FanHouse

Rick Nash Gets Contract Extension

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-03T20:00:00 00:00

Once he was drafted, Rick Nash quickly became the centerpiece of the Columbus Blue Jackets. It didn't take him long to prove himself worthy of such a label.

Now the Blue Jackets' captain, Nash has blossomed into one of the best players in the NHL. Coming off the team's first-ever appearance (albeit a short one) in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Nash was about to enter his final season before unrestricted free agency. Instead, he's become the highest-paid player in franchise history.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Selanne Will Retire After Next Season

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-03T14:00:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Ducks, Western

The Anaheim Ducks still have plenty of veteran presence on their team, despite the trade of defenseman Chris Pronger to Philadelphia.

Captain Scott Niedermayer and forward Teemu Selanne have both said they will return. For Niedermayer, the future is uncertain beyond next season. Selanne, meanwhile, says 2009-2010 will be his last year in the NHL.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Milwaukee Mile May Be on Last Legs

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-03T11:50:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Nationwide Series, Other Racing Series, Camping World Truck Series, IRL

Wisconsin is not regarded by many people as a mecca for auto racing. However, it does have a fair history in the sport. Tracks like Road America (Elkhart Lake) and Madison International Speedway have been around for over 40 years, while the Milwaukee Mile has been around for over 100 years.

The historic racetrack on the Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in West Allis is in trouble. After its most recent run of major events, the Milwaukee Mile may be about to shut its doors for good.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Marian Gaborik Signs With Rangers

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-01T20:40:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Rangers, Wild, Eastern, Western

When Marian Gaborik turned down a ten-year, $78 million offer from the Wild last summer, it was clearly not just about the money.

After all, a $7.8 million annual average was about as much as he could possibly hope to earn, especially if he got a ten-year deal. Instead, this was about a fresh start for Gaborik. That fresh start will happen in New York, after Gaborik agreed to a five-year deal with the Rangers Wednesday evening.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Oilers Sign Nikolai Khabibulin

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-01T16:20:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Blackhawks, Oilers, Western, NHL Free Agency

We weren't far into the annual craziness of NHL free agency when the Edmonton Oilers suffered a significant loss.

Goalie Dwayne Roloson was a rock for this team over his three-plus seasons in northern Alberta. After practically carrying the Oilers to the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, he performed well over the new contract he signed that summer in Edmonton. The 39-year-old wanted a two-year deal when he got to free agency this year, but Edmonton didn't offer that. With Roloson gone to the Islanders, Edmonton moved very quickly to find a new starter.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Mattias Ohlund Signs With Lightning

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-01T12:30:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Canucks, Lightning, Eastern, Western, NHL Free Agency

Just mere minutes after the NHL free agency period started Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Lightning jumped in the pool.

Looking for a veteran defenseman to help tutor rookie Victor Hedman, the second overall pick in the NHL Draft last weekend, the Lightning apparently found their target quite quickly. They had to head all the way to Vancouver to do it, but they have signed Mattias Ohlund away from the Canucks, according to multiple reports.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Sedin Twins Staying in Vancouver

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-01T11:15:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Canucks, Western, NHL Free Agency

Not even an hour before the start of NHL free agency, the first hammer fell.

TSN's Darren Dreger reported that twin brothers Daniel and Henrik Sedin have agreed to matching five-year contracts, and they will be staying with the Vancouver Canucks.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NHL Free Agency Live Chat

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-07-01T09:30:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Eastern, Western, NHL Free Agency, NHL Live Blogging

When the noon hour hits in the Eastern time zone on Wednesday, veteran NHL players whose contracts have expired will be able to sift through offers and pick a new (or old) team to play for. While some big deals have already happened, there are still some very talented free agents for teams to pick from. Join NHL FanHouse NOW, as we set up what you can expect when the free agents are turned loose.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NHL Free Agency Preview: Goalies

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-30T15:00:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Eastern, Western, NHL Free Agency

More Free Agency Previews: Forwards | Defensemen

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

NHL Free Agency Preview: Forwards

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-29T13:00:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Canucks, Eastern, Western, NHL Free Agency

July 1 is a significant day in the National Hockey League. It's the day that unrestricted free agents are finally able to negotiate with any team they want. Even with a fading economy, it's a safe bet that money will be spent, and it will probably be spent freely by at least some teams. With this big day in mind, FanHouse offers up a position-by-position look at the top free agents, as well as some guys you may want your team to avoid.

