Ray Emery was brought in to be the goaltending answer in Philadelphia. How things change in just a few months.
Emery signed a deal on July 1 by the Flyers for one year, spelling the end for former Flyer goalies Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki, whose contracts had let out on the same day. The Flyers then signed Brian Boucher as a back-up, so it was apparent that the team was ready to commit to Emery as the starting goalie.
But things have not worked out as general manager Bobby Clarke has hoped. It was announced just before the trade deadline that Emery has a degenerative bone disorder and may never play hockey again. That leaves the Flyers with the tandem of Mike Leighton (claimed off re-entry waivers from Carolina in December) and Boucher. While Leighton has played well enough the past few games to keep Philadelphia in the playoff picture, it keeps the Flyers goaltender depth very low compared to the rest of the league.
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March 10, 2010
March 04, 2010
Jeff Ponder
After a long wait, Edmonton finally moved one of their top players.
Only making a minor deal earlier in the day (Cody Wild to Boston for Matt Marquardt), Edmonton was expected to make a fire-sale on the deadline. The Oilers rank last in the entire league with a dismal 19-38-6 record, recording only 44 points. Names like Dustin Penner, Sheldon Souray and Andrew Cogliano were all being discussed today, but only one player is on his way out.
Visnovsky, acquired in June 2008 from Los Angeles, has scored four goals and thirteen assists to lead the Oilers in power-play points. The Slovakian Olympian is a -4 on the season, but still ranks second on the Oilers' roster among defensemen who have played more than five games.
Whitney, who was acquired just last deadline day from Pittsburgh as a part of the Chris Kunitz deal, is also known for his offensive abilities. Before the deal, the US Olympian ranked seventh on the Ducks with 28 points. His smooth skating strides and quick feet are just two of his attributes that fans in Anaheim are going to miss.
Only making a minor deal earlier in the day (Cody Wild to Boston for Matt Marquardt), Edmonton was expected to make a fire-sale on the deadline. The Oilers rank last in the entire league with a dismal 19-38-6 record, recording only 44 points. Names like Dustin Penner, Sheldon Souray and Andrew Cogliano were all being discussed today, but only one player is on his way out.
Visnovsky, acquired in June 2008 from Los Angeles, has scored four goals and thirteen assists to lead the Oilers in power-play points. The Slovakian Olympian is a -4 on the season, but still ranks second on the Oilers' roster among defensemen who have played more than five games.
Whitney, who was acquired just last deadline day from Pittsburgh as a part of the Chris Kunitz deal, is also known for his offensive abilities. Before the deal, the US Olympian ranked seventh on the Ducks with 28 points. His smooth skating strides and quick feet are just two of his attributes that fans in Anaheim are going to miss.
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Jeff Ponder
Rumors swirled that the Capitals were looking for another defenseman to make a serious playoff run; how about two of them?
Reports stated Tuesday night that the Capitals were in discussions with many teams about bringing in a defenseman. The number one rumor (found on NHL.com) was that Capitals GM Mike McPhee was talking with Blues' GM Larry Pleau about bruiser Barret Jackman. A deal seemed imminent until it was announced that Jurcina was brought in from Columbus for a sixth-round pick approximately ten minutes before the deadline. It was announced a half hour later that the club also brought in Joe Corvo from the Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Brian Pothier and an undisclosed draft pick.
Jurcina adds size (6'4” 236 lbs.) and grit to the Capitals blue line. The 2010 Slovakian Olympian has just one goal and two assists in 17 games this season for Columbus, but his ability to stay in the play and take the body is probably the most impressive skill that Jurcina adds to the team.
Reports stated Tuesday night that the Capitals were in discussions with many teams about bringing in a defenseman. The number one rumor (found on NHL.com) was that Capitals GM Mike McPhee was talking with Blues' GM Larry Pleau about bruiser Barret Jackman. A deal seemed imminent until it was announced that Jurcina was brought in from Columbus for a sixth-round pick approximately ten minutes before the deadline. It was announced a half hour later that the club also brought in Joe Corvo from the Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Brian Pothier and an undisclosed draft pick.
Jurcina adds size (6'4” 236 lbs.) and grit to the Capitals blue line. The 2010 Slovakian Olympian has just one goal and two assists in 17 games this season for Columbus, but his ability to stay in the play and take the body is probably the most impressive skill that Jurcina adds to the team.
Continue reading "Washington Acquires Milan Jurcina from Columbus and Joe Corvo from Carolina"
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March 03, 2010
Jeff Ponder
Anaheim just can't seem to stop shuffling their goaltenders.
After shipping away J.S. Giguere and Justin Pogge in the past month, they have also sent recently-acquired Vesa Toskala packing. After being acquired in the Giguere deal on January 31, Toskala did not play in a single game for the Ducks. His 3.66 GAA and .870 save percentage with Toronto is an unimpressive stat on this season.
