesday. "If the league rules in favor of the Flyers, obviously the players will never be known," Blackhawks spokesman Jim DeMaria said Tuesday night. "If the league rules for the Blackhawks, the trade will be announced as soon as the NHL makes its ruling." Neither team would disclose the other principals in the trade. The 22-year-old Gratton led the Lightning in scoring in 1996-97, establishing career highs with 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points. He also had 201 penalty minutes and was one of only two Tampa Bay players to appear in all 82 games.
Friday, August 15, 1997
ARBITRATOR HEARS CASE OF LIGHTNING'S GRATTON
The battle between the Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks for Tampa Bay Lightning center Chris Gratton went before an arbitrator Thursday. After both sides detailed their side of the story, no judgment was announced. League spokesman Greg Inglis said Thursday afternoon that the proceedings, handled by arbitrator John Sands at an undisclosed location, had concluded but no verdict had been announced. Inglis added that there was no timetable for the league to reveal its ruling. The Flyers have claimed they signed Gratton, a Group II restricted free agent, to an offer sheet before the Lightning and Blackhawks completed a deal that would send him to Chicago on Tuesday. Neither team would disclose the other principals in the trade. Gratton, 22, and his agent, Pat Morris, were seeking a three-year, $8.4 million deal, while the Lightning were offering $7.2 million over three years, the Tampa Tribune reported. Gratton led the Lightning in scoring in 1996-97, establishing career highs with 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points. He also had 201 penalty minutes and was one of only two Tampa Bay players to appear in all 82 games.
ISLES' SALO GETS ONE-YEAR, $750,000 DEAL FROM ARBITRATOR
New York Islanders goaltender Tommy Salo, who had reportedly been asking for at least a million dollars for next season, was given a one-year contract worth $750,000 plus incentives by an arbitrator Thursday. Salo, 26, stepped into the role of starting netminder in the 1996-97 campaign despite having just 16 games of NHL experience in two seasons. He came away with a 2.82 goals-against average, five shutouts and a 20-27-8 record in 58 games last season. He was just 2-12-1 with a 3.61 GAA in his first two years with the Islanders. "I'm glad this process is behind us and Tommy's under contract," Islanders general manager Mike Milbury said. "We're all looking forward to the coming season and are confident that Tommy will continue to build upon the success he had last season." Salo's biggest accomplishment to this point came in 1994 when he led the Swedish National Team to its first-ever Olympic gold medal. He helped lead the Islanders' International Hockey League affiliate to consecutive Turner Cups, claiming tournament MVP honors in 1995-96. The team was based in Denver for the 1994-95 season and moved to Utah for the next.
BLACKHAWKS' STEVE SMITH TO ANNOUNCE RETIREMENT
Defenseman Steve Smith, a three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Edmonton Oilers, will announce his retirement from the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday, the team said Thursday. Smith will hold a news conference announcing his retirement at noon EDT on Friday. Smith was a mainstay on the Oilers' defense from 1985 until his trade to Chicago for Dave Manson on Oct. 2, 1991. He played the rest of his career for the Blackhawks, though he was limited to 58 games over the last two seasons. "I appreciate what Smitty added to our club over the last few seasons," Blackhawks coach Craig Hartsburg said. "His leadership will be missed in the locker room and his presence will be missed on the ice." In his career, Smith played 702 regular-season games and 134 playoff contests. In the regular season, he had 71 goals, 283 assists and 354 points with exactly 2,000 penalty minutes. He scored 11 playoff goals and added 41 assists for 52 points while tacking on 288 minutes. Smith was a rugged performer and paid the price. With the exception of the lockout-shortened 1994-95 campaign, he never played every game in a season.
Saturday, August 16, 1997
ARBITRATOR RULES FLYERS' OFFER VALID TO LIGHTNING'S GRATTON
An arbitrator has ruled that the Philadelphia Flyers have made a valid offer sheet to Tampa Bay Lightning center Chris Gratton, nullifying a trade between the Chicago Blackhawks and Lightning. As a result of the ruling from arbitrator John Sands, the Lightning will have seven days to match the five-year, $16.5 million offer sheet tendered to Gratton by the Flyers. The Flyers had claimed they signed Gratton, a Group II restricted free agent, to an offer sheet before the Lightning and Blackhawks completed a deal that would have sent him to Chicago on Tuesday. Neither team would disclose the other principals in the trade. The 22-year-old Gratton led the Lightning in scoring in 1996-97, establishing career highs with 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points. He also had 201 penalty minutes and was one of only two Tampa Bay players to appear in all 82 games. Tampa Bay was pursuing a trade for the promising Gratton out of fear the Lightning would be unable to match an offer sheet. If Tampa Bay does not match the offer, they will receive five first-round picks as compensation.
