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August 24, 2004
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.
SNAPSHOTS
From around the NHL The NHL has backtracked on its eligibility criteria for playing in the American League during an NHL lockout. Irate GMs concerned about the development of their young players complained to the NHL about the rule, which would have only allowed players who were on an AHL roster for 50 games last season to play there in 2004-05. “We had another bunch of comments from our general managers, reassessed where we were, talked to the players’ association about it,” said NHL senior vice-president Bill Daly. “We’re reconsidering it.” It’s expected the league will revert to current waiver rules. A number of reports have suggested exceeded expectations and was “better than advertised” as guest whiz kid at the Kings’ summer prospect camp. In that case, he must have been pretty…
Bourque’s son impresses at camp
More than 30 players attended the Capitals’ rookie camp, some bigger than 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds. But it was the smallest man, at just 5-foot-7 and 170 pounds, who stole the thunder. Chris Bourque, son of Bruins leg-end Raymond Bourque, came to camp hoping to be noticed because of who he is, not who his dad is. He cleared that hurdle with plenty to spare and was being compared favorably to retired Capital Dale Hunter, a huge plus in Washington circles. “You can’t take a player who suffers from a lack of courage and make him courageous,” said GM George McPhee. “You can work on skating, I finesse, strength I but the intangibles, they’re i either there or they’re not. Chris has them.” Bourque will be a freshman at I Boston University this…
Brown all business back on the blades
Although a brief appearance by junior sensation Sidney Crosby the likely No. 1 draft pick next June-was the highlight of the Kings’ annual prospects camp, the sight of Dustin Brown skating without pain was a welcome sight, too. The Kings’ top draft pick in 2003, Brown, 19, missed the final four months of 2003-04 with a severe ankle sprain. He made several attempts to return at the end of last season, but never was 100 per cent. “He is healthy right now, which is good to see,” said Kings GM Dave Taylor. “He had a little hip flexor during the camp, but overall his health and energy have been good.” After making the Kings out of training camp last season, Brown didn’t score much-he had just one goal and five points in 34…
Saga with Schultz has sense of deja vu
Nick Schultz is eyeing the same bumpy road Marian Gaborik and Pascal Dupuis took during their contract disputes last year. Schultz rejected the Wild’s $666,000 qualifying offer, putting the core defenseman on a collision course with the team. He is seeking a deal between $1 million and $1.5 million per season, which would elevate the 21-year-old to among the highest-paid blueliners in his class. “That qualifying offer is not reflective of where his stature is,” said agent J.P. Barry, who wants to negotiate a multi-year deal. The Wild still own the rights to Schultz and if the sides cannot strike a deal, his only leverage would be to sit out, which Gaborik and Dupuis did a year ago with decidedly mixed results. “I’m going to do the right thing for the team,” said assistant…
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