Posts Tagged ‘KHL’

Players to Watch in the Olympics

February 17th, 2010

If you haven’t joined an Olympic hockey pool yet or you just want to look smart in front of your hockey buddies, look no further. This is the blog that will lend you instant credibility and will make you look wiser the Shaq in front of lockerroom of reporters. Here’s my look at some of the top and most underrated players to watch during the Men’s Olympic Ice Hockey Tournament in Vancouver.

Jaromir Jagr (CZE) – Jaromir Jagr was one of the most dominant hockey players in recent memory – when he wanted to be. He’s the highest scoring European-born player (goals, assists and points) in NHL history and is very highly regarded by his younger teammates. His skill was never in question, but his motivation and desire usually was. At 38, it’s safe to say that this will likely be Jagr’s final shot at Olympic gold, so I’m sure motivation won’t be a problem for the Czech flagbearer over the next two weeks. I’d love to see one last flash of glory for the player whose long, curly hair captured the hearts of so many hockey mom’s in the 90’s.

Aleksey Morozov (RUS) – One of the reasons why I think many Canadian hockey fans are underrating the Russian team is Aleksey Morozov. He didn’t quite pan out as the Pittsburgh Penguins had hoped, where his best season saw him score 50 points in 74 games. Still, since returning to play in Russia, his game has dramatically improved to a point where he’s the best player in the world not playing in the NHL and has been for some time. Last season in the KHL, he scored 32 goals and 74 points in 49 games. I know it’s only the KHL, but Russia’s captain is much better than most give him credit for. Hypothetically, I bet if he were to join the NHL next year, he would easily be the most sought-after player on the free agent market this summer.

Ryan Getzlaf (CAN) – The big focus for Canada over the past 72 hours has been if Ryan Getzlaf will be in or out of the Canadian lineup. Well, he’s definitely in – for now. He stepped up to answer questions about the strength of his injured ankle Sunday night by scoring 4 points and guiding Anaheim to victory in his final tune-up game before the Olympics. If he can stay healthy, he adds a much more physical and dynamic presence to Canada – far moreso than a player like Jeff Carter. He also makes teammate (and probable linemate) Corey Perry immediately more effective, which will be big on that 2nd line.

Tomas Vokoun (CZE) – Tomas Vokoun had a bit of a lackluster season last year with Florida and this year has been so-so at best. But make no mistake about it – Tomas Vokoun is a very good goalie. He lead the Czech’s to a gold medal in the 2005 World Championships and a bronze medal 4 years ago in Turin. Anybody scoffing at that should think back to how Canada did in that same tournament. He could steal a few games for the Czech’s and that definitely makes the Czech Republic a dark horse in this tournament.

Patrice Bergeron (CAN) – Many were surprised to see Bergeron included in the Summer evaluation camp, and even though his name was buzzed about during the season, many more were surprised when Patrice was actually named to the Canadian Olympic team. The reason he made this team is because he’s a very useful and versatile player. If you’re surprised to see him on the top line with Sidney Crosby, don’t be. Think back to the NHL lock out year where he and Crosby played on Canada’s top line at the WJC. In fact, it was Bergeron who lit up the score sheet and won the tournament MVP award. With Crosby and Nash as linemates, Bergeron looks set to pile up the points.

Jonas Hiller (SWI) – Everyone is on the same page when it comes to the Swiss team – they are a dangerous team but they aren’t true medal contenders. It would be the shock of the Games if they finished on the medal podium. But having said that, I think the Anaheim Ducks management team will be watching Switzerland closely to find out if they chose the right goalie for their future. This tournament will really expose Hiller and we’ll find out soon enough just how good he really is. This tournament could be a big breakout party for Hiller and like Ray Ferraro said on Tuesday, I wouldn’t want to face Switzerland in a quarterfinal elimination game.

Evgeni Nabokov (RUS) – Burgundy says Russia’s great up front, but not so good on the defense and goaltending positions. I disagree and it’s time for ‘Nabby’ to put his money where his mouth is. A strong performance in this tournament would do a lot to elevate San Jose’s playoff prospects, as well as his UFA status this summer. So clearly, the motivation is there. But the big thing with Nabokov is that he doesn’t need to necessarily steal games for Russia, he just needs to hold them in the game if Russia’s offense stalls. Think Grant Fuhr in Edmonton’s glory days.

