The Montreal Canadiens could be for sale as part of a plan by owner George Gillett to sort out his varied holdings.
“The Gillett family has retained the services of financial advisers to assess various strategic alternatives to optimize the value of its corporate assets,” team president Pierre Boivin said in a statement on Monday. “In Canada, the family has retained the services of BMO Capital Markets and the process is under way.”
Montreal La Presse reported that BMO will study all financial avenues, including selling the club, financial restructuring or bringing in new investors.
Gillett owns 80.1 percent of the team and the Bell Centre.
He also owns 50 percent of English soccer giant Liverpool, and owns the Gillett Evernham NASCAR team, event promoter Gillett Entertainment Group, ski resorts, car dealerships and agricultural companies.
Boivin told the newspaper that the recession spurred Gillett to hire financial companies in Canada, the United States and Europe to review his holdings.
Last November, BlackBerry maker Jim Balsillie said the Canadiens were for sale, a report vehemently denied by Gillett at the time.
In December, Sports Business Journal reported that Gillett was looking to refinance a $75 million loan he took out to guarantee his involvement in the purchase of Liverpool FC, which he co-owns with Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks.
Gillett bought the Canadiens and their arena, then called the Molson Centre, in 2001, for $275 million with the help of $140 million in loans from two banks and the Quebec pension fund.
Boivin said the league’s oldest franchise is no danger of going out of business.
Transactions:
Calgary Flames – David Van der Gulik (LW) – Called up from minors (from Quad City-AHL)
Edmonton Oilers – Jordan Eberle (RW) – Signed (Three-year contract)
Los Angeles Kings – Kevin Westgarth (RW) – Sent to minors (Manchester-AHL)
Montreal Canadiens – Max Pacioretty (LW) – Sent to minors (Hamilton-AHL)
New York Rangers – Mike Sauer (D) – Called up from minors (from Hartford-AHL)
Phoenix Coyotes – Al Montoya (G) – Called up from minors (from San Antonio-AHL)
Injury Updates:
Patrick Elias (LW – Devils) Sits out against Flyers.
Michal Rozsival (D – NY Rangers) Out 7-10 days with lower body injury.
Mikko Koivu (C – Wild) Could miss the rest of the season with knee injury.
Rob Blake (D – Sharks) Out with lower body injury.
Brad Richards (C – Stars) To miss 4 – 6 weeks after hand injury.
Three people were seriously injured when a bus carrying the AHL’s Albany River Rats rolled on its side on Interstate 90 in western Massachusetts early Thursday, state police said.
Peter Forsberg scored a goal in his first game back in Pro Hockey today and helped MODO win 4-1 over Skelleftia in the Swedish Elite Legue.
Grebeshkov (Edmonton) will be out at least a week with a high ankle sprain after being tripped by Toronto’s Plekanak.
Tomas Plekanak (Toronto - C) has been suspended for 2 games following a dangerous play against the Oilers. Plekanak tripped Grebeshkov from behind, sending him into the boards.
Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky argues with the officials as his team gets called for a penalty during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks in an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009, in Glendale, Ariz. The Canucks defeated the Coyotes 4-3.
The Blues tie the game with Boston with a second left thanks to David Backes baseball style goal. Jackman blocks an empty net attempt late which sets up the goal in this MLK Day Thriller.
Christian Ehrhoff scores on the power play in the 2nd period to tie the game up at 3-3. The Sharks go on to win the game 6-5. *goal is at about the 1:50 mark*
Rangers prospect dies during game in Russia A Russian lawmaker said Tuesday that rising hockey star Alexei Cherepanov, a first-round draft pick of the New York Rangers, may have died due to negligence on the part of paramedics who responded to an emergency call.
Cherepanov, 19, died Monday during a Continental Hockey League game outside of Moscow.
Russian investigators said Cherepanov suffered from chronic ischemia, a medical condition in which not enough blood gets to the heart or other organs.
