Posted by admin on 24th, 2009
News:
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.
Scores:
- New Jersey 2 – 4 Philadelphia
- Carolina 3 – 2 Florida (OT)
- Detroit 3 – 5 Calgary
Posted by admin on 19th, 2009
My apologies for the delay in updates guys, have been hectic lately with work.
News:
- NHL / NHLPA Reach Agreement on Intl Events (report)
According to TSN, the NHL and NHLPA have come to terms on future international events that could see 6 teams start next season in Europe, as well as the return of the World Cup of Hockey in 2010/11.
- Maple Leafs Fire Al Coates from Front Office
The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly fired the Director of Player Personnel, Al Coates today. The report comes from the Toronto Star.
- Oilers Retire Glenn Anderson’s #9
The Edmonton Oilers have honored Hall of Famer Glenn Anderson today by raising his jersey to the rafters of Rexall Place, Edmonton.
Injuries:
Trades & Transactions
- Wade Dubielewicz (G – Columbus) Claimed off waivers by the Blue Jackets from the Islanders.
- Dany Sabourin, Ryan Stone & draft pick (Pittsburgh) traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Mathieu Garon.
Scores:
- NY Rangers 0 – 3 Pittsburgh
- Calgary 2 – 6 Colorado
- Columbus 6 – 5 Vancouver (shootout)
- Phoenix 3 – 6 Edmonton
Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, sports, hockey
Posted by admin on 9th, 2009
News:
- Is this it for Joe Sakic?
Joe Sakic underwent successful surgery on a herniated disc recently and is expected to be out for at least 10 weeks. The question many people have is; is this the end for Joe Sakic? Sean Leahy of the Puck Daddy Blog discusses this today.
- Caps coach speaks out on All-Star game representation
Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau doesn’t like the way the All-Star game is run. Greg Wyshynski of the Puck Daddy Blog covers the story on Boudreau and his comments.
- Saving the NHL All-Star Game
Apparently the NHL All Stars game is in trouble. It seems every year somebody, somewhere comes up with a number of reasons the ASG is a waste of time. This year it’s been the voting ballot system, and the obvious misrepresentation of “Stars” from the Montreal Canadiens. Craig Custance talks about the ASG and offers a number of ways to help “Save” the game.
Transactions:
- Alexander Sulzer (D) Signed 2-year contract with the Nashville Predators
- Jordan Staal (C – Pittsburgh) Signed 4-year extension worth $16 million.
- Brad May (LW) Traded to Toronto Maple Leafs from Anaheim Ducks for a 2010 conditional 6th round draft pick.
Injuries:
- Pascal Leclaire (G – Columbus) IR, out at least a week.
scores:
- Ottawa 4 – 6 Boston
- Minnesota 1 – 3 Philadelphia
- Atlanta 4 – 0 New Jersey
- Toronto 2 – 6 Montreal
- Dallas 1 – 6 Detroit
- Carolina 2 – 4 Florida
- Pittsburgh 3 – 5 Nashville
- Chicago 1 – 2 Colorado
- NY Islanders 2 – 5 Calgary
- Tampa Bay 2 – 3 Phoenix
- Anaheim 3 – 4 Los Angeles
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 7th, 2009
News:
- Predators announce game time change to avoid clash with Titans
The Nashville Predators have changed the time of their game Saturday so it doesn’t conflict with the Tennessee Titans’ playoff game. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Sundin to make NHL debut
According to TSN, Mats Sundin may make his NHL debut for this season tomorrow, Vs the Edmonton Oilers.
- Jarkko Ruutu bites Andrew Peters
Jarkko Ruutu added another chapter to the bitter rivalry between the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres. He bit the gloved thumb of Sabres enforcer Andrew Peters during a first-period altercation Tuesday night, overshadowing Buffalo’s 4-2 win. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- The NHL is coming to a Cellphone near you
The NHL is coming to a cellphone near you. Bell Mobility has reached an agreement with the league and the NHL Players’ Association to be the exclusive carrier of NHL content. As of Tuesday, customers will be able to sign up for a service that allows them to access video highlights, up-to-date scores and summaries and other unique features on their phones. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
Transactions:
Injuries:
- Rick Nash (LW – Columbus) Left game against the Red Wings early with apparent ankle injury.
- Paul Kariya (LW – St. Louis) Underwent successful surgery.
- Marian Gaborik (RW – Minnesota) Underwent successful surgery on left hip. Expected to miss 10 weeks.
- Adam Foote (D – Colorado) Placed on IR with tricept injury.
scores:
- New Jersey 2 – 3 Carolina
- Philadelpha 1 – 2 Washington (Shootout)
- Minnesota 1 – 0 Boston
- Ottawa 2 – 4 Buffalo
- Florida 4 – 2 Toronto
- Columbus 0 – 3 Detroit
- Atlanta 1 – 3 Pittsburgh
- Colorado 2 – 1 Nashville
- Chicago 6 – 0 Phoenix
- San Jose 2 – 5 Calgary
- Los Angeles 1 – 3 Anaheim
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 17th, 2008
News
- Avery NOT in Substance Abuse ProgramClassic
Contrary to a published report, Sean Avery has not been put into Stage 1 of the joint NHL-NHLPA Substance Abuse and Behavioral Modification Program. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen at some point in the near future, perhaps in a matter of days or weeks. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Bettman: Avery’s words “disgusting & Offensive”
The Dallas Stars have made the best of a bad situation by cutting loose disgraced winger Sean Avery, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Tuesday. “They’re supportive of him getting the counselling he’s getting, they’re continuing to pay his contract, and I think it became obvious that that was an uncomfortable situation for everybody, so they’ve all decided to move on,” he said. “I think that was a very professional way to handle it.” (The Full Story on TSN)
- Hordichuk meant no offense towards Linden
Rugged Vancouver forward Darcy Hordichuk says he meant no disrespect toward Trevor Linden when he made a reference to the former Canuck captain in a recent interview. (The Full Story on TSN)
- Forsberg hopes for post-season return
Peter Forsberg says he wants to try the NHL one more time. According to the Denver Post, Forsberg hopes to participate in the 2009 NHL playoffs, and he would like to do so in a Colorado jersey. (The Full Story on TSN)
Suspensions:
Trades & Transactions:
- Fredrik Norrena (G – Columbus) Demoted to AHL (Syracuse, NY)
Injuries:
- Nathan Horton (C – Panthers) Ankle. Should return Tuesday.
