Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Gilmour, Nieuwendyk and Belfour called to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
It was a long wait for Gilmour and Belfour but today they got word they will be inducted into the Hockey Hall Of Fame. Leaf Nation is hoping Pat Burns will get his turn soon.
Brooks Laich Signs With Washington
What is a player worth? If you consider the maximum NHL roster size is 23 and the salary cap is $64 million, on average each player would be worth $2.78 mil. If you consider the minimum NHL roster size of 20 and cap, then on average each player would be worth $3.2 mil. The average of both figures is $2.99 mil per roster player. Many would consider Laich an above player for his team since he is a well rounded depth hockey player with offensive upside.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Scott Gomez Toronto Bound?
Montreal recently signed Andrei Markov to a contract with a cap hit of $5.75 mil per season for three years. The cap payroll currently sits above $49 million leaving approximately 15 million to spend for Montreal. Montreal still has six UFA and six RFA to sign with some high notable players on that list including James Wisniewski, Josh Gorges, Roman Hamrlik, , Brent Sopel and Benoit Pouliot. Josh Gorges could easily be in the $4.5 - $5.5 million range and this could go to arbitration. James Wisniewski was in the $3.25 and will be looking for a raise in the $4 - 4.5 million range. Assuming these two players take up $10 million leaving only $5 million to sign 10 players, something has to give.
You don't have to look very far to see what pieces can be removed from the roster for cap relief and still not disturb the core of the team. Scott Gomez has a target on his back with a commanding $+7 million and declining salary. Toronto is in the fortunate position to absorb the cap hit for two more years.
You don't have to look very far to see what pieces can be removed from the roster for cap relief and still not disturb the core of the team. Scott Gomez has a target on his back with a commanding $+7 million and declining salary. Toronto is in the fortunate position to absorb the cap hit for two more years.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Leafs Acquire John-Michael Liles
Tomas Kaberle was traded to Boston for prospect Joe Colborne, 1st round draft pick (30th overall), and Boston's 2nd round pick in 2012. Burke has managed to turn the conditional pick into John Michael Liles.
Trade now breaks down to this:
Toronto Acquired:
Boston Acquired:
Colorado Acquired:
John-Michael Liles is on the last year of his contract and was battling a concussion, he will be looking to perform well in a contract year. Despite the shortened season, Liles put up good numbers for an offensive defenseman with 76-6-40. JML adds more than offense to the back-end for the Leafs, he could be a big boon to the Leafs by adding the offensive presence on the back end and his quick puck moving skills. His speed will allow the team to utilize their speed and skill. The passing skill on the blueline jumped up exponentially. The power play will improve greatly now that JML can quarterback.
Trade now breaks down to this:
Toronto Acquired:
- Joe Colborne (2008 1st round, 16th overall)
- 2011 1st round pick, 30th overall
- John-Michael Liles (2000 159th overall)
Boston Acquired:
- Tomas Kaberle (1996 204th overall)
Colorado Acquired:
- Boston 2012 2nd round pick
John-Michael Liles is on the last year of his contract and was battling a concussion, he will be looking to perform well in a contract year. Despite the shortened season, Liles put up good numbers for an offensive defenseman with 76-6-40. JML adds more than offense to the back-end for the Leafs, he could be a big boon to the Leafs by adding the offensive presence on the back end and his quick puck moving skills. His speed will allow the team to utilize their speed and skill. The passing skill on the blueline jumped up exponentially. The power play will improve greatly now that JML can quarterback.
Rick Dudley Added To Leafs Management Team
Wow! Rick Dudley was recently let go from his job with Atlanta when the team was relocated to Winnipeg. The "Jets" loss is the Leafs gain! Dudley was the chief architect in creating the Tampa Bay team that won the cup in 2004. When he landed in Chicago, he was instrumental in building up the Blackhawks to make their cup run in 2010. With Atlanta, the team is already starting to look like a cup contender with many pieces in place. I certainly hope the Leafs scouting staff, Nonis and Burke use Dudley to help them with the 2011 NHL entry draft!
Richards And Carter Traded Away!
They were the trades heard around NHL circles that took everyone by surprise. It was no secret that the Flyers were in a cap crunch and desperately wanted to sign newly acquired Ilya Bryzgalov. It was expected that either Jeff Carter or Mike Richards would be dealt to provide the cap relief. When the Flyers announced they traded both star players, that sent shock waves around the NHL. It may come as a shock to most fans but the Flyers are a better team now and in the future.
