Wednesday, August 25, 2010

NHL unveils 2010-2011 national television schedule

Ever since the 2008-2009 regular season schedule was unveiled on July 15th, fans have waited to see how the national television schedule would take shape. Now we have a clear view of what it looks like.

Earlier today, the National Hockey League made the announcement on their official web site with a breakdown of schedules for each of the network carriers.

Over 300 games will be televised nationally as all 30 teams will make at least one appearance during the 2010-2011 season on either NBC, CBC, Le Réseau des Sports (RDS), Versus or The Sports Network (TSN).

The NHL Network plans to show 75 games in the United States and 40 across Canada. No full broadcast schedule has been finalized for both the NHL Network and NBC, but will be announced soon.

Here is the breakdown of what is in store for each of the national television broadcasters...

After signing a new six-year broadcasting contract with the NHL on June 3, 2008, TSN will show 70 games during the 2008-2009 regular season, all in high definition. They provide a complete list of the NHL on TSN games that are on tap and even have a brief video to preview it. With the launch of TSN 2 on August 29, 2008, games may also been seen there on what was called the TSN "alternate feed". This would especially be the case during days of doubleheader coverage when the first game may not end before the second game is scheduled to begin. For the first time in 10 years, TSN will also show preseason games this fall with each of the six Canadian NHL teams each making one appearance.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has 69 games planned for their regular season Hockey Night in Canada coverage, including 25 of them being all-Canadian matchups. The network that has traditionally shown NHL games on Saturday nights for over 50 years will have a new theme song after CBC's broadcast rights to its very famous predecessor had expired. CTVglobemedia, Inc. acquired the rights to "The Hockey Theme" on June 9, 2008. As a result, TSN and RDS will now feature the song in their NHL broadcasts starting this fall. CTVglobemedia owns Canadian Television (CTV) and a share of TSN and RDS. "The Hockey Theme" will also be featured during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Speaking of RDS, the French-language broadcast network will show all 82 Montréal Canadiens games across all of Canada. They will also showcase for Francophone viewers the 57th NHL All-Star Game in Montréal on January 25, 2009 as part of the Canadiens' centennial season anniversary celebration. CBC and Versus will show the game for Anglophone viewers.

Versus will broadcast 56 games in their fourth season of national cable television coverage in the United States, including October 5, 2008 when the second day of two NHL Premiere games in Europe are played. The New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning square off in Prague, Czech Republic while the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins play in Stockholm, Sweden. In addition to their full list of games they plan to air, Tom Layberger highlighted what he felt was his top 13 games to watch.

American viewers will have NBC once again provide over-the-air national television contests starting on New Year's Day with no fewer than 10 games in 2009. The second edition of the Winter Classic kicks off their fourth season of coverage with an Original Six matchup between the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks from Wrigley Field in Chicago. CBC and RDS will show the game for Canadian viewers. The Rangers and Penguins face off in Pittsburgh during NBC's second broadcast of the season scheduled for January 18, 2009. The remaining 8 games in the following 10 Sundays are "flex games" in which the league and NBC will finalize which games they'll show on those days.

Regardless, you'll have plenty of hockey to watch during the 2008-2009 season. Go get NHL Center Ice if you really want to be a couch potato and make sure you have the television schedule in front of you so you can keep up.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

New Jersey Devils to send AHL and ECHL affiliate teams to Atlantic City for 5 games

Earlier today, the New Jersey Devils announced they will send their two minor league teams to Atlantic City for a combined five games during the upcoming 2010-2011 season.

The American Hockey League's Albany Devils will play four regular season contests at Boardwalk Hall (formerly the Atlantic City Convention Hall) and the ECHL's Trenton Devils will play one game there against the Wheeling Nailers.

The four opponents the Albany Devils face will be the Adirondack Phantoms, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the defending Calder Cup champion Hershey Bears and the Norfolk Admirals.

The Press of Atlantic City was the first news source to confirm the scheduled games after a news conference was held inside Boardwalk Hall to make the announcement. New Jersey Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek and general manager Lou Lamoriello were on hand along with state and local dignitaries.

New Jersey Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, New Jersey lieutenant governor Kim Guadagno and Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek at today's press conference.
(image courtesy: Danny Drake/The Press of Atlantic City)

"Bringing these games to Atlantic City is a positive family friendly addition to the region and will provide southern New Jersey hockey fans a chance to see one of the state's many great sporting teams - the New Jersey Devils hockey teams development squad," New Jersey lieutenant governor Kim Guadagno said. "I am glad I could be a part of today's announcement and hope to see more creative public-private ventures like this one developing in Atlantic City in the coming months."

The objective of holding these games in Atlantic City was made clear from Vanderbeek himself.

"We are not North Jersey's team, we are not Central Jersey's team and we are certainly not the team in the strip of land between New York and Philadelphia," Vanderbeek said during the press conference. "This is New Jersey's team and we really need to and want to embrace everybody from this state. We really want to expand our reaches."

Last winter, the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority finalized an agreement with Caesars Atlantic City to bring the games to Boardwark Hall, an historic venue that opened in 1929. Lamoriello had made a tour of the facility in April and was impressed. It later led to joining a partnership to hold the event.

"I was really rather flabbergasted," Lamoriello told MSG Network's Anthony Fucilli. "It was an easy decision."

An announcement was made last year that Boardwalk Hall would be the host venue to the 2011, 2012 and 2013 ECAC Hockey men's championship.


New Jersey Devils radio play-by-play announcer Matt Loughlin, team owner Jeff Vanderbeek and general manager Lou Lamoriello express the significance of having five minor league games in Atlantic City for the organization.
(video courtesy: NHL Productions)

Two Sports Blog Nation hockey writers provided their thoughts as to what these five games could mean for the future of hockey in the Garden State.

Travis Hughes of Broad Street Hockey brought up the territorial issue of what regional team South Jersey sports fans support most. His blog entry headline "Devils invade Flyers country..." couldn't be more clear.

"Atlantic City, Atlantic County and the Southern Jersey Shore, as you may know, sits deeply in the Philadelphia media market and is certainly considered Flyers territory," Hughes wrote. "There are Devils fans here, to be sure, but anybody telling you that this area is anything but orange and black is lying to your face."

Understood. It is widely known that the state of New Jersey has been viewed as being split in two for the sports media coverage and sports fan loyalties to the two major cities it's adjacent to. The northern half has been considered for New York City with primarily the southern half for Philadelphia. When it comes to television markets, the Big Apple has its reach go as far south as Ocean County. But the Devils continue to have the challenge of building a large fan base in New Jersey with the presence of their nearby Atlantic Division rivals in the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.

Boardwalk Hall is located 54 miles southeast of Philadelphia (specificly the Wells Fargo Center). But communities situated on the northwest side of the Atlantic City area do fall within the Philadelphia Flyers broadcast territory, that according to the National Hockey League Constitution.

Hughes acknowledged Vanderbeek's marketing strategy.

"This whole thing seems like the part of a larger strategy for the Devils. Along with their Jersey's Team marketing slogan, which debuted two seasons ago, they're certainly making a concerted effort to expand their reach outside of North and Central Jersey. If they were to move their farm team to South Jersey and get involved in the local hockey community - the rink in AC, by the way, is the Flyers Skate Zone - there's no disputing they could develop a fan base here. Vanderbeek knows that."

But a very fair question raised by Hughes was if the Devils have the intention of trying to place a minor league affiliate in Atlantic City sometime down the road.

"It really does seem like they're interested. The key word in that sentence is interested, of course, and there's no guarantee that these five games will be successful here," Hughes said. "After all, the ECHL's Boardwalk Bullies won a Kelly Cup in 2003 and wound up leaving town just two years later. Bad marketing and poor attendance did them in."

John Fischer of In Lou We Trust believes it is far too early to draw that conclusion either.

"I'm not really convinced," Fischer said. "The Devils are in Albany for the next 5 seasons; and as far as I know, there's no rumblings about the Devils wanting to move Trenton. I'm not sure how going from Trenton to Atlantic City would be an improvement, Trenton is in 'Flyers Country' as much as AC as far as I know. Plus, a lot can happen in 5 seasons. Who knows, perhaps Albany takes to this version of the Devils' AHL affiliate and gives them reason to stay there longer?"

However, the Devils are more focused on efforts to showcase the sport to new fans, not re-locating their minor league teams. At the same time, Vanderbeek hopes this event can provide an overall boost to the city's economy. One idea has the Devils possibly sponsoring rinks and youth teams in southern New Jersey.

New Jersey Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek announces his two minor league affiliates will play 5 games at Boardwalk Hall during the upcoming 2010-2011 season.
(image courtesy: Danny Drake/The Press of Atlantic City)

"We really look forward to coming down here and playing these games. We hope this is the start of something very big," Vanderbeek said. "I was able to see the re-birth the first time of Atlantic City because the casinos opened up a year and a half later. We really hope we're a part of a new renaissance here that really allows for entertainment for all walks of life."

Lamoriello also sees this as a new opportunity for the organization. He explained how this event came together.

"For us, it's a different experience. And also we tried very hard to work with the American Hockey League to get teams from the local area," he said. "For example, in playing Adirondack and playing Wheeling and playing Wilkes-Barre. So it was something that we tried to get all fans coming together."









(video courtesy: MSG Network)

The New Jersey Devils will have their AHL affiliate back in Albany, New York after a four-year absence. They originally ran the Albany River Rats from 1994 to 2006 before the Carolina Hurricanes became the parent club through last season. The River Rats just relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina to become the AHL's Charlotte Checkers. The Albany Devils took their place in New York State's Capital District with their arrival from Lowell, Massachusetts.

After the Trenton Titans entered the ECHL in 1996, the minor league franchise would later be purchased by the New Jersey Devils and become their new ECHL affiliate. With the Sun National Bank Center as their home arena, they've been the Trenton Devils since May 18, 2007.

Guadagno is responsible for promoting tourism across New Jersey. She told those that attended the press conference how much hockey has had an impact on her as well, including the formation of friendships over the years. She has a son who plays youth hockey in Red Bank, New Jersey.

"I know certainly my family has made friends for life and I'm proud to be here to stand up with the Devils," she said. "I'm almost amazed to be standing up here with the Devils six months into my tenure as the lieutenant governor to tell you how grateful we are for this sport of hockey."

If the five games are well attended, the New Jersey Devils will attempt to schedule a 2011 NHL preseason game in Atlantic City.

Lamoriello added, "Anytime you can spread hockey throughout the state or anywhere, we have to be excited about it."

Tom Gulitti of The Bergen Record originally reported on this news story four days ago and now has provided the list of the scheduled games (start times are in Eastern Time).

Albany Devils (AHL)
December 5, 2010 - vs. Adirondack, 4:00 PM
December 12, 2010 - vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, 4:00 PM
February 4, 2011 - vs. Hershey, 7:00 PM
February 27, 2011 - vs. Norfolk, 4:00 PM

Trenton Devils (ECHL)
January 23, 2011 - vs. Wheeling, 4:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

New Jersey Devils official news release (August 24):
Devils development teams take to the ice at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall

American Hockey League official news release (August 24):
Devils to play four games in Atlantic City

Trenton Devils official news release (August 24):
Devils in Atlantic City

The Bergen Record's Fire & Ice blog (August 24):
Albany Devils and Trenton Devils to play games in Atlantic City

In Lou We Trust (August 24):
Albany Devils to play 4 games in Atlantic City in 2010-2011; Trenton Devils to play 1

Broad Street Hockey (August 24):
Devils invade Flyers country, bring five minor-league games to Atlantic City

The Press of Atlantic City's sports page (August 25):
Devils may see a future with shot on Boardwalk in Atlantic City

Thursday, August 19, 2010

CBC to air 10 AHL games during 2010-2011 season

If you are a fan that feels Saturday nights aren't enough to satisfy your craving for hockey all weekend long, then the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has listened.

You don't have just Hockey Night in Canada broadcasts of National Hockey League games on your viewing schedule anymore.

Entering its 75th anniversary season, The American Hockey League announced earlier today that it has finalized a broadcasting agreement for select 2010-2011 regular season games to air on CBC for 10 Sunday afternoons.

"We're tremendously excited that CBC, with its distinguished excellence in hockey broadcasting, will be helping us celebrate our historic 75th anniversary this season," AHL president and chief executive officer David Andrews said. "Viewers across Canada will be treated to the skill and excitement of the best young professionals in our sport."

