Posts Tagged ‘nhl signings’

Teemu Selanne Signs With Ducks – Anaheim Stanley Cup Odds

August 11th, 2010 by Rob | Comments Off | Filed in NHL News

The man nicknamed the Finnish Flash, Teemu Selanne, has re-joined the Anaheim Ducks on a one-year contract worth a reported $3.25million. The 40-year-old forward’s scoring exploits have made him one of the most feared players in the game and despite his advanced age and recent niggling injuries, his creativity and speed of thought on the ice helped him to 27 goals and 48 points in 54 games last season.

Thanks to his success last season, the Finland native became the 3rd European born player in NHL history to score 600 career goals and overtook hall-of-famer and five-time NHL champion Jan Kurri for most career goals by a Finish national in the NHL.  Ducks fans will be delighted that their team have re-signed the superstar who helped them to their first ever Stanley Cup in 2007.

With the Ducks managing to tie down Selanne for what could be one final season, there is speculation that Selanne’s friend and former Ducks teammate Paul Kariya could be making a return to the team he left in controversial circumstances back in the 2003. Fans are still angry with Kariya for leaving the team for Colorado in 2003, and have cheered him loudly each time he’s returned to the Honda Stadium. Most Ducks supporters though will be delighted by the potential of a rekindling of the fiery partnership between Kariya and Selanne for the 2010/2011.

From 1996 to 2000, Kariya and Selanne formed one of the best offensive partnerships in NHL history and the chance to play alongside his good friend could be too good an opportunity for Kariya to pass up, despite his complicated relationship with the Ducks fans. Fans may have to forgive Kariya and rethink back to that period in the late 90’s when Kariya’s speed, stick-handling ability and shooting accuracy made him one of the deadliest weapons on the ice. His speed may have long gone, but his ability with the puck could make the difference in tight games next season, especially with the Finnish Flash by his side. With Bobby Ryan, Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf acting as the first line, the Ducks’ offensive group looks well stocked for the new season.

While their offensive line is looking great, the Ducks’ defensive group is short on proven ability. With Scott Niedermayer retiring, the 2007 NHL championship-winning defensive line-up has now completely disappeared and there are few signs that their younger prospects have the talent to become the next Chris Pronger or Francios Beauchemin.

One pre-season acquisition who could make an impact though is Andy Sutton. The former Ottawa Senators defensemen led the league in blocked shots last year and will surely be needed to continue that form in 2010/2011 as he tries to help his younger team-mates around the blue line to ensure that goaltender Jonas Hiller gets maximum protection.

With the foundation of the team in place and the possibility of a few more acquisitions to come, their season will depend on Head Coach Randy Carlyle’s ability to blend youth with experience as their new-look line-up attempts to get the Ducks soaring back to their 2007 best after three flightless years in the NHL wilderness.

Sportsbooks have the Anaheim Ducks listed at +3000 odds to win the Stanley Cup in the 2010/2011 NHL season, which puts them about middle of the pack.  For every $10 bet on the Ducks to win the Stanley Cup you would win $300 – not a bad bet considering the talent the Ducks have up front.  Bet it now at Sportsbook.com if you’re interested!

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NHL Goalie Situation – Where Will They End Up?

August 9th, 2010 by Matt | Comments Off | Filed in Goaltending Analysis

With free agency now being just over a month into it and the regular season starting in about two months from today it is very interesting how many goalies are still unsigned and in trade rumours and how many teams do not seem to have their goaltending situation resolved. Teams such as the Oilers, Flyers, Blackhawks, and Bruins all are presumed interested in making goaltending moves still.

In Edmonton, it has been an interesting last month with their goaltending situation. Goaltending which has been an ongoing issue for the club since the spectacular performance Dwayne Roloson put on in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals.  With Khabibulin under contract still, while also Deslauriers and Dubynk it was a bit of a shock when the Oilers announced they have signed UFA Martin Gerber to a two way contract. This signing has led to speculation that Gerber was signed as insurance in case Khabibulin ends up in jail in Arizona for his DUI charge?

Other reports are suggesting the Oilers are desperately trying to get out of the rest of Khabibulins contract and are looking for loop holes or potential trade partners. Oilers General Manager Steve Tambellini is denying all reports and is stating the signing of Gerber gives the team flexibility and options as well as a solid goaltender for their American Hockey League team.  With three 1 way contacts signed plus the veteran Gerber signed there will have to be some type of transaction before the regular season gets underway.

In Philadelphia the goaltending continues to be the number one concern and water cooler topic for this organization. With Niemmi being a UFA now with the Blackhawks not accepting his arbitration case there has been rumours the Flyers will make a pitch for him. This is quite hard to believe considering the Flyers are stating they are content in net with Boucher and Leighton and additionally have limited cap space.

The Blackhawks were last week made the bold decision to go with veteran Marty Turco instead of Niemmi are still not giving up hope that they can get rid of Huet and his contract before the season begins. Latest rumours have Huet going over to Europe and trying to rejuvenate his career over there for a year and get back to his form when he was a Montreal Canadien. Although this is a possibility it will be quite difficult as it is quite similar to the Nylander case in Washington.  Another option would be seeing Huet down in the AHL where it is also presumed Wade Redden will seem himself this year in New York.

Boston would love to see Tim Thomas contract come off their books but at this point there seems to be too many obstacles for this to be achieved. Thomas has a no movement clause and has publicly stated his desire is to remain a Bruin. Thomas’s age, and contract amount also make his trade stock very low.

There still is time before training camp and the regular season but it can be argued that around ten teams still have some sort of goaltending dilemma to sort out.  Furthermore, some once #1 goalies such as Theodore, Legace, and Toskala are still looking for NHL contracts.  What makes these decisions even more difficult is teams have won the Stanley cup the last few years with a true number one goalie such as Fleury in Pittsburgh, but other teams have won with an unproven goalie such as Niemmi in Chicago.

Regardless there are some key decisions to be made and many GMS who will be placing their focus on their goaltending now before the season gets underway!

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