Terry Murray Hired as Kings Head Coach

Former Washington, Philadelphia, and Florida coach Terry Murray was hired by the Los Angeles Kings today as their new head coach. Murray will replace Marc Crawford, who was dismissed on June 10, in his first head coaching gig since being fired by the Florida Panthers in 2000-01. He brings a 360-277-100 regular season record to the table along with a 46-43 postseason record, having taken the Philadelphia Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1997.

With this hiring, the New York Islanders become the only NHL team with a head coaching vacancy.

Teams finally announced home opener dates!

The teams who did not officially announced their home opener are marked with Unknown...

ANAHEIM DUCKS: October 12th, against the Phoenix Coyotes
ATLANTA TRASHERS: October 10th, against the Washington Capitals
BOSTON BRUINS: October 20th, against the Pittsburgh Penguins
BUFFALO SABRES: October 10th, against the Montreal Canadiens
CALGARY FLAMES: October 11th, against the Vancouver Canucks
CAROLINA HURRICANES: October 10th, against the Florida Panthers

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: Unkwnown
COLORADO AVALANCHE: Unkwown
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS: October 17h, against the Nashville Predators
DALLAS STARS: October 10th, against the Columbus Blue Jackets
DETROIT RED WINGS: Unknown
EDMONTON OILERS: Unknown

FLORIDA PANTHERS: October 11th, against the Carolina Hurricanes
LOS ANGELES KINGS: Unknown
MINNESOTA WILD: October 11th, against the Boston Bruins
MONTREAL CANADIENS: October 15th, against the Boston Bruins
NASHVILLE PREDATORS: October 11th, against the Dallas Stars
NEW JERSEY DEVILS: October 10th, against the New York Islanders

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Unknown
NEW YORK RANGERS: Unknown
OTTAWA SENATORS: October 11th, against the Detroit Red Wings
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS: October 11th, against the New York Rangers
PHOENIX COYOTES: Unknown
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS: October 11th, against the New Jersey Devils

SAN JOSE SHARKS: October 9th, against the Anaheim Ducks
ST.LOUIS BLUES: Unknown
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: Unknown
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS: Unknown
VANCOUVER CANUCKS: October 9th, against the Calgary Flames
WASHINGTON CAPITALS: October 11th, against the Chicago Blackhawks

St. Louis Blues on the Rise?

The buzz in the Lou is growing as management and media have embraced the young, offensive-minded players who will be with the team next year. Patrik Berglund, TJ Oshie, Lars Eller, David Perron, and Erik Johnson have been the central focus of this city's buzz since midseason of last year. Even as early, "Stamkos" chants began to resonate through the Scottrade from fans demanding a youth movement. Of course, the Blue Note did not get Stevie S, but all of St. Louis is excited to see Alex "Petro" Pietrangelo team up with Erik Johnson to form a dominate blueline once had with Prongs and Mac. There is no doubt about it this years Blues will have a following like no other and we all should be excited to see what this team can do....

The one concern is the Blues third and fourth lines. The Blues keep filling there roster with border-line 3rd and/or top of the road fourth line grinders... Recently Matt Foy and Brad Winchester have been put into a mix of an already crowded group of roll players. Matt Foy, Dan Hinote, Cam Janssen, DJ King, Jay McClement, Yan Stastny, and Brad Winchester will all compete for roles with prospects Nick Drazenovic, Nikolai Lemtyugov, Chris Porter, Ryan Reaves, Brett Sonne, and Julian Talbot. I ask you STL management how many of these guys can you put on the team?

Outside the Note...

Watching the MLB All Star got me thinking... Would the NHL benefit from a similar structure? Could the East vs. West All Star games be precedent once again? Would more viewers tune into the annual NHL midseason spectacular if it meant something, if it meant home ice?

Think about it....

Columbus signs a trio

Columbus Blue Jackets sign UFA forward Steve Kelly to a 1-year, two-way contract worth $500,000. Kelly played 2 games for the Wild last season, notching 0 point.
They also re-sign RFA defenceman Marc Methot to a 1-year, $522,500 contract, as well as RFA forward Alexandre Picard to a 1-year, $787,500 contract. Methot played 9 games with the Jackets last season, recording 0 point, and Picard played 3 games, also registering 0 point.

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Tonight At 7:30 pm Eastern Standard Time HOCKEYBUMS will host the 1st ever ASK THE BLOGGERS CHAT! at 7:30 tonight visit hockeybums.blogspot.com and ask your questions! We will do our best to answer!......*SPECIAL GUEST*

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Scotty

Signings From Today

Here are some other signings from Today:

Atlanta Thrashers Re-signed Restricted free agent Goaltender Kari Lehtonen to a new contract extension.