Flyers captain Mike Richards single-handedly took the team deep into the playoffs previously and had a bit of an off-season this past season. Carter had solid year last season and was starting to play a more dominant role with the Flyers.
Flyers Acquire:
Kings Acquire:
The Kings needed to get better now and were willing to gamble on Schenn and Simmonds for the immediate help from Richards. The Kings are now better team and can make a deep run into the playoffs having a solid group of top six forwards.
The Flyers needed the cap relief and are a better team now since they have goaltending that could win a playoff round for the team in Ilya Bryzgalov. With the departures of Richards and Carter, the Flyers can allow JVR, Leino and others to develop further and take more ownership for the success/failure. Simonds is a RFA and will potentially earn a higher salary.
The Blue Jackets need a center to play with Nash and acquired Carter. Carter is known as a scorer rather than a puck distributor so this pairing may not be ideal for both players.
The Flyers replace Carter for a younger, and potentially more talented Jakub Voracek, along with the 8th pick and high 3rd round pick. The 8th pick could become Ryan Strome or Sean Couturier. Voracek will help the Flyers immediately and at much easier cap hit.
The Flyers had one big area in need in goal and have addressed it with Bryzgalov. They also moved established star players in Richards and Carter for unknown potential star players and also getting younger. The future is looking good for the Flyers and now they have cap spaced to added more depth if needed.
You may be asking how does this tie in with the Maple Leafs? The Flyers have echoed the asking price for a relatively young star player will cost approximately two 1st round picks and 2nd round give or take. The Flyers trade closely resembles the Leafs trade for Kessel if you consider that Kessel is not locked into a long term contract and was younger when traded to the Maple Leafs and Boston acquired only picks and no players.
Flyers captain Mike Richards single-handedly took the team deep into the playoffs previously and had a bit of an off-season this past season. Carter had solid year last season and was starting to play a more dominant role with the Flyers.
Flyers Acquire:
- future NHL star Brayden Schenn (2009 1st round, 5th overall)
- top six NHL forward Wayne Simmonds (2007 2nd round, 61st overall)
- and additional second-round pick
Kings Acquire:
- Mike Richards (2003 1st round pick, 24th overall).
The Kings needed to get better now and were willing to gamble on Schenn and Simmonds for the immediate help from Richards. The Kings are now better team and can make a deep run into the playoffs having a solid group of top six forwards.
The Flyers needed the cap relief and are a better team now since they have goaltending that could win a playoff round for the team in Ilya Bryzgalov. With the departures of Richards and Carter, the Flyers can allow JVR, Leino and others to develop further and take more ownership for the success/failure. Simonds is a RFA and will potentially earn a higher salary.
Flyers Acquire:
- future NHL star Jakub Voracek (2007 1st round, 7th overall)
- 2011 1st round, Columbus, 8th overall
- 2011 3rd round, Columbus, 68 overall
Blue Jackets Acquire:
- Jeff Carter (2003 1st round pick, 11th overall).
The Blue Jackets need a center to play with Nash and acquired Carter. Carter is known as a scorer rather than a puck distributor so this pairing may not be ideal for both players.
The Flyers replace Carter for a younger, and potentially more talented Jakub Voracek, along with the 8th pick and high 3rd round pick. The 8th pick could become Ryan Strome or Sean Couturier. Voracek will help the Flyers immediately and at much easier cap hit.
The Flyers had one big area in need in goal and have addressed it with Bryzgalov. They also moved established star players in Richards and Carter for unknown potential star players and also getting younger. The future is looking good for the Flyers and now they have cap spaced to added more depth if needed.
You may be asking how does this tie in with the Maple Leafs? The Flyers have echoed the asking price for a relatively young star player will cost approximately two 1st round picks and 2nd round give or take. The Flyers trade closely resembles the Leafs trade for Kessel if you consider that Kessel is not locked into a long term contract and was younger when traded to the Maple Leafs and Boston acquired only picks and no players.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Star Reporter Kevin McGran Calling Into Question Brian Burke Drafting Success
Prior to reading the article "Burke's NHL draft record: feast or famine", I was hoping something useful could be taken away for reflection. Instead, it appears to be another anti Brian Burke article from Toronto sports media. I tend to dislike articles that attempt to add substance by adding statistics but forget to add impartiality. Essentially, the article says Burke's drafting record is under .500, and previous GM JFJ had better results drafting. Nowhere was mentioned how other GM's compared against Burke so the reader must assume .500 mark is the standard. What about teams that prefer to tank for five years and then make a run for the cup? Should a Detroit or NJ GM's have a better record than .500 if they continually finish in the top of the league standings?