DEVILS, GILMOUR TO SETTLE CONTRACT IN ARBITRATION
New Jersey Devils center Doug Gilmour has opted to have his 1997-98 salary determined by an arbitrator. Gilmour was seeking a three-year extension worth about $11 million but was unable to reach an agreement with the team, resulting in the decision to have an arbitrator set the salary. Gilmour and his agent, Larry Kelly, presented their case at a hearing Thursday night in Toronto. A ruling from arbitrator Richard Bloch is not expected until Monday. The 34-year-old Gilmour is eligible for unrestricted free agency after the season. He was acquired by New Jersey from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a five-player deal last Feb. 25 and immediately became the Devils' top center. Gilmour had 15 goals and 45 assists for 60 points with Toronto and seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points with New Jersey last year. However, Gilmour had no goals and four assists in 10 postseason games as the Devils were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the New York Rangers. Gilmour joined the Maple Leafs in a 10-player trade with Calgary in January 1992. In the 1992-93 season, he set single-season club records for points (127) and assists (95) and won the Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward.
Sunday, August 17, 1997
STANLEY CUP ARRIVES IN MOSCOW TO START RUSSIAN TOUR
The Stanley Cup began a four-day tour of Russia Saturday in Moscow, where it was greeted by Slava Fetisov, Igor Larionov and Vyacheslav Kozlov of the champion Detroit Red Wings. A crowd braved chilly temperatures and steady rain at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport to view the Stanley Cup, which is visiting the home of winning players outside North America for just the second time in its 104-year history. "Looking at the Cup and thinking of all that history, which is written on it, and now we're a part of it as well," said Larionov, a member of the "Russian Five" unit that helped the Red Wings end their 42-year championship drought. From the airport, Fetisov brought the Cup to the Central Red Army Hockey School, where he spent 10 seasons as one of Russia's most honored players. The Cup was escorted via motorcade to the Ministry of Sport, where it received an official welcome from the Russian National Olympic Committee. A parade on Sunday will take the Cup to Red Square before an appearance at the annual Spartak Hockey Tournament.
The highlight of the Russian tour will come when the Cup is presented at halftime of a soccer match at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. President Boris Yeltsin is expected to be among the 100,000 in attendance at the game, which pits the Russian national team against an international all-star squad. Sergei Fedorov did not make the trip. The fifth member of the Russian Five, defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov, continues to recover from injuries suffered in a June 13 limousine accident in suburban Detroit.
Tuesday, August 19, 1997
SHARKS ACQUIRE VERNON FROM RED WINGS FOR TWO DRAFT PICKS
The San Jose Sharks Monday acquired goaltender Mike Vernon in a long-rumored trade with the Detroit Red Wings for a 1998 third-round and 1999 second-round draft pick. Vernon, who was entering the final year of his current contract with the Red Wings, signed a three-year deal through 2000 with the Sharks. Although financial terms were not disclosed, the deal is believed to be worth $8.25 million. The 1998 third-round pick could escalate to a second rounder if the Sharks make the playoffs and Vernon meets certain performance incentives. The 34-year-old Vernon backstopped the Red Wings to their first Stanley Cup championship since 1955. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after going 16-4 with a shutout and a 1.76 goals-against average. Vernon was coach Scotty Bowman's unlikely choice to start in the postseason after splitting time during the regular season with Chris Osgood. Vernon appeared in just 33 games and went 13-11-8 with a 2.43 GAA. His playoff performance earned Vernon an automatic contract extension, but most in the Red Wings organization viewed him as the odd man out in the goaltending battle with the 24-year-old Osgood and 25-year-old Kevin Hodson.
Vernon admitted that it was somewhat bittersweet to be traded by the Red Wings on the heels of a Stanley Cup. "I can't lie, there is some bitterness there," said Vernon. "All I heard was deliver the goods and I would get rewarded. That didn't happen in Detroit so I told them to send me to a place where I would get rewarded." In three seasons with Detroit, Vernon posted a 53-24-14 regular-season record with a 2.40 GAA. "The decision to trade Mike Vernon was a very difficult one," said Red Wings general manager Ken Holland. "Mike made some tremendous contributions to this team and had an outstanding playoff run, but with the NHL rules, we were forced to make a decision regarding our goaltending situation prior to the waiver draft and one of the three had to be traded."
