Bleacher Report - Articles by Scott Miller

Where Will Mats Sundin End Up?: The Top Five Teams That Could Use the Swede's Services

Scott Miller — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:48:01 -0400

Mats Sundin is one of the many players that are still looking for a place to play next season. But what teams could use the 38 year-old Swede? The Toronto Maple Leafs all-time leading goal and point scorer ended his thirteen-year career with the team when he signed a one-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks last year. However, he signed mid-season, and only played the later half of it. Despite being a consistent point-producer during his time with the Leafs (he had at least 70 or more points in twelve of his thirteen seasons with the team, and led them in points in every season but one), he was unable to find that same touch with the Canucks. In 41 games, he scored only 9 goals, and finished with 28 points. He was also a minus-five. Even though he was less than successful in Vancouver, I think that if Sundin were to find the right team, he could have at least one more good season before he retires. The following are some teams that can afford him (if he were to be paid $5-million like last year, although it is clear he deserves far less after his performance this past season), that could us some veteran leadership, and some added offense.

Begin Slideshow

Anahiem Ducks To Acquire Justin Pogge

Scott Miller — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:19:50 -0400

According to NHL.com and a TSN report, Justin Pogge will be sent to the Ducks for a conditional late-round draft pick. This pick could improve the better that Pogge plays. The deal should be completed by tomorrow (Monday, August 10).

Also, with the departure of Pogge, the Leafs are allegedly going to sign free-agent goalie Joey MacDonald. He spent last season with the New York Islanders.

The 29-year old goaltender played 49 games last season with New York, finishing with a record of 14-26-6, a G.A.A. of 3.37, and a SV percentage of .901. He also has played for Detroit and Boston, and has a career record of 17-34-9, a G.A.A. of 3.31, and a SV percentage of .900.

He also holds a number of team records from when he played for Detroit's AHL affiliate team, the Grand Rapids Griffins. He has the highest save-percentage in a season (.936), most career wins (70), and most career shutouts (14).

NHL.com Article: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=463733

Justin Pogge: A Chicago Blackhawk?

Scott Miller — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:33:29 -0400

With the signing of goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, Justin Pogge knew his future in Toronto wasn't so bright any more.

About a year ago, I wrote an article about whether or not Justin Pogge was ready for the NHL (see below). At 6'3" and 204 lbs, he is a big goalie with great potential.

He posted excellent numbers during his junior career (even winning a gold medal with the 2006 Canadian World Junior Team), and decent numbers during his 2007-08 season with the Marlies (26-10-4, 2.34 G.A.A., .908 SV%, and four shutouts). Even still, I said I did not think he was quite NHL-ready.

Obviously, I was correct. Even though Pogge stopped 19 shots in his first NHL start for a 6-2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers, he finished his season with the Leafs with a record of 1-4-1, a G.A.A. of 4.35, and a save-percentage of .844.

Pogge also had a weak season with the Marlies in 2008-09, posting a record of 26-21-5, a G.A.A. of 2.70, a save-percentage of .895, and not a single shutout.

And now with Gustavsson added to the mix, it doesn't look like Pogge will be a regular on the Leafs roster any time soon. The GM of Toronto, Brian Burke, signed Pogge to a one-year deal this offseason, and told him he will trade him to a place where he will have a better opportunity to play.

But where could Pogge be headed to? What NHL teams need a goaltending prospect such as himself, and what teams have something Brian Burke would like in return?

Unfortunately for Pogge, there really aren't too many NHL teams that lack goaltending depth, or that would even want a goalie that has yet to prove himself at an NHL level, and one that has even shown inconsistency in the AHL.

However, of all the teams I looked into, I believe Pogge's best oppurtunity would be with the Chicago Blackhawks (Note: I am merely speculating. I have not heard any real trade rumours in regard to Pogge).

On July 1st, 2009, Nikolai Khabibulin signed a four-year deal worth $15 million with the Edmonton Oilers, leaving Cristobal Huet as the starting goalie for the 'Hawks. However, it looks like they don't have any goalie who is a sure thing to be a back-up.

As for goaltending prospects, the Blackhawks have Corey Crawford. At age 24, he has spent three seasons in the AHL. This past season, he had a record of 22-20-3, a G.A.A. of 2.58, a save-percentage of .917, and two shutouts. Unless Chicago signs another goalie, it is likely Crawford could take over the back-up role for the 'Hawks.

Assuming Crawford does make a step-up to the NHL, this would leave a spot on the Rockford Icehogs, Chicago's AHL affiliate. Although Pogge would still be playing in the minors, I think he would still have a better chance of seeing more NHL action than he would in Toronto.

And although I wouldn't classify Cristobal Huet as old, he will be turning 34 before the 2008-09 season has begun, and soon enough his career will have to come to an end, giving Pogge a legitimate shot at getting a spot on an NHL roster.

So, who could the Leafs obtain from the 'Hawks for Pogge?

I think maybe a prospect such as Bryan Bickell would be of use to the Leafs. At 6'4", and 218 lbs., the 23 year-old native of Bowmanville, Ontario was drafted by Chicago 41st overall in the 2004 draft. During the 2007-08 season, the left-winger was third on the Rockford Icehogs for goals (19) and sixth for points (39).

However, in the 2008-09 season, he scored only six goals, and finished with 14 points in 42 games. In seven NHL games with the Blackhawks, he has two goals, no assists, and two penalty minutes.

Bickell is a strong hitter, a good skater, and also has a good shot. Overall, he has been said to have much potential, and is the kind of player Brian Burke likes. Since Chicago is filled with big, strong forwards, his opportunities have been limited, and would probably have a better chance of being an NHL regular if traded to the Leafs.