LA Kings Re-signed forward Gabe Gauthier for 2 years and goaltender Erik Ersberg,forward Matt Moulson and d-man Joe Piskula to new 1 year contract extensions.

***IMPORTANT SIGNING***

Edmonton Oilers Re-signed forward Shawn Horcoff to a 6 year contract extension.

Bergenheim re-signed by Islanders

Forward Sean Bergenheim signed a two-year deal with the Islanders, worth $1.725 million. The 24 year-old Finn recorded 22 points in 78 games past season in Long Island during his first full NHL campaign, setting career bests.

Nigel Dawes extended by the Rangers

Forward Nigel Dawes signed a one-year contract extension with the Blueshirts today. He will earn $587,500 in 2008-09. Dawes, 23, had his best NHL season in 2007-08, notching 14 goals and 29 points in only 61 games. He should play a bigger role next season, especially if Shanahan doesn't return to NY.

Wild put Veilleux on waivers

Forward Stephane Veilleux was put on waivers by the Wild earlier today. The 26 year-old scored 18 points in 77 games last season with Minnesota.

Veilleux had fired his agent earlier this week. That might have been a bad idea... We should know soon if he finds a taker.

Come One Come All!!!

Hockeybums Now Has A Message Board To Discuss Hockey. Also check out the Live Chat Room(The Link Is On The Top Left corner Of Our Site!) Here is the link to the message board!:

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O'Byrne Re-signs

The Montreal Canadiens have resigned D-man Ryan O'Byrne for 3 Years. No details have been released as of yet.

The Habs also signed newly acquired Shawn Belle, who they got in exchange for Corey Locke, to a 2-way contract for 1 year.

The Canadiens also signed forward Mike Glumac to a one year contract. Glumac played with the Peoria Rivermen last year.

Kaberle a King?

Rumours are swirling that Frantisek Kaberle could be headed to the Los Angeles Kings in the near future.

The Carolina Hurricanes are currently over their self imposed salary cap of $45 Million and with the newly rebuilt defense, it appears Kaberle is the odd man out. The Kings, on the other hand, are about $10 million below the salary cap floor and are rumoured to be looking for a veteran defenseman.

Kaberle had 0 goals, 22 assists and was a -4 through 80 games last season. He is under contract through 09/10 at $2.2 million per season.

Lightning Defensive Trade Coming?

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/tbl080716.html

IMO:
After listening to GM Brian Lawton's responses last night to trade rumors, its pretty obvious that he is constantly working the phones for a trade to help the blueline. Though most everyone (myself included) is hoping for an impact deal for a defenseman in the likes of a Seabrook or Bieksa mold, I don't see that happening at all. Rather the Bolts will most likely add a leadership guy like Sydor or DeVries. I seems as though they covet their high draft picks too much to package them away for a top tier blueliner.

Paille Inks Extension, 2 Qualifiers Accepted

Buffalo Sabres have announced the resigning of forward Daniel Paille to a multi -year contract no terms were released. The Sabres also had qualifying offers accepted from Clarke Macarthur and and Mark Mancari.

Neil A Hawk,Barker To sens?

According to Kevin Lee The Ottawa Senators may have just traded tough guy Chris Neil and a prospect to the Chicago Blackhawks for defenceman Cam Barker. When i get confirmation that it is done Ill let you guys know because we all know what happened to Kevin Lee with the whole Jason Williams thing.

Murray To Coach Kings!

Barring a last minute owners decision, former Flyers Assistant coach Terry Murray will be announced as HEAD COACH of the Los Angeles Kings. Rumors were flying yesterday that the 57 year old Murray would be the Kings head coach and a lot sooner than later it will be made official. Murray also worked with the Washington Capitals and the Florida Panthers and has experience with developing young talent.

Sens Involved In Potential 3 Way Deal

Thyere is a Potential 3-way deal involving the Senators, Kings And Blackhawks, according to the Ottawa Sun.

Los Angeles would receive goalie Martin Gerber and defenseman Andrej Meszaros from Ottawa. Chicago would add high flying forward Anze Kopitar to the increasingly potent Chicago offence, and the Blackhawks would move goalie Nikolai Khabibulin and one of two youthful blueliners, Brent Seabrook or Cam Barker to Ottawa reports the Sun.

Kevin Klein extended by the Predators

Rearguard Kevin Klein signed a two-year extension with the Preds earlier today. the deal is worth $1.3M or $650,00 per season. Klein, 23, recorded 3 points in 18 games since his NHL debut in 2005-06. Koistinen, Peverley and Ellison are the only unsigned Preds' RFA as of today.

Jeff O'Neill with the Hurricanes?

