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HILL, SEAN (D) » WILD

Hill Signs In Switzerland
According to Yahoo Sports, Sean Hill has signed a one year contract with Biel in the Swiss first division.

Hill scored 9 points (2g-7a) in 35 games with the Minnesota Wild last season. He has played in the NHL since the 1992-93 season, with his best season coming in 1999-00, when he scored 44 points (13g-31a) in 62 games with Carolina.

August 07, 2008 10:29 AM

GELINAS, MARTIN (LW) » PREDATORS

Gelinas Won't Likely Return
According to the Nashville Tennessean, Martin Gelinas is a "long shot" to return to the Predators' lineup this season.

“I wish we had a position for him because he’s good as a fourth-line guy, with penalty-killing and leadership,’’ said Predators GM David Poile. “But right now we have those guys. You never say never, but it’s a long shot.’’ Gelinas scored 20 points (9g-11a) in just 57 games after his season was cut short by a knee injury. Gelinas does not appear to be a viable fantasy option anymore, and at age 38 there's a chance that his NHL career is coming to a close.

August 07, 2008 10:22 AM

HLAVAC, JAN (LW) » PREDATORS

Hlavac Heading To Sweden
According to the Nashville Tennessean, Jan Hlavac's agent has told the Predators that Hlavac will be signing with a team in the Swedish Elite League.

After being acquired by the Predators from Tampa Bay, Hlavac played very well in scoring 13 points (3g-10a) in 18 games. Hlavac looked like he might be a deep sleeper in leagues this season, but you'll now need to remove him from your draft list.

August 06, 2008 12:30 PM

FORSBERG, PETER (C) » AVALANCHE

Forsberg Shines In Exhibition
According to the Denver Post, Peter Forsberg scored a hat trick in an exhibition game in Sweden on Tuesday.

"He moved around without any problem, and he looked pretty fresh," Swedish national coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson told the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet. This is obviously good news for Forsberg, whose nagging foot injury was expected to keep him out of action until Christmas. We'd want to see a whole lot more good news like this before we'd recommend drafting Forsberg in fantasy leagues, as he's far too much of an injury risk to be counted on anymore.

August 06, 2008 7:19 AM

RADULOV, ALEXANDER (RW) » PREDATORS

Radulov Decision Mid-August
According to the Nashville Tennessean, the IIHF plans to announce a ruling on Alexander Radulov's Continental Hockey League (KHL) contract by mid-August.

The Nashville Predators and the NHL have claimed that the Russian contract should be voided, as Radulov is still under contract to the Predators and the signing violates the verbal agreement between the NHL and KHL in which players under contract in one league cannot be signed by a team in the other league. Even if the IIHF rules that Salavat Yulaev Ufa acted in bad faith, the KHL may decide to do nothing and allow the contract to pass anyway. A court will likely have to decide where Radulov will play next season, so this whole thing could take awhile.

August 04, 2008 9:48 PM

CLOWE, RYANE (RW) » SHARKS

Clowe Re-Signed By Sharks
According to Yahoo Sports, the San Jose Sharks have re-signed Ryane Clowe to a one-year contract.

Clowe scored 8 points (3g-5a) in 2007-08. He was held to just 15 regular-season games, as he suffered a knee injury in late October. He returned in time to have a successful playoffs with 5 goals and 4 assists in 13 playoff games. Clowe is a possible late-round pick in fantasy drafts who could pay off in a big way.

August 04, 2008 3:48 PM

SUNDIN, MATS (C) » MAPLE LEAFS

Sundin Deadline Passes
According to the Vancouver Sun, the August 1 "deadline" has passed without Mats Sundin making any decisions about his playing future.

Said Sundin's agent J.P. Barry: "There is no August 1. He set his own kind of deadline to make a decision in August but he's not there yet. There's not much more you can say. He needs more time." It sounds as if something was lost in translation here; Sundin had said he'd make his decision in August but reporters thought he meant August 1. If Sundin sticks to his word (and we're not guaranteeing in every way that he will), fantasy owners will know if and where Sundin will play by the time fantasy hockey drafts roll around in September.

August 02, 2008 9:38 AM

NEDVED, PETR (C) » RANGERS

Nedved Getting Ranger Tryout
According to the New York Daily News, Petr Nedved has been granted a tryout with the New York Rangers.