Peter Forsberg (SWE) – We’re all getting a little sick of Peter Forsberg aren’t we? He’s probably the only person in history who’s staged more career comebacks than Brett Favre. We’re constantly hearing about his annual comeback attempt to the NHL yet, he’s still a player to watch because this is only a two week tournament. Anyone who can miss an entire NHL season, return in the playoffs and flat-out dominate the way he did in Colorado in 2001-2002 is worth keeping on eye on.

Here’s to a great tournament. Let the best team win and for the aforementioned players to make me look good!

Your Reporter in the Field,

Fantana

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Restricted Free Agency In November?

November 3rd, 2009
Jonathan Toews is one of 3 Chicago Blackhawks that are RFA's this summer.

Jonathan Toews is one of 3 Chicago Blackhawks that are RFA's this summer.

Unrestricted free agents (UFA’s) are the most hyped free agents in the NHL but are they the best free agents? Last week, we looked at unrestricted free agents in October and today, we’ll look at restricted free agents in November.

Since the lockout, things have changed and the league has become a younger league. Top draft picks used to require a few years of ‘seasoning’ because they could crack the NHL, and even then, it would take a few more years before they became impact players. Yet in today’s league, we have 18 year olds that flat-out dominate men in their 30’s. The emergence of young talent across the league makes restricted free agents (RFA) a better deal that UFA’s. Here are some of next summer’s top RFA’s:

Bobby Ryan – Anaheim Ducks

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $765,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $3.5 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Bobby Ryan exploded into the NHL last season, his first full year in the league, where he scored 31 times and was a finalist for the Calder Trophy. With the likelihood of retirement looming for Teemu Selanne, Ryan becomes an even more critical component of Anaheim’s future. $3.5 Million per season might seem pretty rich for a guy who will only have 2.5 years of NHL experience under his belt, but if stretched over 4 or 5 years, could look like a steal.

Ondrej Pavelec – Atlanta Thrashers

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $850,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $3 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: After watching Pavelac steal the show against the Sens on Halloween (he made 50 saves!), I’m convinced he’ll be Atlanta’s future starting goalie. During the game, CBC’s Garry Galley said that Pavelac was a few years away from becoming a star goalie in the NHL but I think it’ll happen sooner than that. This year looks like his breakthrough season and keeping Pavelac around long-term could help Atlanta keep Kovalchuk in the fold too. The key in resigning Pavelac won’t so much be about money, but rather, giving him the starting goaltender position next season.

Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith – Chicago Blackhawks

Value of Toews Contract on September 1st, 2009: $850,000/season
Value of Kane’s Contract on September 1st, 2009: $875,000/season
Value of Keith’s Contract on September 1st, 2009: $1.9 Million/season

Value of All 3’s Contracts on November 1st, 2009: $4.5 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Chicago have a big problem and the clock is ticking. Three of their best players are RFA’s and they’re all due for big raises next year. Chicago’s best bet is to try and negotiate with all three together to keep the core of their team in tact. Having said that, I think it’s clear that something, rather someone or some people, have to give. Names like Patrick Sharp and Kris Versteeg come to mind. And if the Hawks are really lucky, they’ll find a team willing to take Brian Campbell, but don’t count on it.

Kyle Quincey – Colorado Avalanche

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $550,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $3 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Quincey broke out last year with L.A. and looked great quarter-backing their powerplay, scoring 38 points. He’s one of the reasons why Colorado are off to such a torrid start too, scoring 8 points and being +4. Comparable salaries are Marek Zidlicky in Minnesota ($3.5 Million) and Joe Corvo ($2.75 Million), though I think Quincey is better defensively than Corvo and Zidlicky.

Josh Harding – Minnesota Wild

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $1.1 Million/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $2.75 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Minnesota are off to a slow start and as usual, it’s their offense that’s letting them down. Well, that and all their injuries. Either way, you have to wonder how long they’re going to hold on to Josh Harding, who happens to be their best trading chip to acquire another forward. I think Harding will get $2.75 Million next season, but it won’t be in Minnesota. Like Pavelac, the most important aspect of the negotiation will be whether Harding’s a starter next year or not.

Marc Staal – New York Rangers

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $765,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $3.5 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Marc Staal is probably one of the most underrated defensemen in the league, though that may change with his next contract next year, especially since he’s on pace to have a career season. When you watch the Rangers play, Staal is their go-to guy when it comes to shutting down the opponent. The only problem is that New York will be tight against the cap next year, and they’ve got Dan Girardi and Vinny Prospal, among others to resign.

