NHL Breeze: Aug.20, Special Lunch Edition

NHL Breeze: Aug.20, Lunch Edition

To begin the day, I just want to wish a Happy Birthday to you!

Also Happy birthdays to:

1.       Chris Drury, 34, New York Rangers

2.       Steve Valiquette, 33, New York Rangers

Today’s NHL news and notes:

-          Bill Sweatt, represented by player agent, Scott Norton, signs a 3-year entry level contract with the Vancouver Canucks late Thursday. He will join his brother Lee Sweatt to the Canucks organization. Bill is an extremely gifted skater, and good offensive player.

-          Viktor Tikhonov of Coyotes will return to the NHL this season, but he has requested a trade.

-          Doug Armstrong recently had phone conversations with Bill Sweatt, trying to attract him to Blues, but obviously didn’t pan out.

-          Friday, Atlanta Thrashers held an informal skate, Boulton, Thorburn, Cormier, Burmistrov, Mason, Pavelec, Valabik were present.

-          Alex Edler said to Canucks TV’s Kristin Reid that his ankle is not bothering him anymore, and he’s here to get prepared for the new season. He said Sami Salo will be missed, but he will be welcomed back as soon as he’s healthy.  Edler said he’s a big lost, because Salo is “one of the better Ds in the league.”

-          Expect numerous rule changes to the NHL this coming season after a comprehensive and in-depth experiment that  is happening this week. Icing among the key issues.

-          UFA defenseman Freddy Meyer signs a 2-way deal with the Atlanta Thrashers. The Sanbornville, New Hampshire product played 64 games with the New York Islanders last season averaging 16:46 t.o.i per game. Great bargain for the Thrashers.

-          Florida Panthers matched the Thrashers move by signing tough guy LW Andrew Peters to a 1-year deal today.

-          Steve Nash’s brother-in-law and Canucks newcomer Manny Malhotra said GM Mike Gillis and coach Alain Vigneault expects him to play both the wing and centre on the Canucks this season.

-          Manny Malhotra in Vancouver to settle down in his new hometown.

Thank you for your participation.

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