Unfortunate news has trickled through the Calgary Flames camp as GM Darryl Sutter has announced veteran forward Daymond Langkow has been shut down for the year, possibly signaling the end of his career.
Langkow suffered a neck injury last season from taking a slap shot in the neck awkwardly. The damage caused to his spinal cord sat him out the final 10 games of the regular season, all of training camp, and now the entire 2010-11 season. A Calgary official is said to have given Langkow a 50/50 chance of recovering enough to play in the NHL again.
During recent exercise, Langkow reportedly felt numbness in his lower body, clear signs of not being anywhere close to playing shape. The red falg has been raised for his safety, as he has been shut down entirely.
"Zero progress then a step backwards," GM Darryl Sutter said of the decision to take Langkow off the ice and shut down all exercise last week.
"We'll try this, and your guess is as good as mine. We're eight months into it and here we are -- that's a concern."
It is a serious blow for the offensively thinned out Flames squad, but a bigger blow for Daymond himself. At only age 34, Langkow is 14 years experienced split between Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Calgary. In 1,013 career games he is 259-382-641with a +82 rating and 533 penalty minutes.
Last season Langkow set his lowest numbers since 1998-99 as he notched 14 goals and 23 assists for 37 points with a +2 rating in 72 games.
Langkow is a skilled, smart forward with solid leadership and gentlemanly play. Let us have high hopes of Langkow’s recovery, but extreme caution as the injury itself is a frightening one.
"Be thankful our centremen have done a good job for us," said Sutter, whose club has not made Langkow available to the media for some time as he quietly contemplates his future.
"This is not a hockey decision -- it's a life decision," added coach Brent Sutter.
Langkow is the 4th highest paid player on the Flames at $4.5 million per-year, with two years remaining on his contract. While the Flames would much rather have Langkow healthy, the free cap space is greatly needed to the ceiling high Flames.
Although the news is a bit late, it is certainly well worth mention.
The Calgary Flames have announced that they have come to terms with 27 year-old defenseman Mark Giordano, who was set to become a free-agent in July, to a five year contract extension worth $20.1 million, an average of $4.02 million per year.
The early signing was huge for the Flames, as Giordano has displayed great skill on the blueline in his short NHL career. Giordano was signed as a free agent in 2004, and re-signed as a restricted free-agent in 2009.
"To sign a player like this before the July 1 deadline for free agency was a top priority. And it has been identified as a top priority some time ago," Flames assistant GM Jay Feaster said in a release. "It's a good day for the organization."
It was his 2009-10 campaign the really sealed the deal in terms of a contract renewal and raise, where he posted career numbers in 82 games, scoring 11 goals and 19 assists for 30 points, a +17 rating and 81 penalty minutes. Also in 2009-10, he played 7 games with Team Canada in the World Championships, notching 3 goals and 1 assist with a +2 rating.
Through his four NHL seasons with the Flames Giordano has appeared in 207 games, scoring 21 goals and 48 assists for 69 points, a +30 rating and 195 PIMs.
The 6’0 203lbs. Toronto native has shown an ability to play well worth the contract renewal and rate. He has developed into a great all-around defenseman with the ability to muck it up and stop skilled forwards, and also be able to join the rush consistently as he possesses a quick release, pass ability, and great on-ice vision.
"There's no other place I've envisioned being, I want to thank the owners and coaches for believing in me,” Giordano told the team website. “I've wanted to be part of this team, part of this city for a long time. It's a great fit.”
The Flames got off to a torrid start this year, but have been improving steadily. Giordano has 1 goal and 3 assists with a +2 rating and 11 PIMs in 12 games this year, and will securely a strong asset for the Flames future both short and long term.
Unrestricted free-agent goaltender Vesa Toskala has reportedly sought work in Europe after not having been signed thus far by an NHL club.
The 33 year-old Finn has signed a one-month loan deal with AIK of the Swedish Elite League according to a Swedish newspaper. He will replace the injured Christopher Heino-Lindberg and serve as the primary backup for starter Viktor Fasth.
"Toskala is looking for a club in the NHL or KHL and needs time to play at as high a level as possible," AIK Sports manager Anders Gozzi told Expressen. "Therefore this is a very good solution for both parties."
Toskala’s exit comes as no surprise after his below average performance through three years with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toskala was traded to the Anaheim Ducks Januray 31st, and then immediately traded from Anaheim to Calgary where he appeared six times. In 32 total outings last season, Vesa went 9-12-3 with a 3.48 GAA and .880 save percentage with one shutout.
After being drafted in 1995 (90th overall) by the San Jose Sharks, Toskala looked sharp early, and dominated the goal crease with a commanding .930 save percentage through his first two seasons. Since then, Toskala’s numbers have dropped consistently in 8 total NHL seasons. His numbers have dropped now to 129-82-25 through 266 games with a 2.76 GAA and .902 save percentage with 13 shutouts.
Toskala is most likely hoping strong play in Europe will translate into team’s interest in the States. From watching him play, he’s seemed to be one of the guys likely on his way to Europe via Finnish Elite, Swedish Elite, or KHL due to his inconsistency. He has seemed to have lost it, and can no long make up for his 5’10 frame disadvantage. Toskala is, though, a lightning fast goaltender that has displayed (in San Jose from 2001-2007) a real ability to compete at the NHL level. Playing for a hockey mecca like Toronto is something that some goaltenders will never be able to handle, and Toskala may just be one of those guys.
I enjoyed watching him play in San Jose from the start, but I felt increasingly bad for the guy year-by-year in Tornoto. It would be great for him to succeed in Europe and return to a team that better suits his mental level more than his level of play.
The New York Islanders have announced rookie forward Nino Niederreiter, who was drafted 5th overall in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, has been returned to his junior club of Portland.
“I think he looked at it as (the decision) could go either way,” said Islanders head coach Scott Gordon. “And really, that’s how we felt the entire time; it could go either way.”
The 18-year old appeared in 9 games, the maximum amount of games played before a team must make a decision on an entry-level player, impressing greatly with one goal, one assist, and 8 Penalty minutes. *NHL teams essentially have nine games to evaluate a recent draft pick before making a decision about his future. Once a player appears in his 10th game, it burns the first year of his entry-level contract. While he can still be sent back to junior after that, it rarely happens.
“I had a great experience up here, and I was really happy to be here,” Niederreiter said. “I think it’s better to go back to juniors, get a little bit more experience of being a big leader up there. In the end, I think it’s the right decision.”
The Swiss born future star was rightfully disappointed to not stick with his new NHL club, but took the news maturely, professionally and soundly. Combined with his ethic at the NHL level was his positive outlook on the situation, GM and head coach Mike Johnston of the Portland Winterhawks happily slotted him into Friday night’s game against Kelowna just the day after he was returned to the club.
"I talked to him (Thursday) when he was at the airport in New York and I thought he sounded a little bit down, a little bit discouraged," Johnston said Friday from Portland. "When I met with him this morning, he had already been with his teammates for a half hour and he had a big smile on his face. We talked about what he learned, what were the best parts of being in the NHL."
"He's excited about being back here, he knows he's got some things to work on and he's also pretty excited he had nine games in the NHL as an 18-year-old."
Last season, his first in the WHL, Niederreiter tallied 36 goals and 24 assists for 60 points, with a +11 rating and 68 PIMs in 65 games for Portland. In 13 post-season games, Nino scored 8 goals and 8 assists with a +1 rating and 16 PIMs. Despite not scoring in 4 World Championship games for Switzerland last year, his World Junior Championship numbers are solid through 7 games, notching 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 points.
"It is not an exact science," said Johnston, a former assistant coach with the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks. "We've all witnessed both sides of it. It's a matter of the organization making the right decision for the right reasons. ... Obviously, guys like (Kings defenceman) Drew Doughty, they're ready to play.
"There's certain players that can step in and they're going to play good minutes, they're going to handle the puck, they're going to maintain their confidence."
While Niedereitter may not possess the requirements as of yet to stick in the NHL, but he did average 13:35 minutes per-game in the best league in the world quite respectably. He tallied his lone NHL goal, making him the fourth youngest player since 1967, and youngest in franchise history to light the lamp, matching the early starts of 2010 Draftees Jordan Eberle and Jeff Skinner.
“I think he could have success not being on the power play and being in a third line situation,” said Islanders head coach Scott Gordon. “He could work his way into that role, but we already have guys that are playing on the power play that have been successful. It’s not like we’re in a situation where you have a struggling power play and you need someone with some offensive abilities to add to the power play.”
Nino will in fact be in the NHL at some point, but the truth is that the Islanders are not competing for a Cup at the moment, and have plenty of youth on the ice currently. Nino’s demotion is not of disappointment from the organization or himself, but a move of building, strengthening, and bettering the young Swiss forward through the league he played in last year.
Head coach Mike Johnston is aware of the transition ahead of Nino.
"He's going from playing (at the Bell Centre) in Montreal to coming back to playing in Portland," said Johnston. "There is a bit of an adjustment period and there's a mental letdown. He's a very driven kid, very focused player and he wanted to play on the Island. He has a lot of confidence and since Aug. 20 when he went there, he was focused on making that team."
"Now he hasn't made it, he's got to switch gears and jump back into junior."
While the transition may be tough, Portland is thrilled to have him back.
"To be honest, we weren't really sure what was going to happen until early yesterday morning," said Johnston.
"It was pretty exciting for us. It's great for our team, our organization."
"But in the end, from my perspective, we still wanted what was best for Nino."
Nino’s experience has been great, having received praise from management, coaching staff, and teammates, but is eager to get better – particularly offensively.
“I mean in the end, definitely the offensive skills,” Niederreiter said. “It’s hard to get scoring opportunities in the NHL. And if you get the puck, you just have to score, and I think that’s the biggest thing you have to learn here.”