- Ryan Whitney (D – Pittsburgh) Should return next week.
Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):
- Bob McCown reported yesterday Mats Sundin has decided to join the New York Rangers. McCown’s source – said to be close to the situation – believes the decision will be made public later this week.
- (Read more at spectorshockey.net)
Scores:
- Washington 5 – 4 NY Islanders (Overtime)
- Colorado 2 – 5 Philadelphia
- New Jersey 2 – 3 Toronto (Shootout)
- Montreal 2 – 3 Carolina
- Atlanta 4 – 1 Ottawa
- Phoenix 1 – 2 Dallas (Overtime)
- Calgary 6 – 3 St louis
- Chicago 9 – 2 Edmonton
- NY Rangers 3 – 1 Anaheim
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 6th, 2008
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
- Avery gets 6 game suspension
The National Hockey League came down hard on Dallas Stars superpest Sean Avery Thursday, handing him a six-game suspension for making inappropriate public comments prior to the Stars’ game in Calgary on Tuesday. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
- Burke offers front office job to Nonis
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke has made an attempt to strengthen his front office, offering Dave Nonis the position of Senior Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations. (The Full Story on TSN)
Trades & Transactions:
Injuries:
- Raffi Torres (LW -Blue Jackets) Out 4-6 weeks after knee surgery.
- Patrick Kaleta (RW – Sabres) Placed on indefinite IR.
- Brad Lukowich (D – Sharks) Left game early with lower body injury.
Rumours & Gossip:
- Havlat on the block?
After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.
Scores:
- New Jersey 3 – 2 Philadelphia (Overtime)
- Pittsburgh 5 – 2 Carolina
- NY Islanders 2 – 5 Washington Capitals
- NY Rangers 2 – 6 Montreal Canadiens
- Boston 3 – 1 Tampa Bay
- Vancouver 5 – 6 Detroit
- Buffalo 1 – 2 Florida
- Colorado 2 – 3 Nashville
- Toronto 3 – 6 Phoenix
- Columbus 2 – 3 San Jose
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
Posted by admin on 4th, 2008
Avery Alert: With so much news surrounding the Sean Avery situation, our new section “Avery Alert” will bring you all the news comments you need in one handy location. Don’t worry though, this section will only last a short time and will stop once we all get sick off hearing about Avery.
- Avery to meet with Bettman and the NHL Thursday.
The date of the hearing has been set; this Thursday. Avery will travel to New York to face the NHL. Stars co-GM Brett Hull is said to be traveling with Avery. (The Full Story on TSN)
- No Way Out For Avery
Ross McKeon of Yahoo! Sports breaks down the Avery situation and explains that there may be no way for Avery to come out of this in a good position. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- Avery Apologises to NHL, Team, Ex’s
Avery’s publicist wasted no time in drafting a well written apology. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- NHL Suspends Avery Indefinitely
After making the “sloppy seconds” comment, the NHL quickly jumped in and indefinitely suspended the agitator. (The Full Story on TSN)
News
- Fan injured in fall at Senators game
A male fan was injured at Scotiabank Place on Wednesday during the Ottawa Senators’ 5-1 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers after falling from the top level of the arena. The man, who Senators president Roy Mlakar stated was not inebriated, originally fell over in row D of the 300 level. He then plummeted into row D of the 200 level, falling on a woman who also sustained injuries. Mlakar believes the man was not seriously hurt. (The Full Story on Yahoo)
- Canes Sack Peter Laviolette
Carolina fired Peter Laviolette on Wednesday. The Hurricanes brought back Paul Maurice to take over as coach, and moved assistant general manager Ron Francis behind the bench as Maurice’s associate coach. Laviolette led the team to the 2006 Stanley Cup title. He’s the career victory leader among U.S.-born coaches.
Trades & Transactions:
- Anaheim acquired defenseman Logan Stephenson from Phoenix on Wednesday for left wing Joakim Lindstrom. Stephenson will report to Iowa of the AHL.
Injuries:
- Brian Rolston (NJ Devils) – Expected back thursday.
- Joe Sakic (C – Avalanche) Expected to miss 6 weeks.
- Marian Gaborik (Wild) Not yet ready to return.
Rumours & Gossip:
- What to do with Avery?
Rumours are ripe that Avery has played his last game in a Stars jersey. If that’s the case, there are a few options the team has, which include: Demoting him to the minors, buying out his contract, looking for a trade, or going through legal channals to void his contract. Either way, if it’s true that Avery is on the out, this could mean a very positive thing for the team.
- Havlat on the block?
After recent changes which ended up with Martin Havlat being demoted to the teams 3rd line, speculation suggests the Hawks could be looking to move him at some stage.
Scores:
- Pittsburgh Penguins 2 – 3 NY Rangers (Shootout)
- Atlanta Thrashers 1 – 5 Ottawa Senators
- St Louis Blues 0 – 4 Minnesota Wild
- Anaheim Ducks 2 – 4 Chicago Blackhawks
- Dallas Stars 2 – Edmonton Oilers 5
Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN
