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August 22, 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.
Tanguay, Friesen added for scoring
SUMMER ANALYSIS GM Darryl Sutter quickly addressed Calgary’s two biggest needs with one move. In dire need of scoring help and a more potent left-wing presence, Sutter made a draft-day splash by trading for Colorado’s Alex Tanguay, giving up defenseman Jordan Leopold and two draft picks. Tanguay signed a three-year, $15.75-million contract after the trade and will be counted on to crack the 30-goal mark and take some of the scoring pressure off captain Jarome Iginla. Planning to play Tanguay at center, the Flames signed free agent left winger Jeff Friesen, who played for Sutter in San Jose and is coming off a horrible 2005-06 when he scored only four goals and missed 28 games with a groin injury. However, the Flames have him pegged to regain some of the form that saw…
Blues hope veterans regain their pop
SUMMER ANALYSIS When Dave Checketts completed purchase of the Blues, he ended the team’s yearlong run in limbo and paved the way for a much happier summer. With new ownership in place by late June, the Blues could start signing free agents and spending money to improve the team. The biggest on-ice question may not have been addressed. The team was sorely in need of first-line scorers, and they went out and signed two veterans they hope still have some goals left in them. Bill Guerin turns 36 early in the season and the Blues are hoping a change of scenery will help him regain his 30-goal form. The much-traveled Martin Rucinsky had 16 goals in 52 games for the Rangers, but he’s 35 and his career-high scoring total of 28 goals…
Watch beaches for NHL’s future
If not exactly all of a sudden, hockey’s growth in California the past two decades has provided college coaches, their counterparts in the Western League and NHL scouts with a rich new source for talent. For the second consecutive year, three products of California’s booming programs heard their names called during the NHL entry draft. The New York Islanders selected University of Denver-bound right winger Rhett Rakhshani in the fourth round and defenseman T.J. Miller, headed to Northern Michigan, went to the New Jersey Devils. Three rounds later, the Montreal Canadiens grabbed defenseman Cameron Cepek of the Portland Winter Hawks in the WHL. All three played junior with the Lakewood-based California Wave. “Youth hockey is played at an extremely high level in Southern California,” said Anaheim GM Brian Burke. “What has happened is the…
Landing Pronger means no excuses
SUMMER ANALYSIS The Ducks failed to build on their 2003 surprise trip to the Stanley Cup final, missing the playoffs the next year. Coming off last season’s unexpected appearance in the Western final, there figures to be no similar freefall – not after acquiring star defenseman Chris Pronger from Edmonton. With Pronger and captain Scott Niedermayer anchoring the blueline, the Ducks rank among the Stanley Cup favorites in the eyes of many entering 2006-07. Both will be on the ice a majority of the time – a scenario guaranteed to cause headaches for the opposition. The Ducks will miss budding star Joffrey Lupul – sent to the Oilers in the deal for Pronger – and there is a potential sore point in goal with long-time starter Jean-Sebastien Giguere and 2006 playoff hero Ilya…
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