CBC Sports executive director Scott Moore echoed the same sentiments.

"We're looking forward to featuring the stars of hockey's future with the AHL on CBC," Moore said.

The 10 games will feature teams affiliated with one of the six Canadian-based NHL teams. They are the Abbotsford Heat, Binghamton Senators, Hamilton Bulldogs, Manitoba Moose, Oklahoma City Barons and Toronto Marlies.

The first game on the AHL on CBC schedule will be on October 17th when Toronto hosts Binghamton at 1:00 PM Eastern Time from Ricoh Coliseum.

All games will be streamed live and also available on-demand at CBCSports.ca.

AHL on CBC 2010-2011 Broadcast Schedule
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

October 17 – Binghamton at Toronto, 1:00 PM
October 24 – Oklahoma City at Hamilton, 1:00 PM
November 21 – Hamilton at Toronto, 1:00 PM
December 12 – Toronto at Hamilton, 1:00 PM
January 16 – Toronto at Abbotsford, 2:00 PM
January 23 – Abbotsford at Manitoba, 1:00 PM
February 27 – Manitoba at Toronto, 1:00 PM
March 6 – Hamilton at Toronto, 1:00 PM
March 27 – Abbotsford at Manitoba, 1:00 PM
April 3 – Manitoba at Toronto, 1:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

American Hockey League official news release (August 19):
CBC to air 10 AHL games in 2010-2011

CBC Sports' hockey page (August 19):
CBC, AHL strike broadcast deal

Abbotsford Heat official news release (August 19):
HEAT to play on CBC

Binghamton Senators official news release (August 19):
B-Sens featured on CBC's "AHL on CBC"

Hamilton Bulldogs official news release (August 19):
Four 'Dogs games to be broadcast live on CBC

Manitoba Moose official news release (August 19):
Moose to play as part of "AHL on CBC"

Oklahoma City Barons official news release (August 19):
Barons featured on CBC broadcast

Toronto Marlies official news release (August 19):
7 Marlies games to be broadcast live on CBC

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Ducks to unveil latest alternate jersey on November 26th

It has been speculated for a while and now the Anaheim Ducks made rumor into fact.

During pregame warmups of their November 26th home game against the Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, the Ducks will unveil a brand new alternate jersey. It will be the fourth alternate jersey in team history and the first one under the current brand.

"After introducing a new name, logo and colors to our fans four years ago, we felt it important to give our original look due time to establish itself in the market," Ducks vice president of sales and marketing Bob Wagner said in the team's news release. "At this point, we're excited to introduce an additional look for the team in 2010-2011, one we feel confident our fans will embrace."

Coinciding with the ownership change in which Henry and Susan Samueli bought the team from the Walt Disney Company where they were called the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, a new color scheme and uniforms were implemented on June 22, 2006. Gone was the famous duck billed mask and crossed hockey sticks logo. No more eggplant, jade and silver. Instead, it would be black, metallic gold and white as the main colors with orange as an accent color (to represent Orange County) as part of the re-branding. The use of an "Anaheim Ducks" wordmark graced the front of the new jerseys with the letter D in the shape of a duck's footprint.

So what will the new alternate jersey look like. There are no hints of its design, but according to the Ducks, it will put an alternative spin on the tradition colors and logo and be a tribute to its past.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

2010 New Jersey Devils preseason schedule

The New Jersey Devils announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

The team did not issue an official news release, but Tom Gulitti of The Bergen Record posted all needed information on his Fire & Ice blog this morning:

The Devils announced their six-game preseason schedule this morning.

It begins with a rematch of last season's playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, September 21st at Wachovia Center. The Devils then have a home-and-home with the Rangers: They visit Madison Square Garden on Thursday, September 23rd and host the Rangers at Prudential Center on Saturday, September 25th.

The Flyers visit Prudential Center on Tuesday, September 28th before the Devils finish up with a pair of exhibition games against the Islanders. The Devils host the Isles on Friday, October 1st and visit Nassau Coliseum on Saturday, October 2nd.

All their preseason games — home and road — start at 7:00 PM.


The Devils' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
September 23 - at New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
September 25 - vs. New York Rangers, 7:00 PM
September 28 - vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
October 1 - vs. New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
October 2 - at New York Islanders, 7:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

The Bergen Record's Fire & Ice blog (July 15):
Devils announce preseason schedule

Thursday, July 8, 2010

2010 Buffalo Sabres preseason schedule

The Buffalo Sabres announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

They are the home team for the Kraft Hockeyville game on September 28th. Please note that Dundas is officially part of the city of Hamilton, Ontario.

From the team's official news release:

The Buffalo Sabres today announced their 2010 preseason schedule. The team will play six games, including two at HSBC Arena. Start times and ticket information for each home game will be announced at a later date.

The Sabres will begin their preseason slate at home on Saturday, September 25th when their cross-border rivals from Toronto visit HSBC Arena. The same teams will also square off two days later at the Air Canada Centre on September 27th. For the second time in three years, Buffalo was selected to participate in the NHL's Kraft Hockeyville game. This year, the contest against the Ottawa Senators will be held in Dundas, Ontario on Tuesday, September 28th. The Sabres will then travel to Montréal to play the Canadiens on September 30th before concluding with a pair of games against the Philadelphia Flyers - October 1st at Philadelphia and October 3rd in Buffalo.

The Sabres will begin their 40th anniversary campaign on the road when they travel to Ottawa to open the 2010-2011 regular season against the Senators on Friday, October 8th.


The Sabres' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 25 - vs. Toronto, 7:00 PM
September 27 - at Toronto, 7:00 PM
September 28 - vs. Ottawa (in Dundas, Ontario), TBD
September 30 - at Montréal, 7:30 PM
October 1 - at Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
October 3 - vs. Philadelphia, 6:00 PM

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

2010 Philadelphia Flyers preseason schedule

The Philadelphia Flyers announced their 2010 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the September 23rd game.

From the team's official news release:

The defending Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia Flyers have announced their schedule for the 2010 preseason, which features three games at the Wachovia Center and one contest at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario. The eight-game preseason slate opens at home with the Flyers taking on their Atlantic Division rival New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, September 21st at the Wachovia Center at 7:00 PM.

