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September 4, 2007
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.
Rookie Sheppard to line up with stars
JOB BATTLES Roster spots will be limited when the Wild opens its seventh training camp. Minnesota has 22 players on one-way deals, including eight defensemen. Rearguard Sean Hill, despite having to serve the final 19 games of his 20-game steroids suspension, will be part of the 23-man roster, but the team will petition the NHL to remove him. However, if the Wild is unsuccessful, that leaves one roster spot available, likely for a forward. While Petr Kalus, Benoit Pouliot, Danny Irmen, Matt Foy and Serge Payer will be given shots, the frontrunner is 2006 first-rounder James Sheppard, a fast 19-year-old power center out of the QMJHL. “He’s got big-time size and skating and there’s a calm and composedness about him,” said GM Doug Risebrough. “He’s going to practise with (Marian) Gaborik and (Pavol)…
Middle ground up for grabs
JOB BATTLES There’s no doubt wingers Brian Gionta and Patrik Elias, when healthy, can score. But who will get them the puck? With the departure of Scott Gomez, the Devils signed Dainius Zubrus, who used to be Alex Ovechkin’s pivot in Washington. He’ll get a shot at centering the No. 1 line, but the job will be up for grabs if he isn’t a good fit. Travis Zajac, coming off a solid rookie season, could be moved up from the second unit. Or, Zach Parise might be moved from left wing to the middle. “I’ve always played center, but I like left wing,” Parise said. “Whatever they need me to play…I can play both.” New coach Brent Sutter also has a hole to fill on defense with the loss of workhorse Brian…
Teen titans clash
SARNIA STING CENTER Steven Stamkos is the early favorite to go No. 1 in the 2008 entry draft, but in the meantime he’s busy honing his skills. Stamkos recently returned from the Ivan Hlinka Memorial under-18 tournament, which took place in Slovakia and the Czech Republic, where Canada lost the bronze medal game to Russia. Sweden took gold, beating Finland in the final, while the U.S. did not qualify for the medal round. Despite his team’s finish, Stamkos had a solid tournament, tallying one goal and five points in four games and meeting a wealth of fellow future stars along the way. “To play with the guys from out east and west is a great experience,” he said. “You hear about them and they’re great both on and off the ice.” With so…
Net news still No. 1 in Los Angeles
JOB BATTLES The biggest question for the Kings remains the same as it was in April: Who’s the goalie? Only the names have changed. Sean Burke and Mathieu Garon have departed, leaving Dan Cloutier and Jason LaBarbera to battle it out in training camp at the Kings’ most crucial position. Cloutier missed much of last season with injuries and LaBarbera was buried in the AHL, unable to come up without being exposed to waivers. They’ll be on equal footing when camp starts, even though Cloutier makes $3.1 million and clearly was signed last year to be the No. 1. The Kings have highly regarded prospect Jonathan Bernier waiting, but he’s only 19 and L.A. doesn’t want to expose him to the NHL yet. The biggest question on defense is whether heralded rookie Jack Johnson…
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