BLACKHAWKS CHALLENGE DECISION FOR LIGHTNING'S GRATTON
The Chicago Blackhawks Monday issued their challenge to the offer sheet tendered by the Philadelphia Flyers to Tampa Bay Lightning center Chris Gratton. Arbitrator John Sands ruled last Friday that the Flyers had made a valid offer sheet to Gratton, nullifying a trade between the Blackhawks and Lightning. But the Blackhawks challenged the decision and presented their case before NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman Monday in a hearing that lasted 90 minutes at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Chicago contends that its trade with the Lightning occurred before Philadelphia's offer sheet arrived, but a league official could not be contacted. Bettman will announce a ruling on the matter at 1 p.m. EDT on Tuesday. If Bettman does not overrule the arbitrator, the Lightning will have seven days to match the five-year, $16.5 million offer sheet tendered to Gratton by the Flyers. The Flyers claimed they signed Gratton, a Group II restricted free agent, to an offer sheet before the Lightning and Blackhawks completed a deal that would send him to Chicago on Tuesday. The 22-year-old Gratton led the Lightning in scoring in 1996-97, establishing career highs with 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points.
LOWE SIGNS MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH OILERS
The Edmonton Oilers took a major step Monday towards ensuring one of the franchises' most legendary players will remain in the fold into the next century by re-signing veteran defenseman Kevin Lowe to a multi-year contract. No financial terms were disclosed but the 38-year-old Lowe, who helped tutor the team's young defensemen last season, likely will end his career an Oiler. He played in 64 games last season, scoring a goal and 13 assists. Lowe was Edmonton's first NHL draft pick in 1979 and scored the first-ever NHL goal for the Edmonton Oilers franchise. He has won five Stanley Cups with Edmonton and one with the New York Rangers. The Oilers' leader in games played (1,030), Lowe is sixth on the team's all-time list in assists (309) and seventh in points (383). He signed with the Oilers prior to last season and helped influence the development of defensemen Dan McGillis, Greg de Vries and Boris Mironov. An ankle injury limited Lowe to just one playoff game as the Oilers dropped a second-round matchup with the Colorado Avalanche.
STEVE SMITH NAMED ASSISTANT COACH OF THE FLAMES
Defenseman Steve Smith, a three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Edmonton Oilers and just one week removed from announcing his retirement, Monday was named an assistant coach of the Calgary Flames. Smith will join new head coach Brian Sutter and assistant Rich Preston on the staff. "Steve brings to us a hard-working philosophy and a fierce competitiveness which he demonstrated throughout his 13 years in the NHL," said Flames General Manager Al Coates. "He's a proven champion, playing on three Stanley Cup winning teams and the 1991 Canada Cup championship team." Smith was a mainstay on the Oilers' defense from 1985 until his trade to Chicago for Dave Manson on Oct. 2, 1991. He played for the Blackhawks until this past season, although he was limited to 58 games by back problems over the last two seasons. In his 13-year career, Smith played 702 regular-season games and 134 playoff contests. In the regular season, he had 71 goals, 283 assists and 354 points with exactly 2,000 penalty minutes. He scored 11 playoff goals and added 41 assists for 52 points while tacking on 288 minutes.
Wednesday, August 20, 1997
BETTMAN NIXES HAWKS TRADE; GRATTON OFFER VALID FROM PHILLY
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman ruled Tuesday that the proposed trade of center Chris Gratton from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Chicago Blackhawks was not completed prior to the Lightning receiving an offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers. Along with terminating the proposed deal, Bettman ruled that the Lightning have until 7:45 p.m. EDT Wednesday to match terms of Philadelphia's five-year, $16.5 million offer sheet to Gratton. "No trade shall be effective until all terms are disclosed with the league office, and that was not the case here," said Bettman. "We have had these trade procedures in effect since 1993 so there should be no confusion." The Flyers' offer sheet was tendered on Aug. 12. Normally, a team has seven days to match the offer, but Bettman extended it one day due to the controversy surrounding the move. Under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, once an offer sheet for a restricted free agent has been received by the prior club, that club may not trade his rights to another club.
