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They’re some of the most hated… and loved players in hockey. They are often the topics of discussion, the creators of controversy and most often the most misunderstood role players in a hockey team.
They are the fighters. Names like Sean Avery, Georges Laraque, Rob Ray, Bob Probert are synonymous with classic NHL video highlight reels.
Recently in the AIHL (Australian Ice Hockey League) there was a fight in a game between the Gold Coast Blue Tongues and the Western Sydney Ice Dogs. Import player for the Blue Tongues Bryan Lachance was target and finally let it fly. Lachance comes from the LNAH in Canada (Quebec Radio X) where he has set a name for himself as a quality legit fighter.
In the fight last weekend however the fight turned a nasty shade of dirty when Lachance, who had clearly won the fight dropped the guy to the ground and continued to punch him. That’s not where the real issue lies though. After the Ice Dog went down, Lachance proceeded to pull his hair and knee him. The Refs either failed to see it, or chose not to do anything about it.
The question however is simply, when someone is a fighter of Lachances calibre, why would they need to resort to such disgusting behaviour? It disgraces not just the player, but also the team.
Todd Bertuzzi will be shopping for a place to live after the Calgary Flames signed him to a 1 year $1.95 million contract today. Bertuzzi, who had 14G 26A for 40Pts last season for the Anaheim Ducks brings a solid power-forward role to the Flames.
Other moves around the NHL:
The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed center R.J. Umberger to a 4-year deal. Umberger was acquired by the Jackets on June 20 along with a draft pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for 2 picks. In 3 years with the NHL, Umberger has scored 49G and 67A. Financial terms were not released.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed RFA Matt Stajan to a 2-year $3.5 million contract on monday. Stajan has scored 56G and 71A in 314 games for the Leafs.
The Carolina Hurricanes have reached a deal with defenseman Dennis Seidenberg for a 1-year $1.2 million contract. Seidenberg played 47 games for the Hurricanes last season and collected 15 assists.
The Philadelphia Flyers have given GM Paul Holmgren a 3-year extension that ensures he stays with the team through 2011-2012.
Across the NHL there are 15 players going to arbitration this off-season.
Washington Capitals: Brooks Laich & Shaone Morrisonn Minnesota Wild: Pierre-Marc Bouchard & Stephane Veilleux Boston Bruins: Dennis Wideman Carolina Hurricanes: Chad LaRose Colorado Avalanche: Marek Svatos Florida Panthers: Jay Bowmeester New York Islanders: Sean Bergenheim New York Rangers: Dan Fritsche Ottawa Senators: Antoine Vermette St Louis Blues: Jay McClement San Jose Sharks: Marcel Goc Detroit Red Wings: Valtteri Filppula Nashville Predators: Ville Koistinen
Arbitration hearings will take place between July 20 and August 4.
After nearly 20 years in the NHL, Jaromir Jagr has decided to leave the NHL to play for team Avangard Omsk in Russia. The move comes just a day after splitting from the New York Rangers.
In his career in the NHL Jagr has put up phenominal numbers, collecting 646 Goals, 953 Assists for 1599 Points in 1273 Games, better than a point a game over his NHL career, which has seen him play for 3 teams; Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers.
“It was the toughest decision in my life, hockeywise. … No question about it. I hate making changes,” Jagr told The Canadian Press. - Yahoo! Sports
Other action around the league saw a number of players change homes.
A day after the San Jose Sharks acquired Rob Blake on the blue line, they have acquired another top defenseman in a 4-player trade. The Sharks acquired Dan Boyle and Brad Lukowich from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Matt Carle, prospect Ty Wishart, a 2009 first-round pick and a 2010 fourth-round pick. The Sharks also acquired 2nd round Draft picks in 2009 and 2010 from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for Craig Rivet and a 2010 7th round pick.
The Vancouver Canucks acquired a replacement forward for Markus Naslund today by acquiring Steve Bernier from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 3rd round pick in the 2009 draft and a 2nd round pick in 2010.