For the seventh consecutive season, the Flyers will travel to London, Ontario to play at the John Labatt Centre and for the second consecutive year, they will face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, September 23rd. The John Labatt Centre is operated and managed by Global Spectrum, the public assembly facility management subsidiary of Flyers' parent company, Comcast-Spectacor.

"For the past six seasons, the Flyers have considered the John Labatt Centre our 'home away from home'," said Comcast-Spectacor president and Global Spectrum chairman Peter Luukko. "The John Labatt Centre is a terrific hockey building and all of our players enjoy visiting every preseason. A match-up with the Leafs in London is a dream match-up for hockey fans in western Ontario. It's going to be a terrific night of hockey and a very memorable one for the city of London."

The Flyers own an all-time record of 4-2 and have outscored their opponents by a 21 to 14 margin in the previous six contests. The Flyers record in London is as follows: Toronto Maple Leafs (2009; 0-4 L), New York Islanders (2008; 4-0 W), Ottawa Senators (2007; 4-0 W), Pittsburgh Penguins (2006; 1-2 L), Atlanta Thrashers (2005; 8-6 W) and Washington Capitals (2003; 4-2 W).


The Flyers' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - vs. New Jersey, 7:00 PM
September 23 - vs. Toronto (in London, Ontario), 7:00 PM
September 24 - at Toronto, 7:00 PM
September 25 - at Minnesota, 8:00 PM
September 28 - at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
September 29 - vs. New York Islanders, 7:00 PM
October 1 - vs. Buffalo, 7:00 PM
October 3 - at Buffalo, 6:00 PM

Thursday, July 1, 2010

2010 free agent season is finally here

I will simply repeat what I said a year ago today with a few little tweaks here and there get make it time relevant to the present day.

The day is finally here. With the 2009-2010 season, the annual NHL Awards and 2010 NHL Entry Draft all done, the one main event left before a quiet two months of summer is of course the first day of the free agent season.

Many fans (including me) will eagerly be monitoring the transaction wires, the National Hockey League web site and team web sites, plus the reliable sports news pages. At noon today, that starting gun will sound (figuratively) and stressed out, sleep-deprived team general managers will scramble to grab the player or players they want by spending millions of dollars to do so.

No one knows for sure who will go where as speculation has been running high with some high profile players eligible to test the market.

You can certainly tune in to TSN, Rogers Sportsnet, The Score or even the NHL Network for the latest signings and possibly trades as this first day of the free agent season has arrived. For American viewers, NHL Network will show a 4-hour simulcast of TSN's extensive coverage starting at 2:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time following NHL Live.

Before then, you can always pay attention to a handful sources that I expect will be constantly bringing us up to speed as the signings are announced and they include:

Spector's Hockey
The Fourth Period
Kukla's Korner
James Mirtle's From The Rink hockey blog
Inside Hockey

As I said at the trade deadline, Lyle Richardson (who is a very reputable journalist that runs the Spector's Hockey site) is someone I highly recommend to bringing you instant analysis on his blog that is also accessible at FOX Sports' NHL page.

Enjoy the long anticipated July 1st day and may your favorite team not disappoint you. Happy Canada Day to everyone north of the United States border.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

2010 Toronto Maple Leafs preseason schedule

Two days after the regular season schedule was released by the NHL, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced their upcoming 2010 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 23rd game.

From the team's official news release:

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced their 2010-11 preseason schedule Thursday, which features five games at Air Canada Centre and four on the road. For the second straight season, the Maple Leafs will play at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ontario against the Philadelphia Flyers. They will host the Flyers, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings while the Ottawa Senators will play twice at Air Canada Centre.

Toronto's first preseason game will be on Tuesday, September 21st against Ottawa at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs will play their nine-game preseason schedule over 12 days, which includes two games at home in two nights to start it off versus division rival, Ottawa. Home-and-home series will take place against the Red Wings, Sabres and Flyers and a third meeting versus the Senators will be played in the nation's capital. The Maple Leafs' preseason schedule concludes on October 2nd and the team will open the regular season October 7th at home against the Canadiens.

All nine preseason and 82 regular season Leafs games will be broadcast LIVE on television as well as the radio on The Home of The Leafs - AM 640.


The Maple Leafs' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - vs. Ottawa, 7:00 PM
September 22 - vs. Ottawa, 7:00 PM
September 23 - vs. Philadelphia (in London, Ontario), 7:00 PM
September 24 - vs. Philadelphia, 7:00 PM
September 25 - at Buffalo, TBD
September 27 - vs. Buffalo, 7:00 PM
September 29 - at Ottawa, 7:30 PM
October 1 - at Detroit, 7:00 PM
October 2 - vs. Detroit, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

2010 NHL Awards winners

Here are you 2010 NHL Awards winners. Any that surprise you?

Calder Memorial Trophy
Tyler Myers

Frank J. Selke Trophy
Pavel Datsyuk

Art Ross Trophy
Henrik Sedin

Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy
Steven Stamkos and Sidney Crosby

Ted Lindsay Award
Alexander Ovechkin

Jack Adams Award
Dave Tippett

Georges Vezina Trophy
Ryan Miller

William M. Jennings Trophy
Martin Brodeur

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
Jose Theodore

King Clancy Memorial Trophy
Shane Doan

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
Martin St. Louis

Messier Leadership Award
Sidney Crosby

James Norris Memorial Trophy
Duncan Keith

NHL Foundation Player Award
Ryan Miller

Hart Memorial Trophy
Henrik Sedin

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

2010 San Jose Sharks preseason schedule

The San Jose Sharks announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The San Jose Sharks today announced their preseason schedule for the 2010-2011 campaign. San Jose currently has six preseason games scheduled, including three at HP Pavilion at San Jose.

San Jose will visit Anaheim, Phoenix and Vancouver before heading to Europe, where they will open their 20th NHL season in Stockholm, Sweden as part of the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere and NHL Face-Off on October 8th against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Ericsson Globe Arena.


The Sharks' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 22 - at Anaheim, 10:00 PM
September 24 - vs. Anaheim, 10:30 PM
September 25* - at Phoenix, 10; vs. Phoenix, 10:30 PM
September 28 - at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Vancouver, 10:30 PM

*split squad games

2010 Colorado Avalanche preseason schedule

The Colorado Avalanche announced their upcoming 2010 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the upcoming Frozen Fury 13 game on October 2nd.