Nedved last played in the NHL in 2006-07, when he scored 12 points (2g-10a) in 40 games split between Philadelphia and Edmonton. Nedved has had two stints with the Rangers in his career, with his best season with the team coming in 2000-01 when he scored 78 points (32g-46a). The Rangers already have Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, and Brandon Dubinsky at center, so the best that Nedved will likely be able to muster would likely be a fourth-line role. There's no guarantee that Nedved will even make the team, so don't even bother with Nedved in fantasy leagues.

August 01, 2008 10:13 PM

DETROIT RED WINGS (D) » RED WINGS

Yzerman Speaks About Retirement
According to sportsnet.ca, Steve Yzerman told the Canadian Press on Friday that he feels that NHL players should continue to play, even if they think they might want to retire.

Said Yzerman: "If there's any doubt and guys aren't sure, I think they should be playing. You can be retired for the rest of your life. You'll know when you're done. If you're not 100 per cent certain that you don't want to play anymore, then the decision is that you should be playing." Yzerman was forced to retire in 2006 after a series of knee operations. We couldn't agree more with Stevie Y. So few hockey players get a chance to get paid to play the game that they love for as long as they want to. The increasing number of star players who waffle with retirement decisions, in hockey as well as any other sport, is starting to become irritating to the true fans of their sport.

August 01, 2008 9:43 PM

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (D) » BLACKHAWKS

Bowman Hired By Blackhawks
According to tsn.ca, Scotty Bowman has been hired by the Chicago Blackhawks as a senior advisor.

Bowman is the NHL's all-time winningest coach with 1244 wins and nine Stanley Cups. At 75 years of age, Bowman is unlikely to ever coach in the NHL again. However, this is yet another move that the Blackhawks are making towards becoming a strong franchise. In other words, don't expect them to be a league doormat much longer.

July 31, 2008 6:18 PM

EDMONTON OILERS (D) » OILERS

Oilers Hire Tambellini As GM
According to tsn.ca, Steve Tambellini has been hired as the new general manager of the Edmonton Oilers.

Current GM Kevin Lowe will assume the role of president of hockey operations for the Oilers. The hiring of Tambellini is an interesting one, as Tambellini was the assistant GM of the division rival Canucks and at one time worked under Lowe's nemesis Brian Burke. Tambellini has served as the director of player personnel for Canada's Olympic hockey team, and he is long overdue for an opportunity as a GM.

July 31, 2008 12:45 PM

VERMETTE, ANTOINE (C) » SENATORS

Vermette Re-Signed By Senators
According to tsn.ca, the Ottawa Senators have re-signed Antoine Vermette to a two-year, $5.525 million contract.

Vermette scored a career-high 53 points (24g-29a) last season for the Sens. It seems unlikely that the Sens will trade him now, so he'll be slotted in as the number two center for the Sens this season and a solid late-round pick in fantasy drafts this season.

July 31, 2008 12:42 PM

MODRY, JAROSLAV (D) » FLYERS

Modry Leaving For Czech Republic
According to tsn.ca, Jaroslav Modry has signed a two-year contract with HC Liberec in the Czech Republic.

Modry scored 9 points (1g-8a) in 80 games split between the Kings and Flyers last season. At one time, he held fantasy value as a third or fourth d-man on fantasy rosters, with at least 30 points each season between 2001-02 and 2005-06. Modry is now 37 years of age, so it is unlikely that we'll see him in the NHL again.

July 31, 2008 12:36 PM

SUNDIN, MATS (C) » MAPLE LEAFS

More Sundin Suitors

On an interview on the TEAM 1040 radio in Vancouver, Mats Sundin's agent J.P. Barry said that as many as six teams are interested in signing Mats Sundin.

''The number has gone up, not gone down since July 1st,'' Barry said. ''The other three (teams) would like not to be discussed as much publicly because it just provides more scrutiny.'' Barry also mentioned that Sundin may not be making any decisions on August 1. As if you haven't heard enough about Sundin by now, the plot is thickening some more in a summer drama that is being rivaled only by the Brett Favre soap opera. At this stage, your guess is as good as ours.

July 30, 2008 9:26 PM

LECLAIRE, PASCAL (G) » BLUE JACKETS

Leclaire Re-Signs With Jackets
According to tsn.ca, the Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed Pascal Leclaire to a three-year contract extension.