Predators C Arnott leaves game Nashville Predators center Jason Arnott left in the third period of Monday’s 3-2 shootout victory over the Chicago Blackhawks with a hand injury. Arnott, who recorded a shot on goal and logged 11:31 of ice time before exiting the contest, did not return. “He jammed his hand on one of our power plays and didn’t feel he could hold the stick,” said Nashville coach Barry Trotz, who did not specify which hand was injured. “So we took him out and he will be evaluated (on Tuesday). He is day-to-day, looks like just a jam, we don’t think there is any break.” The 34-year-old has two goals and two assists in three games this season. (Yahoo! Sports)
Jack Johnson out two to three months Los Angeles Kings defenceman Jack Johnson will miss up to three months because of a shoulder injury from Sunday’s 1-0 loss to San Jose. Johnson was hit hard late in the first period and took a single shift in the second period before leaving the game. (Yahoo! Sports)
Chuck Kobasew: Out Three Weeks Coach Claude Julien said Kobasew (fractured right ankle) will be sidelined for three weeks, the Boston Globe reports. (Yahoo! Sports)
Ryan Whitney: Targets December Return
Whitney (foot), who expects to return to action sometime in December, hopes to begin skating in early November, according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. (Yahoo! Sports)
League Updates:
Bettman on NHL: ‘We’re still in growth mode’
The NHL is “still in growth mode” despite the economic downturn, commissioner Gary Bettman said Monday, noting that ticket sales have increased this season. “We’re acutely aware of what’s going on out there, but it hasn’t yet impacted us,” Bettman said before attending Monday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and Vancouver Canucks. “I have no doubt that, over time, if it’s long enough and bad enough, it will have some impact, but based on what we’re seeing right now, our business seems to be strong.” (Yahoo! Sports)
Flyers name Barber scouting consultant
The Philadelphia Flyers on Monday welcomed a familiar face back to the franchise. The Flyers named Hall of Fame player and former coach Bill Barber as a scouting consultant. “It’s great to come back home where I belong,” said Barber, who won two Stanley Cups with the team in 1974 and 1975.. “I spent 30 memorable years with the Flyers organization and personally, everything was great. I had great experiences and a great association with the Flyers. (Yahoo! Sports)
Signings, Transactions & Acquisitions:
Flyers get D Alberts from Bruins
The Philadelphia Flyers on Monday acquired defenseman Andrew Alberts from the Boston Bruins for left wing Ned Lukacevic and a conditional pick in 2009. Alberts, 27, appeared in 35 regular season games for the Bruins last season, recording two assists and 39 penalty minutes. He was also scoreless in two playoff games for Boston. “Andrew is a big, competitive defenseman and he skates well,” general manager Paul Holmgren said. “He will bring experience and depth to our team.” (Yahoo! Sports)
Kings claim Clancy DETROIT NEWS/MLIVE.COM: report the Los Angeles Kings have claimed defenseman Kyle Quincey off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings. (Spectors Hockey)
Flyers Acquire Alberts Various sources report the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired defenseman Andrew Alberts from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Ned Lukacevic and a fourth round pick in 2009. (Spectors Hockey)
McLaren on Waivers SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS: David Pollak reports the Sharks placed on McLaren back on waivers, not re-entry waivers. “Even if no team claims McLaren in this 24-hour window, (Sharks GM Doug) Wilson said, the waiver process could start conversations going that reach fruition in the next two or three days” reports Pollak. (Spectors Hockey)
NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports a source claims Marian Gaborik is seeking a ten-year, $100 million contract from the Minnesota Wild. “Good luck to you, young man. Enjoy your time in Russia”, write Brooks.
MINNEAPOLIS STAR-TRIBUNE: Michael Russo reports Gaborik could become “this season’s Marian Hossa”, suggesting the Wild could indeed trade the talented but injury-prone winger if they’re unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. One thing for sure: These Internet rumors that Gaborik wants to play in Edmonton are as laughable as Sean Avery jumping up and down in front of Martin Brodeur”, reports Russo.