With Gordon’s assessments, and the fact that injured players such as Kyle Okposo and Trent Hunter set to return soon, Niederreiter has been sent packing for now – but keep a watchful eye for this kid next season, as he is set to be a key piece to returning Long Island to glory.
The Devils bad start just became tenfold worse. It was announced Tuesday that top-line right winger Zach Parise will undergo exploratory surgery on his torn Meniscus in his right knee, and will subsequently miss three months.
On the same day, the Devils also announced that rookie center Jacob Josefson will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks with a detached ligament in his thumb which had put him out the two games prior to last night’s contest.
The injury to Parise occurred in Saturday night’s loss to the Los Angelis Kings in the second period in a collision with Kyle Clifford, which sat Parise out for the third period and now apparently for the next few months plus.
"The good news is that the meniscus is 100 per cent intact," Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press late Tuesday evening. "They didn't have to do anything to it other than stitch it. It will be a 100 per cent recovery and there will be no risk of anything down the road later and that's the most important thing."
Though the collision with Clifford was slight, the awkward fall was brutal. Parise admitted to having originally injuring his right knee back in August, something he’s had to deal with over the off-season and through the first 12 games of the regular season.
"It’s been bothering me," he said. "I know exactly when I hurt it. I hurt it in August and it’s been bothering me. It hasn’t gone away. I kind of hurt it every game."
"It's something I hurt skating this summer and it hasn't gotten better," Parise said via telephone from home in New Jersey. "Every game I feel like I'd hurt it more. It would just keep happening and I feel like I've been ineffective on the ice. At the end of the second period I came off the ice and it hurt really bad," Parise said. "Every game I'd re-hurt it or re-tweak it and it gets to the point where you tell yourself it's not getting better."
The fact that Parise played through injury doesn’t come as a surprise considering the fact that he’s a hockey player, nor surprising with the fact that the Devils have more-than needed the star top-line winger’s services. The truth is, however, Parise would have served himself and his team better by finding a solution in a quicker manor. Having gone through this injury myself and having two surgeries on the same knee, the meniscus can be tricky, and definitely hindering.
Parise is a pivotal piece to his struggling team, and currently sits in a two-way tie for 3rd best in team points, having scored 3 goals and 3 assists, and is tied three-ways in total goals scored for 2nd best on the team, all whilst being injured.
Last season, Parise had a solid year in point production scoring 38 goals and 44 assists for 82 points in 81 games, followed up with a +24 rating and just 32 penalty minutes. In the Olympics for Team USA, Parise netted four goals and four assists with a +4 rating in six games, his biggest goal being the game tying tally with 24 seconds remaining in regulation to send USA to overtime against Team Canada in the gold medal game.
Parise, 26, has in short order become one of the top wingers in the National Hockey League. Through 419 NHL games Parise has scored 163 goals and 178 assists for 341 points, a +62 plus/minus rating and 145 PIMs.
In short, any time a player of Parise’s caliber goes down for three months (plus) it’s bad news for a team, but the fact that the blow was dealt to the Devils is devastating to the franchise.
The New Jersey Devils, who are currently 27th in the league, have gotten off to their worst start in 27 years. The Devils are 4-9-1 through 14 games, are tied for dead last in goals (25), and also tie for league worst in goals against (45). The questions of the usually dominant team’s play this season have been plentiful, and there seemingly isn’t one place the Devils aren’t struggling in.
There is no doubt an emphasis put on the injury bug, having lost 56 man games to injury entering Monday’s contest in Vancouver. The list includes left wing Brian Rolston (sports hernia, Oct. 9, 10 games), defensemen Matt Corrente (broken left hand, Oct. 27, two games), Mark Fraser (fractured right hand, Oct. 13, eight games), Anton Volchenkov (stiff neck, Oct. 9, 10 games), Bryce Salvador (concussion, 12 regular season/two preseason games), and Anssi Salmela (knee, 12 regular season/six preseason games).
In last night’s contest against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Devils achieved a much needed victory, but lost star goaltender Martin Brodeur during the course of the game to a mild injury to his elbow. Thankfully, Brodeur’s injury isn’t serious as he expects to play in next Friday’s contest. Backup Johan Hedberg came in relief, and backstopped the Devils to their first victory in three games.
"It's not pulled or torn," Brodeur said. "I just banged it. From past experiences with bruises, usually it takes a couple of days to feel 100 per cent.” He went on, “We'll see how this one reacts."
"Adversity is part of life," GM Lamoriello said. "As I said earlier, it's how you handle it and what you do with it. Right now, we just have to do what we are capable of doing. The players who are here have to step up and make the best of the opportunities they are going to get right now."
While injuries have been an issue, the true issues with the team are deeply seeded, and will take extensive work to right. The problems start at the top, as the team has been poorly structured by the oft sharp hockey mind of general manger Lou Lamoriello under the salary cap rules of the NHL. The Devils sit at the absolute ceiling of the $59.4 million cap limit, with top name, high paid players such as the aforementioned veteran forward Brian Rolston, who makes over $5 million and is currently off the books due to long term injury. A good look at the team on CapGeek.com has one scratching his head.
At some point, all of these players will be healthy, and I would think regardless of a change in production; a change is looming.
The major problem for the Devils has been overall team chemistry, as nobody has taken charge to set themselves apart and lead the team offensively. Ilya Kovalchuk currently leads in points (3-5-8), while veteran off-season signing Jason Arnott took the reins in goal scoring leading in last nights’ contest against the Hawks, raising his total to just 4 goals.
Ilya Kovalchuk has undeservedly taken the brunt of the bashing for the Devils’ offensive slump, after he signed a 17-year $102 million contract on the offseason, essentially causing Lou to get off track with his salary structuring. There is no doubt Kovy has and needs to find another level to restore his usual 40-goal (plus) per-season pace, but the blame may fall perhaps more undeservedly on rookie head coach John MacLean.
MacLean most likely isn’t the one at fault here. While the team has not found consistency or chemistry, MacLean has struggled immensely trying to get his team to produce, even going as far as benching the star winger Kovalchuk and juggling lines about the best he can. Unfortunately for MacLean, if the team continues to play this way, as often is the case; MacLean will be the first man out.
For as much as salary and injury have been a struggle for the Devils, the fact that they have made the Playoffs 13 years strait has also produced a somewhat thin depth chart. They have dressed 9 depth players, 6 of which are rookies, who all combine for no more than 38 NHL games of experience heading into Friday night’s game. By a long shot, rookie defenseman Matt Taormina has done a splendid job, recording 3 goals and 2 assists in his first 14 NHL games, and is one of only six players with a plus rating.
It is the defensive end of the game that the Devils have struggled with too, with players such as forwards Patrik Elias (-7), David Clarkson (-8), and defenseman Andy Green (-10) sitting an embarrassing 647th, 657th, and 665th in plus/minus respectively out of a total 669 players to step onto the ice this season (keeping in mind that a multitude of players are tied for true player positions).
The defense has been depleted heavily in terms of veteran defensemen, as the Devils have currently half of their defensive unit making their respective NHL debuts.
Even the legendary Martin Broduer has been far from excellent this year, thus far recording a 3-8-1 record in 14 games, with a 2.70 GAA, a .904 save percentage, and two shutouts. The 38 year-old veteran is used to a solid defensive style of team play, and a solid corps of defensemen in front of him. Broduer, too, has come under fire, with many critics questioning his ability late in his career. I don’t personally buy this for a second, and with the organization in shambles like it currently is, I see Broduer as the probable strongest asset of this team.
The Devils certainly have some work to do, whether it be in regards to the coaching staff or the trading block (or both), the Devils expect better results, and with the roster they have there isn’t any real reason why they shouldn’t get there.
There isn’t really a single player that doesn’t need to step it up in the absence of Zach Parise and Brian Rolston on offense, but particular names do come to mind. Veteran team leader Jamie Langenbrunner is a skilled right winger that needs to step up and play the big minutes he’s used to getting. So far this year, like most of the team, he has underperformed. He did get going in the right direction last night against the Hawks, netting a goal and two assists, but his 2-6-8, -5 rating through 14 games isn’t impressive. Despite his lackluster performance thus far, he is tied with Kovalchuk for team lead in points, and is but two goals away from the team lead in goal scoring as well which really makes you look at the rest if the team. Veterans Jason Arnott, Patrcik Elias, Dainius Zubrus, and Travis Zajac must be better. These six players (not including Parise) only account for 14 goals through 14 games.
We placed New Jersey at the top of the Eastern Conference in our LTL Power Rankings due to their solid roster of players and veteran presence. I’m not afraid to admit when I’m wrong, but I truly don’t think we are far from it. The Devils will find a way, but the bridge to be gapped will be tough, and possibly quite painful for the Devils fan to endure.
If you’ve been frequenting our site you’ve probably noticed some changes. The unfortunate one has been our lack of content over the past week and a half. Dustin’s move to Michigan over this past week left him incredibly stressed for time, and myself freeing up as much to spend some time with my good friend before he departed Florida.
We made the most of the 22.5 hour straight drive by making it in time for the Red Wings home game against the Nashville Predators on Saturday night, my first experience at the Joe, and had a blast there.
Though we’re incredibly behind in terms of news and content, we should be back full operational by next week, starting with a few more notable pieces of news that we haven’t covered. For a full list of news related by-date happenings over the past couple of weeks, we strongly suggest you visit FantasyHockey.com.
We do have positive changes in place! If you’re new, welcome, we hope you enjoy what we’ve got going and hope you keep coming back for more!
A few changes have come since our last update post, and we just wanted to clarify where we’re at and what you can expect from us in the near future.
ESPN Scoreboard Widget
On the right hand side we’ve added the ESPN Scoreboard Widget. This streams live game scores, and upon clicking a game, you will be redirected to espn.go.com where you can view a full game Recap, Box Score, Play-by-Play, Photos, and Conversation. ESPN’s full-time staff has the ability to do all of the things we want to do, but the best we can do here is be a portal to a user friendly, information-filled network. *This feature is regrettably not yet available for our mobile version.
