NHL Player Updates

The 2009-10 NHL season is officially over, but there is still plenty of news roaming around. Check out the latest buzz, along with some fantasy hockey advice geared toward the 2010-11 hockey season:

Patrick Kane—W—Blackhawks

Patrick Kane was named to the NHL’s first all-star team as their center, beating out Sidney Crosby. He finished the season with 30 goals and 88 points at only 21 years old. Alex Ovechkin and Henrik Sedin joined Kane on the front line.

Erik Johnson—D—Blues

The Blues has given Erik Johnson a qualifying offer. He is eligible to become a free agent on July 1st.

Jaroslav Halak—G—Blues

The St. Louis Blues have given a qualifying offer to newly acquired goaltender Jaroslav Halak. The Blues, however, have no desire to get rid of Halak.

Brad Richardson—W—Kings

Brad Richardson and four others have been given qualifying offers by the Los Angeles Kings. They will all become restricted free agents on July 1st.

Ryan Getzlaf—C—Ducks

The NHL salary cap will rise to $59.4 million in the 2010-11 season. That is a $2.6 million increase over last season. Each team also must spend a minimum of $43.4 million.

Jose Theodore—G—Capitals

Jose Theodore accepted the Bill Masterson Memorial Trophy on Wednesday night. It is given to the player that displays perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. Theodore lost his infant son, Chace, to complications related to a premature birth last summer.

Martin St. Louis—W—Lightning

Martin St. Louis won the lady Byng Trophy on Wednesday night at the NHL Awards show. This trophy is given to the player who “exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combines with a high standard of playing ability.”

Sidney Crosby—C—Penguins

Sidney Crosby won the Mark Messier Leadership Award on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. This award recognizes the individual who is a superior leader on and off the ice and is a contributing member of society.