D Liles takes stick to eye Liles had to leave Saturday’s exhibition game against Los Angeles after taking a stick below the eye, the Denver Post reports. (read more)
Jason Blake leaves game with foot injury Blake left Saturday’s game against Buffalo late in the third period with a foot injury.(read more)
DiPietro to be re-evaluated early next week DiPietro (hip/knee) is slated for re-evaluation in the early part of next week, according to the Islanders’ Blog by Newsday. (read more)
NHL Updates:
Penguins land in Sweden The Pittsburgh Penguins arrived in Sweden after an eight-hour flight from the United States, then hit the practice rink a few hours later Sunday. “It wasn’t too bad,” captain Sidney Crosby said after the workout. “A lot of us have been through similar situations before. You usually don’t expect the sharpest practice, but these guys out there were awake and getting adjusted.” (read more)
Signings & Acquisitions:
Ducks re-sign Teemu Selanne The Anaheim Ducks re-signed right wing Teemu Selanne on Sunday, bringing back the club’s all-time leading scorer for his 16th NHL season. The team did not officially disclose terms of the contract, but the Los Angeles Times reported that the deal is worth $5.25 million over two years. (read more)
Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli “has made it no secret he’d like to acquire another veteran defenseman via trade”. Harris reports of “whispers” Chiarelli might be interested in a major deal for a number one defenseman, although such a move could cost him one or more of their top forwards, although they do have depth and “substantial upside” with several promising young players up front.
Jean Lefebvre reports that when Flames blueliner Adrian Aucoin looks around the dressing room and sees ” eight one-way contracts worth a total of $25 million, he realizes something has to give.” Aucoin admits he’s heard the trade rumors about himself but finds them enjoyable.
Colorado Avalanche captain Joe Sakic dismisses talk that this season could be his last.”Who said this is my last year? I won’t evaluate until the season is over”, said Sakic.
Petr Nedved admits his NHL career is likely over after being cut by the NY Rangers this past week. He has a contract to play for his hometown team in the Czech Extraliga.
Ottawa Senators have signed defenseman Luke Richardson to a one-year, two-way contract.
After 18 seasons in the NHL, 2 MVP awards and 6 Vezina Trophies, “The Dominator” Dominik Hasek has announced his retirement.
“Physically, I’m felling great—as well as ever,” Hasek said Monday as he announced his retirement. “I just don’t feel that I’m ready to compete on the highest level.“I need motivation. Right now, I don’t feel it’s there and I don’t want to disappoint anyone.” - Yahoo! Sports
Hasek was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks and spent his rookie years as backup to Ed Belfour. In his career he spent 2 seasons with Chicago, 9 seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, 4 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings and a short 1 season stint with the Ottawa Senators.
During his career, Hasek has won:
Hart Memorial Trophy for MVP twice (nominated 5 times)
Lester B. Pearson Award twice (nominated 3 times)
Vezina Trophy 6 times
William M Jennings Trophy 3 times
Stanley Cup in 2002 with the Detroit Red Wings
The 2002 gold medal at the Nagano Olympic Games for the Czech Republic
Hasek has named on:
NHL first All-Star Team 5 times
NHL All-Rookie Team in the ‘91 and ‘92 season
NHL All-Star Game 5 times (although did not play in 2000 due to injury)
In his NHL Career, Hasek played a total of 735 games, totaling 42836 minutes of ice time. He collected 389 wins, 223 losses, 82 ties and 13 overtime losses with 81 shutouts. His career GAA and SV% stand at 2.10 & .922 respectively.
The 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are here. In just a few hours the pucks will drop on a series of Round 1 games, marking the start of 2 months of grueling battles to find an eventual victor.
This is a good time then to take a look at the battles for Round 1.
In the east
Montreal Canadiens (1) Vs Boston Bruins (8)
The Bruins struggled this year. First they lost Patrice Bergeron to a season ending concussion, then later in the year Marc Savard goes down with an injury. Yet, somehow they scraped through to the playoffs, and they go into them equal to all other teams. Montreal however are a hot team who have the leagues best Powerplay. Boston, in order to keep in this series will need to stay out of the box.
Pittsburgh Penguins (2) Vs Ottawa Senators (7)
Ignoring the fact that Brian Murray accused the Penguins of throwing their last game, am I the only one who hopes to see the Penguins kick some serious ass this series? Last year the fresh faced Penguins were routed from the playoffs in just 5 games by a stronger, more powerful Senators team. This year the teams are evenly matched and both offensive powerhouses.
