NHL Entry Draft 2013 Recap

Credit: NHL

Hosting the National Hockey League has become the try-outs to give the best impressions on the NHL selection committee to host a future All-Star game. But the marvelous weekend that has become the NHL Player Entry draft has become an event in and of itself. I've seen it first hand when it was here in Pittsburgh. The Prudential Center, in downtown Newark, NJ, had the unique flavor of the Devils fans and Jersey experience. They had a giant cake effigy of Martin Brodeur.

TSN took care of all the footage as the NBCSN in America just syndicated their feed. Why bother having it on NBC if they're just going to have someone else's talent on it?

Leading up to the draft, the Colorado Avalanche had time to think about the new direction they were going. They had a new front office with Avs legends Sakic and Roy. Were they going to make the new #1 selection by keeping it in the state by selecting Seth Jones knowing he would want to be an Avalanche. When the Avs won the earlier draft lottery, many fans felt as if the draft was fixed in the Jones' family's favor. But as the draft start time crept near, it was learned that Sakic and the gang actually coveted another prospect.
Nathan MacKinnon, of the Halifax Mooseheads and recent hero of the Memorial Cup, is a tall centerman that looks to be in the same Joe Sakic style. But instead of comparisons to the legacy hall of fame center, MacKinnon was immediately compared to Sid Crosby because he comes from the same Cole Harbor and studied at Shattuck-St. Mary's prep in Minnesota (much to the ire of many Crosby-haters in attendance.)

Listening to the TSN analysts in shock and disappointment believing that their #1 Seth Jones was passed over not once, but three times - finally going 4th overall to the Nashville Predators. His dad, Popeye Jones, was born and raised in Tennessee - so at least the family can show poetic justice.

Here is how the first 5 picks in the draft went:

1. Nathan MaKinnon - Avalanche
2. Aleksander Barkov - Panthers
3. Jonathan Drouin - Lightning
4. Seth Jones - Predators
5. Elias Lindholm - Hurricanes

How many former Stanley Cups champions are among those teams? I count 4. It just goes to show you that the League can get cyclical.

There were some trades that went on, but not quite enough as to what was expected in preparation to the July 5th FA Frenzy. But the biggest shocking deal made on the draft floor was felt like the spur-of-the-moment decision to send hot prospect goaltender Cory Schneider to the host New Jersey Devils. Cory Schneider, was one of the goaltenders involved in the Vancouver Canuck goalie controversy where Roberto Luongo and his long term expensive contract wore out his welcome.

Cal Clutterbuck, a Minnesota Wild favorite, was dealt to the New York Islanders for Neno Niederreter. I'd call this a very fair deal. What do you think?

My hometown Penguins traded Tyler Kennedy to the San Jose Sharks to move up to the second round where they previously had no selection.

Lastly, the Toronto Maple Leafs picked up the Chicago Blackhawks intimidating center and Stanley Cup hero Dave Bolland.

In a final note, the NHL decided that it would be fitting that one of the last picks in the draft, Marty Brodeur in host team city New Jersey can draft his son to the New Jersey Devils. It's charming on one side, but nepotism on the other. What would an undrafted player say that Brodeur's son got taken over him?

2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round 4

The two most unlikely of competitors in this year's Stanley Cup has brought us an intriguing pairing of two coastal cities and two of the largest media markets in the United States. Could this be a platform to which the NHL gains more mainstream popularity? It helps that the two largest markets will be involved, but only 1 team has been to the finals recently. The last time the L.A. Kings were in the finals it was 1993. Wayne Gretzky, Luc Robitaille and Barry Melrose were bringing Los Angeles it's first taste of winning hockey. But after the Kings were thumped out by the Canadians, it took a patient team to rebuild. Now that hockey is good again in the Southern California area, what direction will the NHL take next season?


Los Angeles v. New Jersey

The two most unlikely of competitors in this year's Stanley Cup. One team is on the rise and one might be in it's twilight looking for a reshuffling underneath the leagues' salary cap. The Kings were lucky to have made the playoffs as the 8th seed. But from there, they rode a hot goaltender Jonathan Quick to a historic record eliminating the 1st 2nd and 3rd ranked teams in 1 playoff season. But as I look over Los Angeles' roster, they've gathered a lot of players who have failed in the final rounds. Jeff Carter and Mike Richards were reunited as a pair of front line forwards, but they know the feeling of choking when it counts. The New Jersey Devils have been recent winners in 2003 against the Ducks. Marty Brodeur may consider this his final run in a career. Of course, the Devils team has had a few players stick around from their 2003 team that remembers how to win a Stanley Cup series. Starting with Patrick Elias as the leader of this current Devils squad.

