New Deadline Target - Slava Kozlov
Kent Wilson
February 26 2010 11:31AM
One thing I love to do in my amateur punditry is identify bargains. Trade bargains, free agent bargains. Finding value players for cheap helps managers win games in a salary capped league, afterall.
The trade deadline is usually a poor time for seeking out bargains because the auction-like environment often drives up the prices of the guys available. Teams desperate to make that final push or add that potential cup winning piece end up paying way more for a guy than they would in any other circumstance.
On top of that, the Flames have probably already done the bulk of their trading. Sutter has said as much recently.
Around the League - Feb 25, 2010
Jason Gregor
February 25 2010 03:03PM
What an incredible week of drama, excitement, passion, athleticism, heartache and unbridled emotion we’ve seen from the Olympics.
Breaking News - Bourque Re-signed
Kent Wilson
February 25 2010 10:15AM
Reports are filtering in from Twitter and the FAN960 that Rene Bourque has indeed been re-signed by the Flames to a multi-year deal. I will update this post with reactions once the details are revealed. My initial reaction is "pleased", however.
UPDATE -
TSN claims the contract has a cap hit of $3.3M for 6 years. Score one for internet rumors.
Not too long ago, Jean Lefebvre had this word of caution for signing Bourque to such a long term deal:
six years would be an awful long commitment for a player who has shown no ability to stay healthy and, given his rambunctious and sometimes reckless style, is a poor candidate to turn into Doug Jarvis as he hits his 30s. Bourque was injured heading into the Olympic break and has missed 91 games and counting over the past four seasons with various ailments.
Those are fair points. Bourque has had a lot of trouble staying healthy and seems to be a lock to miss some 10+ games a year. In addition, one wonders how long he'll be able to operate at this level, which is undoubtedly his peak, given the wear and tear he puts on his body.
Alex Auld, Back-up Solution
Kent Wilson
February 24 2010 12:34PM
According to a tweet bt TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Dallas Stars have waived journeyman back-up Alex Auld today. The former Senator/Canuck (etc.) is having a below average season in the South this year, posting an .894 SV% in in 21 games played. That's the worst save rate the 29 year old has managed in the last 3 seasons, having posted a .911 SV% in OTT and a .919 SV% in BOS previously.
OGDB6: WAR
Jason Gregor
February 24 2010 12:04PM
The playoffs are here, and while most of us were hoping to meet Russia for the gold medal, meeting them in the quarter-final won’t lessen the intensity, excitement or nervousness.