Arbitrator John Sands ruled last Friday that the Flyers had made a valid offer sheet to Gratton, nullifying a trade between the Blackhawks and Lightning. But the Blackhawks challenged the decision and presented their case before Bettman Monday in a hearing that lasted 90 minutes at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Chicago contended that its trade with the Lightning occurred before Philadelphia's offer sheet arrived, but a league official could not be contacted. However, Bettman ruled that is not what determined whether the trade was valid. "Leaving a message on a pager is not the issue," said Bettman. "We still have to conduct a conference call to review terms and conditions of a trade. Only then is a transaction complete. I don't think there were any mistakes made by either team. Sometimes these multi-million dollar transactions take time and I think in this case time ran out for both teams." The 22-year-old Gratton led the Lightning in scoring in 1996-97, establishing career highs with 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points.
ARBITRATOR AWARDS DEVILS' GILMOUR $3.55 FOR NEXT SEASON
New Jersey Devils center Doug Gilmour was awarded a $3.55 million salary for the upcoming season by an arbitrator on Monday. The figure is more than the $2.4 million proposed by the Devils and less than the $4.5 million sought by Gilmour. The two sides went to arbitration after the two sides were unable to reach agreement on a long-term deal. Gilmour was seeking a three-year-extension worth about $11 million. Gilmour and his agent, Larry Kelly, presented their case at a hearing Thursday night in Toronto. Arbitrator Richard Bloch decided that Gilmour did not deserve the same money as other NHL standouts such as Joe Sakic, Pavel Bure, Jaromir Jagr, Brett Hull or Peter Forsberg. The 34-year-old Gilmour is eligible for unrestricted free agency after the season. He was acquired by New Jersey from the Toronto Maple Leafs in a five-player deal last Feb. 25 and immediately became the Devils' top center. Gilmour had 15 goals and 45 assists for 60 points with Toronto and seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points with New Jersey last year.
ISLES NAME MCCRIMMON ASSISTANT COACH
The New York Islanders named veteran NHL defenseman Brad McCrimmon as an assistant coach Tuesday. The 38-year-old McCrimmon retired following the 1996-97 season to cap an 18-year NHL career. He played for Boston, Philadelphia, Calgary, Detroit, Hartford and Phoenix and had 81 goals and 322 assists in 1,222 games while accumulating 1,416 minutes in penalties. McCrimmon was a member of the Calgary team which won the Stanley Cup in 1989 and the Philadelphia teams that went to the finals in 1985 and 1987. "Brad is a tremendous addition to the staff," said Islanders coach Rick Bowness. "He was a classic stay at home defenseman and his guidance will be invaluable to the development of our young defensemen." McCrimmon was the NHL's plus/minus award winner in 1987-88, finishing the season at plus 48. In his career, McCrimmon was a plus 431.
MAPLE LEAFS TO ANNOUNCE GM, HOCKEY STRUCTURE WEDNESDAY
The Toronto Maple Leafs will outline their new front-office organization Wednesday amid speculation that Ken Dryden may name himself acting general manager. A news conference is scheduled for noon EDT at Maple Leaf Gardens and team spokesman Pat Park said, "Everything will be clear at the news conference." Addressing recent reports that Anders Hedberg, the team's European scout, could fill the long-vacant general manager's post, Park said, "Right now, it's just speculation. His name's been bandied about quite a bit in the papers." The Toronto Star and Toronto Sun reported Tuesday that Dryden, who was named team president on May 30, could fill the general manager's post himself. Under that scenario, Hedberg would be appointed assistant general manager with an eye toward succeeding Dryden next season. Three high-profile candidates have spurned Dryden, who has conducted a deliberate search since GM Cliff Fletcher was fired on May 24. Former Buffalo Sabres general manager John Mackerel, Dallas Stars GM Bob Gainey and former Washington Capitals GM David Polio turned down the job after interviewing with Dryden. Toronto is coming off a last-place finish in the Central Division and missed the playoffs with a 30-44-8 record.