Washington Capitals (3) Vs Philadelphia flyers (6)
The classic Cinderella story. Alexander Ovechkin is in the playoffs for the first time, and with him is a solid determined Capitals team. The management of that team deserve awards for the progress and improvements they made with the team. The Flyers have been inconsistent, and will need to be 110% on their game to beat the Caps.
New Jersey Devils (4) Vs New York Rangers
The battle of the creek, as it was referred to earlier on today. These 2 teams have plenty of reasons to hate each other, and you can guarantee a very passionate series. Unfortunately neither team can guarantee an offensive display, so expect physical defensive style hockey.
In the west
Detroit Red Wings (1) Vs Nashville Predators (8)
There is nothing bad you can say about the Red Wings this year. Top of their division, top of their conference and top in the league on points. The best goalie duo (by stats) in the league. Nashville don’t have a Crosby or Ovechkin. They don’t have a Hasek. They do however have a very potent young goalie in Dan Ellis, and a very effective Pack Mentality style play. At the end of the day however, the Predators may find themselves a little behind the eight-ball.
San Jose Sharks (2) Vs Calgary Flames (7)
If there was going to be an upset, this might be it. Going into the last day of the regular season, there was a chance that the Sharks may face the Avalanche in the first round. In fact, most Sharks fans wanted them instead of the Flames. Look for Iginla to lead the Flames to a long series against the Sharks, possibly even 7 games.
Minnesota Wild (3) Vs Colorado Avalanche (6)
Veteran leadership Vs Young blood. That’s how this series may end up being. The Avalanche have been reuniting old team mates, the question now is whether the likes of Sakic and Forsberg are able to content with the young speedsters like Marian Gaborik.
Anaheim Ducks (4) Vs Dallas Stars (5)
Defending champions the Anaheim Ducks have had a strange type of season. If not for the controversial return of both Selanne and Niedermayer earlier in the season they would not be in the playoffs. Their leading scorer, Corey Perry is out and Chris Pronger is likely going to do something to get himself a suspension. Unlike last year the Ducks don’t have a powerful attack this time round. They do however have the best Blue Line in the league with Pronger, Niedermayer, Schneider and Beauchemin. Dallas will have to battle with their own demons however. Getting past the first round is the goal of this team, and you can expect goalie Marty Turco to be on his game. The inclusion of proven playoff performer Brad Richards in the lineup may have the desired impact. The Stars, unlike the Ducks, can score this year, so expect a very hard hitting, physical game.
Predictions?
I know people like predictions, so here are my wildly unpredictable, highly unlikely, but what they hey predictions…
East: Montreal Canadiens in 5 games
Pittsburgh Penguins in 5 games
Washington Capitals in 6 games
New Jersey Devils in 7 games
West:
Detroit Red Wings in a 4 game sweep.
Calgary Flames in 7 games
Colorado Avalanche in 6 games
Dallas Stars in 6 games
Peter Forsberg is listed day-to-day after developing a groin injury during the Saturday game against the Dallas Stars.
Forsberg, who has been plagued with injuries over the last few seasons only recently came back into the NHL after missing the first half of the season. Fans both for and against Forsberg were concerned that injuries would sideline him upon his return.
It’s unknown at this time how long Peter Forsberg will be out before returning to the Ice.
Anaheim Ducks have lost their top scorer for up to 6 weeks. Corey Perry, who has 29 Goals & 25 Assists this season is out due to a lacerated tendon in his left knee.
The injury occured during the third period of the Ducks 0-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche.
“Corey is doing very well this morning, thanks to both clubs’ medical staffs,” Ducks general manager Brian Burke said Friday. “His injury is not career-threatening and we expect him back 100 percent in approximately six weeks.”
-Yahoo! Sports
The Anaheim Ducks, who have begun to gain momentum with the return of Selanne and Neidermayer will no doubt miss Perry’s scoring prowess, and will need to work hard to maintain the pace they have been on.
Rangers prospect dies during game in Russia
After 18 seasons in the NHL, 2 MVP awards and 6 Vezina Trophies, “The Dominator” Dominik Hasek has announced his retirement.
