Anaheim Ducks

It appears the next NHL expansion team might be in Quebec City.  Almost 15 years after they lost the Nordiques to the Colorado Avalanche, Quebec premier Jean Charest told QMI News Agency that “planets are aligned” for them to get a team and that the profitability of the team isn’t even a question.  This comes [...]

Detroit’s Jimmy Howard has looked suspect as Chris Osgood’s backup, so the Red Wings may be seeking a solid No. 2 netminder.  Meanwhile, the New York Islanders may soon have three solid goalies.  If injured Rick Dipietro gets anywhere close to healthy, look for Islanders GM Garth Snow to offer either Dwayne Roloson or Martin [...]

Last season the NHL Western Conference’s Anaheim Ducks struggled to make the playoffs as a team with a near-even goal differential and 91 points, but was still able to upset the San Jose Sharks in the first round.  They then exited the playoffs after an exciting 7 game series versus the Detroit Red Wings.  The [...]

Another year, another playoff disappointment for the San Jose Sharks.  Even with a franchise record 117-point season and all the talent in the world the Sharks, the best team in the entire National Hockey League fell flat on its face during the postseason, losing to the Anaheim Ducks in the first round.  But things are [...]

Now that the summer is slowly coming to an end NHL teams are making their last round of moves before training camp starts so that they’ll all be ready to go at full strength for their camps.  The rumor mill is starting to spin again with potential player movement ready to go.  As of the [...]

Despite a first-round playoff loss to the Stanley Cup Champions Pittsburgh Penguins, the Philadelphia Flyers have a quality young roster that should be in contention for years to come.  The perception is that Philadelphia’s problem was in the crease, with free-agent goalies Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki.  However the real problem was the Flyers defensive [...]

Yesterday saw the Montreal Canadiens come away with two very solid signings.  Montreal signed forward Travis Moen to a three-year $4.5 million contract and veteran defenceman Paul Mara to a one-year deal.  They added some size to the back end and some toughness, Moen, who will probably play on the third line.  I think he would be [...]

Out with the old and in with the new.  Of course I’m referring to GM Bob Gainey who so far this off season has shown no fear when it comes to attacking the free agent market.  He had roughly $30 million to spend and he started spending quickly ensuring the Canadiens would have the necessary [...]

The Toronto Maple Leafs had themselves a busy day yesterday.  They signed defesman Francois Beauchemin after having agreed a three-year deal with the Leafs worth an average of $3.8 million per season.  He’ll be a welcome addition to the Toronto blueline.  In 246 career games split between the Montreal Canadiens, the Columbus Blue Jackets and [...]

Since the draft is now complete and July 1st ( the day unrestricted free agents hit the open market ) is rapidly approaching, I thought I would take the time to break down each team.  See who they drafted, what holes they have and how they plan on plugging those holes and upgrading their club.  [...]