Thursday, August 21, 1997
LIGHTNING FAIL TO MATCH OFFER, TRADE GRATTON TO FLYERS
The Tampa Bay Lightning, facing a deadline to match the Philadelphia Flyers' five-year, $16.5 million offer to Chris Gratton, Wednesday worked out a deal that sent the center to Philadelphia. The Lightning announced they would not match the offer to Gratton, a move that gave Tampa Bay the Flyers' first-round picks in the next four entry drafts. Tampa Bay then traded the picks back to Philadelphia for right wing Mikael Renberg and defenseman Karl Dykhuis. "We are excited about acquiring Chris Gratton," Flyers general manager Bob Clarke said. "We think that he is one of the premier power forwards in the league. We regret losing Mikael Renberg and Karl Dykhuis because they played a major part in the resurgence of the Flyers and us getting to the Stanley Cup Finals last year." NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman ruled Tuesday that the proposed trade of Gratton from Tampa Bay to the Chicago Blackhawks was not completed before the Lightning received an offer sheet from Philadelphia. The Lightning had until 7:45 p.m. EDT Wednesday night to match terms of Philadelphia's offer.
Gratton, 22, led the Lightning in scoring last season, establishing career highs with 30 goals, 32 assists and 62 points. He and Phoenix's Keith Tkachuk were the only players in the league to collect at least 30 goals while accumulating 200 penalty minutes. Gratton, who had 201 penalty minutes, also was one of just two Tampa Bay players to appear in all 82 games. In four years with the Lightning, he totaled 67 goals, 102 assists and 518 penalty minutes over 294 games. The 25-year-old Renberg, coming off abdominal surgery at the end of the 1995-96 campaign, had 22 goals and 37 assists in 77 games last season, his fourth with the Flyers. He contributed five goals and six assists in 18 postseason contests. Renberg, an original member of the Flyers "Legion of Doom" line, has amassed 109 goals and 132 assists in 258 games over his career. Dykhuis, also 25, had four goals, 15 assists and 35 penalty minutes in 62 games for Philadelphia last season. He has 12 goals, 44 assists and 177 penalty minutes in 195 career games.
DRYDEN NAMES HIMSELF GENERAL MANAGER OF MAPLE LEAFS
Toronto Maple Leafs president Ken Dryden concluded his search for a general manager Wednesday by naming himself to the post. Dryden was named president of the team on May 30 and began his search to replace Cliff Fletcher, who was fired on May 24. Three high-profile candidates spurned Dryden in his quest to replace Fletcher. Former Buffalo Sabres general manager John Muckler, Dallas Stars GM Bob Gainey and former Washington Capitals GM David Poile turned down the job after interviewing with Dryden. Dryden ended up giving himself the job and announced the rest of his management team Wednesday. Interim general manager Bill Watters was promoted to presidential assistant to Dryden and named general manager of the St. John's Maple Leafs of the American Hockey League. Anders Hedberg, the team's European scout, was given the title of assistant general manager of scouting and player development. Mike Smith, former general manager of the Winnipeg Jets, was named associate general manager. Toronto is coming off a last-place finish in the Central Division and missed the playoffs with a 30-44-8 record.
NHL, OFFICIALS REACH AGREEMENT ON NEW FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT
The National Hockey League and the NHL Officials Association Wednesday reached agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement that runs through the 2000-01 season. Terms were not immediately disclosed, but the pact calls for NHL on-ice officials to work the upcoming Nagano Winter Olympics, where NHL players also will participate. "We thought it extremely important that a tournament that has the best players in the game also has the world's best on-ice officials," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said. Bettman described the negotiations as "intense." "The central terms agreed upon ensure that over the next four years, the NHL officials will continue to be recognized as among the top officials in professional sports," said referee Terry Gregson, president of the NHLOA.
Friday, August 22, 1997
CAPITALS FINALIZE CONTRACT WITH OATES
Adam Oates, the star playmaker of the Washington Capitals, finally has signed with the team after a negotiating period that featured testiness on both sides. The deal, a reported three-year, $9 million pact, came after Oates sat down last week with owner Abe Pollin. He appeared intent on dragging out negotiations when the Capitals made a late and lucrative offer to free-agent center Mark Messier, who eventually signed a three-year, $20 million pact with the Vancouver Canucks. "Adam is one of the premier playmaking centers in the league and he will be a major part of making us one of the top teams in the NHL as we head into MCI Center this season," said Capitals general manager George McPhee. Oates, 34, joined the Capitals on March 1 in a trade that saw Boston also ship goaltender Bill Ranford and winger Rick Tocchet to Washington. In exchange, the Bruins got goaltender Jim Carey and young wingers Anson Carter and Jason Allison. Oates scored 82 points (22 goals and 60 assists) in 80 games overall but had just four goals and eight assists in 17 games with Washington, which missed the playoffs by two points.
