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June 20, 2006
The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.
Thrifty Minnesota wades into market
LOOKING AHEAD With only eight players under contract – and fewer with absolute job security – the Wild are poised for an aggressive off-season that will define their playoff chances for 2006-07 and chart the course for the salary cap era. GM Doug Risebrough has about $13 million committed to next season’s payroll. With no intention to spend up to a $44 million cap, he still has ample discretionary dollars to pursue more scoring depth and augment an unproductive blueline to overcome the 3-2 losses that characterized this season. Don’t be surprised to see the Wild bidding for a top-drawer defensemen such as Wade Redden, Pavel Kubina or Frantisek Kaberle. Risebrough said he isn’t interested in “spending young to go old” yet the trade market remains viable since the team has experienced players…
Baron for how long?
The Cleveland Barons weren’t much of a threat to the Syracuse Crunch on the ice, but the city of Cleveland poses a threat off the ice. While the Barons have left Ohio for Worcester, Mass., leaving the state without American League hockey for the upcoming season, the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers plan to operate an AHL franchise in 2007-08 and are courting the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets’ affiliation agreement with Syracuse expires after 2006-07, meaning they’re free at the time Cleveland re-enters the league. But the Crunch have no intention of breaking ties with the Blue Jackets, their parent since 2000-01. Crunch owner Howard Dolgon is discussing an extension with Blue Jackets GM Doug MacLean and assistant GM Jim Clark. Dolgon admits Cleveland poses a threat, but thinks an out-of-state parent makes more…
Camp crusade
All Craig Muni ever wanted was half a chance. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ first pick in the 1980 draft felt he never really got that through the early years of his NHL career. That’s why, when the defenseman became a free agent after 1985-86, he made what seemed like a very reasonable request to his six suitors. Edmonton Oilers GM Glen Sather was one of them. “What I asked of those six teams was, I wanted to play at least half the exhibition games because Toronto never gave me a chance to play too many exhibition games to show them what I could do at that level,” said Muni, who had only dressed for 19 regular season games with his hometown Leafs in four seasons. “Of the six teams we talked to that…
Which NHL fathers passed on hockey genes to their sons?
10 TEN Stapleton ‘Whitey’ was a stalwart 5-foot-8 all-star defender, son Mike was a plucky fourth-liner. 9 NINE Bouchard ‘Butch’ won four Cups in 15 seasons for the Habs, son Pierre won five in eight years. 8 EIGHT Reise Leo Sr. was a standout in the 1920s while son Leo Jr. was an NHL all-star in the 1950s. 7 SEVEN Lindsay We know ‘Terrible’ Ted for many traits, but dad Bert was a stingy goalie for Victoria. 6 SIX Francis Emile ‘Cat’ was goalie-turned-executive and son Bobby was coach of the year in 2002. 5 FIVE Apps Hall of Famer Syl Sr. watched Syl Jr. and granddaughter Gillian play at the top level. 4 FOUR Hextall Bryan Sr. started it all in 1930s followed by sons Bryan Jr. and Dennis, then grandson Ron. 3 THREE Patrick Lester was a pre-NHL kingpin. Sons Muzz, Lynn and…