Colby Armstrong analysis

Maple Leafs Hot Stove has very scientific way of projecting how Colby Armtstrong will perform in 2010-11.  You should give this article a read if you like something more than unfounded opinions.  At lease the author backs his article up with statistics.

http://mapleleafshotstove.com/2010/07/29/what-to-expect-colby-armstrong/

Dominic Moore Signs with Tampa Bay for 2 years.

Dominic Moore has signed a two year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning.  The dollar amount has not been published yet.  How much would you sign Dominic Moore for if you were GM Steve Y?

Is Ian White worth $3mil/year.  Ian has progressed steadily from the depths of the AHL to make the NHL.  Calgary avoided arbitration by signing Ian to a contract.  Makes we wonder if the arbitrator would have assigned a higher number for Ian.

Frolov Signs with NYR, Ponikarovsky Signs with LA,...

The domino's are starting to fall.  Shortly after Frolov signs with NYR, Ponikarovsky agrees to terms with LA.  As more players start to get signed, more urgency is created in the free agent marketplace.

Mike Van Ryn announced his retirement.

Van Ryn announced his retirement as he became an assistant coach of the Ontario Hockey League's Niagara IceDogs.  The Niagra Ice Dogs introduced Mike Van Ryn as their new assistant coach.

UFA center, John Madden anyone?

John Madden (Toronto Born) is the type of player who could teach a rookie by example all the finer points to become a winner.  Wherever this guy goes, Stanley Cups seem to follow.  At 5'11, 190 lbs, he is not your typical Burke type player, but he is all heart.  If Chicago was not squeezed up against the the cap, I am sure he would have been resigned without blinking.  He was a key part of the Chicago Blackhawks success in the playoffs with his key face off wins and defensive play.  His stats may indicate he has lost his offensive touch but for a third line center, defending more important than offensive numbers.

This would allow a backup plan for Burke and Ron Wilson if Bozak / Grabovski / Kadri start to falter.

Your thoughts?

Tomas Kaberle's NTC kicks in August 15th

Brian Burke has 21 days to pull of a trade for Tomas Kaberle that will net him a top six forward.  Tomas Kaberle has one year left on his $4.25 million contract (all figures U.S.).  Burke will be listening to all offers leading up to the Aug 15th date.  Brain Burke has repeatedly stated that he was not committed to trading Tomas.  If no trade is forthcoming, a contract extension may be in order.  Negotiations should have already been in progress to determine what the player and agent are seeking.  Hopefully, Brian Burke can handle any contract extension better than the way the Sundin contract talks were handled.  We certainly do not want Tomas to walk away for nothing.