Features
We will be posting our Top Performers of the Week on a weekly basis. We will view the week in whole, and select the top performers and list their respective accomplishments. This information can be valued greatly for fantasy picks! Over the past two weeks this feature has been missing, but will for sure be back at the latest by next Sunday.
LTL Game Coverage
Through the first handful of days in the regular season we offered our own scoreboards with links to NHL.com for stats, including our own game-by-game analysis. This is something we desperately want to provide, but our time limitations make this an impossible feat. In order for us to keep up with news and original articles, we have collectively decided to stop this feature at the moment, but have high hopes it will make a return to the site. NHL.com, TSN.ca, and ESPN.com do a great job with this and we encourage you to visit these sites for game-by-game coverage.
LTL Team Previews
Unfortunately, the Team Previews section is being all but scrapped. Our ambitions were a bit higher than our capabilities as we started this site at the tail end of August, incredibly close to the start of the NHL season. Our goal was to tackle this team-by-team alphabetically, and the two of us meet in the middle before the start of the year. We have failed to meet this loft goal, but encourage user feedback in regards to a team you want to know about. We will be changing our team-by-team details from previews to analysis, but we don’t have any kind of a time frame at the moment.
New Look
The site hasn’t changed much, but we realized that for some, the site was taking too long to load. We’ve changed the layout slightly to provide a quicker load time, but if you’re still having issues please contact us via Support.
Get Involved
Dustin and I have been overly busy lately. Countless hours have been poured into what we’re doing, and while our hit count is respectable, the response we’ve received has been a bit of a disappointment. We won’t give up, we want to provide you with as much as we can, but we hope that you will get involved. We want to hear your opinions, please let your voice be known. Whether you agree totally or you think we’re completely wrong, it’s your activeness and interest that keeps us inspired.
Sharing links can through social networking devices such as Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr is the biggest support you can offer us.
Once again we apologize for the inactivity of late, but we are determined to get right back in the action and talk more hockey.
Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk is expected to miss roughly four weeks due to a broken arm.
The injury occurred in the first period of Saturday night’s 2-1 loss to the Rangers as he sustained a slight fracture to a bone in his left forearm.
"Yeah, right about there," said Boychuk of his anticipated (four week) return. "They told me that. It sucks, but that’s the way it has to be."
After sustaining the injury, Boychuk did what most hockey players do, and tried to continue playing in the game at hand.
"I was going down the wall and I got slashed on the wrist, and I went back to the bench as soon as it happened because, well, it hurt pretty bad," he said. "I came back and had to put some tape on the wrist to finish the period.
"I just tried to suck it up I guess," continued Boychuk, who said he played through five shifts after being slashed. "I just thought it was like a bruise or something like that...and tried to finish the period."
Boychuk will be missed while he’s recovering, as the Bruins have gotten off to a quick start, especially defensively. Bruins head coach Claude Julien echoed the hard felt loss.
"It's a loss, there's no doubt," said Julien. "He's been playing some pretty good hockey for us and has been pretty consistent since last year, so you lose a guy who's...been a consistent player in your lineup every night.
"So, it's an opportunity for someone else to step right in and fill the gap. We've been through that many times in the past and it's only of -- probably -- many more to come."
Through six games Boychuk has contributed 3 assists and 12 shots, but his biggest contribution is the heads-up play in his own zone as he has a +3 rating to date.
The 26 year-old is primed to have a good season after making his first full season debut last year where he recorded 5 goals and 10 assists with a +10 rating and 43 penalty minutes.
Ersberg has cleared waivers, and the Los Angelis Kings have terminated his contract. Ersberg has likely played his last game in the NHL, as the Los Angelis Times has reported the Swede is eying the KHL.
With Jonathan Quick and rookie Jonathan Bernier playing lights-out, Ersberg was demoted to Manchester of the American Hockey League at the beginning of the season. Ersberg left the team without permission, however, which allowed the Kings to terminate him.
In 11 games with the Kings last season, Ersberg posted a 4-3-2 record with a 2.40 goals against average and a .906 save percentage.While his starts were few, his numbers were strong.
Ersberg, 28, hasn't quite ever received a fair shake from the Kings organization, despite having spent three years with the club.
Through 3 seasons with the Kings he's played 53 games with a 18-19-10 record, a 2.55 goals against average, .910 save percentage, and two shutouts. He split time with LA and Manchester in 2007-08, where (in Manchester) he went10-13-2 in 30 games with a 2.92 GAA, .897 save percentage, and one shutout.
Few options do exist for Ersberg, but especially keeping in mind this goaltender's frame, he has played very well in the NHL, and it would be great to see him land a job.
The Atlanta Thrashers have assigned right winder Nigel Dawes to Chicago of the American Hockey League on Friday.
The 25 year-old has appeared in all six games for the Thrashers this season without having registered a single point and posting a -6 rating. The only noteworthy contribution to the team was his game winning shootout tally against the Ducks October 15th.
Dawes was signed a one-year deal with the Thrashers on September 8th as an unrestricted free-agent after he spent 2009-10 with the Calgary Flames going14-18-32 in 66 games with a +1 rating and 18 PIMs.
Dawes has played for four teams over his four NHL seasons (New York Rangers, Phoenix, Calgary, and Atlanta) and has scored 39 goals and 44 assists for 83 points and a -4 rating in 205 games.
It appears the trio of Calder contenders isn’t quite enough to keep the fans smiling this season, and Oilers president Patrick LaForge has announced his copper and blue club will be the first of the six Candian teams to have cheerleaders in the stands.
LaForge says the cheer team will "enhance the in-game experience." Cheerleaders already exist in 23 NHL arenas, and LaForge is adamant that it’s something the fans have been asking for. A cheer team calendar will also be released, as this is quite possibly the most illegitimate article you’ll ever see on LTL.
In other news, the Maple Leafs have hired this guy (pictured right) to cheer on the boys in blue.
Vancouver Canucks forward Rick Rypien has been handed down a 6 game ban for his tangle with a Minnesota Wild fan in Tuesday night’s contest. The Canucks were also fined $25,000 for the incident. My article written regarding the altercation can be found here; Wild Push Right Buttons as Rypien Pushes Fan; Gets Suspended.
The feeling around the league is mixed on the suspension given out by principal disciplinarian Colin Campbell and commissioner Gary Bettman on Friday in an in-person meeting with the player.
"Prior to each season, all clubs and players are advised that under no circumstances are club personnel permitted to have physical contact with fans, or enter, or attempt to enter the stands," Commissioner Gary Bettman said. "We hold NHL players to a high standard, and there simply is no excuse for conduct of this nature. Fortunately, this incident is not typical of the way NHL players conduct themselves and is not typical of the way Mr. Rypien had conducted himself during his career."
The general public belief, even that of TSN NHL InsiderBob McKenzie, is that the suspension could have been longer. The fan, too, isn’t happy with the league’s response and is still arguing assault on his behalf, something that could entail a court process.
There is absolutely no arguing the fact that Rick Rypien dug his own grave, and is fully at fault for the matter, but he isn’t the single party at fault in this case.
The Minnesota Wild’s arena is the only arena that does not have a railing or some type of system to keep the players separate from the fans. This will be changed, but the fact that they weren’t up to code leaves question as to why they didn’t receive a fine as well. Furthermore, the grumpy fan that got shook up a bit should probably chill out. I wouldn’t be happy either, but after being removed from the altercation and promoted to first row seats, I’m sure I would suffice for season tickets on the house.
The Canucks GM Mike Gillis is understanding of the league’s decision, and is probably thankful that it wasn’t worse.
"We understand and respect the League's decision today regarding Rick Rypien," Canucks president and general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement. "While this game is played with passion and intensity, the safety of all of our fans and players is of the utmost importance at all times. Throughout his career Rick has been well respected by his teammates, coaches, fellow players and our community. Rick is a valued member of our organization and we will continue to support him and all of his teammates to ensure incidents like this do not happen in the future."
The league hasn’t been afraid of handing out supplementary discipline this year, but I do feel Rypien should have gotten more.
The 26-year old will not be eligible to play until November 6th against the Detroit Red Wings.
The Ottawa Senators have not started the way general manager Bryan Murray and the fans of Ottawa had expected and anticipated after an improved end to their 2009-10 season. To the date the Senators sit 24th in the league, through 7 games they are 2-5-1.
The signing of Sergei Gonachar was namely the turnaround the fans were excited about, but not even he has had an impactful season. Though he sits third on the team in points (4 assists), the results level the team is searching for has not been sufficient.
Seemingly the only players playing great this year have been Alfredsson and Leclaire. Captain Daniel Alfredsson, who has 4 goals and 4 assists through 7 games, tallied his 1,000 point Friday in a must-win victory over the Sabres. The other strong performer would be goaltender Pascal Leclaire, who went down with a groin injury on the 17th, and has yet to get back onto the ice.
"It's up to all of us, this is a team," Murray told reporters. "It's not the coaches or players only, it's me doing anything I can."
Bryan Murray well have already had enough, as he has admitted to changing things up in terms of the roster for something that will get his team wins. This is not the first time the word ‘trade’ has come out of his mouth.
"I've talked to a number of people, as I said," Murray said. "I talked to (Minnesota Wild general manager) Chuck Fletcher for a long time yesterday and said, 'can I help you, you help me' type of thing, so we're talking to management of other teams, trying to find if there is a need and possibility of making a move."
"That's not always a solution, but maybe it sends a little message to our players," Murray said.
The team has made a move (though not a trade) by sending defenseman Zack Smith to Binghamton of the AHL and calling up defenseman David Hale. Murray has admitted to the fact that the blueline is of most concern, not really having got the job done in front of their goaltenders.
