Kings Will Broadcast Prospects Game Live

On Monday, July 14th the Los Angeles Kings will broadcast live a prospects scrimmage game on LAKings.com. The game will include 40 prospects that have taken part in this weeks development camp. Players include Drew Doughty, Colten Teubert, Jonathan Bernier and many more. The live steam will begin at 3pm pst. Nick Nickson and Daryl Evans will be doing commentary.

Hurricanes Re-tooled and Ready for Another Run

After what can only be called a disappointing way to finish off a solid season, the Hurricanes have revamped their roster and bolstered the defence in an attempt to take another run at the Stanley Cup.

The Hurricanes came into the off season with the goal of rebuilding a lack-luster and porous defense. The first step in this came late in the season with the Commodore/Stillman trade, picking up Patrick Eaves and Joe Corvo. What initially looked like a certain win for Ottawa has now shown to be far more beneficial for the Hurricanes.

With the retirement of Glen Wesley and the decision not to re-sign Bret Hedican, the Canes had plenty of space on the blue line to fill and began the process by trading gritty power-forward Erik Cole to Edmonton for 24 year old, puck moving defenseman Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen, the fourth overall pick in 2002, is expected to step in right away and take the lead on the defensive end.

Not satisfied, GM Jim Rutherford also signed Josef Melichar, who will be counted on to help out in the Canes own end. Finally, Dennis Seidenberg, another solid defensive defenseman, was re-signed to help balance the offensive and defensive strength of the Carolina blue-line.

These moves have, however, left the Canes with an excess of defensemen, as well as the problem of being over their self-imposed salary cap of $45 million, which will likely result in the trade of either Frantisek Kaberle and/or Niclas Wallin. Up front, the only major changes are the departure of Cole, and the likely addition of 2007 first round pick Brandon Sutter as fourth-line center. Cam Ward will once again handle the majority of the goal-keeping duties, being backed up by AHL All-Star goalie Micheal Leighton.

Ladies and Gentlemen, your projected 2008-2009 Carolina Hurricanes

Samsonov/Brind'amour/Williams
Ruutu/Staal/Whitney
Eaves/Cullen/Walker
Bayda/Sutter/Larose

Pitkanen/Gleason
Corvo/Melichar
Babchuk/Seidenberg

Ward
Leighton

Lecavalier Extension Official!

According to RDS.CA Vincent Lecavalier has signed a new contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning for 11 years, 85 million dollars. Lecavalier will recieve $10million the first seven seasons, $8 million in season eight, $4.5 in season nine, $1.5 in the tenth and one million dollars in the final year of the contract.

Shanahan To Russia???

According RDS UFA Forward Brendan Shanahan has been offered a contract from St.Petersburg, a Russian team entering the new Russian League the KHL. The coach of the team is Barry Smith who knows Shanahan from his days in Detroit and that could play a key part in bringing Shanahan to Russia.

Vermette Asks To Be Traded?

According to a few websites on the web, Ottawa Senators forward Antoine Vermette has asked that he be traded. Vermette is apparently seeking a long term deal in which GM Brian Murray is reluctant to give. Also its a possibility that the Sens would move enforcer Chris Neil in a package deal with Vermette as some teams are looking some muscle up front.

Kings Ask Norstrom to Return

Today the Los Angeles Kings asked Mattias Norstrom to end his retirement and once again put on the purple and black. Norstrom played in 780 regular season games and 28 playoff games for the Kings from 1995-2006. His final 2 seasons were spent in Dallas where he then retired.

The once King captain declined Dean Lombardi's offer to return to LA, Stating he was happy with how his career ended and was ready to move on without hockey. He plans on spending more time with his family in Sweden where he is currently living.