Other players and draft picks could be added to this trade to benefit both teams and players.

Whether you agree with my idea or not, it is a sure thing Justin Pogge will no longer be a Maple Leaf by the time the 2009-10 season has started. Once Toronto's goaltender of the future, he will now be a thing of the Leafs' past.

I wish him the best, and hope he one day does live up to what so many expected of him.

My Past Article on Pogge: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/35852-is-justin-pogge-ready-for-the-nhl

Mats Sundin Makes His Return to Toronto This Saturday

Scott Miller — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:40:51 -0500

A year ago today, who would have guessed Mats Sundin would be sitting on the "Visitors" bench in Toronto?

The former captain of the Leafs signed with the Vancouver Canucks last December, ensuring that he would not return to Toronto.

Sundin played 13 seasons in Toronto, accumulating 987 points (420 goals, 567 assists) in 981 games, making him the franchise's all-time point leader. He was named captain of the team during the 1996-'97 season, and remained so until his official departure a few months ago.

Although Sundin never won any major National Hockey League awards, he was voted to the NHL All-Star Team nine times, won an Olympic gold medal with Team Sweden at the 2006 Winter Olympics, and has set a number of league records, such as most regular season overtime goals (15, tied with Jaromir Jagr and Patrick Elias), fastest overtime goal (six seconds, tied with Alexander Ovechkin and David Legwand), and has the most career points, goals, and assists by a Swedish hockey player.

Many people have been speculating what kind of reception Sundin will get when he makes his return to Toronto. Of course he will receive both negative and positive reception in a city like Toronto, but which will overcome the other? Does Sundin truly deserve to be "booed," or cheered for all he did for the team over the years?

At last season's trade deadline, many people wondered whether or not Sundin would waive his no-trade clause, which would allow Toronto to trade him and receive some draft picks and young players in return. Sundin decided to stay with the team (which was fine with me). However, when the season ended and Sundin was a free agent, it was said he was unsure whether or not he would even re-sign with the Leafs. I was worried.

As you all know, he did not return to the team, leaving Toronto with nothing in return. I was very angry, and even wrote an article expressing so. If I were still feeling the way I did a few months ago, I would have "booed" Sundin. But now, my thoughts have changed.

Yes, Sundin didn't allow Toronto to trade him and receive some much needed players and draft picks. And yes, the players and picks Toronto would have received would have been excellent. But does Sundin deserved to be heckled in the city he did so much for? No.

As I listed above, Sundin was Toronto's best offensive player for years. In fact, he's the best offensive player for Toronto ever. He carried the Leafs as far as he could for years. Of course, Toronto never won a Cup (which isn't his fault), but without him they wouldn't have even come close.

So to my fellow Toronto fans, face it—Sundin is gone. Booing him won't bring him back, nor will it make draft picks or young players magically appear. Instead, remember the good years, and all he did for this franchise, and cheer his return. And if you think about it, without him (or some new players) Toronto is even worse than they would be, giving us a better chance of getting Tavares.

Young Stars: Who Will Win the Calder Trophy?

Scott Miller — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:40:43 -0500

What do Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin, Martin Brodeur, Bobby Orr, Dany Heatley, Patrick Kane and Peter Forsberg all have in common?

They all won the Calder Memorial Trophy (at some point) for being "most proficient in [their] first year of competition in the National Hockey League."

Simply put, they were the Rookie of the Year.

The majority of players who have won this award have went on to have excellent careers in the NHL, so many people take this award as a sign of great things to come. However, it's no guarantee, as some players have their best year when they're rookies, and never seem to be the same again (Andrew Raycroft, for example).

With the end of this season slowly approaching, I've decided to cover a few players who deserve consideration for the Calder, and who I think will win it in the end.

Bobby Ryan, RW (Anahiem Ducks)

Selected second overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft (right behind Sidney Crosby), Bobby Ryan played a few seasons in the AHL before finally cracking the Ducks line-up. So far this season, he has played 40 games, and has 37 points (19 goals, 18 assists).

At 6'2", and a 208 lbs., Ryan is a strong forward with great skating and puck-handling abilities. He also gained the attention of many with a beautiful hat-trick goal against the Los Angeles Kings earlier this season, becoming the first Anahiem rookie in franchise history to due so.

Ryan definitely has earned the chance to win the Calder this season.

Drew Doughty, D (Los Angeles Kings)

Drafted second overall by the Kings early last summer, Doughty was the number one ranked defenseman entering the 2008 Draft. He has become one of the Kings' top defenseman, and averages over twenty minutes of ice-time for the team (23:47, to be exact).

In 54 games this year, Doughty has scored four goals, while adding 14 assists. He is considered one of the league's top young players, and is another possibility for this season's "Rookie of the Year".

Steve Mason, G (Columbus Blue Jackets)

Mason's recent success for the Blue Jackets may come as a surprise to many, as it seemed to happen so suddenly. He was selected in the third round by the Jackets in 2006, 69th overall. He has established himself as the team's number-one goalie, taking the job from Pascal Leclaire.

In 37 games this year, he has a record of 21-12-3, a GAA of 2.05, a save percentage of .925, and seven shutouts. Not only are these stats incredible for a rookie goaltender, they are incredible for any goaltender, as he leads the NHL in shutouts and G.A.A.

Columbus sits at eighth in the Western Conference, which is good enough for the last playoff spot. However, the race is close, so Mason and his team must win every game they can in order to see the franchise's first playoff berth.