MAPLE LEAFS RE-SIGN DOMI
Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Tie Domi, who proved he could score as well as fight last season, agreed Thursday to terms on a multi-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed. The 27-year-old Domi, one of the premier fighters in hockey, had his best offensive season, recording career highs of 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points in 80 games. Domi also racked up 275 penalty minutes, good for fifth in the league. In two full seasons with the Maple Leafs, Domi has 18 goals and 23 assists in 152 games. Overall, the eight-year veteran has 38 goals, 53 assists and 1,895 penalty minutes in 406 career games. Domi also has played with the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets. He was originally selected in the second round of the 1988 draft by Toronto.
KONSTANTINOV, MNATSAKANOV UPGRADED TO GOOD CONDITION
Detroit Red Wings star defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov and team masseur Sergei Mnatsakanov were upgraded to good condition Thursday and remain hospitalized in the rehabilitation unit at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Mich. Konstantinov, Mnatsakanov and Red Wings defenseman Slava Fetisov were involved in an accident on June 13 after the limousine in which they were riding crashed in Birmingham, Mich. Mnatsakanov, who came out of his coma on July 7, is "speaking in sentences to family, friends and medical staff, both in Russian and in English," said Beaumont neurosurgeon Dr. Karol Zakalik. Konstantinov, who emerged from his coma on July 23, is receiving intensive, daily rehabilitation, designed to retrain portions of his brain. He spends at least four hours a day in restoring balance, coordination and motor control so that he can relearn such daily activities as standing, walking and eating. "Mr. Konstantinov's level of wakefulness and responsiveness has gradually improved to the point that we now consider him fully conscious," added Zakalik. Konstantinov recognizes and responds to family and teammates, but still is not able to speak or write.
Monday, August 25, 1997
SABRES SIGN 1996 TOP PICK RASMUSSEN
The Buffalo Sabres signed center Erik Rasmussen, their 1996 first-round draft pick, on Sunday, one week after he announced he would not return to the University of Minnesota for his junior season. The Sabres will announce the signing Monday at 2 p.m. EDT at a news conference at their annual alumni golf tournament in East Amherst, N.Y. The 20-year-old Rasmussen was the seventh overall selection last year after he collected 16 goals and 32 assists in 40 games as a freshman at Minnesota. Last season, the 6-foot-2, 191-pounder slipped to eighth on the team in scoring with 15 goals and 12 assists in 34 games. He led the Western Collegiate Hockey Association with 123 penalty minutes last season.
Tuesday, August 26, 1997
FLYERS' HAWERCHUK ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Philadelphia Flyers veteran center Dale Hawerchuk, who is 10th all-time in assists and points, announced his retirement Monday from the NHL due to an arthritic left hip. The 34-year-old, who helped the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Finals last season, had 12 goals and 22 assists in 51 games. He also had two goals and five assists in 17 playoff games and reached his first Stanley Cup Finals in his 16th season in the league. Hawerchuk is 21st all-time in goals with 518 and added 891 assists for 1,409 points. He was the first overall pick in the 1981 draft by the Winnipeg Jets and went on to become the first rookie to record 40 goals and 100 points in winning the Calder Trophy following the 1981-82 season. Hawerchuk had one 50-goal season (1984-85) and six 100-point campaigns, including five straight from 1983-84 through 1987-88. He also was an All-Star in 1985. His best season came in 1984-85, when he compiled 53 goals and 77 assists for 130 points and finished third in Hart Trophy voting. He was shipped to Buffalo before the 1990-91 season as part of a four-player deal and played with the Sabres for four seasons before signing as a free agent with the St. Louis Blues prior to the 1995-96 season. Hawerchuk was dealt to the Flyers for center Craig MacTavish before the trading deadline that season.
HURRICANES ACQUIRE ROBERTS, KIDD FROM FLAMES
The Carolina Hurricanes made their first big move since relocating the franchise from Hartford, Conn., acquiring veteran left winger Gary Roberts and goaltender Trevor Kidd from the Calgary Flames for center Andrew Cassels and goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere. Roberts, 31, did not play last season due to a neck injury after missing the final 40 games of the 1995-96 season because of the injury. Roberts had 22 goals and 20 assists in 40 games that season. Roberts' best season came in 1991-92, when he had 53 goals and 37 assists for 90 points in 76 games. He also has racked up 200 or more penalty minutes in five seasons. The 25-year-old Kidd should battle Sean Burke for the top goalie job. He compiled a 21-23-6 with a 2.84 goals-against average and four shutouts in a career-high 55 games last season. Kidd had been Calgary's top goaltender the past three seasons, succeeding Mike Vernon. He has a 74-66-26 record in 128 games.