"I think that we have a couple of young guys on the blueline who have really struggled to play their game and I think that it has become contagious," Murray said. "I can't say that one of our ‘D' have played to where I thought they would be."
Murray was also quick to fire off on Alex Kovalev, having cited the difference between his descent pre-season showing and the regular one in which he has been relegated to an assists and a -4 rating.
"Not very good," Murray told reporters on Wednesday when asked about the Russian sniper’s play thus far. "It looks like his skating isn't where it was last year. I think there's lingering effects maybe from the surgery he had. I'm hoping that's part of it and, as time goes on, he gets going."
After his signing of two years worth 10 million in July of 2009, Kovalev has only tallied 18 goals and 32 assists for 50 points through 84 total games, with a -12 rating.
In practice last week, Kovalev had even been shuffled down to the fourth line with Jesse Winchester and Ryan Shannon. 37 year-old Kovalev is fully aware of his lack of production through the season so far, but isn’t on board with all of Bob Murrays assessment of his play.
"Last year, people were talking about me not skating, either, so I don't know where is the truth," Kovalev said. "Last year or this year? I'm skating better than last year. Me, personally, that's the way I feel."
"I'm working and trying to get better," Kovalev said. "It's not always working the way you want, but I'm going to just keep trying and things will start working. It's the same thing for our team. "There's ups and downs during the season. Hopefully, that down part is happening now."
While it’s not impossible he turns it on, the fact of the matter is Kovalev hasn’t been Kovalev for a while now. In order to get this team in gear a trade is most likely the best answer.
Jason Spezza has taken enough heat in Ottawa in recent years mainly for his defensive flaws. The Senators are guilty of having too many offensively minded forwards, and not enough defensively minded forwards. There are only six players on this roster that do not have a minus rating.
Kovalev’s 5 million cap hit won’t make dealing the veteran to just any team an easy task, which between the cap factor and the performance factor, the Sens may have to sweeten the deal. Although there likely aren’t too many untouchables through the roster, names likely Chris Campoli, Chris Kelly, and Jarkko Rututu come to mind.
The Senators have a strange feel to them this season, but with a little re-tooling the Sens could be turned around into an obvious playoff-making club this season and Murray knows it. Stay tuned to see if Murray puts his words into action.
General manager of the Nashville Predators, David Poile, has announced the signing of unrestricted free-agent Steve Begin to a one year contract at $500,000 (league minimum) at the NHL level, and $105,000 at the AHL level.
Begin has been sitting on the open market since the off-season, and has been sent down to Milwaukee of the AHL for conditioning, a process in which he had to clear waivers on Thursday. Begin has cleared waivers, and reported to the team to get his training under way.
The signing for Nashville deepens their checking line depth considerably as the 11-year veteran will add toughness and ethic on every shift. Begin is a heart and could type of player, and has displayed that throughout his career.
Last season Begin played with the Boston Bruins in 77 games, notching 5 goals and 9 assists with a -7 rating and 53 penalty minutes. Though he’s not a big time point producer, two of his five goals last year were game winners. Last year was arguably his best since the 2005-06 season where he played with the Montreal Canadiens racking up 23 points and 113 PIMs.
Begin, 32, has played 486 NHL games through his 11 years split between Calgary, Montreal, Dallas, and Boston. In 486 games he has scored 52 goals and 48 assists for an even100 points, a -17 rating and 535 penalty minutes.
Begin is good on the draw and even better on his natural left wing position. Begin’s signing comes just four days after the injury to centermen Marcel Goc and Matthew Lombardi. The Predators have lacked offense and had to play a solid defensive game to get wins, and Begin will help them to continue that trend.
In terms of goal scoring the Preds are low within their Central Division, but in terms of overall size, grit, and defensive structure they are one of the best.
New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro will be making a great supportive move in the fight against cancer this month as he will be sporting pink pads.
Unfortunately you don’t have to look too hard to find someone that has been directly effected by this deadly disease. Two of my best friends, my brother in-law, and many others I know and love have been changed forever from this disease. Many athletes as well have suffered, and the fight that the NHL and other major sports programs have done in support is a tremendous effort that should be recognized and applauded.
DiPietro, too, is one of the many NHL players to have felt the impact of cancer as his wife’s aunt passed away with Cancer.
"I wear the ribbon on my mask," said DiPietro. "It gives us an opportunity to donate some money to charity -- hopefully we'll auction those things off -- and I have some pink sticks coming as well. I think Bauer's going to make up a bunch of extra sets (of pads), and see if we can't help out."
The NHL has run a great foundation entitled “Hockey Fights Cancer” which is a program that collects donations through merchandise sales and promotions. There have been many NHL players effected personally by cancer such as the great Mario Lemieux, Saku Koivu, and Jason Blake just to name a few.
DiPietro isn’t concerned with any type of a fashion statement, his love for the game has never died through his injury prone career and his support for this important cause is something that he is proud of. His starts this year have been split up with teammate Dwayne Roloson, but DiPietro remains optimistic and energized for a triumphant return.
"I can't sit here and tell you it's been easy," he said. "A lot of dark days, a lot of times where you don't think you're going to make it.” he said."You've just go to keep battling. I always just kept telling myself that the light at the end of the tunnel was coming and all the hard work was going to eventually pay off."
Dipietro’s chronic knee problems have only seen him in 13 games over the last two years, but he has appeared 3 times already this season.
"Listen man, one per cent of the entire world gets to be a professional athlete and I'm one of them," said DiPietro. "I feel truly blessed (and) lucky. As far as taking positives out of what's happened, I can't tell you how much of the little stuff you take for granted when you're here. When you're away from the game, you get a chance to see how truly lucky you are.
"Times I used to get mad when I got hit in the face with the puck, I'm just happy (now) that the puck is hitting me and I get a chance to stop the puck. You know what I mean?"
*NHL.com
Hockey Fights Cancer is a component of the NHL's "Biggest Assist Happens off the Ice" campaign, the League's long-standing tradition of addressing important social issues in North America and around the world.
Hockey Fights Cancer is a joint initiative founded in December 1998 by the National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players' Association to raise money and awareness for hockey's most important fight.
It is supported by NHL Member Clubs, NHL Alumni, the NHL Officials' Association, Professional Hockey Trainers and Equipment Managers, corporate marketing partners, broadcast partners and fans throughout North America.
To date, more than $11 million has been raised to support national and local cancer research institutions, Children's Hospitals, player charities and local cancer organizations.
The Calgary Flames have claimed defenseman Brendan Mikkelson off waivers from the Anaheim Ducks, and subsequently assigned T.J. Brodie to the American Hockey League.
For Mikkelson, he is now headed to a team that is in no better shape than the team he came from as both Anaheim and Calgary have struggled early in this season. From Calgary’s vantage point, the no-loss acquisition is a good one for the club.
To date this year, Mikkelson has appeared in 5 games notching 1 assists with a -1 rating and 7 penalty minutes. He will get third-pairing duties with the Flames in an effort to stick in the NHL through an entire year.
Mikkelson is a dependable blueliner with good size at 6’3 205lbs, and is a very smooth skater. The 23 year-old Regina, Sask. Native was drafted just outside of the first round (31st overall) in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. Mikkelson does not have much of an offensive upside, but rather is pegged for a stay-at-home shut-down type of defender.
He spent last season split between the Toronto Marlies AHL club (49 games) and Anaheim Ducks (28 games). For the Ducks, Mikkelson only notched 2 assists with a -5 rating and 14 PIMs.
He has played a total of 67 NHL games for the Ducks recording 5 assists, a -6 rating, and 38 penalty minutes. He has plyed for three different clubs in the American Hockey League for a total of 146 games with a 15-33-48 scoring record and abysmal -34 rating with 111PIMs.
His pro numbers haven’t been eye-catching at all, but the promise could still be there for the young blueliner. Through his four years in the WHL he notched 16 goals and 54 assists for 70 points and a -1 rating in 226 games. Mikkelson was a member of the Canadian Gold Medal Team at the 2003-04 Under-18 World Juniors Hockey Championship, and in 2006-07 was a Memorial Cup Champion as well as being named to the Memorial Cup All-Star Team.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Tom Gilbert has been added to Colin Capmbell’s long list fines and suspensions as he was handed a $2,500 fine – the maximum under the CBA, for an illegal hit to Calgary Flames forward Matt Stajan.
The hit was to the head, something that the NHL has been cracking down on heavily after a plethora of concussions in this young season.
The hit took place Saturday night in Calgary’s 5-3 victory. Gilbert drew an interference penalty on the play, while Stajan was not injured and was able to finish the game.
For Stajan and his fans it had to be a scary moment. Stajan was a big piece to the injury woes Calgary has suffered early in this season, as this was only Stajans second appearance since he separated his shoulder in pre-season. Stajan played on the top line that night with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay notching three assists for a totally of 8 points spread amongst the three top liners in Saturday’s much-needed victory.
Once again, I don’t subscribe to the theory that a $2,500 fine is going to keep players from making these hits. This was by far not the worst case example to the head-shots that have been such an issue, but the NHL must get on top of it in an effort to make players really feel the penalty of their actions.
The night couldn’t possibly have gone much worse for the Vancouver Canucks in Tuesday night’s game. Not only was Roberto Luongo and the team picked apart in a 6-1 loss against the Minnesota Wild, they also lost Rick Rypien as he mentally fell apart.
Rick Rypien had a rough and tough game, as he usually does, but he crossed the line when he tangled with a Minnesota Wild fan for a brief moment on his way to the locker room.
Rypien and Minnesota’s Brad Staubitz had fought once already (first period) in the tilt, and were getting ready for round two in front of the Wild bench during the second period when the linesman pulled the two apart. Rypien got a quick jab in on Staubitz, and appeared to push the official after being assessed a 2 minute roughing and 10 minute misconduct penalty.