Braydon Coburn – Philadelphia Flyers

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $1.4 Million/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $3 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: I’m still amazed Atlanta traded Coburn for Alexei Zhitnik! Having said that, Philadelphia may have to trade Coburn themselves as they’ve already got $46 Million committed for next year including only 3 defensemen and no starting goalie. Coburn’s easily worth $3 Million a year, especially if that can be stretched out to 4+ years. The only way the Flyers can keep him is by trading one of their forwards – Scott Hartnell is most likely to go but the Flyers would like to move Daniel Briere first.

Kris Letang – Pittsburgh Penguins

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $625,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $3 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: If the NHL goes to the Olympics in 2014 in Russia, I think Letang will be on this team. He seems to get better with every month and he didn’t look out of place last year when Ryan Whitney and Sergei Gonchar went down with big injuries. His 33 points last year, plus the 13 points he scored in the playoffs make him a value part of Pittsburgh’s future. The problem is money, and I can’t see Pittsburgh going much higher than $3 Million a year so I expect Letang to resign in Steeltown for only 2 or 3 years.

Devin Setoguchi – San Jose Sharks

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $765,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $3.5 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Playing alongside guys like Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton will certainly help you score some goals. Just ask Setoguchi, who scored 31 goals last year for San Jose. He’s in the same boat as Bobby Ryan in terms of experience and goal scoring and I think they’ll wind up with similar-sized contracts. Expect both to point to Phil Kessel’s deal in Toronto as a comparable for dollars and term.

Jonas Gustavsson – Toronto Maple Leafs

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $810,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $2.75 Million/season

Jonas Gustavsson will be an RFA this summer.

Jonas Gustavsson will be an RFA this summer.

Fantana’s Thoughts: The Monster has finally arrived in Toronto, having played well on the team’s road trip this past week. Notably, he scored the Leafs’ only victory of the year against Anaheim. If Gustavsson continues his strong play, it’s very likely he’ll become Toronto’s starting goaltender next season. I’m sure that won’t stop the ‘J.S. Giguere to Toronto’ rumour though.

Ryan Kesler – Vancouver Canucks

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $1.75/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $4.5 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Ryan Kesler is the straw that stirs the drink for the Canucks and Vancouver can’t afford to let him go. Dave Nonis will get him resigned, but I hear Kesler doesn’t want to take a ‘hometown discount’. Regardless, it’s hard to place a value on Kesler and consequently, Vancouver have no choice but to pay Kesler market value.

Nicklas Backstrom – Washington Capitals

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $850,000/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $5 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Backstrom is one of the elite playmakers in the NHL and I’d be shocked if Washington didn’t resign him. I’d also be surprised if he didn’t want to stay to play with guys like Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green. Based on Backstrom’s point-per-game average over his 2 season career thus far, I’m expecting Washington to sign him to a long-term deal, somewhere in the 5-8 year neighbourhood.

Alexander Semin – Washington Capitals

Value of Contract on September 1st, 2009: $5 Million/season
Value of Contract on November 1st, 2009: $6 Million/season

Fantana’s Thoughts: Apparently contract negotiations have already begun and they aren’t going very smoothly. There’s still plenty of time to get a deal done, but Semin has a reputation for tough bargaining – he did go and play in Russia rather than reporting to the Caps AHL team during the lockout season and it wouldn’t be a big surprise if he defected to Russia again. I’m sure the KHL will offer him a lot of money. If it comes down to it, I think Washington would keep Backstrom over Semin.

Your Reporter in the Field,

Fantana

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Is Nikolai Zherdev really worth $5 Million per season?

August 4th, 2009

According to various sources, the New York Rangers have let forward Nikolai Zherdev walk and become an unrestricted free agent followarding an arbitration hearing that awarded Zherdev $3.9 Million per season.

To Rangers GM Glen Sather: Good decision.  Finally.

For all the crazy moves and logic Sather has shown over his career, this might be one of the better moves, or non-moves.  It’s not a redemption from that 6 year Wade Redden contract last summer (ouch!), but it’s a start.  I never thought Zherdev fit in with the Rangers and it’s fair to say he’s not exactly coach John Tortorella’s kind of player.

Last week I wrote about the ridiculous KHL contract of Jiri Hudler… and today I’m writing about reports of Zherdev wanting around $5 Million per season.  Hold on for a second – HUH?

$5 Million for Zherdev.  Are you kidding me?   Take a look at his stats below, courtesy of Hockeydb.com.