From the team's official news release:

In addition to its regular season schedule, the Avalanche also announced today its preseason schedule for 2010-2011. Colorado will play seven exhibition games, the team's most preseason contests since 2003-2004, when they also had seven. The Avs will face the same three opponents, meeting Dallas (three times), Los Angeles (twice) and St. Louis (twice).

Colorado's preseason home dates are Wednesday, September 22nd vs. Los Angeles, Sunday, September 26th vs. St. Louis and Tuesday, September 28th vs. Dallas. All preseason home games will start at 7:00 PM. The Avs will conclude the exhibition slate with the annual Frozen Fury matchup against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday, October 2nd at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.


The Avalanche's 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - at St. Louis, 8:00 PM
September 22 - vs. Los Angeles, 9:00 PM
September 24 - at Dallas, 8:30 PM
September 26 - vs. St. Louis, 9:00 PM
September 28 - vs. Dallas, 9:00 PM
September 30 - at Dallas, 8:30 PM
October 2 - vs. Los Angeles (in Las Vegas), 9:00 PM

*split squad games

2010 Montréal Canadiens preseason schedule

The Montréal Canadiens announced their upcoming 2010 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the October 2nd game.

From the team's official news release:

But before the puck drops on the 102nd season in Montréal, Habs fans have seven preseason games (including five at home) to look forward to beginning September 22nd. Québec City will also be welcoming NHL hockey back to the Colisée, with an October 2nd game between the Habs and Islanders on the docket.

The Canadiens' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 22 - vs. Boston, 7:30 PM
September 24 - vs. Ottawa, 7:30 PM
September 25 - at Ottawa, 7:00 PM
September 26 - vs. Minnesota, 7:00 PM
September 27 - vs. Florida, 7:30 PM
September 30 - vs. Buffalo, 7:30 PM
October 2 - vs. New York Islanders (in Québec City), 7:00 PM

NHL releases 2010-2011 regular season schedule‏

It is a bit unusual to be already talking about the next season's games before the free agent frenzy begins every July 1st. But this summer, the National Hockey League decided to announce it just one day before the 2010 NHL Awards show in Las Vegas.

The 2010-2011 regular season schedule was announced today with plenty of highlights to give any hockey fan a lot to look forward to. Among the highlights as detailed in the league's official news release:

Season begins on October 7th (NHL Face-Off)
Four games in North America are slated to be played. One of note is when the Pittsburgh Penguins open the new CONSOL Energy Center against the Philadelphia Flyers. Two Canadian matchups kick off the season when the Montréal Canadiens visit the Toronto Maple Leafs while the Edmonton Oilers host the Calgary Flames.

Compuware NHL Premiere series - October 7th to 10th
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild in Helsinki, Finland
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. San Jose Sharks in Stockholm, Sweden
Boston Bruins vs. Phoenix Coyotes in Prague, Czech Republic

Stanley Cup championship defense
The Chicago Blackhawks open their new season on October 7th against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center in Denver. They will hoist their first championship banner in almost a half century two nights later at the United Center when the Blackhawks host the Detroit Red Wings.

2010 Stanley Cup Finals rematch
The Flyers will visit Chicago on January 23, 2011 to play the Blackhawks, the team that defeated them for the 2010 Stanley Cup championship.

2011 NHL All-Star Game
The Hurricanes will be the host franchise with the game being played at the RBC Center in Raleigh on January 30, 2011.

4th edition of Winter Classic game
The game is on January 1, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. The Penguins host the Washington Capitals in yet another marquee matchup between superstars Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin.

Heritage Classic returns
The Canadiens play in the second of as many Heritage Classic games ever played as they face the host Flames. It will take place on February 20, 2011 at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.

"Hockey Day in Canada"
All 6 Canadian teams will be in action on February 11, 2011. Festivities for the event will take place in Whitehorse, Yukon.
The 3 games are:
Ottawa at Edmonton
Toronto at Montreal
Calgary at Vancouver

"Hockey Day in America"
NBC will air regionally these games on February 20, 2011:
Washington at Buffalo
Philadelphia at New York Rangers
Pittsburgh at Chicago
Detroit at Minnesota

The national television schedules will be released at a later date.


NEWS HYPERLINKS

National Hockey League official news release (June 22):
NHL announces 2010-2011 regular season schedule

Anaheim Ducks
Ducks release 2010-2011 schedule
Ducks release 2010-2011 schedule (Orange County Register)
2010-2011 schedule announced
Two schedule changes announced

Atlanta Thrashers
Thrashers announce 2010-2011 NHL regular season schedule
2010-2011 schedule released
Thrashers play four of first five away from home
The schedule is out: Thrashers open with Caps
The new schedule is here! The new schedule is here!

Boston Bruins
Bruins release 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Bruins announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Schedule released for 2010-2011
Bruins' 2010-2011 schedule unveiled
Bruins announce '10-11 schedule

Buffalo Sabres
Sabres announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Sabres' schedule will put premium on backup goaltending
2010-2011 schedule: A travel-centric look

Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames 2010 schedule
Calgary Flames schedule for 2010-2011 released
Flames unveil regular season schedule
Flames announce 2010-2011 schedule

Carolina Hurricanes
Hurricanes' 2010-2011 regular season schedule released
Canes open on long road trip
Canes' 2010-2011 schedule announced
Hurricanes announce game time changes

Chicago Blackhawks
Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks launch 83rd season on Thursday, October 7th
Chicago Blackhawks 2010-2011 schedule
Chicago Blackhawks announce 2010-2011 schedule
Hawks-Flyers rematch highlights 2010-2011 slate

Colorado Avalanche
Avalanche announces 2010-2011 schedule
Avs to open season October 7th against Cup champs Blackhawks
NHL releases the Avalanche schedule for 2010-2011
2010-2011 Avalanche schedule

Columbus Blue Jackets
Blue Jackets announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Cunneyworth, Berry & the schedule
Blue Jackets 2010-2011 schedule
Circle your calendars!