The penalties were the least of his worries as he made his way to the locker room he shoved a fan who was applauding the action right in front of him. Teammate Manny Malhotra, among others, stepped in to pull Rypien away, and the fans were escorted out of the area.
No one was hurt in the tangle, but Rypien has since been suspended indefinitely pending a hearing.
Teammate Manny Malhotra didn’t directly defend Rypien’s actions, but he did offer some insight to the matter.
"There's boundaries that should never be crossed. We're in our area of work," he said. "We're all for the hooting and hollering and supporting your team and saying whatever is tasteful. But as soon as you cross that line and want to become physical with a player then we have to make sure we take care of ourselves. ... We have no idea of what their intentions are."
Malhotra applauded the NHL’s work to keep fans and players apart, but the result is distasteful in this case, and something must now be done.
It was announced today that Rypien will in fact be subject to an in-person meeting with the league regarding the incident, and he will be suspended until a decision is made.TSN Insider Bob McKenzie speculated on Off the Record with Michael Landsberg on Wednesday that the hearing will likely occur on Friday.
"It's not finalized but it looks like the meeting will be Friday," McKenzie told Landsberg. "Probably in the morning, probably in New York City and probably involving both NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHL vice-president Colin Campbell."
Due to the extreme nature of the infringement, Rypien will likely incur a large suspension by the league, as clearly the whole thing could have been avoided. Bob McKenzie also speculated that due to the fact that the meeting will be in-person, and with league personnel of such hierarchy, he could be looking at five games minimum.
"You cross that line and go into the stands, then it become a bigger issue in hockey operations," McKenzie said.
"If I were to handicap this, I would say five or six game would be the low end, seven or eight games would be the medium and nine or 10 would be if he really gets hammered."
Rypien will no doubt be out of some coming contests, including Friday night’s rematch as the Canucks play the Wild once again. This is, unfortunately for Rypien, the absolute least of his worries. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune has reported that the 28 year-old aggravated fan is now seeking a lawyer.
"Bottom line, I was assaulted," said the fan who the Star-Tribune have identified as James Engquist, said.
"I was just standing straight up applauding as he was getting kicked out," he went on, “He was out of control. And then I said, 'Way to be professional,' and he obviously didn't care for that comment and decided to grab me and almost dragged me over the rail. It's been a long day. If my brother wasn't grabbing me, he probably would have dragged me over the edge. It's not right."
While there were no punches thrown, nor am I big on people paling up with attorneys, Rick Rypien’s actions were absolutely unprofessional, and absolutely worth a heft fine and suspension.
Players are paid to do their respective jobs on the ice. In Rypien’s case, a large part of his job is fighting, but never should it have anything to do with fans. No matter what is said, thrown at you, etc. the player must remain composure and know that at the end of the night that fan (or group of fans) has no bearing on his job, both in past and present terms.
While Malhotra may have something to say in Rypien’s defense, goaltender Marty Turco and Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks were the voice of reason that Rick Rypien apparently needed to hear before stepping onto the ice last night.
"We've all been there and wanted to slap someone silly," Blackhawks goaltender Marty Turco said. "(It's the) Heat of the moment and you snap. Emotions are high. As we know, and I'm sure he does this morning, interaction with the fans is inexcusable. You can't be doing that."
"The fans are pretty much the only reason why we are able to play this game," Kane stated.
The NHL has had to deal with some unfortunate happenings to the date, and Colin Campbell and Gary Bettman have had to earn their pay with the amount of suspensions and fines in a very short amount of time. It is of absolute that they make the right call in this case, and set an example to all players what happens when they cross that gigantic line, no matter what the cost for the 26 year-old Coleman, Alberta native.
Unfortunately this is not the first time players have crossed paths with fans. Here is a list of previous fan encounters composed by TSN.ca.
*From TSN
During the 2009 playoffs, New York Rangers head coach John Tortorella was suspended for one game after squirting a fan with water and hitting a fan with the water bottle during Game 5 of an Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series.
In 2004, Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis was fined $100,000 and given a one-week suspension by the league for an altercation with a season ticket holder.
There were also a pair of incidents during the 2000-01 season. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matthew Barnaby received a four-game suspension for an incident with a fan in Florida and Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tie Domi was fined $1,000 when he sprayed water on a fan in Philadelphia. That fan ended up pounding the glass on the penalty box and fell into it, leading to a brief scuffle with Domi.
In January of 2002, then Rangers' forward Theo Fleury was fined $1,000 by the NHL for making an obscene gesture to Islanders fans who were taunting him about his difficulties with substance abuse.
It would be another two years before the NHL was forced to dish out any supplementary discipline for interaction with fans when the league suspended Nashville Predators' defenceman Jamie Allison one game for getting into a verbal confrontation with a fan after he received a 10-minute misconduct. The Predators were also fined $10,000 by the NHL for the altercation. It should be noted that there was no physical confrontation with the fan during that encounter.
Just eleven days into the 2010-11 NHL regular season, the NHL’s young guns are really impressing and making a huge impact for their respective teams. Although each team has nine games to make a decision as to whether they stay with the club or are sent back to juniors, many rookies are proving their worth and look to stick with the clubs league-wide.
Tyler Myers beat out Jimmy Howard and Matt Duchene last year for the honor as he posted a 11-37-48 record with an impressive +13 rating through a full 82 game rookie season. Myers played with great composure and responsibility, and was highly deserving of the honor.
The year before, 2008-09, goaltender Steve Mason took home the honor with the Columbus Blue Jackets posting a phenomenal 20-26-9 record with a 3.06 GAA and .901 save percentage with 5 shutouts through 58 games with a lackluster Columbus Blue Jackets team, being the main reason behind their first ever Playoff birth.
It’s somewhat of a rarity for a defenseman or goaltender to win it, but it’s entirely possible this year. The crop of youngsters could quite possibly be the best we’ve seen in years, and the race for the Calder will be extremely exciting, probably going down to the closing stages of the regular season.
To the date, there are a total of 57 rookies that have taken to the ice around the National Hockey League. I’m not going to list them all of course, nor am I looking to rate them. Instead, I’d like to mention fifteen of the more poised players to stick with their clubs and challenge for the Calder. Also, I’d like to list another fifteen players that have a shot at full-time status with a real outside chance of Calder glory, but they will be strong very, very soon, and are worth keeping a watchful eye on this year.
*2010-11 stats from Oct. 7th - 17th.
*some videos low quality/short duration.
The Edmonton Factor
The Edmonton Oilers were the worst team across the board last year. There really wasn’t one positive thing to take home from most Oilers games at the end of the night other than a nice goal you may have seen scored by the other team. This year, however, the Oilers are one of the more exciting stories in the league, namely due to the trio of rookies that, all three respectively, have a very strong chance of winning the Calder Memorial Trophy.
-Forwards-
Taylor Hall
Age: 18 | Drafted by Edmonton in 2010 (1/1)
Left Wing
Taylor Hall was the 1st overall NHL Entry Draft Selection in 2010. For an 18 year-old with the pressures of being that number one pick, Taylor has impressed immensely with his maturity and playmaking abilities. Hall was an OHL superstar. Over three years spent with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL, Hall blew everyone out of the water with 123 goals and 157 assists for 280 points in just 183 games. Among his accomplishments in the OHL, he walked away with two Memorial Cups, two Playoff MVP Awards, four All-Star nominations, and led the league twice in scoring. In last years’ World Junior Championships Hall scored 6 goals and 6 assists in the 6 game tournament. His scoring prowess will become effective in short order with an improved cast around him in Edmonton. In his first NHL game he tallied an assists, but I would expect the points to start flowing soon, and him to be at the top of the rookie race come the end of the year.
Magnus Paajarvi Age: 19 | Drafted by Edmonton in 2009 (1/10) Left Wing
Magnus Pajaarvi stepped onto the ice looking like the most NHL-ready of the three in training camp and pre-season. Paajarvi possesses great speed and craftiness. He constantly keeps defensemen guessing as to what he is going to do next, and has greatly improved his own defensive game which still could use some work. Paajarvi has a great shot, and excellent passing ability as he displayed in junior and professional ranks in Sweden. For Timra of the Swedish Elite League, a league of men, Paajarvi went 20-29-49 in 134 games, but his major accomplishments have come in International play. At the junior World Championships level (three appearances) he scored 6 goals and 19 points in 18 games, and at the World Championships he scored 5 goals for 9 points in 9 games with a +8 rating. Swedes have looked strong in general in the NHL in recent years, and Paajarvi is on the up early having scored a goal and an assist in his third and fourth NHL games to date.
Jordan Eberle Age: 20 | Drafted by Edmonton in 2008 (1/22) Center
Jordan Eberle broke into the NHL in smashing fashion, scoring what is likely to be among one of the flashiest goals of the year, and also notching an assist on a shot that was at first thought to be his second tally of the game. Eberle was projected to be a first-line player and judging by what we’ve seen from him thus far, it appears as though those projections are accurate. Eberle split time in the AHL and WHL over the last two years, but the majority of his play over the last four years has been with Regina of the WHL. For Springfield (AHL) he has appeared 20 times, scoring 9 goals for 23 points. For Regina his numbers are staggering, having notched 155 goals and 155 assists for 310 total points and an +22 rating in 254 games. His busy year also saw him in the World Junior and World Championships’ for Team Canada. In World Juniors he is 14-12-26 in 12 games, and in Worlds last year he tallied a goal and 3 assists in four games. Eberle has a gift for scoring as his shot and deking ability is top notch already, but his speed and strength could use a bit of an improvement. The improvement will come, as will the other two young forwards of the Edmonton Oilers as they will surely all three stick with the team and get loads of ice time.