Zherdev’s career NHL high is 61 points in 82 regular season games in the 2007-2008 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.  That’s pretty respectable, but $5 Million worthy? Like Hudler, his numbers are closer to that of Mikael Samuelsson ($2.5 Million, per season with the Vancouver Canucks).   It’s well established secondary players are the ones who’s pay will suffer the most with the salary cap and is probably the reason why Alex Tanguay, Petr Sykora, Maxime Afinogenov and Zherdev are still without a contract.   The big fish (Marian Hossa, Jay Bouwmeester, Alex Kovalev) still get the big contracts and the role players (Colton Orr, Brad May) still have a place on most teams, but its the available cap space teams don’t have for secondary names and talent.

I don’t consider Nikolai Zherdev (or Jiri Hudler, for that matter) to be a top line 80-90 point per year player.   And teams don’t have the kind of cap space to sign guys at $5 Million per year.  So why are these players asking for it?   Sure, they want the biggest/best contract they can get, but they also understand they are pricing themselves out of jobs.

In Zherdev’s case, it’s been speculated he’s trying to push the Rangers away to obtain early unrestricted free agency… again, speculation says.

At any rate, $3.9 Million per season is still a gamble for Zherdev – a player who’s no stranger to contract disputes (Blue Jackets fans are probably happy to have him gone), despite only a limited number of NHL seasons under his belt and frankly, decent (not great) numbers.

I think I’d rather Hudler for $5 Million.  Urgh, I guess.

Stay classy, Nikolai Zherdev.

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Is Jiri Hudler really worth $5 Million per season?

July 30th, 2009

Is it official?  Is former Detroit Red Wings forward Jiri Hudler officially done with the NHL?

Looks that way, after the KHL officially registered Hudler’s 2 year $10 Million deal with HC Dynamo Moscow on Thursday afternoon.  Who knows what the IIHF and the NHL will do, or any future impact this may or may  not have.

Jiri Hudler: KHLs newest $5 Million player

Jiri Hudler: KHL's newest $5 Million player (image courtesy of viewfrommyseats.com)

But back up for a second.  Jiri Hudler got a contract offer of $5 Million per season?  Holy crap.  Is he really worth that?  TSN reported Hudler received an offer of $15 Million over 5 years and that’s a bit more in line with what he brings to an organization.

Actually, hold that thought.  Am I the only one who isn’t terribly sure how good Jiri Hudler is?  I know the name, I know his face, but seriously, can you recall a highlight reel goal he’s scored?  I can’t.  What I can tell you is he registered a career high in points last year with the Red Wings – 57 points in 82 games.  Yeah – that’s $87,719 per point (yes, I rounded down).

When I think of $5 Million per year players, I think of stars like Martin Havlat, Jeff Carter, Simon Gagne, Alex Kovalev, and Alexander Semin to name a few.  If I’m building a team as a GM, I’d pick all these guys far before Hudler.

Is he really that good?  Mike Babcock had  a great quote in last season’s Stanley Cup players saying “the beauty of playing in Detroit is guys like Hudler get to play against other teams 3rd lines…”.  Very true – Hudler has benefit from Detroit’s depth in playing against weaker checking lines.  Also, from playing with other quality forwards.

For what it’s worth, I see Hudler more comparable to another forward the Red Wings just lost, Mikael Samuelsson, now of the Vancouver Canucks.  Their career stats are similar but paychecks aren’t – Samuelsson signed a 3 year $7.5 Million contract earlier this summer ($2.5 Million average).

Hudler – 255 games played, 127 points.
Samuelsson – 466 games played, 208 points.

According to salaries, Hudler is twice as good as Samuelsson.  That line might belong in the “Things that make you go hmmmm” category.  Whatever we may think about this, given the kind of money Hudler signed on for, he’ll be relied on as a top producing forward.  I’m not convinced he can be the best player on the ice, consistently.  Not after 255 regular season NHL games played.

Stay classy, Jiri Hudler.

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Depth test: Is this a good thing or bad thing?

July 9th, 2009

The last 8-9 days have been pretty tough for all parties affected.  A grieving process that’s actually gotten worse, not better.   And I fear the worst is yet to come; things might get a little harder as we roll past summer into the fall season.  It’s not fair to the fans involved – they are great, passionate fans.   But, this has been coming for while.  The writing was on the wall and at some point, all great things must come to an end.

I should probably clarify something.  This isn’t an ode to Michael Jackson and that ridiculous $1.4 Million California shutdown earlier this week.  I’m talking about the Detroit Red Wings and the blow their depth chart has taken since July  1st.  For anyone looking to keep score, the Red Wings have lost Marian Hossa and Thomas Kopecky (both to the Chicago Blackhawks), Mikael Samuelsson (Vancouver Canucks) and Jiri Hudler (KHL) since game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.