If Mason continues his solid play, the Jackets should be able to make the playoffs. Mason without a doubt deserves to be seen as a candidate for the Calder Trophy.

Steven Stamkos, C (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Stamkos was highly touted entering this season, as he was selected first overall by the Lightning this past year. His number are less than stellar, as he has just 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists) in 54 games.

He scored his first NHL hat trick last night versus the Chicago Blackhawks last night, becoming the second youngest player in NHL history to score a natural hat trick; the Lightning lost 5-3. Although it's highly unlikely, Stamkos also has a slight chance of winning the Calder.

My final pick for this year's Calder Memorial Trophy winner is easily Steve Mason. Goaltending is the most important position in hockey, and Mason has proved himself to be a reliable goalie at a very young age. I see Bobby Ryan as the best rookie skater, but don't believe his numbers match up to Mason's.

No matter who wins the Calder at the end of this year, I see a bright future for everyone of these young players, and believe they will all continue to make an impact to their teams in the future.

Borje Salming: Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time, No. 6

Scott Miller — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:59:06 -0500

For those who remember me, during this past summer I began a countdown of (in my opinion) the "Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time."

However, due to my busy school and hockey schedule, my countdown came to an abrupt halt.

Today, I plan to continue it, and again write articles on Bleacher Report.

I last left off at number seven, with Johnny Bower. Next, at number six, I have chosen defenseman Borje Salming.

Born in Kiruna, Sweden, Salming joined the Leafs when he signed as a free agent in 1973, at the age of twenty-two after playing for a top-division Swedish team in Brynas. In his rookie year with Toronto, he played seventy-six games, and finished the season with thirty-nine points (5-34-39).

His best offensive year came three seasons later, when he finished the year with seventy-eight points (12-66-78). He played in the NHL All-Star Game for the next three seasons.

Salming eventually established himself as one of the league's best defensemen for quite awhile, posting outstanding numbers throughout his sixteen year career with the Leafs. He would play his last NHL season in 1989-90, with the Detroit Red Wings.

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996, being the first Swedish player to be inducted. Also, the Leafs honoured and raised Salming's number 21 at the Air Canada Centre on October 6, 2006.

During his career with Toronto, Salming played 1099 games, scored 148 goals, and added 620 assists, for a total of 768 points.

Salming never played on a fantastic Leafs team, but still managed to be a premiere defenseman for many seasons. I see him as the greatest defenseman Toronto ever had, and that is why he is number six on my list of "Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time."

Lanny McDonald: Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time, No. 8

Scott Miller — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:56:17 -0400

Next on my list is a man who played only seven seasons for the Leafs, but during that time left quite an impact on the team's history. That man is right winger Lanny McDonald.

He was drafted by the Leafs fourth overall in 1973, after being an offensive machine for the Medicine Hat Tigers between 1971-73, scoring 112 goals, and adding 141 assists in 136 games.

He played his first NHL game at the beginning of the 1973-74 season. In that rookie season, he played 70 games and finished with a respectable 30 points (14-16).

The next season McDonald improved, playing 64 games and finishing with 44 points (17-27). He also doubled his penalty minutes from the season past when he finished with 86.

But in the 1975-76 season, McDonald had a break out year, playing 75 games and finishing with a fantastic 93 points. He scored 37 goals that year, while adding 57 assists. He also recorded his first playoff points that season, playing 10 games and scoring four goals while adding four assists as well.

Even though he was known as more of a grinding forward, McDonald continued to be an offensive threat the following year, when he scored 46 goals in 80 games and finished with 90 points overall. He also continued in playoff scoring success, playing nine games, scoring 10 goals, and adding seven assists.

In 1977-78, after finishing with 47 goals (the highest he'd score as a Leaf) and finishing with 87 points in 74 games, McDonald scored a memorable goal in overytime against the New York Islanders in the playoff quarterfinals, eliminating the team from the playoffs. The most impressive thing about this goal is that McDonald had a broken nose and a fractured wrist at the time.

He would play his last full season with the Leafs in 1978-79, playing 79 games, scoring 43 goals, and adding 42 assists.

He would play 30 games the following year (potting 15 goals and adding 15 assists) before being traded to the Colorado Rockies. Darryl Sittler was also traded, except he was sent to the Philadelphia Flyers. And on top of that enforcer Tiger Williams was sent to the Vancouver Canucks.

McDonald would play only three seasons for the Rockies (where he was captain) before being traded to the Calgary Flames during the 1981-82 season. He eventually became captain in Calgary as well.

In 1982-83 he scored a career-high 66 goals in 80 games and finished with another career-high 98 points.

In 1988-89 he led the Flames to their first (and only) Stanley Cup, and also scored his 500th career goal before retiring.

McDonald finished his career with 1111 games played, 500 goals, and 506 assists, for 1006 points overall. He also won the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy (1983) and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (1988).

I'm assuming some of you may be questioning my selection of McDonald as No. 8, considering he won no Cups with the Leafs or individual awards.

However, he was traded at a dark time in Leafs' history (the Harold Ballard years), and I believe if such a thing wouldn't have happened he could have helped the Leafs to their very own Stanley Cup (a crazy notion, I know).

But, if you consider that he scored 219 goals and added 240 assists in 403 games with the Leafs, and then went on to score 66 goals later in his career, it doesn't seem so crazy, especially if he continued to play with such a player as Darryl Sittler.

So, there it is, No. 8. Keep watching for the rest of my series, as it will be getting much more interesting as the list goes on.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Red Kelly: Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time, No.10

Frank Mahovlich: Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time, No.9

Frank Mahovlich: Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time, No. 9

Scott Miller — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:39:03 -0400

Yesterday, I started my "Top 10" list with Red Kelly, and today I'll focus on the man that Kelly made a lethal scorer: Frank Mahovlich.