"Anytime you trade one of your veteran players and a top prospect, there is some risk involved," Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said. "However, when you have the opportunity to obtain a Gary Roberts, who is a proven goal-scorer and one of the true power forwards in the league, and Trevor Kidd, a young goaltender who already has four full NHL seasons of experience, you simply cannot pass on it. This trade immediately improves our club."
Cassels was the top playmaker on the team and finished second in overall scoring with 22 goals and 44 assists in 81 games. He gives Calgary some much-needed help down the middle, since Dave Gagner signed with the Florida Panthers as a free agent. Cassels, 28, had his best season in 1992-93, finishing with 21 goals and 64 assists for 85 points. The 17th overall pick by the Montreal Canadiens in 1987, Cassels has three 20-goal seasons to his credit. Giguere, 20, was the 13th overall pick in the 1995 draft and saw limited action last season. He went 1-4-0 with a 3.65 goals-against average and an .881 save percentage. Giguere should contend with Dwayne Roloson for the top spot in Calgary.
ISLANDERS ACQUIRE CZERKAWSKI FOR LACOUTURE
The New York Islanders added some scoring punch Monday by acquiring right wing Mariusz Czerkawsi from the Edmonton Oilers for left wing Dan LaCouture. The 25-year-old Czerkawski, a native of Poland, had 26 goals and 21 assists for 47 points in 76 games last season for the Oilers, good for fifth on the team in scoring, third in goals. He was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 1991 and played parts of three seasons with them before being traded to Edmonton in January 1996. In 197 NHL games, Czerkawski has 57 goals and 59 assists. LaCouture was drafted by the Islanders in 1996 and played for Boston University last season, collecting 13 goals and 10 assists in 28 games.
Wednesday, August 27, 1997
SENATORS SEND DUCHESNE TO BLUES FOR KRAVCHUK
In a swap of defensemen, the Ottawa Senators sent Steve Duchesne back to the St. Louis Blues Monday in exchange for Igor Kravchuk. Duchesne, who was traded to Ottawa before the 1995-96 season for a second-round draft choice, was fourth on the team in scoring with 19 goals and 28 assists for 47 points. In a seven-game division quarterfinal series loss to Buffalo -- Ottawa's first-ever playoff appearance -- Duchesne had a goal and four assists. Duchesne, 32, enjoyed his best season in 1992-93 for the Quebec Nordiques after being involved in the Eric Lindros trade, registering a career-best 82 points in as many games. Duchesne played five years for the Los Angeles Kings, one season in both Philadelphia and Quebec, and two seasons in St. Louis before going to Ottawa. In 765 career NHL games, he has 188 goals and 394 assists for 582 points. He has been very productive in 67 postseason games, scoring 14 goals with 41 assists for 55 points. Kravchuk played in 82 games last season for the Blues, collecting four goals and 24 assists for 28 points. The 30-year-old Russian came to St. Louis from Edmonton on Jan. 4, 1996, in exchange for Jeff Norton and Donald Dufresne. In 338 career games for the Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton and St. Louis, Kravchuk has 41 goals and 114 assists for 155 points. In 30 playoff games, he has contributed three goals and 11 assists.
Friday, August 29, 1997
RANGERS TRADE ROBITAILLE TO KINGS FOR STEVENS
In what would have been a blockbuster deal four years ago, the New York Rangers sent Luc Robitaille back to the Los Angeles Kings Thursday for Kevin Stevens in an exchange of veteran left wings. The 31-year-old Robitaille was expected to be dealt by the Rangers before this year's trading deadline, but he broke his foot getting off the team bus and eventually helped the club get to the Eastern Conference finals. Robitaille, a 6-foot-1, 195-pounder, was acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins prior to the 1995-96 season. In 1996-97, he was sixth on the team with 48 points, registering 24 goals and 24 assists in 69 games. He started his career with the Kings in 1986-87 and had 45 goals en route to the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year. Upon Wayne Gretzky's arrival the following season, Robitaille became one of the NHL's elite at his position, with three 50-goal seasons and four 100-point campaigns. He helped Los Angeles to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1992-93, a loss to the Montreal Canadiens. That was his best season, when he set career highs with 63 goals, 62 assists and an NHL left-wing record 125 points. In 832 games over 11 NHL season, Robitaille has 462 goals and 500 assists for 962 points, missing a total of 28 games. His eight 40-goal seasons are the third-best total in league history. In 111 playoff games, he has contributed 46 goals and 57 assists for 103 points.