Kevin McGran seems to think
0.5*[Quality GM] + 0.5*[High Draft Pick] = [NHL Player]
I would argue the formula is not so simple.
0.5*[Player Development] + 0.25*[Quality Scouting Staff] + 0.15*[High Draft Pick] + 0.1*[Quality GM] + = [NHL Player]
Player Development has many components and singularly the most important to ensure a draft pick reaches the NHL.
Kevin McGran seems to think
0.5*[Quality GM] + 0.5*[High Draft Pick] = [NHL Player]
I would argue the formula is not so simple.
0.5*[Player Development] + 0.25*[Quality Scouting Staff] + 0.15*[High Draft Pick] + 0.1*[Quality GM] + = [NHL Player]
Player Development has many components and singularly the most important to ensure a draft pick reaches the NHL.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Home Team Wins Game 7 Of Stanley Cup Final
In recent NHL playoff History, the home team usually wins the Stanley Cup Game 7 match. However, Pittsburgh and Sidney Crosby changed that in 2009. Odds are in favor of Vancouver unless Tim Thomas can steal Game 7 for Boston.
Note: in the 2009 Game 7 finals, the 3rd and 4th lines had more to do with the outcome rather than the top players.
Note: in the 2009 Game 7 finals, the 3rd and 4th lines had more to do with the outcome rather than the top players.
June 19, 2006 - @Carolina Hurricanes 3, Edmonton Oilers 1
June 7, 2004 - @Tampa Bay Lightning 2, Calgary Flames 1
June 9, 2003 - @New Jersey Devils 3, Anaheim Mighty Ducks 0
June 9, 2001 - @Colorado Avalanche 3, New Jersey Devils 1
June 14, 1994 - @New York Rangers 3, Vancouver Canucks 2
May 31, 1987 - @Edmonton Oilers 3, Philadelphia Flyers 1
Philly Cap'n Crunch
When Paul Holmgren traded for Ilya Bryzgalov rights, the rest of the league is now waiting to see what the next move is for the team. Could they pull a NJ and dress less players to stay under the salary cap?
The NHL salary cap is expected to raise by approximately 4 million. Using the cap from last year, Flyers are over by approximately 6 million with some assumptions made to resigning players. Using the online Capgeek cap calculator, it is obvious the Flyers need to trim more than 5 million in cap space and still add an extra body to have the maximum 21 NHL players. The calculated cap space was over 6 million (adjusted 2 million with new cap). Modest raises awarded to RFA's but that number could realistically go higher. Modest contract awarded to Ilya Bryzgalov with the assumption of a longer term.
If Phily is going to keep the team competitive and intact without much change, it would make sense to move one high priced player rather than a handful of average priced players. The top earning players are Briere, Richards, Pronger, Timonen and Carter. Age and salary would declassify Briere, Timonen and Pronger as trade assets leaving Richards and Carter. The center position is harder to replace than wing, so that would mean Jeff Carter is going to be the subject of trade talks. When Kris Versteeg was traded to Philly at the trade deadline, Jeff Carter immediately became replaceable.
The remaining question is how much do you give up for a player who is a guaranteed cap hit of $5,272,727 NTC until the end of 2021-22 season (11 years) (age 37 by end of contract). At about 60+ points per season, is Jeff Carter worth +5mil per season?
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Daniel Briere ($6.500m) / Mike Richards ($5.750m) / Jeff Carter ($5.272m)
Scott Hartnell ($4.200m) / Claude Giroux ($3.750m) / Kris Versteeg ($3.083m)
James Van Riemsdyk ($1.654m) / Ian Laperriere ($1.166m) / Jody Shelley ($1.100m)
Blair Betts ($0.700m) / Ville Leino ($1.500m) / Daniel Carcillo ($1.500m)
DEFENSEMEN
Kimmo Timonen ($6.333m) / Chris Pronger ($4.921m)
Andrej Meszaros ($4.000m) / Matt Carle ($3.437m)
Braydon Coburn ($3.200m) / Danny Syvret ($1.300m)
GOALTENDERS
Ilya Bryzgalov ($5.000m) / Sergei Bobrovsky ($1.750m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $66,119,155; BONUSES: $1,700,000
CAP SPACE (20-man roster): -$6,719,155
The NHL salary cap is expected to raise by approximately 4 million. Using the cap from last year, Flyers are over by approximately 6 million with some assumptions made to resigning players. Using the online Capgeek cap calculator, it is obvious the Flyers need to trim more than 5 million in cap space and still add an extra body to have the maximum 21 NHL players. The calculated cap space was over 6 million (adjusted 2 million with new cap). Modest raises awarded to RFA's but that number could realistically go higher. Modest contract awarded to Ilya Bryzgalov with the assumption of a longer term.
