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October 18, 2002
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.
Button flashes winner’s smile
Goodbye Derek Morris, hello Chris Drury, nice job Craig Button. By using his biggest strength (blueline depth) to bolster his most obvious weakness (scoring depth), Button, the Calgary GM, ripped out the vocal chords of those who would cast the Flames as a one-line, one-superstar team. The long-rumored deal, consummated Oct. 1, was Drury and Stephane Yelle from Colorado to Calgary for Morris, Dean McAm-mond and Jeff Shantz. These days it counts as a legitimate blockbuster. What we know of Drury: He is a winner. We’ve been told that much over and over and over again. He won in Little League. He won in college. He has won in the NHL. Good for him. But for Calgary’s needs, there’s something more important: The guy can score. What the Flames require most is goals and…
Hubbauer sidelined by NHL camp injury
Matt Hubbauer saw stars at the Detroit Red Wings training camp-in more ways than one. Hubbauer, who had 48 goals and 82 points for the Regina Pats last season, returned from Detroit after he sustained a mild concussion after being checked from behind into the boards. The injury forced the 19-year-old to miss the Pats’ first five regular season games. “It’s tough when you’re not playing,” Hubbauer said. “You want to be out there, especially when your team needs you.” Despite the setback, the undrafted center has many fond memories of his two-week tryout with the Stanley Cup champions. “It’s just amazing to think of how many big names I got a chance to skate with at camp,” said Hubbauer. “I got a chance to hang around with them in the weight room and…
Bouchard’s audition results in Wild deal
The Quebec League’s best player is moving on ahead of schedule. Center Pierre-Marc Bouchard of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, last year’s QMJHL and Canadian Hockey League most valuable player, signed a three-year contract with the Minnesota Wild and will start the season with the NHL team. Bouchard, 18, was selected eighth overall by the Wild at the 2002 draft and was expected by most to return for another year of junior. But after tearing it up in training camp, the Wild accelerated contract negotiations with Bouchard’s agent, Allan Walsh. “He had an outstanding camp, but even when he didn’t necessarily shine, you could see him learning what he had to change about his game to adjust to the next level,” Walsh said. “I think when they (Minnesota management) saw that he was improving so fast each…
THN ONE-TIMERS
Byron Dafoe is entering his own personal stretch drive, working out hard with Merrimack College so he can be ready to earn the payoffs, if and when they come. They won’t be nearly as much as he hoped. Dafoe, 31, made $3.4 million in 2001-02 and entered his summer of free agency fully expecting that number to go up. Now that’s no sure thing. “I’ve been patient all summer,” he said, “and I can continue to be patient until the right fit comes along.” Translation: He’ll sign as soon as someone’s No. 1 goalie stinks up the joint or he gets antsy enough to lower his contract demands. After a summer of silence, he’s now trying to speed up the process. Dafoe went on a media blitz, setting up a series…
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