He began his eventual 12-year campaign with the Leafs in 1957, when he scored 20-goals in his rookie season, thus winning the Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year. The following two seasons he scored 22 goals, and then 18 goals.

However, in the 1960-61 season, Mahovlich formed a line with Red Kelly and Bob Nevin. The three had obvious on-ice chemistry, and it showed with Mahovlich's 48 goals that season (that stood as a Leaf's record for 21 years).

The following three seasons, Mahovlich led the team in goals, and the Leafs also won three straight Cups.

However, although it seemed Mahovlich got along with coach Punch Imlach, tension was building between the two—and the fans. Mahovlich was often booed at home games, and was criticized by Imlach often, which likely led to why Mahovlich was admitted into the Toronto General Hospital for what was diagnosed as "acute depression."

Lucky for him, he was given many get-well wishes from fans during his stay in the hospital.

He returned a month later, and still led the Leafs in scoring with 23 goals. He also led them in scoring again with 32 goals in 1965-66.

However, that would all change, because when the Leafs won the Cup in 1966-67, Mahovlich had his lowest scoring season in seven seasons (18-28-46). He returned to the hospital again at the beginning of the following year, again for depression and fatigue.

He would play his last season with the Leafs that year (1967-68), scoring 19 goals and adding 17 assists in 50 games. It was his last season because he was traded to Detroit during that season. He would score a career-high 49 goals in his first season with the Wings.

He finished his NHL career with the Wings and the Canadiens, and would eventually play four seasons in the WHA for the Toronto Toros and the Birmingham Bulls. He would retire in 1979 after an unsuccessful attempt at returning to the Red Wings.

His NHL career totals are as follows: 1181 games played, 533 goals, and 570 assists, for 1103 points. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1981.

So, although he eventually slowed down for the Leafs, the years when Mahovlich was a scoring threat were great ones. He was one of the main reasons why they won those three straight Cups in the early '60s, and that's why I chose the "Big M" as No. 9 of my list.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

Red Kelly, Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time, No.10

Red Kelly: Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time, No.10

Scott Miller — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 09:50:23 -0400

I haven't written an article in quite awhile now, so I decided to do a "Top Ten List" of something, since it's seemingly popular on Bleacher Report. And since I'm a huge Leafs fan, why not do it on the greatest players to ever wear blue and white?

So, as you can tell by the title, number ten on my list is Red Kelly.

Before coming to the Leafs in 1959, Kelly had a very successful twelve-year career as a defenseman (and sometimes forward) in Detroit. He was known for dishing out monster hits, great passes, and being able to play at both ends of the ice.

He won four Cups with the Wings, along with eight regular-season championships, and he himself won the Lady Byng Trophy three times as the league's most gentlemanly player.

He also played in the NHL All-Star Game six times as a defenseman, and won the Norris Trophy as the league's top defenseman in 1954, along with being the runner-up for the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player.

However, due to problems with Detroit's general manager, Kelly was traded to the Leafs in 1959. When he arrived, Leafs coach Punch Imlach convinced Kelly to become a full-time center, and it clearly worked out—because with his great play-making skills, Kelly made Frank Mahovlich one of the best goal scorers in the NHL.

He won four Cups with the Leafs in eight seasons, along with another Lady Byng Trophy in 1961. He retired in 1967, finishing his career with 1,316 games played, 281 goals, and 542 assists. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969.

So, with his great play-making skills and overall excellent play with the Leafs, Red Kelly makes my list of "Top Ten Toronto Maple Leafs of All-Time".

Source: www.wikipedia.org

2009 NHL Entry Draft: Who Will Go First Overall?

Scott Miller — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 10:42:55 -0400

With hockey news running slow, I decided I'd write about the future. And when talking about the future, why not focus on the 2009 NHL Entry Draft?

There is really one name that comes to most people's minds when next year's first overall pick is brought up—Oshawa Generals superstar John Tavares. However, lots of people aren't aware of Swedish defenseman, Victor Hedman, who too is projected to possibly go first overall.

First, I'll take a look at Tavares. In 2004-05, he was playing AAA Minor Midget, so he was facing people one year older than him. He played one season for the Toronto Marlboros, where he finished the season with a spectacular 158 points (91 goals, 67 assists).

Tavares ended up playing the end of the season with the Milton Icehawks of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League, notching 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 20 games.

At the OHL draft the following summer, Tavares became the youngest player ever drafted into the OHL, at age 14. In his OHL rookie year (2005-06), he played 65 games, finishing with 45 goals, 32 assists, and 72 penalty minutes. That season Tavares won the CHL Rookie of the Year, and the OHL Rookie of the Year.

In the 2006-07 season, he was invited to the Canadian World Junior selection camp, but did not make the team. However, he played 67 games for the Generals that year, and finished with an outstanding 134 points.

In this 134-point campaign, Tavares scored 72 goals, which broke the legendary Wayne Gretzky's record of 70 goals (by a 16 year-old). That year he was awarded with the Red Tilson Trophy (most outstanding player in the league) and the CHL Player of the Year award.

And then comes this season just past. Tavares played 59 games this past season, scoring 40 goals, and finishing the season with 118 points. He was again invited to the Canadian World Junior selection camp—and this time, made the team, helping Canada to its fourth-straight gold medal.

Due to his amazing offensive ability shown in his past three OHL seasons, Tavares has already been compared to the likes of Mike Bossy.