If Phily is going to keep the team competitive and intact without much change, it would make sense to move one high priced player rather than a handful of average priced players. The top earning players are Briere, Richards, Pronger, Timonen and Carter. Age and salary would declassify Briere, Timonen and Pronger as trade assets leaving Richards and Carter. The center position is harder to replace than wing, so that would mean Jeff Carter is going to be the subject of trade talks. When Kris Versteeg was traded to Philly at the trade deadline, Jeff Carter immediately became replaceable.
The remaining question is how much do you give up for a player who is a guaranteed cap hit of $5,272,727 NTC until the end of 2021-22 season (11 years) (age 37 by end of contract). At about 60+ points per season, is Jeff Carter worth +5mil per season?
CAPGEEK.COM CAP CALCULATOR
FORWARDS
Daniel Briere ($6.500m) / Mike Richards ($5.750m) / Jeff Carter ($5.272m)
Scott Hartnell ($4.200m) / Claude Giroux ($3.750m) / Kris Versteeg ($3.083m)
James Van Riemsdyk ($1.654m) / Ian Laperriere ($1.166m) / Jody Shelley ($1.100m)
Blair Betts ($0.700m) / Ville Leino ($1.500m) / Daniel Carcillo ($1.500m)
DEFENSEMEN
Kimmo Timonen ($6.333m) / Chris Pronger ($4.921m)
Andrej Meszaros ($4.000m) / Matt Carle ($3.437m)
Braydon Coburn ($3.200m) / Danny Syvret ($1.300m)
GOALTENDERS
Ilya Bryzgalov ($5.000m) / Sergei Bobrovsky ($1.750m)
CAPGEEK.COM TOTALS (follow @capgeek on Twitter)
(these totals are compiled without the bonus cushion)
SALARY CAP: $59,400,000; CAP PAYROLL: $66,119,155; BONUSES: $1,700,000
CAP SPACE (20-man roster): -$6,719,155
Diamond In The Rough
His resume reads that he was selected in the first round and seventh overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft. In 2000-01 he earned CCHA All-Rookie Team honours and the next year earned CCHA First Team All-Star and NCAA West First All-American Team honours. Twice selected to the USA World Junior team in 2001 and 2002. Help lead this AHL affiliate in 2002-03 to the AHL Calder Cup final. In 2003, was selected to the AHL All-Rookie Team.
The son of immigrant parents, he is fist generation for his family in North America. Losing his mother to pancreatic cancer in November 2005 at the young age of 51 was hard while still having to battle for a job in the NHL.
You probably guessed by now the player is Mike Komisarek. Komisarek never dazzled opponents with his slick skating or deft stick handling but rather forged a reputation as a hard-hitting, stay-at-home defenseman. In Montreal, Mike Komisarek was a fan favorite for sticking up for his teammates. Brian Burke saw that Mike Komisarek played a simple game and signed the UFA to a five year deal to start building his defense core. After suffering a devastating shoulder injury, he still wanted to play for his country in the Olympics but was denied by his GM due to long term health reasons. Mike Komisarek recovered from the the shoulder injury to start the 2010-11 season but having to endure a long rehabilitation appears to have altered his confidence on the ice. The little mistakes started to snowball from day one and soon enough the avalanche was in full effect. Maple Leaf coach Ron Wilson was taking a beating in the media for playing Komisarek and eventually Mike saw less minutes per game. The less Komisarek played, the more amplified his mistakes on the ice were portrayed in the media. Komisarek has faced adversity many times before outside of hockey and he will rebound again, his resume proves it. No one should be surprised if Mike Komisarek plays a top four role and proves Brian Burke was correct to sign him as a core player envisioned with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Carl Gunnarsson Agrees To Terms With Leafs
A Swedish newspaper has reported that Carl Gunnarson has agreed to a new two year contract with the Maple Leafs, details and salary have not been disclosed.
The speculation is that the contract could be in the 1.3 mil per season range.
