Lindros’s hockey future not un for nublic debate

The Hockey News: FROM THE EDITORS Free speech is a little like striking a match: sometimes it illuminates and sometimes it burns. Take the Eric Lindros concussion saga. When news broke the New York Rangers center was cleared to begin rehabilitation following his eighth reported concussion, a few “experts” emerged and suggested No. 88 should retire. Michael Kaplen, president of the Brain Injury Association of New York, went as far to brand Lindros a bad example for kids in a story that appeared in the Globe and Mail, Canada’s national newspaper. “When guys go back to play (after concussions) in what I believe is reckless conduct, they’re sending the message to parents and children that this is not a big deal,” Kaplen said. “But it is. It can have very big lifetime consequences.” Curiously, the…

Acquisition of Nedved reward for hard work

The annual Edmonton Oilers yard sale has been cancelled. The sellers just became buyers. A franchise that normally unloads contracts in March made a radical departure for this year’s stretch drive, acquiring Petr Nedved and goalie Jussi Markkanen from the Rangers March 3 for center Dwight Hehninen and goalie Stephen Valiquette, both minor league prospects. Now that the club has clawed back into the playoff race, GM Kevin Lowe rewarded them by adding rather than the usual small-market subtraction. “It’s a message to our players and our fans,” said Lowe of the deal. “Petr is a good guy and a good player and the price was well within our abilities.” And a welcome one. The Oilers, minus injured forwards Brad Isbister, Mike York and Marty Reasoner, needed reinforcements desperately. Nedved, with eight 20-goal seasons…

ELSTON

Hamhuis’s reputation rising as Freds’ next impact ‘D’

With his fifth goal of the season, Dan Hamhuis finished rewriting the Predators’ record books for rookie defensemen. The record-setting goal, which came Feb. 26 against Minnesota, came in Hamhuis’s 62nd game of the season, surpassing the four goals Kimmo Timonen had in 50 games in 1998-99. Hamhuis bested Timonen’s marks for assists (eight) and points (12) back in January. (First-year defenseman Marek Zidlicky had 12 goals and 39 points in 62 games this season, but the 27-year-old isn’t eligible for Calder.) Hamhuis’s production, combined with the fact he has led all NHL rookies in ice time virtually all season, has triggered speculation within the dressing room that the 21-year-old should receive strong Calder Trophy consideration. “If we make the playoffs, yes,” said captain Greg Johnson. “He won’t have the numbers that some…