McElhinney has been backup in Calgary for parts of two seasons, and has posted a NHL-career .889 save percentage. The 26-year old goaltender is expected to battle for the backup role next season with prospect Timo Pielmeier.
The nod in this deal goes to Calgary. While Anaheim made a smart move in acquiring someone that they can bring back next
After shipping away J.S. Giguere and Justin Pogge in the past month, they have also sent recently-acquired Vesa Toskala packing. After being acquired in the Giguere deal on January 31, Toskala did not play in a single game for the Ducks. His 3.66 GAA and .870 save percentage with Toronto is an unimpressive stat on this season.
McElhinney has been backup in Calgary for parts of two seasons, and has posted a NHL-career .889 save percentage. The 26-year old goaltender is expected to battle for the backup role next season with prospect Timo Pielmeier.
The nod in this deal goes to Calgary. While Anaheim made a smart move in acquiring someone that they can bring back next
Continue reading "Calgary Trades Curtis McElhinney to Anaheim for Vesa Toskala"
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Jeff Ponder
Talks of Peter Mueller being the next best thing in Phoenix have come to an end.
“He's a great young man who loves to play the game,” former head coach Wayne Gretzky once said about the now-21 year old. “He's good with the puck. We're happy with his progress and production.”
Mueller has seen quite the decline in offensive numbers this season, despite his team having a collective great year. His 17 points in 54 games are less than impressive, especially when compared to his numbers the past two seasons (54 points in 2007-08 and 36 points in 2008-09).
Wolski, on the other hand, is having a decent season in Colorado. His 47 points ranked him second on the Avalanche before being traded. His speed and puck-handling ability will add to an already strong Phoenix offense.
“He's a great young man who loves to play the game,” former head coach Wayne Gretzky once said about the now-21 year old. “He's good with the puck. We're happy with his progress and production.”
Mueller has seen quite the decline in offensive numbers this season, despite his team having a collective great year. His 17 points in 54 games are less than impressive, especially when compared to his numbers the past two seasons (54 points in 2007-08 and 36 points in 2008-09).
Wolski, on the other hand, is having a decent season in Colorado. His 47 points ranked him second on the Avalanche before being traded. His speed and puck-handling ability will add to an already strong Phoenix offense.
Continue reading "Phoenix Trades Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter to Colorado for Wojtek Wolski"
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Jeff Ponder
If you would have told Scott Walker four years ago that he would be traded for a seventh-round pick, he may ask you how many you have had to drink.
Walker, the gritty 37-year old winger, will be joining his fourth NHL team. Just three seasons ago, Walker accumulated 51 points in 81 games. But how the veteran has fallen. He has added just three goals and two assists in 33 games this season. While he is not adding the scoring that he used to, he still adds a physical presence that makes the opposing defenses shake in their skates.
The Capitals have added yet another piece to their 2010 playoff drive, and get the nod in this trade. While Walker may not add the points to the score-sheet, he does address a team toughness and depth issue
Walker, the gritty 37-year old winger, will be joining his fourth NHL team. Just three seasons ago, Walker accumulated 51 points in 81 games. But how the veteran has fallen. He has added just three goals and two assists in 33 games this season. While he is not adding the scoring that he used to, he still adds a physical presence that makes the opposing defenses shake in their skates.
The Capitals have added yet another piece to their 2010 playoff drive, and get the nod in this trade. While Walker may not add the points to the score-sheet, he does address a team toughness and depth issue
Continue reading "Washington Trades Seventh-Round Draft Pick in 2010 for Scott Walker"
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Jeff Ponder
Pogge could have counted how many days he lived in Anaheim before being traded again.
After being acquired over the summer from Toronto, Pogge did not even see action with the Ducks before being dealt at the deadline. It was pretty clear that the Ducks would want Pogge for next season to battle for the backup job with prospect Timo Pielmeier after trading J.S. Giguere to Toronto just a few weeks ago. Vesa Toskala was acquired in the trade, but his contract will be up at the end of the season and was unlikely to re-sign with Anaheim. Pogge's .920 save percentage with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL this season shows how impressive he truly can be.
The veteran Ward has spent five of the past nine seasons with the Hurricanes, but has been shown the door. The Carolina team sits in second to last place in the Eastern Conference and is looking to unload some of the veterans. Ward's -17 this season ranked him just ahead of teammate Rod Brind'Amour for the team's last place spot. But he has proven in the past (especially in Carolina's 2006 Stanley Cup run when playing against the top lines), that he can play hard against any opponent.