Now on to the relatively unknown Victor Hedman. There isn't as much information on him as there is about Tavares, but I found as much as I could. He plays for MODO Hockey in Elitserien. He played 39 games for the team, scoring two goals, adding two assists, and 44 penalty minutes. He was also a plus-one.

Although those stats don't seem amazing, one must take into consideration that Hedman is an amazing 6'6", and weighs 220 lbs.—and he'll surely gain weight. He too played in the World Junior Championships this year, losing to Canada and winning a silver medal with Sweden.

Like Tavares, Hedman has been compared to an NHL player—except for Hedman it's Chris Pronger, defenseman and captain for the Anahiem Ducks.

I was also able to find an article about Hedman, which includes a quote on the Swede, saying he'd be a wise choice for a first overall pick. It says as follows:

"But Hedman is already making a name of himself, highly ranked for the 2009 draft. So highly indeed that a senior NHL scout who had a lot of success in drafting the past 20 years told Hockey’s Future during a WJC game this week that he would not hesitate to recommend to his organization to take Hedman instead of Canadian John Tavares as the first overall pick of the 2009 draft."

Until I started researching Hedman, I would have easily said John Tavares will go first overall in next year's draft. But now I have to say I'm not really sure—especially after reading such a quote as the one above.

So, I'm not going to finish this article with a final opinion, since I do not have one. However, I'll instead ask you, the readers, your opinion. Who would you choose: the next Mike Bossy, or the next Chris Pronger?

Why Sundin, Why?

Scott Miller — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:41:39 -0400

Weeks prior to this years NHL trade deadline, I was very excited, because I was almost certain Mats Sundin would waive his no trade clause, be off to a Cup contending team, and leave the Leafs with some draft picks, and maybe even a young prospect.

Now, don't get me wrong, I like Sundin as much as the next guy, but he has such high trade value, he would have easily got Toronto some great additions to the team that would help with their rebuilding process.

But alas, Sundin did not waive that no trade clause, because he wanted to stay in Toronto to help with the rebuilding process, which is just fine with me. That is, if he even decides to stay. I would be angry - very angry - if Sundin doesn't return to Toronto next year, whether it is due to retirement, or if he goes to another team.

Now some of you may be wondering why I would be mad. Well, it's simple. Sundin could have easily been traded if he had waived that no trade clause, left Toronto, and given us some hope in future years. Maybe he would help the team he was traded to all the way to the Cup, or just give that team a reasonable run in the playoffs.

After that, I wouldn't care if Sundin retired or signed with a new team, because at least Toronto got something out of it. So once I heard Sundin wasn't going to waive his no trade clause I thought, "Oh well, he'll still be a great asset to the team, and help with the rebuilding process, because he clearly wants to stay and help with such things! It's guaranteed he won't consider retirement/going to another team!"

Well, I exaggerated that a bit, but you get what I was thinking.

But no, Sundin likely won't be returning to Toronto (or the NHL), leaving the Leafs with nothing (compared to what they would have got if he was traded, or even stayed).

Sundin is the heart of Toronto, and has been carrying the team for years, so I'm surprised he would do this to the team. Obviously it wasn't intentional, but it still leaves a big hole in the Leafs' roster if he's gone. So my message to Sundin is this: please re-sign with the Leafs, you're needed.

And just think how bad it will sound when all my friends and I are discussing our favourite teams and the best players on said teams, and I'm sitting there talking about Antropov.

Dallas Drake Announces Retirement after 16 Seasons in the NHL

Scott Miller — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:47:54 -0400

With Dallas Drake announcing his retirement just yesterday, I've decided to review Drake's long career, and his one Stanley Cup that took so long to win.

He was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft (sixth Round, 116th overall). Before his NHL rookie season in 1992-93, he played four years for Northern Michigan University, and in those four seasons he played 165 games, scored 92 goals, added 128 assists, and had 215 penalty minutes.

Once he did play his first year in the NHL, he played 72 games, scored 18 goals, and finished with 44 points overall. He also had 93 penalty minutes. In 1993-94, he played for the Red Wings again, but was traded during that season to the Winnipeg Jets.

He saw success on checking lines, and as a penalty-killer for his seven seasons with the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes. He established himself as a tough, hardworking player—a grinder, simply. Drake was also known for his leadership, and his overall knowledge of the game.

He signed with the St. Louis Blues in 2000-01, where he would achieve his career-high goals (2002-03) when he notched 20 goals in 80 games. He eventually became the captain of St. Louis in 2005, and remained their captain until 2007.

Unfortunately for Drake, he was bought out by the Blues in the 2006-07 offseason. Luckily, he signed with the team that originally drafted him back in 1989, the Detroit Red Wings. He was signed to a one-year deal worth $550,000.

He played 65 games for the Wings, scoring six goals and adding six assists. However, Drake's long awaited Stanley Cup finally came when Detroit defeated Pittsburgh in six games. Once captain Nicklas Lidstrom had his turn lifting the Cup, he handed it off to Drake first, knowing how long he had waited for it.

Drake announced his retirement on July 15, finishing his career with 1,009 games played, 177 goals, 300 assists, and 885 penalty minutes. He was also a plus-25.

Drake won't be remembered as a high-flying kind of player. But those who do remember him will think of Drake as a hard-nosed kind of guy who finished his career with what every player dreams of—the Stanley Cup.

Detroit Red Wings: Goaltenders Battle For Backup Spot

Scott Miller — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 04:59:17 -0400

After leading the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup, Chris Osgood is without a doubt the starting goaltender for the Wings this upcoming season.

But with the retirement of Dominik Hasek, who will back up Osgood?