Dallas Stars
Stars' 2010-2011 schedule announced
Dallas Stars' 2010-2011 schedule announced
Stars release 2010-2011 schedule (Dallas Morning News)
Stars schedule already getting time changes
Stars release 2010-2011 schedule

Detroit Red Wings
New start times, visits from old rivals highlight 2010-2011 schedule
Red Wings to open at home October 8th vs. Ducks
Original Six grace Red Wings home schedule
Red Wings reveal 2010-2011 schedule

Edmonton Oilers
Oilers begin 32nd NHL season at home with the Battle of Alberta
Oilers schedule released
2010-2011 schedule released

Florida Panthers
Panthers announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Florida to open season October 11th at Edmonton
Lost in the flood: Panthers schedule released
Panthers start season with 3-game western Canada trip
Florida Panthers' 2010-2011 regular season schedule

Los Angeles Kings
Kings announce 2010-2011 schedule
Kings' schedule released
Kings announce game time change (update #1)
Kings announce time changes (update #2)

Minnesota Wild
Wild's regular season schedule released
Home cooking follows Wild's trip to Finland
Wild's 2010-2011 schedule...
Wild hope 2010-2011 schedule featuring early home games...
2010-2011 Wild schedule released

Montréal Canadiens
Habs unveil 2010-2011 calendar
Canadiens undefeated in 2010-'11!

Nashville Predators
Preds release 2010-2011 schedule
Nashville Predators' 2010-2011 schedule released
Predators change two game times for upcoming season

New Jersey Devils
2010-2011 regular season schedule released
Complete 2010-2011 Devils' schedule
2010-2011 New Jersey Devils regular season schedule released
Devils' October 11th home game vs. Pittsburgh moved to 4:00 PM

New York Islanders
Islanders 2010-2011 regular season schedule released
Islanders regular season schedule released

New York Rangers
Rangers announce 2010-2011 schedule
Schedule's out...
Full Rangers schedule announced
New York Rangers 2010-2011 season schedule

Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators announce 2010-2011 schedule
Senators open at home against Sabres
Senators embrace 2010-2011 schedule...
Senators release sked: open vs. Sabres

Philadelphia Flyers
Flyers open 2010-2011 season at Pittsburgh on October 7th
Flyers open 2010-2011 season in Pittsburgh
Boruk's breakdown of the Flyers' 2010-2011 schedule
Flyers release 2010-2011 schedule
Flyers to open season on road
Flyers announce 2010-2011 schedule
See you in Pittsburgh: Flyers open 2010-2011 season at Penguins

Phoenix Coyotes
Phoenix Coyotes announce 2010-2011 schedule
2010-2011 home schedule video
Phoenix Coyotes open overseas...
Phoenix Coyotes 2010-2011 schedule released

Pittsburgh Penguins
Penguins' 2010-2011 NHL regular season schedule
Penguins schedule released
Penguins face rigorous schedule

San Jose Sharks
Sharks announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Sharks announce 2010 regular season schedule
San Jose Sharks release 2010-2011 schedule
Sharks open at HP Pavilion October 16th against Atlanta...

St. Louis Blues
Blues release 2010-2011 season schedule
Blues 2010-2011 schedule released
St. Louis Blues release 2010-2011 schedule

Tampa Bay Lightning
Lightning announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Lightning's 2010-2011 schedule features emotional home reunions
Tampa Bay Lightning opens the 2010-2011 season October 9th...
Tampa Bay Lightning gets odd 2010-2011 schedule
2010-2011 Tampa Bay Lightning schedule highlights

Toronto Maple Leafs
Leafs announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Maple Leafs to see plenty of Rangers early next season
Leafs open with pair at home

Vancouver Canucks
Canucks to celebrate 40th NHL season throughout 2010-2011
Canucks release 2010-2011 schedule
Canucks 2010-2011 regular season schedule

Washington Capitals
Capitals announce 2010-2011 regular season schedule
Caps release schedule for 2010-2011 regular season

ESPN's NHL page (June 22):
NHL 2010-2011 regular season schedule released

NBC Sports' NHL page (June 22):
NHL releases regular season schedule, road trippers rejoice

The Sporting News' NHL page (June 22):
NHL schedules announced

Monday, June 21, 2010

2010 Anaheim Ducks preseason schedule

The Anaheim Ducks announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Ducks announced on Monday the club's 2010 preseason schedule. The Ducks will compete in seven preseason contests before the start of the club's 2010-2011 regular season campaign in October. The NHL will release the complete 2010-2011 regular season schedule tomorrow (June 22).

The Ducks will open their preseason schedule with back-to-back contests at Honda Center, taking on the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday, September 21st and San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, September 22nd (both 7:05 PM start times). The club will participate in home-and-home exhibition contests against San Jose, Vancouver and Los Angeles, and face Phoenix only once in preseason competition.


The Ducks' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21 - vs. Phoenix, 10:00 PM
September 22 - vs. San Jose, 10:00 PM
September 24 - at San Jose, 10:30 PM
September 25 - at Vancouver, 10:00 PM
September 28 - at Los Angeles, 10:30 PM
October 1 - vs. Vancouver, 10:00 PM
October 3 - vs. Los Angeles, 8:00 PM

2010 Los Angeles Kings preseason schedule

The Los Angeles Kings announced their 2010 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the upcoming Frozen Fury 13 game on October 2nd.

From the team's official news release:

The Los Angeles Kings today announced their preseason schedule for the 2010-2011 NHL season. The Kings are currently scheduled to play six games overall - including two at STAPLES Center on September 23rd versus the Phoenix Coyotes and September 28th versus the Anaheim Ducks.

Click here for the preseason schedule.

In addition to the two home games at STAPLES Center, the Kings will host the Colorado Avalanche at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on October 2nd and the Kings will travel to Colorado on September 22nd, Phoenix on September 23rd (as part of a split-squad game) and Anaheim on October 3rd.


The Kings' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 22 - at Colorado, 9:00 PM
September 23* - at Phoenix, 10; vs. Phoenix, 10:30 PM
September 28 - vs. Anaheim, 10:30 PM
October 2 - vs. Colorado (in Las Vegas), 9:00 PM
October 3 - at Anaheim, 8:00 PM

*split squad games

2010 New York Islanders preseason schedule

The New York Islanders announced their upcoming 2010 preseason schedule. They are the home team for the October 2nd game in Québec City.

