- I like what the Kings and Capitals did today. The Capitals signing of Michael Nylander is a very good signing for them. In the first two days of free agency the Capitals improved their squad signing a #1 center, puckmoving defenseman in Tom Poti and Viktor Kozlov who scored 26 goals last season. The Capitals top 2 lines will look like this. 1st line Ovechkin – Nylander – Kozlov: 2nd line Semin – Backstrom – Clark. Ovechkin and Nylander will be perfect for each other. Nylander never shoots and Ovechkin never passes. The Capitals might compete for the #8 seed in the East.
- The LA Kings signed Tom Preissing to a 4yr – 11 million deal today. Preissing will provide leadership for a young team and will be mentor for defenseman Jack Johnson. The Kings are also rumored to being interested in Defenseman Brad Stuart. I liked the signing of winger Ladislav Nagy, and Kyle Calder but they over paid for Michael Hanzdus. The fans have to be dissapointed missing out on Drury and Briere but i liked the Preissing signing and they got a winger for Kopitar.
- I’m not sold on the Ducks signing forward Todd Bertuzzi to a two-year contract worth 8 million. This signing has to led to speculation that Teemu Selanne will retire. Bertuzzi for Selanne not even close. First off i can’t believe anybody would offer Bertuzzi 4 million per season but Bertuzzi signing in Anaheim is not surprising considering Ducks General Manager Brian Burke was the Canucks General manager during most of Bertuizzi’s tenure in Vancouver. Bertuzzi did look awful at times in the playoffs but could be a nice to piece to the puzzle for the Ducks. Still 4 million per season. Ouch !
- The Chicago Blackhawks signed Robert Lang to a 2 year deal. Lang had a so-so season in Detroit last season followed by the Detroit Red Wings not offering him a contract. I just don’t know if he is a top 6 forward anymore and the Blackhawks are in desperate need of a #1 center. Lang doesn’t fit the need
- The Worst signing of the day goes to the Montreal Canadiens. Roman Hamerlik is a good defenseman but 4 yrs 22 million. What is going on here. Hockey’s second lockout in 6 years might not be that farfetched once the CBA’s 6 year agreement expires.
July 3, 2007
