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August 31, 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.
Joy in Canuck-land after key signings
Happy to break with tradition, the Vancouver Canucks managed to sign all their veteran core players before the calendar even hit Aug. 1. It was an excellent July for assistant GM Dave Nonis, who is entrusted with the task of negotiating contracts by president-GM Brian Burke. “It’s different,” Nonis said. “In today’s day and age, it doesn’t always happen. It’s always good to have everyone at training camp, which is always the goal. I think we’re fortunate this year that we’ll have everyone at camp or, if not everyone, pretty near everyone.” After extending the contract of team captain Markus Naslund in late June, Nonis managed in July to re-sign forward Todd Bertuzzi (three years), defenseman Drake Berehowsky (three years)’, defenseman Murray Baron (two years) and goalie Dan Cloutier (two years). In addition,…
Brathwaite rides streak of good fortune into battle for starter’s job in St. Louis
In an eight-day span this summer, Fred Brathwaite enjoyed three pleasant surprises. On June 23, he was dealt from Calgary, which missed the last five playoffs, to St. Louis, which is coming off a conference final berth. “Somebody from Calgary called me to tell me I was traded,” Brathwaite said, “and I thought he was kidding. I’d heard the Blues wanted (Dominik) Hasek. So I hung up and went to the store and ran some errands.” That was no prankster on the line. It was Dan Stuchal, Calgary’s assistant GM. That impulsive hangup was typical for Brathwaite. “He’s funny,” said Blues’ GM Larry Pleau. “He plays with personality. I called him after we made the trade and right away he asked me, Am I in between a deal? Am I going to Buffalo?” He wasn’t.…
Pats get their man
The Regina Pats are 1-for-2 in their attempts to hire Bob Lowes. Lowes was atop the Pats’ coaching wish list in 1995, when Russ Parker purchased the Western League team. But Lowes opted to stay with the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Pats’ second courtship of Lowes, however, was successful. He was introduced as Regina’s coach Aug. 7. “We’re very excited to have Bobby join us,” said Pats’ GM Brent Parker. “It has been six years in coming, but we’ve finally got the person who was our first choice.” Lowes, 38, became available May 22, when he and the Wheat Kings decided to part company. Lowes spent nine years in Brandon, recording 364 wins, the seventh-most in WHL history. He guided Brandon to three Eastern Conference titles and two trips to the Memorial Cup. He…
Kaberle could sit if Leafs hold wallet
Defenseman Tomas Kaberle, Toronto’s lowest-paid player last season, is the lone Leaf without a contract. And the process of getting the 23-year-old’s name on a new deal might get ugly. Kaberle, who earned the bargain basement salary of $250,250 (U.S.) last season, rejected Toronto’s qualifying offer of a one-year deal with the mandatory 10 percent raise. His only leverage, though, would be to sit out. Kaberle is looking for a deal that would approach $2 million a season. The Leafs remain well under $1 million in their offers. “Tomas has proven himself over the last couple years and I certainly hope the Leafs recognize that,” said Kaberle’s agent, Jay Fee. There’s little doubt they do. The smooth-skating Czech led Toronto defensemen with 45 points last season. He was the deal-breaker in a proposed…
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