From the team's official news release:

The New York Islanders announced today the release of their 2010 pre-season schedule. The Islanders will play 5 games in 5 locations, including games in Saskatoon and Québec City and the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

On Wednesday, September 29th, the Islanders will open the pre-season with a pair of split squad games. The first matchup will take place at the Credit Union Centre in Saskatoon when they face off against the Calgary Flames. The Islanders second split squad game will take place at the Wachovia Center against the defending Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia Flyers that same night. Both games are scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM local times.

The Islanders' third game of the preseason is set for 7:00 PM on Friday, October 1st as they'll travel to the Prudential Center to take on the New Jersey Devils.

The following night, Saturday, October 2nd, the Islanders will close out their pre-season with another pair of split squad games. One Islander team will complete the back end of a home-and-home series with New Jersey, Saturday night at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, while a second squad will take on the Montréal Canadiens at the Pepsi Coliseum in Quebec City. Face off for both games is set at 7:00 PM.


The Islanders' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 29 - at Philadelphia, 7; vs. Calgary (in Saskatoon), 9
October 1 - at New Jersey, 7:00 PM
October 2 - vs. Montréal (in Québec City), 7; vs. New Jersey, 7

2010 Vancouver Canucks preseason schedule

The Vancouver Canucks announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Vancouver Canucks released their 2010 pre-season schedule today featuring eight games beginning September 21st and concluding October 1st. The Canucks begin the pre-season with a split squad playing one game at home and one game away against Calgary on September 21. Both games will begin at 7:00 PM local time. Vancouver will play the remaining six games both home and away against the Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.

In total, the Canucks will play four pre-season games at General Motors Place and four on the road. Each game features a Western Conference match-up: Anaheim (2), Calgary (2), Edmonton (2) and San Jose (2).


The Canucks' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 21* - at Calgary, 9; vs. Calgary, 10:00 PM
September 22 - vs. Edmonton, 10:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Anaheim, 10:00 PM
September 26 - at Edmonton, 8:00 PM
September 28 - vs. San Jose, 10:00 PM
September 29 - at San Jose, 10:30 PM
October 1 - at Anaheim, 10:00 PM

*split squad games

2010 Edmonton Oilers preseason schedule

The Edmonton Oilers announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Edmonton Oilers will begin their 32nd season in the NHL with a six-game pre-season schedule, which includes four games at home at Rexall Place and two on the road.

Edmonton will open the 2010-2011 pre-season with a date in Vancouver against the Canucks on Wednesday, September 22nd. The next night, newly appointed general manager Steve Yzerman and his Tampa Bay Lightning will be at Rexall Place to start a four-game homestand.

Sunday, September 26th will see the Canucks visit Rexall Place, followed by the Phoenix Coyotes facing off against the Oilers on Wednesday, September 29th.

The 2010-2011 pre-season concludes with a home and home "Battle of Alberta". The Oilers host the Calgary Flames on Friday, October 1st and make a trip down south to faceoff against the Flames at the Pengrowth Saddledome on Sunday, October 3rd.


The Oilers' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 22 - at Vancouver, TBD
September 23 - vs. Tampa Bay, 9:00 PM
September 26 - vs. Vancouver, 8:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Phoenix, 9:00 PM
October 1 - vs. Calgary, 9:00 PM
October 3 - at Calgary, TBD

2010 Washington Capitals preseason schedule

The Washington Capitals announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

The Washington Capitals 2010 preseason schedule features six games against three opponents and includes three games at Verizon Center.

The Caps play their first preseason game on the road at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 22nd, at the Columbus Blue Jackets. The team's preseason home opener at Verizon Center is Tuesday, September 28th at 7:00 PM against the Boston Bruins.

In addition to playing both Columbus and Boston twice, the Caps also have a home-and-home series with the Nashville Predators, beginning with a road game at Nashville on Saturday, September 25th at 7:00 PM.

The Capitals were 4-2 in the preseason last year and their all-time preseason record is 135-111-29-9.

Audio from every preseason game will be broadcast live on WashingtonCaps.com. The complete 2010-2011 NHL regular season schedule will be released tomorrow.


The Capitals' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 22 - at Columbus, 7:00 PM
September 25 - at Nashville, 8:00 PM
September 28 - vs. Boston, 7:00 PM
September 29 - at Boston, 7:00 PM
October 1 - vs. Columbus, 7:00 PM
October 3 - vs. Nashville, 12:30 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

Washington Capitals official news release (June 21):
Capitals announce 2010 preseason schedule

Comcast SportsNet Washington (June 21):
Caps open season October 8th; preseason sked released

Washington Post's Capitals Insider blog (June 21):
Caps announce preseason schedule

2010 Boston Bruins preseason schedule

The Boston Bruins announced their 2010 preseason schedule. They are the away team for the September 23rd preseason game.

From the team's official news release:

Boston Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli announced today the club will spend a portion of their 2010-2011 preseason in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as part of the 2010 Compuware NHL Premiere Challenge, highlighted by an exhibition game in Belfast against the Belfast Giants Select on Saturday, October 2nd at 7:00 PM local/2:00 PM ET. Chiarelli also announced the team's full preseason game schedule and training camp critical dates. Training camp practice times and locations, as well as all television broadcast and radio information, will be released at a later date...

The Bruins will face the Canadiens at the Bell Centre in Montréal in their first preseason game on Wednesday, September 22nd at 7:30 PM. They will then play the Florida Panthers on Thursday, September 23rd in Rochester, New York at 7:00 PM. Boston's first home game at the TD Garden will take place Saturday, September 25th at 7:00 PM against the Florida Panthers...

They will wrap up their domestic portion of their 2010-2011 preseason with a home and home series against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, September 28th at the Verizon Center in Washington at 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, September 29th at the TD Garden in Boston at 7:00 PM.

Following their home game against the Capitals on September 29th, the team will depart for Belfast, Northern Ireland where they will stay until Sunday, October 3rd. The Bruins will play one exhibition game in Belfast on Saturday, October 2nd against the Belfast Giants Select at 7:00 PM local/2:00 PM ET. Belfast Giants Select is a unified team comprised of an All-Star selection of the best of the UK Elite League players from each team. Ticket sales and broadcast information for this game will be released at a later date. The team will head from Belfast to Prague, Czech Republic on Sunday, October 3rd and stay in the Czech Republic until Sunday, October 10th. The Bruins will play one exhibition game in Liberec, Czech Republic on Tuesday, October 5th against HC Liberec at 7:00 PM local/1:00 PM ET.