Leclaire cemented himself as the Jackets' number one goalie last season, recording a 24-17-6 record with a 2.25 GAA and .919 SV%. His total of 9 shutouts was second in the NHL, which surprised many who did not have Leclaire bookmarked as a top-flight fantasy goalie. Expect Leclaire to post similar ratios this season, as the Jackets play a lockdown defensive system under coach Ken Hitchcock.

July 30, 2008 5:03 PM

BOWMAN, DRAYSON (LW) » HURRICANES

Bowman Signed By Hurricanes
According to tsn.ca, the Carolina Hurricanes have signed Drayson Bowman to a three year, $2.06 million contract.

Bowman scored 82 points (42g-40a) with a +32 in 66 games for the Memorial Cup champion Spokane Chiefs. He will be given a chance to make Carolina's lineup at training camp in 2008-09, so keep him on your watch list should he not use his final year of junior eligibility this season.

July 30, 2008 4:59 PM

KOISTINEN, VILLE (D) » PREDATORS

Koistinen Awarded Arbitration
According to the Nashville Tennessean, an arbitrator has awarded Ville Koistinen $700,000 for the 2008-09 season.

Koistinen scored 17 points (4g-13a) in 48 games for the Predators last season. Koistinen's 11 power-play points and +13 rating were especially impressive, given the lack of games he played last season. Koistinen was a healthy scratch for most of the games he didn't play, and he might have a tough time earning minutes again this season in Nashville's young, talented defense.

July 30, 2008 12:34 PM

FILPPULA, VALTTERI (C) » RED WINGS

Filppula Signs Five Year Extension
According to tsn.ca, the Detroit Red Wings have re-signed Valtteri Filppula to a five-year, $15 million contract.

Filppula scored 36 points (19g-17a) for the Wings in 2007-08, his second full NHL season. He has proven that he can score at times, especially when he scored 9 goals in 15 games during December. Filppula may not receive top-6 minutes with the Wings, but he should be able to make the most of the icetime that he does receive from the Wings this season.

July 30, 2008 10:45 AM

O'BYRNE, RYAN (D) » CANADIENS

O'Byrne Charges Dropped
According to tsn.ca, charges against Ryan O'Byrne have been dropped after he apologized to his victim.

O'Byrne had been charged with grand theft after stealing a woman's purse outside of a Tampa nightclub. Teammate Tom Kostopoulos had also been charged with resisting arrest that night. O'Byrne had completed a diversion program and has agreed to do community service in Canada, but he can now travel between Canada and the U.S. since he will not be convicted. O'Byrne, a gargantuan (6'5", 235 lbs.) defenseman, scored just 7 points in 33 games in 2007-08 and has virtually no fantasy value.

July 29, 2008 7:45 PM

PARRISH, MARK (RW) » WILD

Parrish Waived By Wild
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Mark Parrish has been placed on waivers by the Minnesota Wild.

Parrish, who played two seasons for the team from his home state, had a disappointing 2007-08 with just 30 points (16g-14a) in 66 games. If Parrish clears waivers, his contract will be bought out by the Wild. Other teams may show interest in the 31-year old, who has scored as many as 60 points in a season (2001-02 with the New York Islanders).

July 29, 2008 1:42 PM

SUNDIN, MATS (C) » MAPLE LEAFS

Yet Another Sundin Update
According to the Toronto Star, Mats Sundin's agent J.P. Barry has stated that August 1 will likely be the date where Sundin announces whether he will play or retire in 2008-09.

It was thought that August 1 would be the date where Sundin would announce where he would play, if he was to at all. However, it sounds as if this situation will drag out as long as it possibly can. Hopefully Sundin can announce his intentions by the time that fantasy drafts roll around, but this is sure an inconvenience for those who like to start planning early. Get comfortable, it looks as if we'll be here awhile.

July 29, 2008 8:02 AM

STAMKOS, STEVEN (C) » LIGHTNING

Lightning To Sign Stamkos
According to the St. Petersburg Times through tsn.ca, the Tampa Bay Lightning will sign first overall pick Steven Stamkos to a three-year contract.

Stamkos will earn $875,000 per season but can earn as much as $8.55 million in performance incentives. Expect Stamkos to be on the Lightning's roster on opening night, which makes him worth drafting in all fantasy leagues for his potential. Stamkos scored 105 points (58g-47a) with the Sarnia Sting of the OHL last season.

July 29, 2008 7:53 AM

WILSON, COLIN (C) » PREDATORS

Wilson Returning To College

According to the Nashville Tennessean, Predators' first-round pick Colin Wilson will be returning to Boston University for his sophomore season.