I'm going out on a limb here. It's the irresistible force (Kings) versus the immovable object (Devils).

Prediction: Los Angeles in 6

Devils Fined Heavily For Offensive Kovalchuk Contract

The hammer of justice slammed down hard like thunder against the New Jersey Devils for the contract that had been ruled in violation of the spirit of the collective bargaining agreement. The $102M contract paid over the length of an improbable 17 years was a sticking point to the growing agitation between the mistrust of owners and even NHL front office. It became somewhat of a buck-passing event in the media weather who would get the PR blame because of it.

As a result, the Devils will pay a hefty fine and forfeit their third-round draft pick in 2011 and a first-round selection in one of the next four drafts -- New Jersey will choose which one.

So, the latest missile fired across the bow of the owners is the NHL fining the New Jersey Devils. This latest decision, I think, makes a clear and awesome picture of the NHL is in control and driving the league in the direction that it is going.

I don't know if this is going to complicate things for the NHLPA and the next CBA coming up. But if a player can take on a huge PR hit from the decision to accept the maximum of what a general manager is willing to give him, then will players be a little gun-shy with the public and media accessibility.

There is an alternate theory as to how the true feelings of the majority of the players might be resentful of elite stars taking more of the "salary pie" than what 3rd liners and other players. So, could this be leveling out the escalating and divisive salary structure help the relationship privately between Commissioner Bettman and the NHL players.

"We were today advised of the ruling by the commissioner with respect to the Kovalchuk matter," Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement Monday night. "We disagree with the decision. We acted in good faith and did nothing wrong. We will have no further comment."

It does sound like it has driven a wedge between Gary and Lou though.

The ruling makes the cost of signing Kovalchuk much more than the $100 million he agreed to in a revamped 15-year deal that was approved by the NHL earlier this month.

No, the real penalty comes with the 15+ years of post-season futility with "Kovalchick" and his weak playoff appearances.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet.ca]

Kovalchuk's Contract Voided By NHL

What started with a uproar of the media, blogs, and fans, the NHL took a look at the finalized contract which Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils had agreed upon.

The NHL wants to eliminate such "retirement contracts" and challenged this one after allowing others to stand.

I suppose that this was the final straw that broke the NHL camel's back. It was clear to everyone that the contract was front loaded so badly and that Kovalchuk couldn't possibly play at age 44 that something else was going on.

The bigger question to be asked is "Where is the outrage?" from the NHLPA? With help from trusted radio and TV personalities, they have helped shape the position of the league for once and shed the light on the fact that the contract in question only benefits Kovalchuk and his agent. It's a selfish contract to which other potential players may get buried deep in the AHL to avoid salary cap penalties.

Kovalchuk dismissed money as a main factor in his decision to stay with New Jersey. He instead cited long-term security for him and his family and the opportunity to win the Stanley Cup with an organization that boasts three titles in 15 seasons.

Sure, Ilya may have the desire to put a championship ring on his finger, but it is all too transparent to be a mirrored comparison to basketball's LeBron James. He couldn't win a championship on his own, so he has to sell out. But with one last hope that fans can hold on to is that the NHL was built with honorable men and women. So, should the Devils contract hold up to final scrutiny, the fans will most certainly remember and know better.

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet]

Devils Sign Kovalchuk For $100+ Million and 17 Years

Giving a totally new meaning and redesigning to the sports cliche terminology "albatross contract" is the news that the heavily sought after NHL free agent Ilya Kovalchuk has decided to stay with the New Jersey Devils.

Two weeks after the Free Agent signing session had opened, Kovalchuk created a windfall of speculation and drama as to where he would play next season, for how long, and for the volleying back and forth to tease the Los Angeles Kings fans with hope that they might actually make the playoffs next year by signing the winger.