Really, there's two options—recently signed goaltender Ty Conklin, or 24-year-old Jimmy Howard.

Conklin, who is 32 years old, was never drafted by an NHL team but signed in 2001 by the Edmonton Oilers. He has played for Edmonton, Columbus, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh throughout his short career.

Conklin has never really had a starting job anywhere in the NHL, but in his second season with Edmonton he played 38 games, and finished with a record of 17-14-4, a GAA of 2.42, and a save percentage of .924. He also had one shutout.

But most people will remember Conklin for his stellar play with the Penguins this past season. When starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury became injured in December, Conklin took over the starting job, and won his first nine starts. By the time Fleury returned, Conklin had compiled a record of 17-4-5.

By the end of the season, he had played 33 games, for a record of 18-8-5, a GAA of 2.51, a save percentage of .923, and two shutouts.

Then there is Jimmy Howard. He was drafted by the Wings back in 2003, 64th overall. He has limited NHL experience, playing eight games over two seasons (2005-06, 2007-08), with a record of 1-4, a GAA of 2.56, and a save percentage of .915.

However, he has played three seasons in the minors with Grand Rapids. In his first season with the team, he played 38 games, and had a record of 27-6-2, a GAA of 2.58, and a SV% of .910. He was named to the AHL All-Rookie Team that season.

In his second season, he finished with a record of 21-21-3, a GAA of 2.70, and a save percentage of .911. He also had six shutouts.

And then there's this season that just passed, in which Howard showed he is a solid goalie. Although his team had a bad year (13th in their conference), he had good numbers (GAA of 2.83, save percentage of .908). He played in the AHL All-Star Game and also won Goalie of the Month in December (AHL).

So, who do I think will win the backup job? Unfortunately, as much as I want Howard to get it, I think Conklin will. He's proved he can play well when a team's starting goalie goes down with an injury, and has much more NHL experience under his belt than Howard.

So, Howard may have to play one more season with Grand Rapids—but I wouldn't be surprised if one day he's the starter for the Wings, because he's a young goalie with tons of potential.

Chicago Blackhawks: A New Team

Scott Miller — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:34:51 -0400

When I decided to write this article, I actually had to look up how long it has been since the Blackhawks made the playoffs, because I couldn't remember just off the top of my head.

I found out that the last time Chicago saw a playoff berth was in 2001-02, when they lost in the quarterfinals (4-1) to the St. Louis Blues.

But, if you look even farther back, the Blackhawks have made the playoffs once since 1997, and that was in 2001-02, as I said before.

And also, people talk about Toronto having a Stanley Cup drought, but not many give attention to the Blackhawks, who are also an Original Six team. Their last Cup win was in 1960-61. Yes, 47 years ago (although 41 years for the Leafs isn't much better).

But I think this season will be different. No, I don't think they'll win the Cup, but making the playoffs would be a big accomplishment for this organization.

They've shown improvement this past season, with the help of the young talent of Jonathan Toews and Calder winner Patrick Kane. Last season was also the first season the Blackhawks have had a winning record (40-34-8) since that 2001-02 season I've been mentioning so often. Still, they didn't make the playoffs.

However, with the signings of 29-year-old defenseman Brian Campbell, and 32-year-old goaltender Cristobal Huet, the Blackhawks have a seemingly bright future.

Brian Campbell, who spilt last season with the Buffalo Sabres and the San Jose Sharks, is a two-way defenseman who also had his best point season this past year (8-54-62). He was also a plus-8, and for the past four seasons, Campbell has had over 40 points, which shows his consistency.

Cristobal Huet, who also spilt his season with two teams (Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals), has produced good numbers for a number of seasons now, and also was fantastic for the Capitals (who picked him up at the trade deadline) and was a major part to their Southeast Division title and playoff spot (although they lost in seven games to the Flyers in the opening round).

With the Capitals, Huet had a record of 11-2-0, a G.A.A of 1.63, and a save percentage of .936. In the playoffs, he had a record of 3-4, a G.A.A of 2.39, and a save percentage of .909, and in the season as a whole, he played 52 games, had a record of 32-14-6, a G.A.A of 2.32, and a save percentage of .920.

Huet will likely have to battle with veteran goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, but I have no doubt in my mind Huet will win the starting job from the aging 'Bulin Wall.

Chicago is a big, physical team. Every player is six feet or taller, except for Patrick Kane, who is 5'10", but has proved he doesn't need size. They even converted defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (who stands at 6'3" and is 246 pounds) to a forward, so they can have some size and power in front of the net. It proved as a good idea, as he came fourth on the team with goals (19).

And don't forget players like centre Patrick Sharp, who led the team in goals (36), or defenseman Duncan Keith, who finished this season with 32 points in 82 games, but was a plus-30, and appeared in this seasons All-Star Game. There's also Martin Havlat, but who knows if he can stay uninjured this year.

So, with this roster, I think it's safe to say the Blackhawks have a good chance at making the playoffs. And who knows, maybe in a couple seasons, they'll end that 47 year Cup drought.

Nikita Filatov Becomes a Blue Jacket

Scott Miller — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:21:42 -0400

Columbus Blue Jackets announce the signing of Russian superstar rookie Nikita Filatov to a three-year entry level contract.

Filatov, who plays left wing, had 66 points (32 goals, 34 assists) and 90 penalty minutes in 34 games with CSKA of the Russian Junior League this past season. 18-year old Filatov was the Blue Jackets first round choice (6th overall pick) this year.

Filatov also played for Russia in the 2008 World Junior Championships, scoring three goals and adding six assists, and ten penalty minutes (in seven games). He was also plus-seven, and led Russia to a bronze medal. He led the team in assists, points, and plus-minus.