Wilson was the seventh overall pick in this season's draft. He scored 35 points (12g-23a) in 37 games for Boston University last season. Wilson has a promising future as a physically dominating player, but we'll have to wait at least one more season to see him at an NHL level.

July 29, 2008 7:50 AM

BOUWMEESTER, JAY (D) » PANTHERS

Panthers Sign Bouwmeester
According to tsn.ca, the Florida Panthers avoided arbitration with Jay Bouwmeester, signing him to a one-year contract on Monday.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Bouwmeester scored 37 points (15g-22a) in 2007-08 while leading the league in icetime (27:28 per game). Bouwmeester has been the subject of trade rumors recently, so the fact that he signed just a one-year contract could mean that the Panthers will trade him to a contender before the trade deadline in March.

July 28, 2008 12:28 PM

BRYLIN, SERGEI (C) » DEVILS

Brylin Going To Russia
According to the New York Post, Sergei Brylin will sign a three-year contract with St. Petersburg in Russia's Continental Hockey League.

Neither Brylin nor the Devils decided to accept the $1.53 million option on Brylin's contract this season. Brylin, who played 13 seasons for the Devils, was held to just 16 points (6g-10a) in 82 games this season. His best season came in 2000-01, when he scored 52 points (23g-29a) and (+25).

July 26, 2008 3:51 PM

SELANNE, TEEMU (RW) » DUCKS

Where's Teemu?
According to the Orange County Register, Ducks GM Brian Burke and coach Randy Carlyle have not heard from Teemu Selanne.

"I have not heard from Teemu," Burke said. "If anyone spots him, please ask him to call me." If Selanne does not reveal his intentions for next season soon, the Ducks will be forced to file a missing person's report and his face will likely appear on milk cartons. All kidding aside, it's starting to look more like a repeat of last season's indecisiveness is in the works.

July 26, 2008 9:14 AM

BOUCHARD, PIERRE-MARC (C) » WILD

Bouchard Re-Signs With Wild
According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, tsn.ca, the Minnesota Wild have avoided arbitration with Pierre-Marc Bouchard, signing him to a five-year deal worth $20.4 million.

The report mentions that GM Doug Risebrough has confirmed that Bouchard will not be traded for at least two years. Bouchard scored 63 points (13g-50a) last season, but he is more of an assist man as he has not scored more than 20 goals in a season in his five-year career. Bouchard should be drafted in all fantasy formats, and he may have eligibility at more than one forward position.

July 26, 2008 9:06 AM

SHANAHAN, BRENDAN (LW) » RANGERS

Shanahan Wants To Return
According to cnnsi.com through tsn.ca, Brendan Shanahan would like to return for at least one more season.

Shanahan also mentioned his team of choice as the New York Rangers, where he has played for the past two seasons. Rangers GM Glen Sather has mentioned that he would like to bring Shanahan back, but nothing has happened as of yet. If the Rangers can't work out anything with Shanahan, possible rumored destinations include Montreal and Vancouver (if they lose out on the Mats Sundin sweepstakes). Shanahan slowed down to 46 points (23g-23a) in 73 games last season for the Rangers, and at age 39 he is not as durable or as effective as he once was.

July 25, 2008 2:11 PM

RINNE, PEKKA (G) » PREDATORS

Preds Re-Sign Rinne, Peverley
According to tsn.ca, the Nashville Predators have re-signed Pekka Rinne and Rich Peverley.

Rinne has appeared in just 3 NHL games in his career, but he is expected to be Dan Ellis' backup in Nashville this season. Rinne played in 65 games for the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL last season and earned 36 wins with a 2.47 GAA and .908 SV%. Peverley scored 10 points (5g-5a) in 33 games for the Predators last season after scoring 54 points (14g-40a) in 45 games in Milwaukee.

July 25, 2008 12:27 PM

YORK, MIKE (LW) » BLUE JACKETS

Blue Jackets Sign York
According to Yahoo Sports, the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed Mike York to a one-year contract.

York scored 14 points (6g-8a) in 63 games for the Phoenix Coyotes last season. York has been a productive player in the past with 52 points (13g-39a) with the Islanders in 2005-06, but his numbers have fallen off the map in the last two seasons. He's likely nothing more than a depth add for the Jackets, so stay away from him in fantasy leagues.

July 25, 2008 11:26 AM