Thursday, July 24, 2008

Gervais And The Isles Close To New Deal

The New York Islanders are close to signing Defenseman Bruno Gervais to a new contract extension. There were rumors yesterday that they had traded him to the Canadiens which is now obviously NOT true. No terms were released.

Should I stay or Should I go?

well, besides referencing a wicked song from one of my all-time favorite bands, The Clash, I'm sure this very question is bouncing around the minds of Antoine Vermette and Andrej Meszaros. And of course since it seems like this has been dragging on forever, the trade rumors continue to rear their collective heads.

So far, I've heard Vermette for Kubina (I don't see this happening personally, but hey, I didn't see Ruutu coming here either so who knew), Vermette for Bieska; Vermette, Mezaros, Nikulin and a 2nd in '09 for Bowmeester, etc... Oh yeah, you name it, the more outlandish the rumor, it's certainly surfaced somewhere in the past few weeks.

Some will say that Murray waited too damn long, and now he's going to have to suck it up and pay; while others are theorizing since Mezie has received no offer sheets, perhaps none are forthcoming??

I tend to think and agree with a few friends of mine (Shout out to Heater, Jamvan, Cap'n', Jordo and MurderonIce) that Vermette may very well crack before next week, specifically the 31st, and sign a long-term deal. I'm sure Vermette's agent has Antoine convinced he'll be awarded something like $4 - $5M a year; but I think a more realistic number would $3.2 - $3.7 at the MOST!! Either way, I think Vermette has been given some bad advice by his agent and hopefully, as I'm sure we'll all see him signed and or traded within the next 3-5 days TOPS, this whole situation will eventually come full circle, and then, like that, it is done.

Now Mezie is another matter. He could very well wait it out and force Murray's hand for something like $3.5 to $4.2M'ish over a long-term stretch; plus his agent is bargaining with an offer for mezie to sign in the KHL and join his buddy Emery as well, so this situation is far from over.

Now, I am of the mindset that if both can be retained to cap-friendly #'s, then perhaps Murray should just ink them and move on. It's like that ol' Kenny Rogers' tune: "you got to know when to hold 'em... Know when to fold 'em..." Needless to say, Murray, Vermette and Mezie are in a game of chicken, and although I've heard some interesting trade proposals over the past few weeks, I happen to know for a FACT that Murray has a plan B, C and possible D & E in place on the chance that a deal cannot be worked out and he can trade both and get a substantial but fair return for both.

What do you think? Should the Sens keep Vermette and Mezie, or one or the other or neither?
It's a tough decision, so I can only imagine how Murray feels... poor bastard!

I'll go on the record and say that if I had to choose between a young and still developing and learning D man, and an all-around center who can pot approx. 20 goals, play on the PK, play on PP, win face-offs and skate like the wind... Well, the choice is quite clear...

I'll be back with an update and rumors later this week or weekend...

Lates,

Jussi Jokinen gone before start of camp

Jussi Jokinen looks as good as gone according to him and Andy Strickland. Teams interested are Toronto, Vancouver, and San Jose.

Look for him to be moved for a Dman in the next week or so.

LIVE CHAT 7:30

Hey Guys there WILL BE A LIVE HOCKEYBUMS CHAT TONIGHT AT 7:30. JUST COME TO THE HOCKEYBUMS HOMEPAGE AT 7:30 AND WE WILL START!

In the mean time come to the Other Chatroom located top left hand corner. click the link that says Enter the Hockeybums Chatroom. ILL BE THERE!

Scotty

Bruins,Hawks Complete Minor Swap

The Boston Bruins have announced that they have acquired forward Martin St-Pierre from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for player Pascal Pelletier. This is likely just to bolster there affiliate teams.

Murray Clears, Will Be Bought Out

Veteran Forward Glen Murray has now officially cleared waivers and will now be bought out by the Bruins. It was made official at noon today that he had cleared waivers. There will be a few teams interested in his services so it should be a wild ride for Glen Murray!