Filatov was the top ranked European skater this year, and some even wondered if he, instead of Stamkos, would go first overall.

I wouldn't be surprised if he plays in the NHL next year, and posts good numbers. He will defiantly be a player to watch out for in future years, as he will be a key part to the Blue Jackets line-up.

Source: http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=368147

Jason Smith Joins The Ottawa Senators

Scott Miller — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:48:49 -0400

Veteran defenseman Jason Smith has signed a two-year deal with the Ottawa Senators today.

Known best for his defensive play and leadership, Smith has played 14 seasons in the NHL with New Jersey, Toronto, Edmonton, Philadelphia, and now Ottawa.

Jason Smith leaves the Flyers after one season with the team, where he served as captain (he was also captain of Edmonton for 5 seasons before being traded to the Flyers). He finished the season with 1 goal, 9 assists, and 86 penalty minutes, in 77 games. He also led his team in blocked shots (204) and hits (142).

In 945 career games, Smith has 40 goals, 128 assists, 1,052 penalty minutes, and he's also a plus-29.

Along with Anton Volchenkov - who is also known for blocking shots and dishing out hits - Smith will contribute to the Sens penalty-kill, and overall defensive coverage.

Sure, he's no Wade Redden, but Jason Smith will hopefully help the Senators come out of the 2008-09 season with a better record than this past season.

Is Justin Pogge Ready For The NHL?

Scott Miller — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:28:48 -0400

When you look at Justin Pogge's performances in the 2006 World Junior Championship and the 2007-08 season with the Toronto Marlies, some Toronto Maple Leafs fans think Pogge should be called up as soon as possible.

But now is not the time.

Although Pogge was stellar in the World Juniors, not losing a single game, finishing with 3 shutouts, and a goals-against-average of 1.00, this doesn't mean he'd be posting great numbers in the NHL.

Toronto is doing the right thing by letting him develop with the Marlies for a couple of seasons. Some people even dared to say Pogge would be NHL ready after they saw that performance in the World Juniors. If Toronto would have done such a thing, it would have been disastrous, and potentially could have ruined Pogge's career.

Why do I say this? Well, Toronto put Pogge in the minors in the 2006-07 season, and he posted less than fantastic numbers. He played 43 games, had a record of 19-25-0, a goals-against-average of 3.03, and a save-percentage of .896. He still managed to get 3 shutouts though, but imagine if he had played on a weak team like Toronto that year?

However, Pogge clearly improved this season, which shows the development process is working. He finsihed with a record of 26-10-0, a goals-against average of 2.34, a save-percentage of .908, and 4 shutouts.

Despite this solid season, I think the Leafs should give Pogge one more season with the Marlies before calling him up. Luckily, with the signing of 41-year old goaltender Curtis Joesph, the Leafs don't seem to be planning such a thing any time soon.

Some might try to argue that Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender Carey Price did just fine when he jumped into the NHL this season after a fantastic World Junior performance. Although I'm a big fan of the Leafs and Pogge, I have to say that Pogge is no Price, and that the Canadiens have a stronger team than the Leafs, that can support a rookie goalie much better than the Leafs could.

If anything, Pogge might see a couple games with the Leafs this season, but nothing long-term. For now, leave him in the minors, and hope that when he's ready, he'll be able to perform just as great as he is with the Marlies right now.

Todd Bertuzzi Looks To Add a Spark To the Calgary Flames' Line-Up

Scott Miller — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:38:07 -0400

It's sometimes hard to believe that at one point in his career, Todd Bertuzzi had a 97 point season (46 goals, 51 assists) while playing for the Vancouver Canucks.

Then again, it's not very hard to believe. At 6'3, and 231 lbs, Bertuzzi was arguably one of the best forwards in the league at one point.

However, after that sucker punch to Steve Moore in the 2003-04 season, Bertuzzi has never seemed to be the same. He missed a number of games that season due to suspension, and finished with a much lesser number of points of 60, compared to last season.

He returned for the 2005-06, and finished with a 71 point season (25 goals, 46 assists). However, he was a minus-17, compared to a plus-21 last season.

The Steve Moore incident was seemingly affecting him, and his team. He had been charged with assault and that fans throughout the NHL had a great deal of hate for him.

On June 23, 2006, he was traded (along with goaltender Alex Auld and defenseman Bryan Allen) for Roberto Luongo (along with Lukas Krajicek and a 6th round draft pick).

All looked well for Bertuzzi when he scored a goal in his debut in Florida, but due to back spasms, he only ever played seven games for the team.

He was traded to the Red Wings at the trade deadline. He and the Wings made it to the Western Conference Final, but lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions, Anaheim Ducks.

Oddly enough, Bertuzzi signed with the very same team that took his team out of Stanley Cup contention, Anaheim. He signed a two-year deal, worth $8 million.

He played 68 games for them in his first (and only) season with the team, and finished with a respectable 40 points. It was clear that Bertuzzi's career was going downhill, especially since he was put on waivers by the Ducks this off-season, for needed salary cap room.

And so, this leads us to Bertuzzi's new team, the Calgary Flames. He was signed to a 1-year deal by the team, to replace Owen Nolan, who signed with the Minnesota Wild. General Manager of the Flames, Daryl Sutter, even said, "He's a big guy and we feel could put up numbers similar to what Owen did."

Considering Nolan only got 32 points this past season, Calgary isn't expecting much. However, what if Bertuzzi suffers another season-ending injury? The Flames don't seem to think this will happen, but who knows.