We’ve long praised the Detroit Red Wings organization as the NHL’s model drafting and developing organization for what feels like forever.  Unfortunately for the Red Wings, the talent they’ve scouted and developed over the years represents the very reason the guys listed above aren’t a part of their roster for years to come.  That’s quite the quandary.  A catch 22, if you will.

So the question is, how deep are the Red Wings and just how good are some of their prospects or “role players”?  I say that with no disrespect.  Some of Detroit’s checking line players fit into most team’s top 2 lines.   And a testament to Detroit’s depth, most teams would be crippled losing the likes of Hudler, Hossa, Kopecky and Samuelsson, yet we’re discussing if it will be a set back or not.

One way or another, this is a turning point for the Red Wings organization.  Either it’s the beginning of their decline (one I’m sure would be extremely brief, given GM Ken Holland’s track record), paving way for Chicago to be the dominant force in the Central Division and Western Conference.  Or Detroit’s perennial Stanley Cup contender legacy will solidify beyond comprehension if guys like Justin Abdelkader and Darren Helm can make the adjustment and continue to evolve.

I’m betting this will be a set-back for the Detroit Red Wings.  Not a huge one – they still have 2 top flight forwards in Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk, as well as the most dominant NHL defenceman in modern history, Nick Lidstrom (plus a great supporting cast including Stuart, Rafalski and Kronwall).  I’m guessing the secondary scoring won’t come as easily, which will place more pressure on Chris Osgood, Zetterberg and Datsyuk.

Do you think this is a changing of the guards in the Central division, or a small blip in the Red Wings radar?

Stay classy, Detroit Red Wings.

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Likely NHL suitors for Ray Emery

March 29th, 2009

You know we’re in Ottawa when the local sports media churns out yet another story about former Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery and his ongoing driving problems.  It’s like a never ending surplus of terrible reporting.  And of all the stories to write about – the NHL two weeks away from the Stanley Cup playoffs, or the Ottawa Senators remarkable turnaround (to name a few), Ray’s H2 Hummer apparently trumps all.  

 

Ray Emery stays classy with those pads

Ray Emery stays classy with these pads!

One year after his exile from Ottawa and after a full season in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League (KHL),  Emery finished with a 22-8-0 record, 2.12 goals against average, and a .920 save percentage.  You can probably add a KO to his stats following that bench scuffle with the Russian trainer who tried to make Ray wear a hat in January.  

Ray Emery’s dominance in the KHL will likely garner him considerable attention this summer from NHL teams with goaltending needs and little cap room.  But despite Ray’s strong performance in the KHL, he’ll be viewed as a risk and any deals offered to him will reflect that.  

Stayclassy.net believes the Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers and would all be good fits for the young goaltender.

Simply put, Toronto, Detroit and Atlanta have some cap room, no number one goalie and inconsistent play from their current starters.  That said, the Colorado Avalanche would be, by far, the best fit for Ray Emery.

In the 2008-2009 NHL season, Colorado spent $1.5 Million on goaltending.  It shows, as they are among the NHL’s worst in average goals against per game, using Andrew Raycroft and Peter Budaj.  Both are yet to be resigned, with Raycroft to be an UFA and Budaj to be a RFA come July 1st.  Most of Colorado’s skaters are signed for next season, with the exception of star center Joe Sakic, so a reasonable contract for Emery would fit Colorado’s 2009-2010 salary cap.  

Emery would mark the Av’s first goalie with Stanley Cup Final experience since Patrick Roy.  Not surprisingly, he’d also be the best goalie Colorado’s seen since Roy’s retirement.  Emery would fit well in Denver because of low hockey profiles and local speed laws, as Ray’s well documented speeding issues are the cause of various accidents and reasons for frequent pull-overs throughout the years.  

Colorado is regarded as having more than reasonable driving regulations – ideal for Emery.  In November 2008, the I-25, a major highway running through Colorado, increased speed limits to 65 MPH.  A number of other highways and freeways are experimenting with heightened speed limits to help traffic conjestion.  Most Colorado speed limits have slack of 5-10 MPH – a good thing for Ray considering how little (if any) he gets in Ottawa now.  Police in Colorado wouldn’t have 24/7 tracking on Emery’s white Hummer, as Ottawa police do and finally, Ray is well versed in any seasonal driving challenges Colorado would offer, having lived in Ottawa for a few years.

So I ask the question, would signing Ray Emery as a goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche be any more of a risk than resigning Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft?

Stay classy, Ray Emery.

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