The Bruins' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 22 - at Montréal, 7:00 PM
September 23 - vs. Florida (in Rochester, New York), 7:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Florida, 7:00 PM
September 28 - at Washington, 7:00 PM
September 29 - vs. Washington, 7:00 PM
October 2 - vs. Belfast Giants Select (in Belfast), 2:00 PM
October 5 - vs. HC Liberec (in Liberec, Czech Republic), 1:00 PM


NEWS HYPERLINKS

Boston Bruins official news release (June 21):
Bruins release preseason schedule

New England Sports Network (NESN) (June 21):
Bruins to spend preseason...

Boston Globe's Bruins Blog (June 21):
Preseason schedule set for 2010-2011

Saturday, June 19, 2010

David Poile sums up Predators' pre-draft trades

Nashville Predators president of hockey operations and general manager David Poile was busy today completing two important trades just days before the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

First, he sent Dan Hamhuis to the Philadelphia Flyers and re-acquired Ryan Parent in return. Then he would ship team captain Jason Arnott to the New Jersey Devils for Matt Halischuk. Nashville received two 2011 draft picks as a result of the two deals.

Predators radio play-by-play announcer Tom Callahan spoke with Poile to provide some insight as to why he made the trades.


video courtesy: Nashville Predators

Jason Arnott returns to Devils

First it was Bobby Holik before he retired. Then it was Brian Rolston who has come back. Now it is Jason Arnott.

Jason Arnott played 6 of his 16 NHL seasons with the Devils.
(image courtesy: New Jersey Devils)

New Jersey Devils president, chief executive officer and general manager Lou Lamoriello brought back one of the team's past Stanley Cup heroes in a trade with the Nashville Predators this afternoon.

The Devils sent forward Matt Halischuk and a 2011 second round draft pick to the Predators. Arnott was Nashville's captain last season.

As the player who scored the championship winning goal in the 2000 Stanley Cup Finals against the Dallas Stars, Arnott returns to New Jersey at age 35. He put up just modest statistics in a Predators uniform for the 2009-2010 campaign, tallying 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points in 63 games.

Arnott has career milestones within reach. Entering this fall, he has 383 goals and 490 assists for 873 points in 1,099 games. He also has recorded 1,176 penalty minutes in 16 National Hockey League seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, Devils, Stars and Predators. After his next three goals are scored, he would have 100 regular season tallies in a Devils uniform.

Will he provide a boost to the Devils up front? Remember when Arnott was a force when Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora were his linemates during that championship run?

"Jason Arnott is a player who brings size, strength and experience to our hockey club," Lamoriello said in the team's official news release. "There is no question he strengthens our center ice position."

Sykora may be long gone, but Arnott could team up with Elias again to rekindle some magic they had on the ice. Believe it or not, that was 10 years ago. Regardless of whether or not they'll be paired together again, Arnott will be called upon to produce for former teammate John MacLean, the Devils new head coach.

Flyers acquire rights to Dan Hamhuis

In preparation to re-tool their roster with the 2010 NHL Entry Draft less than a week away, the Philadelphia Flyers swapped defensemen with Nashville Predators. They acquired the rights to pending free agent Dan Hamhuis for Ryan Parent.

Philadelphia also received a 2011 conditional draft pick from Nashville in the trade.

The Flyers have until July 1st to sign Hamhuis to a contract, otherwise he will hit the market as an unrestricted free agent.

"Our intention is to get him signed prior to [July 1], and that is what our aim is at this point in time," Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said in the team's official news release. "The sooner that we get going on trying to get this done, the better."

Hamhuis has been a solid defenseman in his six National Hockey League seasons, all with the Predators. In 483 games, he accumulated 161 points (32 goals and 129 assists) in that span. Holmgren does like the potential of Hamhuis strengthening what is already regarded as one of the top defense corps in the league.

"Dan Hamhuis is a good all-around defenseman," Holmgren said. "He's a guy who can play lots of minutes and he can play in a lot of different situations, from power play to killing penalties. He is another athlete we'd like to add to our team to continue to improve our defense."

Meantime, Parent was the opposite when it came to his overall health. He was a disappointment in 102 games over four seasons with the Flyers. Injuries sidelined him for stretches at a time and never gained a permanent spot in the lineup. Ironically, Parent heads back to the team that drafted him. The 2005 #18 overall draft pick was sent along with Scott Hartnell to Philadelphia in the Peter Forsberg trade on February 15, 2007. Parent has just 1 goal and 6 assists with 36 penalty minutes so far in his young career.

In the event the Flyers sign Hamhuis, don't be surprised if they have to pay him in upwards of at least $5 million per season.

Friday, June 18, 2010

2010 Nashville Predators preseason schedule

The Nashville Predators announced their 2010 preseason schedule.

From the team's official news release:

Nashville Predators president of hockey operations/general manager David Poile announced today that the Predators will open their 2010 preseason schedule by hosting the Carolina Hurricanes on September 23rd at 7:00 PM CT.

Nashville's six-game preseason schedule includes two other home games: Saturday, September 25th against the defending President's Trophy winning Washington Capitals (7:00 PM) and Monday, September 27th against its closest geographical rivals, the Atlanta Thrashers (7:00 PM).

The 2010-2011 Nashville Predators rookie training camp is scheduled to open Monday, September 13th with veterans reporting on Friday, September 17th with testing and physicals. The Predators' first day on the ice will be Saturday, September 18th at the Centennial Sportsplex. The 2010-2011 NHL regular-season schedule will be announced on Tuesday, June 22nd.


The Predators' 2010 preseason schedule is as follows:
(game start times are in Eastern Time)

September 23 - vs. Carolina, 8:00 PM
September 24 - at Carolina, 7:00 PM
September 25 - vs. Washington, 8:00 PM
September 27 - vs. Atlanta, 8:00 PM
September 29 - at Atlanta, 7:00 PM
October 3 - at Washington, 12:30 PM