The Leafs currently have four defensemen Phaneuf, Komisarek, Lebda and Aulie signed to contracts for next season. The Leafs have three defensemen who are restricted free agents with Schenn, Lashoff and Gunnarsson. With an official press release moments away regarding the Gunnarson contract, Schenn should expecting a new contract soon, preferably before July 1st.
Monday, June 6, 2011
11 Draft Picks For Leafs in 2011 Draft
The last time Toronto had this many picks was back in 2001 with 12. From that draft, only two noteworthy NHL players emerged.
Two out of twelve is not bad? The wasted picks were as follows:
With the bulk of the picks taken after round four, is it safe to assume the pickings were slim? The following are some of the missed opportunities.
Late round draft picks can still produce NHL players, but the Maple Leafs scouting staff needs to have done their homework.
| 1 | 17 | Toronto | Carlo Colaiacovo | D | Erie Otters [OHL] | 306 | 28 | 92 | 120 | 169 |
| 5 | 134 | Toronto | Kyle Wellwood | C | Belleville Bulls [OHL] | 373 | 68 | 105 | 173 | 30 |
Two out of twelve is not bad? The wasted picks were as follows:
| 3 | 65 | Toronto | Brendan Bell | D | Ottawa 67's [OHL] | 101 | 7 | 21 | 28 | 51 |
| 2 | 39 | Toronto | Karel Pilar | D | Litvinov CHP HC [Czech] | 90 | 6 | 24 | 30 | 42 |
| 3 | 82 | Toronto | Jay Harrison | D | Brampton Battalion [OHL] | 130 | 4 | 14 | 18 | 140 |
| 3 | 88 | Toronto | Nicolas Corbeil | C | Sherbrooke Beavers [QMJHL] |
| 6 | 168 | Toronto | Maxim Kondratiev | D | Tolyatti-2 | 40 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 24 |
| 6 | 183 | Toronto | Jaroslav Sklenar | L | Brno (Czech) |
| 7 | 198 | Toronto | Ivan Kolozvary | F | Trencin Dukla [Slovak] |
| 7 | 213 | Toronto | Jan Chovan | G | Belleville Bulls [OHL] |
| 8 | 246 | Toronto | Tomas Mojzis | D | Moose Jaw Warriors [WHL] | 17 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 14 |
| 9 | 276 | Toronto | Mike Knoepfli | F | Georgetown Raiders [OPJHL] |
With the bulk of the picks taken after round four, is it safe to assume the pickings were slim? The following are some of the missed opportunities.
| 8 | 238 | NY Rangers | Ryan Hollweg | C | Medicine Hat Tigers [WHL] | 228 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 349 |
| 7 | 227 | Colorado | Marek Svatos | R | Kootenay Ice [WHL] | 344 | 100 | 72 | 172 | 217 |
| 7 | 220 | Calgary | David Moss | R | Cedar Rapids RoughRiders [USHL] | 285 | 59 | 56 | 115 | 82 |
| 7 | 214 | Los Angeles | Cristobal Huet | G | Lugano [Swiss-A] | 272 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 10 |
| 7 | 202 | Minnesota | Derek Boogaard | L | Prince George Cougars [WHL] | 277 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 589 |
| 6 | 192 | Dallas | Jussi Jokinen | L | Karpat Jrs. (Finland) | 457 | 103 | 186 | 289 | 154 |
| 6 | 193 | Ottawa | Brooks Laich | C | Moose Jaw Warriors [WHL] | 475 | 100 | 137 | 237 | 203 |
| 6 | 179 | Boston | Andrew Alberts | D | Waterloo Black Hawks [USHL] | 381 | 6 | 45 | 51 | 420 |
| 6 | 175 | San Jose | Ryane Clowe | L | Rimouski Oceanic [QMJHL] | 319 | 84 | 131 | 215 | 391 |
| 6 | 176 | NY Rangers | Marek Zidlicky | D | HIFK Helsinki [SM-liiga] | 507 | 60 | 224 | 284 | 472 |
| 6 | 172 | Philadelphia | Dennis Seidenberg | D | Mannheim Eagles [DEL] | 455 | 25 | 123 | 148 | 193 |
| 5 | 151 | Vancouver | Kevin Bieksa | D | Bowling Green State University [CCHA] | 347 | 34 | 113 | 147 | 556 |
Late round draft picks can still produce NHL players, but the Maple Leafs scouting staff needs to have done their homework.
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