The Pittsburgh Penguins showed their faith in their goalie today by locking up M.A. Fleury to a 7 year, $35 Million dollar deal.
As the NHL Free Agency market looms only hours ahead, there has been a steady increase in activity around the league. Today we cover the latest trades, signings and rumors.
NHL Trades:
The Edmonton Oilers have done a trade with the L.A. Kings, which sends Lubimir Visnovsky (D) to the Oilers in exchange for Jarret Stoll (F) and Matt Greene (D).
Tampa Bay have acquired the rights to Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts from the Penguins, and also Brian Rolston of the Minnesota Wild.
NHL Signings:
The Dallas Stars have signed Loui Eriksson (F) to a 2-year extension.
Boston Bruins have signed Mark Stuart (D) to a 2-year extension.
Carolina Hurricanes signed forward, Tuomo Ruutu to a 1-year, $2.25 Million contract.
Nashville Predators signed Dan Ellis (G) to a 2-year $3.5 Million contract, and also Shae Weber to a 3-year $13.5 Million contract.
Ottawa Senators re-signed Chris Kelly (C) to a 4 year contract.
Moves:
Ottawa Senators placed Ray Emery on Waivers, then bought him out, making Emery a free agent.
Anaheim Ducks placed Todd Bertuzzi (F) on waivers, with plans to buy him out.
Toronto Maple Leafs bought out Andrew Raycroft (G)
Rumors:
Philadelphia Flyers are rumored to have signed Jeff Carter (C) to a 3-year $13.5 Million contract.
Calgary Flames are rumored to have locked up Conroy (C), Langkow (C), Nystrom (LW) and McElhinney (G).
Brooks Orpik is rumoured to be looking to the free agency market instead of re-signing with the Penguins.
The Anaheim Ducks gave all-star defenseman Scott Niedermayer and forward Teemu Selanne a late June deadline to decide if they’re going to return to the team for another season. There is yet to be word from Teemu, but Niedermayer answered the call today, announcing that yes, he would be back to finish his contract next season.
“I guess after a shorter year and shorter playoff run I definitely feel physically and mentally ready to go,” Niedermayer said. “I’m happy to have a decision made and to be moving forward.” - Yahoo! Sports
Niedermayer has been an impact player for the Ducks since joining the team 3 years ago, and hopes to help the team again this coming season.
According to Yahoo! Sports, the NHL has indefinitely suspended Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli as of Tuesday after the Billionaire Philanthropist’s and co-founder of Broadcom Corporation gave a guilty plea to a felony court to lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The NHL will review the case after Samueli is sentenced on August 18, and will adjust the suspension accordingly.
“I respect the decision made by Commissioner Bettman and will abide by the terms of the suspension,” Samueli said in a statement released by the Ducks. “I’m confident the team will be in great hands in my absence.” - NHL - Yahoo! Sports
Samueli’s partner in Broadcom Corp, Henry T. Nicholas III is awaiting trial also, for conspiracy, securities fraud and other charges.
While under suspension, Samueli will not be able to involve himself with the Anaheim Ducks in any way.
Todd Bertuzzi will be shopping for a place to live after the Calgary Flames signed him to a 1 year $1.95 million contract today. Bertuzzi, who had 14G 26A for 40Pts last season for the Anaheim Ducks brings a solid power-forward role to the Flames.
After nearly 20 years in the NHL, Jaromir Jagr has decided to leave the NHL to play for team Avangard Omsk in Russia. The move comes just a day after splitting from the New York Rangers.
As the NHL Free Agency market looms only hours ahead, there has been a steady increase in activity around the league. Today we cover the latest trades, signings and rumors.
The Anaheim Ducks gave all-star defenseman Scott Niedermayer and forward Teemu Selanne a late June deadline to decide if they’re going to return to the team for another season. There is yet to be word from Teemu, but Niedermayer answered the call today, announcing that yes, he would be back to finish his contract next season.
after the Billionaire Philanthropist’s and co-founder of Broadcom Corporation gave a guilty plea to a felony court to lying to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