Jeff Skinner Age: 18 | Drafted by Carolina in 2010 (1/7). Center/Winger
Another player likely to get loads of ice time this season is 18 year-old Jeff Skinner. Skinner was probably the best available natural goal scorer in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, and Carolina was delighted that he slipped all the way to 7th. Skinner is just a kid, like a lot of the young guys making their debut, but he could well be in with one of the best shots of attaining the honor that is the Calder Memorial Trophy. Skinner isn’t the largest player, but his leg strength is incredible and his never-give-up ethic puts him consistently in a position to do what he does best; score goals. His totals from the OHL over two years are impressive at 77-64-141 in 127 games played for Kitchener, but it was his performance last year that showed the hockey world exactly where this kid is heading. In 64 games he tallied 50 goals and 40 points in the regular season, and as if that weren’t enough, he went on to tally another 20 goals and 13 assists in 20 playoff games. That’s a total of 70 goals in 84 games. He showed his hands are ready to frustrate even the best NHL goaltenders as in his second career NHL game he deked Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom out of his gear for the only shootout goal of the game, giving his Hurricanes team their second victory in a row in Finland to open the season. Skinner is in a prime position for a young kid trying to make a name for himself as the rebuilding Hurricanes will be heavily dependent and hopeful of their young talent throughout the year.
Derek Stepan Age: 20 | Drafted by NY Rangers in 2008 (2/51) Center
If Eberle had a great first night in the NHL, Derek Stepan had a glorious one. In his first NHL game, Stepan netted a hat-trick to become the first player in the 85-year history of the Rangers and the fourth in the NHL since 1927 to score three goals in his first NHL game. The 20 year-old spent two seasons in the WCHA with Wisconsin playing 81 games and going 21-66-87 with a +10 rating. Last year he also played for Team USA in the World Junior Championships notching 4 goals and 14 points with a +9 rating in 7 games. Stepan has natural goal scoring ability, no doubt, but his best assets are wide spread through his offensive and defensive awareness. Stepan has good foot speed and an even better shot. His playmaking ability is superb at the young age of 20, and his willingness to bang bodies along the boards and in front of the net put him in good shape for Calder contention. Stepan instantly found chemistry with agitator Sean Avery and newly-signed Ruslan Fedotenko in pre-season and early in the regular season with the Rangers on the third line. If his numbers continue to impress, the young American could find himself among even better offensively minded forwards regular-strength and on the powerplay with even more chances of putting the puck in the net, which I’m sure he will do plenty of.
Tyler Ennis Age: 20 | Drafted by Buffalo in 2008 (1/26) Center/Left Winger
Tyler Ennis got a chance to get his feet wet last season by playing up with the Sabres ten times. In those 10 games, Ennis notched 3 goals and 6 assists, catching the eye of head coach Lindy Ruff and many fans alike. The 5’9 center possesses raw speed, and the ability to undress NHL defensemen on command. He proved this last year with his dekes and dangles, his quick shot, and premium playmaking ability. He is exactly what the Sabres need in terms of offensive production and could easily become a team leader in short order on the nightly scoresheets. The one issue with Ennis is his size and ability to deal with fast-moving larger defensemen. He’s done growing, but he could definitely bulk up a bit to make him a more dynamic offensive threat. Even with this single mark against him, Ennis should be in with a great shot of the Calder this year. Over four years with Medicine Hat of the WHL he scored 115 goals and 121 assists for 236 points with a +22 rating in 245 games. He put in some time in the AHL last year appearing 69 times, netting 23 goals and 65 points. He’s obviously carried that scoring and playmaking ability with him into the NHL, showing it last year in his ten games played, and this year through six games having tallied four assists.
Tyler Seguin Age: 18 | Drafted by Boston in 2010 (1/2) Center
Tyler Seguin is an interesting story in the fact that he is the highest draft pick (2nd overall) to go to an already strong, playoff ready team in recent memory. The pick was originally Toronto’s but the Leafs traded it to the Bruins in the Phil Kessel deal. Seguin lost the battle of Taylor vs. Tyler for the first overall draft spot, but Seguin isn’t much (if any) less the player that Hall is. Seguin played two seasons with Plymouth of the OHL notching 69 goals and 104 assists for 173 points with a +31 rating in 124 games. Seguin is known for his scoring prowess, but he does hold some promise on the defensive end of the puck as an all-around type of player which Boston can build around. Seguin lacks a bit of maturity and focus at the NHL level, and still needs to find a happy medium in his one-ice placement. At 18 though, Seguin does look good and very promising, his biggest benefactor will be the fact that he will be playing with Boston’s skilled and veteran players all year long. For this reason and for that of the skill he showed in the OHL, Seguin should be a strong runner for the Calder. Seguin scored his first goal in his second career NHL game on a long feed pass that sent him on a breakaway. In his third game Seguin added an assist, but he will not be able to depend on deep passes for goals as this is not the OHL.
Logan Couture Age: 21 | Drafted by San Jose in 2007 (1/9) Center
Logan Couture is another young player that will greatly benefit from a strong cast around him. The other major benefit for Couture is the fact that he got a good look at NHL play last year appearing in 25 games. In his debut (although not reaching enough games played (26) to deem him a sophomore this year) he tallied 5 goals and 9 points with a +4 rating. Prior to his NHL career, he spent four years with Ottawa in the OHL where over 232 games he recorded 111 goals and 176 assists for a whopping 287 points with a +31 rating. In two year with the AHL affiliate of San Jose, Worcester, he appeared in 46 games, scoring 20 goals and 33 assists for 53 points and a +15 rating. Couture’s sticking point with scouts is in his ability to play a solid two-way game while maintaining raw offensive productivity. He has good foot speed and a great wrist shot, his only downfall may be his leg strength and balance which will likely improve in due time. Couture scored his first NHL goal in fashion as he netted the game winner in the first game of the year on the powerplay to defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets on Swedish soil. Couture has a promising future ahead of him, and if consistent chemistry can be found on the third line Couture stands a slim chance of attaining Calder status.
Mark Letestu Age: 25 | Signed by Pittsburgh in 2007 Center
Mark Letestu factors in as the oldest of the strong candidates for the Calder race, but thus far is head on the points list. Letestu went undrafted, and becomes a feel-good story in the NHL as he was signed as a free-agent by the Penguins in 2007. The noteworthy portion of his playing career began with Bonnyville of the AJHL where in four years he played 190 games notching 118 goals and 130 assists for 248 total points. The fact that he was not drafted is a bit of a question, but once Pittsburgh acquired him he quickly began his pro development. His development took some time, but each year he made considerable progress. Outside of a brief stint in the ECHL, he played four years with Wilkes-Barre Scranton of the AHL in 191 games scoring 51 goals and 83 assists for 134 points and a +30 rating. 2009-10 was slightly less productive in the AHL as he played just ten games less than the year prior, but it was the same year he got his first taste of the NHL as he scored one goal in 10 NHL games. His 2010-11 season has been a much different story, as through his first 6 games this year he has led all rookies in points scoring with 3 goals and 2 assists with a +2 rating. The two factors helping Letestu are in the fact that he is playing with a very strong offensive team in the Pittsburgh Penguins, and that third line center Jordan Staal has yet to take the ice after a pre-season injury. Letestu has assumed that role for now, and will surely be pushed aside when Staal comes back. His play, however, has been that of sheer determination to stick with the NHL club and challenge greatly for the Calder. After his first 6 games it is hard to believe he will be sent back down, as a fourth line role, or perhaps a re-shuffle through the top three seems well worth the Penguins time to payment for his hard work thus far. This point production cannot stand all year long, but should Pittsburgh give him the ice time he has deserved thus far, he could be in with a surprise shot at Calder glory.
-Defense-
P.K. Subban Age: 21 | Drafted by Montreal in 2007 (2/43) Defense
P.K. Subban holds an incredibly strong chance at the Calder this year. Defensemen are rarely picked as the favorite for the honor, but “Prime Time” (as teammate Mike Cammalleri calls him) came in late in Montreal’s 2009-10 season and wowed the crowd on a nightly basis. Through 2 regular season games Subban picked up two assists, but it was his 14 playoff games in which he solidified himself as an NHL-ready offensive defenseman where he posted one goals and 7 assists with a +2 rating, making himself a strong part of the Candiens run to the Eastern Conference Finals. Prior to his emergence in the NHL, he spent the 2009-10 season with Hamilton of the AHL, his first in the pro league, notching 18 goals and 35 assists for 53 points and an incredible +46 rating through 77 games. His play in the AHL showed that his stardom at the OHL ranks wasn’t due to the league in which he was playing, but he’s ready to play against men, and play smart on both ends of the puck. In four years’ time spent with Belleville of the OHL, Subban played 234 games notching a staggering amount of points (42-148-190) for a defenseman, and followed it up with defensive durability with a +77 rating. In International competition (World Junior Championships), Subban appeared twice notching 3 goals and 6 assists in 13 games. Subban is offensively set, his skills with the puck and on his feet are unmatched by most 21 year-old defensemen, with the only real area in which he could improve would be in his own zone. Subban will get plenty of powerplay time, and plenty of ice time in general, which should allow him to develop at an NHL pace rather fast, and push him to the top of the list for Calder contenders.
John Carlson Age: 20 | Drafted by Washington in 2008 (1/27)
Defense
John Carlson, too, may well be in with a solid chance of the Calder despite the fact that he is a blueliner. Carlson also got his feet wet late last year with the mighty Washington Capitals playing 22 games in the regular season, posting one goal and 5 assists with a +11 rating. His strong defensive play saw him in the post season where his offensive touch came alive at the NHL level scoring one goal and 3 assists with a +6 rating in 7 games. Before his call-up, Carlson spent 48 games in the AHL with the Hershey Bears notching 4 goals and 35 assists for 39 points with an amazing +37 rating. Last year was busy for Carlson as he also played for the United States in World Juniors notching 4 goals and three assists with a +8 rating in 7 games, his biggest goal being the Gold Medal winning goal in overtime against Team Canada. In his two years spent with Indiana of the USHL (2006-2008), Carlson played 61 games scoring 12 goals and 31 assists for 43 points and a +9 rating. In 2008-09, he played his only year in the OHL appearing in 59 games, notching an eye-catching 16 goals and 60 assists for 76 points and a solid +23 rating. Carlson plays a great all-around game. He’s got an impeccable passing ability and possesses a strong shot. Carlson is a big kid too, standing tall at 6’3 208lbs. and is able to use his large frame effectively. He is very strong mentally, possitionally, and physically in his own zone. He can play both ends of the special teams with the ability to play a shut-down defenseman role on the penalty kill, or quarterback the powerplay quite effectively. Carlson has found a home on the blueline on the mighty Capitals’ second powerplay unit, and has already scored a goal and 5 assists through his first 5 games of this new season. He won’t keep up that points-per-game rate, but he will be surrounded by an offensively devastating cast all year-round which puts him in the prime position to lead all rookies.
