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June 1, 1997
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.
Fletcher relies on import trade
“Draft schmaft.” Toronto Maple Leafs’ GM Cliff Fletcher uttered those words at the trading deadline while explaining why he turned down an offer of a first round draft pick from an unnamed team for veteran left winger Wen-del Clark. He seemed to be suggesting the NHL entry draft and the talent therein was no part of his rebuilding plans. That’s a strange sentiment coming from a man who used the draft to pluck players such as Gary Roberts, Theo Fleury, Brett Hull, Mike Vernon, Joe Nieuwendyk and Al Maclnnis to make the Calgary Flames Stanley Cup winners in 1989. But when Fletcher traded his 1996 first-rounder in a deal for Dimitri Yushkevich and swapped his ‘97 top pick in a deal designed to make Clark a Leaf again, it indicated a change in…
Is Thornton The Next?
ST. THOMAS, Ont.-All the qualities anyone could ask for in a franchise player are embedded in the presence that is Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ center Joe Thornton. The Hockey News’ and Central Scouting Bureau’s top-rated player for the 1997 NHL entry draft has the size to dominate physically, virtual 360-degree playmaking vision, an unabashedly gregarious outlook on life and great shoulderlength hockey locks. Name the pass-fast or feather, across the ice or across the crease-and he can make it. Thornton is a master at creating opportunity out of the ordinary. “He always seems to be able to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,” says San Jose Sharks’ scout Ray Payne. He knows his skating and strength must improve, but that’s like saying an infant has to grow to get…
Looking for new leading man
The Washington Capitals’ number didn’t come up in the entry draft lottery. Unfortunately for GM David Poile, his did the next day. Poile, 48, was fired as Capitals’ GM May 12 after 15 years on the job. Washington teams went 594-454-132 during his tenure, qualifying for the playoffs every year until this spring. The immediate result of his loss in the hockey department was confusion. It was unclear when a replacement would be named or if upper management even had anyone in mind. Meanwhile, it was assumed chief scout Craig Channell would run the draft table, though that was still to be determined. Washington is slotted to draft in the top 10 for the second year in a row. This time, though, it won’t be by design. " A year ago, the Capitals owned…
Ohlund ready for graduation
HELSINKI-Northem Sweden is known for long and dark winters where boys quickly turn into men to withstand the hostile climate. Mattias Ohlund thrived in the harsh environment last season and the maturing process has helped transform the big 20-year-old defenseman into a top prospect for the Vancouver Canucks. But Ohlund has had enough of the endless nights in Lulea, his hometown of 70,000 near the Arctic Circle where he played in the Swedish Elite League last season. He yearns for the NHL, but no one is sure when he will arrive. Ohlund was drafted 13th overall by the Canucks in 1994 and because he failed to reach contract terms by June, 1996, he’s a Group IV free agent. The Canucks have the right to match any contract offer and if they fail to…
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