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August 19, 1994
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.
Mongrain hopes new job won’t give him migraines
Robert Mongrain was the last candidate for the Hull Olympiques’ coaching job and apparently, he was also the best. After interviewing numerous candidates, Olympiques’ general manager Charlie Henry hired Mongrain to replace Alain Sanscartier, who resigned at the end of the season. Mongrain, played in Trois-Rivieres in the 1970s and spent 10 years in Switzerland, the first nine as a player before becoming coach of Martigny in the second division last season. “He’s a hard worker and he commands a lot of respect,” Henry said. “He also played in this league for four years and he was an all-star. “We had a bunch of candidates, but for one reason or another they disqualified themselves. We were in no rush to do this. We wanted to make the right decision.” Henry said he received rave reviews…
Group I: NHL’s young & restless
Fighting forwards remain at a shockingly high premium in the NHL. Bob Probert signed an inflated $6.6-million deal with the Chicago Blackhawks and Group I free agent Louie DeBrusk is likely to sign a contract with an annual value (in thousands) approximating his career penalty minute total (514). Not bad for a 14-goal scorer. That’s how many goals the 23-year-old left winger has scored in 124 NHL games. DeBrusk’s career penalty-minute-to-point ratio is 22:1. DeBrusk has played three seasons in the Edmonton Oilers’ organization, but was being wooed by the Chicago Blackhawks, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs. Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings. DeBrusk earned $150,000 (U.S.) this past season and the Oilers will be hard-pressed to compete for his services on the semi-open market. DeBrusk is represented by Pat…
KEENAN CASE CLOSED
The NHL has swung the door closed on Keenan-gate. Commissioner Gary Bettman put an unexpectedly quick end to the bizarre 10-day Mike Keenan affair after a secret meeting July 24 at league headquarters in New York. Bettman fined the St. Louis Blues, their new coach-general manager Keenan (who also received a 60-day suspension) and, to a lesser extent, the New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings. He also approved a one-sided, compensatory trade between the Blues and Rangers. Highly regarded young center Petr Nedved was sent to the Rangers in return for veterans Esa Tikkanen, a center, and Doug Lidster, a defenseman. “The commissioner has spoken,” said Blues’ president Jack Quinn. “We would do it again, but with guidance from higher authorities. I don’t think anyone was displeased with the outcome.” Bettman found the Blues…
Blues’ plan of attack
Forget about looking in the minors or junior leagues to identify prospects for the St. Louis Blues. Simply go straight to the NHL free-agent list. No team has made more players rich than the Blues. The Blues’ philosophy has been to identify the best available players and do whatever it takes to get them. “Because we have been the only club doing it, it looks willy-nilly, but we haven’t roped every free agent walking,” said Blues’ president Jack Quinn. “Sure, we ruffle feathers, and yes, we’ve made some bad trades, but we do have a plan. We aren’t running around in white jackets hallucinating in the hall. We’re running a business here.” And a very lucrative one judging by the money the Blues are spending these days. In the space of just over…
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