According to the Carolina News and Observer, Canes GM, James Rutherford considers signing former Maple Leafs Jeff O'Neill. The Hurricanes need depth at the center position and O'Neill expressed is desire to comeback, he did not play last season. It could be a cheap and usefull signing. In his last NHL season, in 2006-2007, O'Neill scored 20 goals and added 22 assists, in 74 games. He already played for the Hurricanes organization, from 1997 to 2004.

Dave Tippett Extended and a Classic Mid-Summer Classic!

The STARS rewarded Dave Tippett with a well-deserved 2-year extension, locking him up through the 2010-2011 season. Tip has one of the best, if not the best, regular season winning percentages of any coach in history. Under his guidance the STARS have been to the playoffs every year, and 2 wins from the Stanley Cup Finals last season. Tippett's success with the STARS parallels that of goalie Marty Turco's. Turco's first season as the starting goalie was Tip's first season as the head coach. Where Turco goes, Tip goes ... except Turco, for the most part, has no chance of being moved. Though well-deserved and a nice gesture, by no means is Tippett's job secure! The bar has been set really high again and with Mr. Hull in command, that's where it will stay.

GO STARS!!!

Switching to baseball for a moment ... what an incredible All-Star game that was last night! With the Rangers winning a little more this year, and the tremendous story of Josh Hamilton ... I've been a little more inclined to tune in lately. When's the last time a little Ranger, from Texas, stole the hearts of 56,000 New Yorker's! There was not a cooler moment than during the home run derby ... when those die-hard Yankee fans were chanting HAM-IL-TON, HAM-IL-TON, HAM-IL-TON! I was actually proud to be a Rangers' fan! 3 other Rangers played in the game: Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, and Milton Bradley. Young had the game-winning sacrifice fly, scoring Morneau from third base on a VERY close play at the plate; one of multiple close plays at the plate. I've never seen so many defensive gems in one game. Double plays, incredible short-hop grabs, outfield assists, and likely the best game-saving inning ever. Though it delayed the inevitable, getting past the 10th inning was almost miraculous. Bases loaded, no outs, consecutive errors ... no way this game was not over. Not only did the NL get the outs, but the first 2 came at home plate and the last one was an unbelievable individual play by Miguel Tejada. Without question it was the best baseball All-Star game I've ever watched. It certainly helped fill the massive void of no hockey! I'm on the Josh Hamilton and Texas Rangers' band-wagon.

GO RANGERS!!!

Chicago Gets Outdoor Game OFFICIAL!

Today the NHL will OFFICIALLY announce that they have awarded the 2008-09 NHL Outdoor Classic to the Chicago Blackhawks. The game will be played at Wrigley Field home of Chicago's baseball team. The game will see the Blackhawks take on defending Stanley cup champions, the Detroit Red Wings. The game will be played on New Years Day At Noon.

Leafs Sign 4

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed 4 players all to 1 year contract. Players signed were: Forward Ben Ondrus, Forward Alex Foster, Defenceman Jaime Sifers and defenceman Richard Petiot. More than likely these guys will be playing for the Leafs AHL affiliate the Toronto Marlies.

Hartley Or Tortorella On The Island?

According to Andy Strickland of ESPN 1380 the New York Islanders have named Bob Hartley and former Lightning coach John Torterella the leading candidates for there now vacant coaching spot after the firing of head coach Ted Nolan. The wildcard to watch is apparently former Canucks coach and more recently head coach of the LA Kings, Marc Crawford. Crawford was head coach of Vancouver when General Manager Garth Snow was playing goalie with the Canucks.

Lightning Town Hall Recap and More..

Just a short recap of the events that took place today at the Bolts Town Hall Meeting:

- Lecavalier officially signed his 11yr contract.

- He was not named the captain as of today. Although Melrose said he knows who will get the "A's" and "C", owner Oren Koules told him he couldn't tell who they are just yet.

- When asked about the defense, the owners simply danced around the questions adding that they are happy with the current young group but are always on the phones looking.

- Mike Smith will be the #1 goaltender. The owners and Melrose all expressed their belief in his abilities.

- When asked about the Boyle controversy, Koules said there are 2 sides to every story. And the deal will not only help the team now but next year and the future.

IMO:

Basically no hard news out of the meeting. The day was for the people in attendance to enjoy, and not for spilling the beans on any information on trade rumors or roster changes.

The Lightning are in great shape for the future. Not only do they currently have two 1st and 2nd round picks in 2009, they have Lecavalier, St. Louis, Stamkos, Malone, Prospal, Vrbata, Matt Carle, and Mike Smith locked up for the next 3 years. That secures the entire top 2 lines for the near future. The defense on the other hand is young, and will all be RFA's in the next couple of years. With the expected cap hit projected to be aroung $46-48mil going into next season the ownership have plenty of opportunities to shape and mold the defense however they choose next summer. Not all is fixed, but compared to where they were at the end of the season, things could not look any brighter for the Bolts.