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October 15, 1999
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.
Rookie Dumont knows his goals
Jean-Pierre Dumont may very well back into the Calder Trophy this season. An alleged back ailment kept the 21-year-old left winger out of two of the Chicago Blackhawks’ final three games last season, enabling him to retain his rookie status and remain eligible for the Calder as the NHL’s top rookie. “To my knowledge, he has a back strain,” was coach Lome Molleken’s not-so-convincing response when asked about Dumont’s absence froth the lineup last April. To be Calder-eligible, players must be under 26 as of Sept. 15 and can not have played in six or more games in each of the preceding two seasons or more than 25 games the previous season. After being held pointless in his first seven games with the Hawks last year, Dumont, the third overall pick in the 1996…
Bottom line at heart of ‘D’ changes
The Pittsburgh Penguins’ blueline is inextricably linked to their bottom line, which accounts for the string of events leading up to their season opener. On Sept. 29, Darius Kasparaitis signed a two-year contract worth $3 million. The next day, the Penguins shipped top defenseman Kevin Hatcher and his $3.1-million salary to the New York Rangers for their No. 6 defenseman, Peter Popovic ($1.2 million). And later that day, the Penguins signed John Slaney to a one-year deal worth $400,000. The way Penguins’ GM Craig Patrick sees it, Slaney’s offense and Popovic’s defense could combine to give the Penguins what Hatcher gave them, at a much cheaper price. Do the math and the Penguins save $1.5 million in the dealings. Still, their payroll is roughly $31 million, up $7 million from last season. “We’ve…
Allison’s recording career put on hold for time being
Nobody was happier to see the Chicago Blackhawks’ nightmarish 1998-99 season end than defenseman Jamie Allison. The Hawks’ team woes were only part of the frustration for Allison, who was so distraught by his on-ice struggles that he nearly called it a career at age 23. “I just about had my bags packed,” said Allison, whose confidence was so shattered he thought about retiring to concentrate on his fledgling music career. Allison is a singer-guitarist in a country and western band. “I was really thinking about it,” he said. “I was at a point where I thought there wasn’t a reason to play anymore. But I got a lot of family support and actually had a good talk with (GM) Bob Murray that was a big help. He talked me through it.” In his 10th…
Flames’ forwards get even younger as 18-year-old Saprykin signs deal
For the second year in a row, an 18-year-old forward has cracked the Calgary Flames’ lineup. Oleg Saprykin, chosen 11th overall in the 1999 entry draft, agreed to a contract just minutes before the Sept. 29 deadline for signing drafted players. In the absence of the unsigned Jarome Iginla, Saprykin started the season in Calgary. That gives the Flames 10 games to evaluate his progress, at which time they can return him to his junior team in Seattle if they determine he needs more time to adjust to life in the faster lane. With Saprykin in the lineup, the Flames could have the youngest team in the NHL. Only two for-wards-Steve Dubinsky and newcomer Bill Lindsay, acquired from the Florida Panthers Sept. 30 for Flames’ captain Todd Simpson-are over 26. Of Saprykin, Flames’ GM…
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