Morning Rumors

Here are some morning rumors for you all..and for those who don't think I have sources and think what I'm posting is useless garbage, well it's simple, just don't read it. I do have my sources, i completed a course in Sports Management and built some good connections with people in the business...anyways, onto the rumors..

-Hearing the name of Kubina fly around this morning. One of my most reliable sources has told me this morning that the Leafs have been and are getting tons of calls and offers for Kubina but the Leafs are waiting for that specific type of player that they are looking for. He went on to say the latest he's heard is that the Lightning are interested in bringing him back and are offering up Jussi Jokinen. I will have more on Kubina throughout the day, his case is getting VERY hot.

-Got confirmation this morning from someone out West that the Canucks are packaging up a prospect and a pick to send to the Flyers in return for Scottie Upshall. The Nucks are looking for secondary scoring help and he would fit the bill. It would also put the Flyers below the cap.

-The Ducks are really trying to get rid of Schneider's salary. I am hearing a few teams are interested in his services including Buffalo, Tampa Bay and yes, Detroit!

-A source heard news last night concerning Yanic Perreault. He told me the Thrashers and Kings are interested but that he may not sign until the start of training camp.

-The poster "the source" posted this morning that the Leafs, Bruins and Habs were in on the race to land Bouwmeester. I have heard the same thing. Although, this morning I heard that the Kings still had the the better package on the table. Within the last hour, there are some rumblings going around that the Habs have offered up a MAJOR package to lure J-BO to Montreal. I was also told the Habs will not be adding salary with this move, still leaving room for Sundin. I am going to Montreal this afternoon and i will look into it. But i am told this is not the end of it as teams are going heard over heels to get this guy.

5 players who will breakout in 08/09

5 players who will have breakout seasons in 08/09:

1. Bobby Ryan, ANA
Ryan is sure to be in the top six forward mix in Anaheim this winter. And with Bertuzzi gone and possibly Selanne, the #2 pick in the Crosby draft will be heavily relied on to contribute to the Ducks offense. He only scored 10 points in 23 games last season, but he was just getting his feet wet, and played on three different lines. Expect Ryan to have his breakthrough season in 08/09, especially if he plays with Getzlaf.
2. Mathieu Garon, EDM
I really think Garon is about to have a great season coming up. He played solidly in goal down the stretch last year before his injury, and has finally found his home in Edmonton. He’s had the ‘potential tag’ for what seems like forever, and will get a chance to prove himself as the starter for the Oilers this winter. Look for Garon to be a key piece to Edmonton’s puzzle this season.
3. Mikko Koivu, MIN
Sticking with the theme out west, this is the year for Koivu to emerge as a star in Minnesota. He’s been inching towards stardom with some stellar stretches over the last couple years, but he’s ready to do it full-time now. He’ll be a much more important ingredient to the Wild’s offense this year with the departures of Demitra and Rolston. I’ll even go as far as saying he could approach the 90-100 point mark this season. He’s got that much potential… remember, he was the 6th overall selection in the 2001 draft.
4. Joe Corvo, CAR
I’m looking for Corvo to produce huge numbers from the blue line this year. He was very productive with the ‘Canes late last year after coming over from Ottawa. He scored seven goals (21 points total) in 23 games with Carolina; and with Joni Pitkanen by his side on the man advantage, Corvo’s set to have a career year in the 08/09 campaign.
5. David Krejci, BOS
He has the potential to put up solid offensive numbers in Beantown this season. In his rookie season, Krejci scored just six goals in 56 games. If he doesn’t put up the numbers right away this winter, look for him to become a key two-way forward for Boston this season. I really this kid and his potential…

Others to watch:
Colby Armstrong, ATL
Nick Foligno, OTT
Tyler Kennedy, PIT
Antti Pihlstrom, NSH
Devin Setoguchi, SJ


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Maple Leafs in the Boumeester Sweeps

According to a source the Leafs are offering a huge package to obtain Boumeester, the source has stated that the package could include Alex Steen and a pick.

The Leafs are believed to be joined in the race for Boumeester with such teams as Boston and Montreal. There are other teams but it is believed that they are not offering as much as the 3 previously stated.

I will look more into this and get you more info as soon as I can.

The Source

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