Kovalchuk will earn $6 million each of the next two seasons, $11.5 million for the following five seasons, $10.5 million in the 2017-18 season, $8.5 million for the 2018-19 season, $6.5 million in 2019-20, $3.5 million in 2020-21, $750,000 the following season, and $550,000 for the final five years of the unprecedented deal.

And so that is how the devil is in the details for someone who's career resume has shown a wealth of talent, but absolutely little playoff post-season experience. And this is the underlining sticking point with this player signing. What exactly are you getting for 100 million dollars? Granted, Kovalchuk has been anchoring some weak teams on a struggling expansion team in Atlanta, but if he was truly that good, why doesn't he have the ability to dominate and carry a team on his back?

I thought the whole point of the lockout was to do away with crazy and improbable contracts. This 17 year deal makes the DiPietro NY Islanders pioneering 10 year signing look like a sound investment. What happens when Ilya discovers that the "borg mentality" of a defensive oriented team philosophy is hindering his 50 goals a year potential - is he going to demand a trade? And who exactly would be able to take on that contract once he leaves New Jersey? His options would be extremely limited.

Not without a new CBA lifting the ban on renegotiation of player contracts.

Another terrible precedent is what exactly this does for future contract negotiations. What will recent Stanley Cup champions Toews, Kane, Crosby, or Malkin demand knowing they all have the bling of the Stanley Cup rings. Are they all worth $200 million for 27 years?

[Via: Rogers Sportsnet]

Kovalchuk Traded to Devils

The Atlanta Thrashers were primed to rid themselves of a real headache and today they were able to choke back the bitter solution. Ilya Kovalchuk (forever known here as "Kovalchick") was involved in a 5 player deal that sent him to the Atlantic division leading New Jersey Devils.

Lamoriello is known to have the keen eye for drafting talent, so it was only reasonable for the Devils having the best offer for the Thrashers as far as prospects go. John Oduya, Nicklas Bergfors and recently disgraced junior prospect Patrice Cormier and the Devils 2010 1st round pick make for an excellent return. Swedes, Johny and Nicklas, have been ready for the big time in Jersey and in an offensive minded team, perhaps they can have the opportunity to score with the talent they have.

Kovalchick, had been spending the past several weeks involved with a back-and-forth negotiations with the Thrashers management (who is already distracted in court) over a long term deal worth more than the Ovechkin contract.

The only real losers here are the loyal fanbase of the Thrashers who have watched Kovalchick develop into a top 5 player in the league. Looking around the blogisphere, you can sense the frustration of having another player skip town for more money or glory. Who knows how many more times will the fans will collectively cope with the perpetual heartbreak.

[Via: FOX Sports]

Cormier to Appeal Suspension

Just when the matter was settled, disgraced junior hockey player Patrice Cormier's team, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, decided to appeal the QMJHL decision banning him from playing out the rest of the hockey season.

Cormier, a NJ Devils prospect, delivered an elbow smash to an opposing player, Mikael Tam of the Quebec Remparts, who later convulsed on the ice. Despite a brief press release statement suggesting that Cormier was contrite in his actions, the Huskies agree that the punishment was "too harsh".

In retrospect, this hit was more vicious than the one that cost Liambas' season long suspension, so would it not be fair that this would get a deeper punishment. To determine these things, leagues often use a guideline of previous actions as well as related cases. To say that this suspension goes to far would be laughable to many fans - including this one!

[Via: NJ.com]

Brodeur Sets Wins Record at 522*

Martin Brodeur has taken over the top spot for wins among NHL goaltenders. His 15 year career was just as long as it seems to have the net cut down.

"It's definitely harder than I thought," Brodeur quipped. "These basketball players, it's only a little net. This was a big net. I had help from a couple of my teammates."

Despite the win total, there are a few pundits who have started to murmur if this win total is as legitimate as it seems? Could hockey tolerate an "asterisk" in their record books?

Pundits of CJCL-AM in Toronto have pitched the theory that the new rule of shootout wins counting toward statistics of goalies. Brodeur has 27 shootout wins, something no other goalies beneath his new record have. But yet this disparity is also against shootout scorers who aren't credited with goals scored in shootouts.

Even though people suggest that Brodeur got this record early, it is also acknowledged that Brodeur would eventually get the undisputed wins total mark easily next year.