Search for your favorite player or team
© The Hockey News. All rights reserved. Any and all material on this website cannot be used, reproduced, or distributed without prior written permission from Roustan Media Ltd. For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
March 30, 2001
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.
Lots of opportunity, few knocking
There were times during his 10-year association with the New York Rangers that when Martin Madden looked at the players drafted by the Montreal Canadiens, he wondered what the organization was thinking. But now that he’s employed by the Canadiens, Madden has altered his opinion somewhat. “There are some players that I thought were better and some I thought were worse,” said the assistant GM. “But I think definitely there are some prospects. Some players will play and will be able to help the organization.” The cupboard isn’t bare, but close to it - ranking only 28th in the NHL. Here are the top five prospects in order: 1. Ron Hainsey, D, UMass-Lowell There are three things the Canadiens love about the 6-foot-3, 200-pound defenseman: his size, skating ability and puck control. Hainsey also appears to be…
CENTRAL LEAGUE
A 10-game win streak pushed the Oklahoma City Blazers 12 points up on San Antonio and closer to their fifth straight Western Division regular season title. Blazers’ right winger Joe Burton and center Marty Standish are among the Central League’s top eight scorers, while Hardy Sauter is third among defensemen and goalie Brant Nicklin is first in goals-against average (2.07)…In the east, first-place Memphis reeled off 12 wins in 13 games, but couldn’t shake Columbus, which won eight straight. Memphis led by two points.…
Improvement sought at draft table
For an organization that has prided itself on a new commitment to stability, the Toronto Maple Leafs have operated a revolving door in the scouting department. The Maple Leafs’ current director of player personnel, Mike Penny, is the third man to hold the post in the past three seasons. He took over from Nick Beverley, who left after one year to become the Chicago Blackhawks’ assistant GM. Beverley had replaced Anders Hedberg, who left the team after a nasty front office war that saw both him and his rival, associate GM Mike Smith, end up as casualties. Penny, who was previously Vancouver’s director of player personnel, did not arrive in time for last year’s draft and has made no radical changes to the scouting department. But there is little doubt the Leafs…
Blues get Tkachuk, pass on Lindros
At the trade deadline, Blues’ GM Larry Pleau had a huge decision to make - Eric Lindros or Keith Tkachuk? He chose Tkachuk, acquiring the power forward from Phoenix for Michal Handzus, Ladislav Nagy, the rights to collegian Jeff Taffe and a first round draft pick. “We just decided (Lindros) wasn’t right for us,” Pleau said. “We were dealing with both (Lindros and Tkachuk). It was more risk the other way.” Lindros’ career has been marred by injuries, including six concussions and the St. Louis medical staff examined him on the eve of the trade deadline. The examination revealed no surprises and wasn’t a deal-breaker. Blues’ owner Bill Laurie told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the Coyotes called when they learned Lindros had come to St. Louis for a physical. The Blues feel they’ve upgraded…
Made possible with the support of
