they still need a goalie. and kariya to put in another full season rather than spending a chunk injured (though they have weathered the absence of Forsberg for large chunks). those sound like a brutally good couple of top lines though. i can't think of a team that can match that.
I'm not sure how I feel about these signings. On one hand, signing them both at the same time, as a pair, is a smart marketing move. Teemu and Paul. Paul and Teemu. Seperated at birth. And after the Avs' disappointing year, this should keep the hockey buzz alive in Denver. On the other hand, we're talking about a team that went down meekly to the hard-trapping Wild after being up 3-1, and if I recall correctly, Kariya wasn't exactly the most effective player versus the Devils' trap. For my dollar there are better free agents out there, especially for a playoff-bound club like Colorado. These are flashy players on a team that already has Forsberg, Sakic, and Hedjuk. What's the point?
...and thats Feaster, not Dudley....these withdrawal symptoms have me a bit jumpy.
1) Why did Kariya sign for $1.2M but then make a mystery out of it (the amount, that is)? 2) Hatcher going to the Red Wings, so probably makes up a lot for losing Federov. Where will the Russian wind up? Think the Blues will take a chance with some big $$$ to get back in contention? 3) Devils still look sweet to me.
The point? How many teams can effectively match up against their fire power. Most teams have one shut-down checking line. Which line do you match up against? I know the trap system is supposed to transcend skill, but that's just hype. The trap gets by on the strength of the 6 guys on the ice, but if there's on inexperienced link in the chain.... I see your point succa, but Kariya can grind it out....he won't knock anyone over, but he can move the puck against much bigger D....and the all important on-ice chemistry will be a sight to see, especially if Teemu Kariya and Paul Selanne aren't the primary target of the opposition.
Derian Hatcher signs with Red Wings. As a Dallas fan, I am outraged that large market teams would use their monetary advantage to poach talent from other, er ... never mind.
Why did Kariya sign for $1.2M but then make a mystery out of it (the amount, that is)? To put himself into Group V Free Agency, that's why. Signing a 1 year deal for that dollar amount immediately allows Kariya to be a Group V UFA next year if he so chooses as he will be completing his 10th NHL season, in the final year of his contract, and earning less than the NHL average salary. Let's see, coming off a down year, numbers not so good. Sign a 1 year deal with the high powered Avs for a small enough amount that you are eligible for UFA next year. Have a 100 point year. Be a 29 year old UFA. Say hello to Paul "the ATM" Kariya.
Brilliant. Now if only the Avs could get Giguere, they would have it locked up. *Weeps silent tears for his Leafs*
nice work NoMich.
These are much better signings anyway! Hot damn, I can link on a Mac. Dusty, you da man!
So much for the slow trickle of free agent signings, huh? I really believed this was the year it was going to get better. I don't know why. Oh well. I'm a Leafs fan. I'm used to disappointment.
NoMich, you da man! Thanks. wFrazer, thank god, it's about time! But why is the Columbus duo a better pair than Selanne/Kariya? Tell me you're kidding or drinking some of that good Tennessee moonshine. All: Will New Jersey or San Jose sign any high quality free agents?
Maybe, bill. But Buffalo just picked up Drury, so you cross him off your list.
I saw this news earlier, and I couldn't wrap my mind around. I still don't know what the hell to think. But, as the other Leaf fans here, I'm already disappointed. At this rate, Leaf tickets are going to cost more than what half the players on the team make.
Samsonov, WTF? Why did you link to an image of Koharski? Anyway, I want Lamorello to beg Big George to open the checkbook and sign Federov. I know the new SJ GM won't get that permission but maybe Steinbrenner gets that dynasty word in his head. They want to build a new arena in Newark, after all.
garfield: Most teams have one shut-down checking line. This is so wrong! In today's hockey, most teams have three of these lines. I don't see a huge advantage in having two all-star lines. Besides, the Avs need to improve on D and in net, and they need character guys (Chris Drury, anyone?). I'd go for Burke as goalie, but I'm not certain even that would make the Avs an automatic choice for the Cup. Their biggest coup would probably be to get Hasek, if that's at all possible. The Devils still have the best playoff team. Doesn't mean they'll win everytime, but they're the closest to a dynasty we're gonna get.
billy, all roads lead to Koharski. Either that or I was drunk.