After being acquired over the summer from Toronto, Pogge did not even see action with the Ducks before being dealt at the deadline. It was pretty clear that the Ducks would want Pogge for next season to battle for the backup job with prospect Timo Pielmeier after trading J.S. Giguere to Toronto just a few weeks ago. Vesa Toskala was acquired in the trade, but his contract will be up at the end of the season and was unlikely to re-sign with Anaheim. Pogge's .920 save percentage with the San Antonio Rampage of the AHL this season shows how impressive he truly can be.
The veteran Ward has spent five of the past nine seasons with the Hurricanes, but has been shown the door. The Carolina team sits in second to last place in the Eastern Conference and is looking to unload some of the veterans. Ward's -17 this season ranked him just ahead of teammate Rod Brind'Amour for the team's last place spot. But he has proven in the past (especially in Carolina's 2006 Stanley Cup run when playing against the top lines), that he can play hard against any opponent.
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Jeff Ponder
Shortly after moving defensive defenseman Derek Morris, Boston added another veteran to their blue line.
Dennis Seidenberg, who signed a one-year deal with Florida this past summer, leaves Florida as the top ice-time getter, averaging 22:54 played a game. The German Olympian adds just two goals to the Bruins' lineup, but has 21 assists on a low-scoring team. He is very good at getting the puck out of the zone and moving the puck up ice, but will not contribute much to the Bruins and their 16th ranked power-play.
Byron Bitz was once considered a good prospect for the Bruins, but has fallen down on the team's depth chart. He has seen mostly checking line time in Boston, but will add grit and flexibility to a low-scoring Panthers wing-core.
Dennis Seidenberg, who signed a one-year deal with Florida this past summer, leaves Florida as the top ice-time getter, averaging 22:54 played a game. The German Olympian adds just two goals to the Bruins' lineup, but has 21 assists on a low-scoring team. He is very good at getting the puck out of the zone and moving the puck up ice, but will not contribute much to the Bruins and their 16th ranked power-play.
Byron Bitz was once considered a good prospect for the Bruins, but has fallen down on the team's depth chart. He has seen mostly checking line time in Boston, but will add grit and flexibility to a low-scoring Panthers wing-core.
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Jeff Ponder
In 2009 Morris gets traded away from Phoenix, and in 2010 he returns to Phoenix.
Morris, who has seen time with the Flames, Avalanche, Coyotes, Rangers and Bruins, will head back to Phoenix after being dealt at the trade deadline last season to the New York Rangers for Dmitri Kalinin, Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes. The Coyotes get him back for just a fourth-round pick in 2011.
Morris is known for his defensive prowess, which is why he was such a hot commodity last deadline. Morris, who has just a -2 this season, was still matched against some top-line players in Boston. He ranked third on the Bruins in average ice time per game with 22:00.
The trade looks fairly even when considering what Morris has accomplished since leaving Phoenix, but I
Morris, who has seen time with the Flames, Avalanche, Coyotes, Rangers and Bruins, will head back to Phoenix after being dealt at the trade deadline last season to the New York Rangers for Dmitri Kalinin, Petr Prucha and Nigel Dawes. The Coyotes get him back for just a fourth-round pick in 2011.
Morris is known for his defensive prowess, which is why he was such a hot commodity last deadline. Morris, who has just a -2 this season, was still matched against some top-line players in Boston. He ranked third on the Bruins in average ice time per game with 22:00.
The trade looks fairly even when considering what Morris has accomplished since leaving Phoenix, but I
Continue reading "Boston Trades Derek Morris to Phoenix for a Fourth-Round Pick in 2011"
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Jeff Ponder
Montreal landed a top prospect for their gritty winger.
Matt D'Agostini, the Canadiens' sixth round choice in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, has just 14 goals and 11 assists in 94 NHL games played. The winger is more associated with his feisty style of play, striking fear into opponents when they enter the corners of their defensive zone. The winger does have an offensive upside though; with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, D'Agostini scored 128 points in 162 games played.
Aaron Palushaj, formally considered a top prospect in the Blues' organization, has tapered off since joining the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL. Palushaj was considered to be a large part of the Blues' future coming into this season.
“He’s a rink rat and I like that,” Blues President John Davidson said in September. “He’s skilled. He’s got a real upside.”
Matt D'Agostini, the Canadiens' sixth round choice in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, has just 14 goals and 11 assists in 94 NHL games played. The winger is more associated with his feisty style of play, striking fear into opponents when they enter the corners of their defensive zone. The winger does have an offensive upside though; with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, D'Agostini scored 128 points in 162 games played.
Aaron Palushaj, formally considered a top prospect in the Blues' organization, has tapered off since joining the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL. Palushaj was considered to be a large part of the Blues' future coming into this season.
“He’s a rink rat and I like that,” Blues President John Davidson said in September. “He’s skilled. He’s got a real upside.”
Continue reading "Montreal Trades Matt D'Agostini to St. Louis for Aaron Palushaj"
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