Stevens, 32, like Robitaille, played with a legend while putting up impressive numbers himself. Stevens became Mario Lemieux's full-time left wing in Pittsburgh in 1989-90 and had 29 goals and 70 points in 76 games. He enjoyed his best season in 1991-92 with 54 goals and set career highs with 69 assists and 123 points, the single-season record for a left wing that Robitaille broke the following season. The 123 points are also a record for an American-born player. In '92-93, Stevens had a career-best 55 goals and tacked on 56 assists for his only other 100-point campaign. Stevens was fourth on the Kings with 34 points on 14 goals and 20 assists with a minus-27 last season, his first full campaign with Los Angeles. In 588 career games with the Penguins, Boston Bruins and Los Angeles, Stevens has 278 goals and 319 assists for 597 points. One of the first of the new breed of power forwards in the NHL at 6-3 and 217 pounds, Stevens has always shown a mean streak, earning him 1,135 penalty minutes. In 86 playoff games, Stevens has 43 goals and 57 assists for 100 points. He won Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 1990-91 and 1991-92 and played for the United States Olympic team in 1988.
Saturday, August 30, 1997
KINGS SEND KHRISTICH TO BRUINS IN FIVE-PLAYER DEAL
The Los Angeles Kings and Boston Bruins swapped top scorers as part of a five-player deal Friday, with Los Angeles sending left wing Dimitri Khristich to the Bruins for center Jozef Stumpel. The Kings sent Khristich and goaltender Byron Dafoe to Boston for Stumpel, right wing Sandy Moger and a 1998 fourth-round draft pick. Khristich led the Kings last season with 19 goals and 37 assists for 56 points in 75 games. He topped the team in assists and was second to Ray Ferraro in goals. Khristich instantly becomes the top left wing in Boston, where he may gain a spot on the top scoring line with center Anson Carter and right wing Steve Heinze. "The trade fills two needs that we wanted to address for our team prior to the season," said Bruins assistant general manager Mike O'Connell. "Dimitri Khristich is a proven NHL scorer and a clever and creative player who is versatile in that he can play center and left wing." Dafoe, originally a free agent this offseason, signed a two-year contract with the Kings. He split time with Stephane Fiset in 1996-97 and went 13-17-5 with a 3.13 goals-against average and .905 save percentage. He likely will back up Jim Carey in Boston. Stumpel led the Bruins in scoring last season with 22 goals and 54 assists in 78 games. Like Khristich, he paced his team in assists and was second in goals. The 25-year-old Stumpel has 54 goals and 122 assists in 274 NHL games. He was the 40th overall pick in the 1991 draft. Moger, who finished last season on the injured list, had 10 goals and three assists in 34 games. He signed as a free agent with the Bruins in 1994 and has 27 goals and 23 assists in 132 games.
SENATORS SIGN 1996 TOP OVERALL PICK PHILLIPS
It took more than a year, but the Ottawa Senators Friday finally signed defenseman Chris Phillips, the No. 1 pick in the 1996 NHL Draft. Senators spokesman Phil Legault confirmed the team has reached agreement with Phillips. The 19-year-old defenseman split time with Prince Albert and Lethbridge of the Western Hockey League last season, totaling seven goals and 41 assists in 58 games. He helped Lethbridge win the Memorial Cup, collecting four goals and 21 assists in 19 playoff games. He had two goals and three assists in the five-game Memorial Cup series. "Chris did a great job last season leading Lethbridge to the Memorial Cup final, and was a key defenseman for Canada at the world juniors," said Senators general manager Pierre Gauthier. "In two seasons of major junior hockey, Chris has grown in maturity and poise, and has shown the hockey sense and defensive skills that will serve him well for a long career in the NHL." Phillips was one of the final cuts from Senators' training camp last season and balked at signing a contract after he was returned to his junior team.
LCS: guide to hockey © copyright 1997 all rights reserved