Oliver Ekman-Larssen Age: 19 | Drafted by Phoenix in 2009 (1/6) Defense
Oliver Ekman-Larsson finally signed his entry-level deal with the Coyotes in May, and already is a big piece of the defensive core in Phoenix. The Coyotes lost a bit in defensive depth over the off-season, but the young Swede looks to make a profound impact for this team early. Despite needing to gain some muscle, Ekman-Larsson presents the Coyotes with a very young, very agile offensive defenseman that can provide a lot with breakout passes and even more on the powerplay. Ekman-Larsson has spent his entire hockey career in Sweden prior to this season in various junior and U18 leagues. In Swe2 for Leksand over two years time he has played 99 total games notching 16 goals and 38 assists for 54 points. 52 of those games were played through his busy 2009-10 season which was also very busy with International play for his country. In the World Junior Championships he scored 2 goals and 3 assists in 6 games with a +5 rating, and in the World Championships he played 9 games adding a goal and an assist with a +3 rating. There is little question in his offensive abilities, but the good sign for the Coyotes is in his smart play in his own end as well. His timing, positioning, and stick work is all top notch, especially for a 19 year-old. Ekman-Larsson should factor in for a lot of important minutes for the Coyotes this season, and his 0 points through his first four games should be of no worry to ‘Yotes fans, as Ekman-Larsson is the real deal.
Cam Fowler Age: 18 | Drafted by Anaheim in 2010 (1/12) Defense
Cam Fowler presents an interesting story from Draft day onward. Fowler is a highly touted young offensive defenseman that will be angling for the Calder all year-long. His draft day was a bit of an anomaly as he was projected to go in the top four or five. Fowler sat hopelessly through the first 11 picks, wondering when his name would be called. His play has often been compared to that of recently retired future hall of famer, Scott Niedermayer, and fittingly the Ducks would be the team to draft the young American at the 12 spot. GM Bob Murray must have been beside himself to see Fowler still available at number 12, and the reasons are obvious through his first six NHL games played. In his NHL debut, Fowler was third on the team in average time on ice as it appears head coach Randy Carlyle will place faith in the youngster right out of the gates. Through the six games played Fowler has notched a goal and two assists, with a very respectable -1 rating after the Ducks were outscored 13-2 through their first three games. Last year Fowler played 55 games with Windsor of the OHL, notching 8 goals and 47 assists for 55 points and a +38 rating. His stellar season was followed by a 3 goals and 14 points performance through 19 playoff games. His busy year also included 7 games played for the United States in the World Junior Championships where he scored 2 assists and came away with an impressive +8 rating. At just 18, Fowler possesses the skill level to stick in the National Hockey League in arguably the toughest position on the ice. Fowlers’ strengths are wide spread. Fowler is at NHL caliber in terms of his passing and shooting abilities, as well as his great leg strength and fluid skating. He’s no doubt an offensively oriented player, but his defensive zone presence is also top notch. It’s hard to narrow down Fowlers strongest asset, but if it had to be done, it would be the instinct and awareness he plays with – even at such a young age. Fowler completes the four of the defensemen pushing for the Calder as he will get loads of ice time and will command respect.
-Goaltenders-
Jonathan Bernier Age: 22 | Drafted by Los Angeles in 2006 (1/11) Goaltender
It’s not often a goaltender is suspect of attaining the Calder, but it’s far from impossible, especially when you have a rookie with such a well documented success rate as Jonathan Bernier. Bernier played the bulk of his minor league career with Lewiston of the QMJHL, playing 148 games total, with a 78-63-7 record, a 2.72 goal against average and a .908 save percentage with 4 shutouts. It didn’t take long at all for scouts to notice his elite play as he was drafted by the Kings in the first round in 2006. Los Angelis has been smart in their development of the youngster by first sending him back to the QMJHL for two years, then promptly assigning him to Manchester of the AHL. Bernier actually did play 3 games in the AHL, and 4 games in the NHL during his last season of QMJHL. 2008-2010 saw Bernier full time with the Manchester Monarchs as he improved greatly over the two years spent in the AHL. In 115 total AHL games he went 54-46-11 with a solid 2.19 GAA and a .927 save percentage with an unprecedented 14 shutouts. The 2009-10 season was a great one for the Quebec native as his save percentage rose to .936, and he achieved the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy for the best goaltender, and nomination to the First All-Star team. His success saw him in 3 games up with the Kings last year where he stunned everyone going 3-0 with a 1.30 GAA and a .957 save percentage and even a shutout. Bernier’s stellar play has pushed last years’ backup down to the minors and will actually be challenging Jonathan Quick for starts. In his first game of the 2010-11 season he lost a close 2-1 contest but his .935 save percentage suggested he hasn’t lost a step. Through 8 total NHL appearances Bernier is 4-4-0 with a 2.73 GAA and a .909 save percentage with one shutout. Bernier is an elite goaltender and will be for years to come. Depending on his amount of starts, Bernier is a favorite for a shot at the Calder.
Michal Neuvirth Age: 22 | Drafted by Washington in 2006 (2/34) Goaltender
The Washington Capitals are rich in youth in terms of net presence. They have the pleasure of having two stellar, and improving 22 year-olds to chose from on a nightly basis in Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth. The latter, Neuvirth, may actually be able to out-perform the more seasoned Varlamov through this year and take over as the number one in the Nation’s Capital. The young Czech netminder bounced around quite a bit in his four years in the OHL playing for three different clubs (Plymouth, Oshawa, and Windsor) where he impressed greatly in his collective 74 games played, going 43-15-12 with a 2.69 GAA and .922 save percentage with 4 shutouts. 2008-09 saw Neuvirth bouncing around a bit as well as he played a brief stint in the ECHL going 13-6-7 with the South Carolina Stingrays, 17 games with the Hershey Bears of the AHL going 9-5-2, and 5 games in the NHL going 2-1. In 2009-10 he played 22 games with Hershey, and a career high 17 in the National Hockey League. Through 39 games with Hershey he recorded a 24-11-2 record with a 2.45 GAA and .916 save percentage with 2 shutouts. His NHL numbers are just as impressive as he has appeared 27 times going 15-6-0 with a 2.66 GAA and a .914 save percentage. Neuvirth jumped right into the opportunity given at a full-time job with the Capitals this year as he got off to a flying start. Through 5 games he is 4-1-0 with a very impressive 2.16 GAA and .930 save percentage. Neuvirth is technically sound and incredibly quick, but his most notable asset is the composure in which he plays with. His counterpart, Varlamov, is equally talented but has appeared rattled and inconsistent at times through his NHL games played, giving Neuvirth the prime opportunity to rack up wins with an already Cup contending NHL club. These factors add up to Neuvirth being a strong contender for the Calder this season.
Outside Looking in
-Forwards-
Nikita Filatov was loaned to the KHL last year after not making the team. In 2009-10 Filatov appeared 26 times for CSKA Moscow, notching 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points and a +3 rating. Filatove also saw 13 games up with the Blue Jackets scoring two goals on 11 shots. In 6 games in his World Junior Championship outing for Russia, Filatov impressed with 1 goal and 5 assists and a +3 rating. Filatov was drafted 6th overall by the Blue Jackets in 2008, and is projected to be an elite-level goal scorer. His first appearance on NHL ice saw him in 8 games where he tallied an impressive 4 goals. Through 39 games with the AHL he set a 16-16-32 record in that same year. Filatov has a tough time with larger physical players, but possesses raw speed and puck handling skills that consistently creates chances for himself and his linemates. The underachieving Blue Jackets of last year are looking for their youth in players like Filatov to take a dominant role with the team. Filtov should get big minutes for his long awaited NHL breakout. Filatov should factor in greatly on the Calder chase this season, especially if the plans work out to keep him in the top-six. Through four games this season Filatov has scored 2 assists with 6 shots on goal.
Brian Bickell got off to a hot start this year with the revamped Blackhawks roster notching 2 goals and 2 assists in his first 6 games. Bickell is a bi-product of the Blackhawks rich depth that has been factored as being a part of the Hawks’ recovery plan after losing 10 roster players from last years’ Cup winning team. Bickell isa big boy at 6’4 223lbs. and uses his body effectively on the forecheck and around the net to produce points. He is exactly the mold of player Chicago likes to play around their smaller skill forwards, and with keeping that in mind; Bickell could be a surprise candidate for the Calder if he can keep his high octane game alive and well for 82 games in the NHL.
Brad Marchand makes up for his lack of size with a tenacious and fast style of play. Marchand also plays an agitating role in the corners, and has a determination to have the puck on his stick at all times. Marchand got a good look at NHL pace last year as he played with the Bruins in 20 games, only notching one assist. Marchand isn’t at all a likely Calder candidate, but he could really find his rhythm with the large and talented Boston Bruins forwards this season. Through 3 games this year he has tied his points totals last year with an assist, and already put the puck on net a quarter of the times he did through 20 games last year with 8 shots.
