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August 26, 2003
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.
IMPACT NEWCOMERS
Mike Komisarek was named The Hockey News minor pro prospect of the year in 2002-03. This season he has his eyes on a more prestigious award - the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. For years, the Calder Trophy was awarded exclusively to high-scoring forwards, offensive defensemen and goalies who take the league by storm. However, St. Louis defenseman Barret Jackman won the trophy in 2002-03 while recording only 19 points in 82 games - perhaps paving the way for defensive defensemen to win the prize in the future. Enter Komisarek. The 21-year-old played in 21 games for the Montreal Canadiens last season, but retains his rookie—status for 2003-04. The Canadiens were thrilled with his play at Hamilton (AHL) last season, especially during the playoffs as he helped the Bulldogs come within a…
Signing Giguere, Sykora a challenge
When Mighty Ducks GM Bryan Murray surveyed the team’s original list of restricted free agents, it figured that Conn Smythe Trophywinning goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere and leading goal-scorer Petr Sykora would present the most challenging pieces of the puzzle. That became official Aug. 6, when defenseman Niclas Havelid agreed to a three-year, $4.55 million contract, avoiding a scheduled arbitration hearing the next day. Havelid, 30, is coming off a career-best 11 goals and 33 points while having played in all 82 regular season games and all 21 Stanley Cup playoff contests. Giguere figures to receive a huge increase over last season’s $900,000 salary, while Sykora earned $3,535 million in 2002-03. “I would say that (Giguere, Sykora and the team) will work hard to get together,” Murray said. “I think we’ll get (their contracts) done.” KEY…
Olympiques rocked by players’ deaths
The Gatineau Olympiques received a double dose of ill tidings this summer. Defenseman Jeff-Smith died in early August after falling off the roof of a school in his hometown of Milford, N.S. And earlier this summer, former Olympiques left winger Eric Naud died in a car accident in Quebec City. Smith was 19 and Naud was 25. “It has been a bad summer for tragedies,” said Gatineau GM Andre Chaput. “These guys were so young, I just can’t believe it.” Smith went to the Memorial Cup final with the Olympiques in 2003 and the Victoriaville Tigres in 2002. “We were together for both trips to the Memorial Cup, but we were also together for the hard times, too. We shared in everything,” said ex-Olympiques and Tigres teammate Chris Pottie. “We were like brothers.” The…
Phoenix frees funds by trading Numminen
The deal that sent veteran blueliner and captain Teppo Numminen to Dallas in exchange for center Mike Sillinger and a second round pick in late July was a difficult one for the Phoenix Coyotes, but it freed a great deal of room in the team’s budget. Numminen, who had been with the Phoenix/Winnipeg organization for his entire 15-season career, was due to make $4.5 million. “Teppo is a wonderful guy and literally our franchise player,” said GM Mike Barnett. “But some of our younger guys are going to be getting raises soon and their better days are ahead of them. So it’s a matter of how you spend your money.” Phoenix actually was prepared to try to ink Numminen to a multi-year deal, but when talks broke down, they gave he and his…
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