This doesn't mean signing Bertuzzi was a bad idea. Calgary wasn't looking for offense when they signed him. They wanted a veteran power-forward who can still post reasonable numbers, and that's what they're getting in Bertuzzi.

So, although Bertuzzi won't be having another near-100 point season, he will be a good asset to the Flames, and I wouldn't be surprised if he helps bring them a bit further than the first round of the playoffs this year, a round they haven't past in three seasons.

Can Ray "Razor" Emery Stay Sharp For One More Season?

Scott Miller — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 11:19:20 -0400

It wasn't a surprise to most when goalie Ray Emery was put on waivers (and then bought out) by the Ottawa Senators after a rough season this year. But what surprises me is that no team has taken a chance and signed him by now.

If you look at Emery's stats in the 2006-07 season, you'd understand why the Ottawa Senators made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Emery had a record of 33-16-6, a goals-against-average of 2.47, a save-percentage of .918, and five shutouts.

His playoff stats were just as impressive, when he had a record of 13-7, and goals-against-average of 2.26, save-percentage of .907, and three shutouts.

Yes, they eventually lost to the Ducks, but John Muckler even said (after they won the Eastern Conference Final), that the fact he took a team to the Stanley Cup Final makes him an elite goaltender.

However, it looked like this season that Emery wasn't so "elite". He had a record of 12-13-4, a goals-against-average of 3.13, and a save-percentage of .890. However, Emery's failure had nothing to do with stats; it had to do with discipline, and a bit too much ego.

Emery had a wrist injury early on in the season, and when his season began, it got off to a bumpy start. Eventually, Emery lost his starting job to Martin Gerber. This only made Emery lash-out, leading to him showing up to practise late, getting in arguments with his coach and teammates, and it affected his whole team. This ultimately led to the poor season the Senators suffered this year.

So, I can understand where the Senators were coming from when they decided to give Emery the boot. But if a guy like Raycroft can get signed by a new team after a couple brutal seasons, why can't Emery get signed by a new team after only one bad season?

Emery is a good goalie - when he wants to be. A general manager should jump in, sign the guy, and give him a chance. If he gets the starting job, he'll straighten out. But, that's a big "if".

It's a risk, but it could be worth it, because Emery has proved he can take a team very close to a Cup. And who knows, maybe if he goes to the right team, he can take them all the way.

Colorado Fans, Prepare For an Avalanche Of Frustration

Scott Miller — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 10:26:18 -0400

When Toronto traded Tuukka Rask for Raycroft, I wasn't entirely pleased. However, I saw a bright side to the trade, when I heard Raycroft was a former Calder Trophy winner. I thought maybe last season's playoff miss would be forgotten with a new, young goalie between the pipes.

I only later found out about his terrible season after his Calder win, which explains why the Bruins traded him away, and even had him as a healthy scratch for the majority of the 2005-06 season.

What surprises me (well, more so angers me, since nothing should be a surprise when the Leafs make a stupid trade) is that Toronto traded the #1 ranked European goalie that they had drafted the prior year, for a goalie who managed only eight wins the season before the acquired him.

Even in juniors, Raycroft wasn't good, although he improved along the way. He played two seasons in my hometown of Sudbury (OHL). In his first season, he played 33 games, had a record of 8-16-5, a goals-against-average of 4.16, and a save percentage of .890.

His second season wasn't much better, when he played 45 games, had a record of 17-22-5, a goals-against average of 4.11, and a save percentage of .897 (and had one shutout too, shockingly). He then went to Kingston, where he improved quite a bit. He had a record of 33-20-5, a goals-against-average of 3.43, and a save percentage of .918.

He was drafted 135th overall in the 1998 Entry Draft by the Bruins. After playing a couple of seasons on Boston's minor team, it looked like Raycroft might not be such a terrible goalie, considering he had a good minor season (23-10-3, G.A.A of 2.50, and a SV% of .917), before his "rookie of the year" campaign in 2004-05.

Raycroft played 56 games for the Bruins in 2004-05, and had an absolutely fantastic year, with a record of 29-18-9, and goals-against-average of 2.05, and a save percentage of .926. However, as I said before, the following season (2005-06) Raycroft tanked (8-19-2, G.A.A of 3.70, and a SV% of .879) which led to him being scratched, and then to his trade to Toronto.

Raycroft's starting job in Toronto was less than successful. In fact, it was brutal. He was up and down all season (mainly down) and it seemed he always folded right when the team needed him.

Fans and reporters eventually were slandering Raycroft, many saying he "couldn't stop a beachball", which I believe isn't far from the truth. Although Raycroft tied the Leafs record for most wins by a goalie in one season (37), it was the team that won all of those games.

Raycroft didn't "steal" any games for the Leafs. It was more them bailing him out. He played 72 games, won those 37, but had a goals-against-average of 2.99, and a save percentage of .894. Obviously, the Leafs missed the playoffs.

Once John Ferguson realized the mistake he made, he traded for Vesa Toskala, who took the starting job for Raycroft, thankfully. Although Toronto had only 83 points this season, compared to 91 last season, it was nothing to do with goaltending.

Toskala did great in my books. Maybe it was just shocking for me to see a Leafs goalie stop something, but still, Toskala did what he had to, and had a solid season this year.

Raycroft was bought out by the Leafs this offseason. And then, Colorado signed him to a one-year deal. Which leads me to my title: Avalanche fans, get ready, because with the loss of Theodore, Raycroft will be seeing a lot more games than he did in Toronto.

No, I don't expect him to have the starting job (for your sakes anyways) but if Budaj is injured or the coach decides it's Raycroft's time to play, prepare to be yelling at your television.