Eric Tangradi also benefits from a strong supporting cast with the Pittsburgh Penguins, His linemates will benefit from his gritty play and large frame. Tangradi is a very smart player and plays with a vengeance in front of the net, never shying away from a physical challenge. Tangradi’s size, smarts, and hands saw him post an impressive 17 goals and 39 points through 65 games in the AHL last year, just after his impressive 3 years in the OHL where in 176 games he tallied a 67-101-168 points record with a very strong +61rating. Through his first 6 games in the NHL, Tangradi has netted a goal and an assist, and looks primed to be a big part of the third and fourth pairings of the Penguins.
Mikael Backlund has been held off of the scoresheets through four contests this season after playing up with the Flames 23 times last year just notching 1 goal and 10 points. Backlund is expected to take a larger role in the offensive structure of the Flames this year and could be primed to break out at an NHL pace this year. His offensively struggling Flames team will be depending heavily on he and fellow rookie Brett Sutter to make up for the lackluster efforts of their veteran players.
Nino Niederreiter steps in as the youngest player in the National Hockey League. The young Swiss born player impressed heavily in International competition, and has factored in heavily for the Islanders early. He looks NHL-ready, and is likely to stick with the thinned-out club all year. It’s not guaranteed for the youngster, but his lone goal in the Isle’s 2-1 loss in only his second NHL game did him a great service for maintaining an NHL spot.
Brayden Schenn is a solid young athlete that is NHL-ready at 19 years of age. He is a dynamic passer of the puck, and is able to find open ice to make plays, or create it with his large frame. Schenn showed the hockey world what he is capable of through his three years with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the WHL where he played 195 games notching 94 goals and 164 assists for 258 points and a mind-blowing +83 rating. Schenn is a valuable addition to the roster this year and will surely stick with the club and benefit from great players around him.
-Defensemen-
Jamie McBain should rightfully have been up in the top fifteen on my Calder chase list. McBain has shown great promise as a long-term staple on defense for the rebuilding Carolina Hurricanes. In 14 games last season, McBain impressed with 3 goals and 7 assists with a +6 rating. More than impressive numbers put McBain in a top-four role with the Hurricanes for this year as he wasted no time, notching a powerplay assists and +1 rating in his first game of the season, as his point total and plus/minus remain the same now through 4 games. McBain is Calder caliber in terms of defenseman, the only thing that might hinder his plus/minus this year could be the fact that he’s playing with the Hurricanes. McBain will be a long time player in the National Hockey League and it will be great to watch him play his complete game style all year-round.
Matt Taormina has had an excellent start to this season as through 6 games he has racked up 1 goal and 3 assists with a -1 rating. Taormina put up 10 goals for 50 points last year in the AHL, hence his good look right out of the gates this season. The 23 year-old American spent four years with Providence at the collegiate level notching 141 20 goals and 65 points with a +11rating through 141 games. He is effective on both ends of the puck, and while not incredibly large, is very strong young in his career. He and other Devils’ depth defensemen got an instant look as the Devils have struggled with injuries and cap issues from the start.
Jakub Kindl has been talked about and highly anticipated for some time now. The one thing keeping him off of NHL ice has simply been the fact that he is in the Detroit Red Wings organization, which likes to over-ripen their young talent and make sure they’re NHL ready before playing NHL games. It’s never been an easy task to crack the Wings’ lineup at 23, especially in terms of defensemen. Kindl has benefited from teammates’ various injuries, but his strong skating and passing ability are great signs for the Red Wings as he looks more than ready for a full-time spot on the team. Being in Detroit, he may be sent back once all injured players have returned, but he will remain the first guy up under any circumstance. Kindl has played well enough to stay, but it’s likely we’ll have to wait until next year to see him play nightly.
Jake Muzzin is a big, solid, NHL-ready defenseman at the age of 21. There is seemingly no glaring weakness in Muzzin’s game as he is set to likely stick with the Kings for the entire season. Coaches and scouts have identified his poised play in both offensive and defensive zones early in his first 4 NHL games. Muzzin has a great breakout pass and quick release, as well as smart and gritty defensive coverage in his own zone. It appears he can do anything, whether it’s clearing the front of the net, or jumping into the play; Muzzin is a truly talented young blueliner. He played just one game in the AHL last year, as most of his season was played in his final year in the OHL where he completed 230 games for Sault St. Marie notching 28 goals and 118 points with 196 penalty minutes. Though four NHL contests Muzzin has notched an assist and two shots. He plays for a very strong Los Angelis Kings hockey club, with smart players around him. He will take a giant step in his development on a nightly basis.
-Goaltenders-
Anders Lindback made his North American debut late in the first game of the season after Pekka Rinne went down with a lower-body injury. From the moment the monster 6’5 Swede stepped on the ice, opponents have been flustered. Through four games Lindback is undefeated in regulation, posting a 2-0-1record with a 2.41 GAA and .921save percentage. He was drafted by Nashville in 2008, and has spent his entire playing career prior to this season in Sweden, predominantly with Byrnas in Swe Junior, Swe 2, and Swedish Elite levels. Lindbacks’ Calder contention depends on his number of starts, as is the case with all rookie netminders, but if his play thus far is matched even closely throughout the rest of the year there is a good chance he can do it.
Sergei Bobrovsky is another young netminder to step in a lot earlier than he had figured on. After Michael Leighton underwent back surgery late in the off-season, Philadelphia made a surprise move by starting the 22 year-old in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Bobrovsky won that contest 3-2 with a solid .935 save percentage. Since then, his record has decreased slightly as in 3 games he is 2-1-0 with a 2.67 GAA and a .910 save percentage. Bobrovsky could factor in for the Calder as he has looked incredibly poised for being the youngest ever goaltender to start the season for the storied Flyers. His ability to get the call consistently depends a lot on the injury issues in net the Flyers have been dealing with. Last year the Flyers dressed seven different goalies throughout the year and started five. In the post season Boucher would go down and Leighton would take the reigns. Hopefully for the Flyers’ sake their tough luck in net is past them, but that remains to be seen and Bobrovsky is chomping at the bit.
Cory Schneider finally makes his full-time NHL debut behind all-star Roberto Luongo. Luongo’s play has been questionable during his time with the Canucks, as the team is hopefull the young 24 year-old can push him to better numbers. Schneider only factors in if Luongo fails, but it’s not impossible. Schneider is a great young goalie with a very promising career ahead of him, playing for a very strong Cup contending team. He has spent four seasons in the AHL with Manitoba where he went 84-45-5 through 136 games with a 2.31 GAA and .920 save percentage with 12 shutouts. His best year was arguably the 2008-09 where he captured the Baz Bastien Memorial Trophy (Best Goaltender), Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Trophy (Fewest goals against), and was nominated to the First All-Star team.
Corey Crawford is incredibly the 6th goaltender worth mentioning in this Calder piece, as the highly touted 25 year-old will be backing up the veteran Marty Turco for the defending Stanley Cup Champions this year. Crawford is the future, and he will be learning a great deal from Turco while also benefiting from one of the best defenses in the NHL. Crawford has been brewing in the AHL for 5 years now, with spotted NHL appearances throughout. In 255 total games with Rockford, Crawford is 135-98-13 with a 2.78 GAA and .908 save percentage with 8 shutouts. Crawford is expected to play big in the backup role to Turco, and has already started twice in this young season going 1-1-0 with a 3.03 GAA and .903 save percentage. I don’t see Crawford getting enough starts to be a threat for the Calder, but should Turco go down it will be a very interesting storyline.
Langkow suffered a neck injury last season from taking a slap shot in the neck awkwardly. The damage caused to his spinal cord sat him out the final 10 games of the regular season, all of training camp, and now the entire 2010-11 season. A Calgary official is said to have given Langkow a 50/50 chance of recovering enough to play in the NHL again. 
Although the news is a bit late, it is certainly well worth mention. 
The 33 year-old Finn has signed a one-month loan deal with AIK of the Swedish Elite League according to a Swedish newspaper. He will replace the injured 
The New York Islanders have announced rookie forward 
On the same day, the Devils also announced that rookie center 
Ilya Kovalchuk has undeservedly taken the brunt of the bashing for the Devils’ offensive slump, after he signed a 17-year $102 million contract on the offseason, essentially causing Lou to get off track with his salary structuring. There is no doubt Kovy has and needs to find another level to restore his usual 40-goal (plus) per-season pace, but the blame may fall perhaps more undeservedly on rookie head coach 
There isn’t really a single player that doesn’t need to step it up in the absence of Zach Parise and Brian Rolston on offense, but particular names do come to mind. Veteran team leader 
Boston Bruins defenseman 
After the emergence of 
It appears the trio of 
In other news, the Maple Leafs have hired this guy (pictured right) to cheer on the boys in blue. 
My article written regarding the altercation can be found here; 
The Ottawa Senators have not started the way general manager 
In practice last week, Kovalev had even been shuffled down to the fourth line with 
Begin has been sitting on the open market since the off-season, and has been sent down to Milwaukee of the AHL for conditioning, a process in which he had to clear waivers on Thursday. Begin has cleared waivers, and reported to the team to get his training under way. 
New York Islanders goaltender 
For Mikkelson, he is now headed to a team that is in no better shape than the team he came from as both Anaheim and Calgary have struggled early in this season. From Calgary’s vantage point, the no-loss acquisition is a good one for the club.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman 
The night couldn’t possibly have gone much worse for the Vancouver Canucks in Tuesday night’s game. Not only was 
Just eleven days into the 2010-11 NHL regular season, the NHL’s young guns are really impressing and making a huge impact for their respective teams. Although each team has nine games to make a decision as to whether they stay with the club or are sent back to juniors, many rookies are proving their worth and look to stick with the clubs league-wide. 
Taylor Hall
Jeff Skinner
Derek Stepan
Tyler Ennis
Tyler Seguin
Logan Couture
Mark Letestu
P.K. Subban
John Carlson
Oliver Ekman-Larssen
Cam Fowler
Jonathan Bernier