Whether your team is looking to score goals, stop the other team from scoring goals, or find someone to set up its own top goal-scorers, there's a good chance that the right free agent can be found in this year's crop.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

College Talent Taken in NHL Entry Draft

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-29T11:30:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: NHL Draft, College Hockey

College hockey continues to send more and more quality players to the NHL. This growing trend was underscored this week, when two former NCAA stars made up half the group of players named to the Hockey Hall of Fame's Class of 2009.

During the NHL Entry Draft this weekend, fans of the college game had to wait around a little while for their first selection. It wasn't until the 16th pick that incoming Minnesota freshman Nick Leddy was chosen by the Minnesota Wild. From there, things got a bit more active for college hockey fans.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Scott Niedermayer Will Play in 2009-2010

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-26T20:15:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Ducks, Western

The Anaheim Ducks are slowly getting younger, thanks to dynamic players like Bobby Ryan and Ryan Whitney. Friday's trade of defensive stalwart Chris Pronger hastens the need for the team to rely on young talent.

That said, the defensive corps will still be led by a grizzled, accomplished veteran. Scott Niedermayer's agent has informed the Ducks that their captain will return for an 18th NHL season.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

John Tavares, Victor Hedman, Matt Duchene Top Three in NHL Entry Draft

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-26T19:50:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Avalanche, Islanders, Lightning, NHL Draft

For many months, the first three picks of the NHL Entry Draft were expected to go this way. The only question was the order.

Center John Tavares and defenseman Victor Hedman were the top two players in this draft, no matter how you try to rate players. OHL star Matt Duchene joined them as the consensus third pick in the months before the draft. Right off the start Friday night, things played out as expected, as the New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Colorado Avalanche stayed put and made the first three selections.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Packers' Al Harris on Favre: 'Everybody Here Loves Brett'

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-25T16:30:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Packers, Vikings, NFC North

Yes, it's Brett Favre again. You know you can't live without him.

As more rumors circulate, and the vision of Brett Favre wearing purple gets closer and closer to becoming a reality, it stands to reason that current members of the Green Bay Packers will be asked for their thoughts on the matter. It's not likely that you'll hear many words of dissent towards Favre. That's just not the way most athletes speak nowadays. Instead, you can expect to see many guys take the high road, ala Aaron Rodgers, and others showing some love for their former teammate.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Offseason Roadmap: Northwest Division

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-25T15:00:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Avalanche, Canucks, Flames, Oilers, Wild, Western

It's officially the offseason, meaning the time is right to look into the future. We continue our division-by-division preview of the potential wheeling and dealing with the Northwest Division.

It appears we are setting up for an offseason of significant change in the Northwest Division. Only the Vancouver Canucks will have the same coach as last year, and there could be some real upheaval in terms of personnel. Not only that, but two teams (Minnesota and Colorado) have changed general managers.

More Offseason Roadmaps:
Atlantic | Northeast | Southeast | Central
Detroit Red Wings | Pittsburgh Penguins

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Report: Flyers Will Play Bruins at Fenway

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-24T10:00:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Bruins, Flyers, Eastern, NHL Rumors

It's not always a bad thing when a television network has too much influence over a sports league's schedule. Sometimes, doing things for the sake of ratings is good.

However, I'm pretty sure most hockey fans would agree it is not a good idea to pander to a television network when that network wants to avoid the two-time Hart Trophy winner. That appears to be what the NHL has done for NBC, and it involves the league's signature regular-season event, the Winter Classic.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Report: Packers Finalize Contract Extension for Greg Jennings

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-23T20:55:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Packers, NFC North

Update (June 24): Jennings' extension is officially done, according to a press release issued this afternoon by the Packers. No terms were released, other than that the deal is a "long-term" one.

The Green Bay Packers have developed a bit of a reputation. While general manager Ted Thompson has made clear through his actions (or lack thereof) that he doesn't like overpaying for free agents, he does like to reward his homegrown players with contract extensions.

While Nick Collins waits for his, wide receiver Greg Jennings is reportedly set to cash in.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Flames Name Brent Sutter Head Coach

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-23T17:30:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Flames, Western, NHL Coaching

There have been a lot of shocking developments over the years in sports. Tuesday's announcement in Calgary was not one of them.

Ever since Brent Sutter stepped down as head coach of the New Jersey Devils, speculation has had him taking over as head coach of the Flames, being that his older brother Darryl is the general manager there. Tuesday, it was all made official, as Brent Sutter was named to take over for the fired Mike Keenan.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Testy Collins Reports to Packer Minicamp

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-22T22:00:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Packers, NFC North

One of the primary reasons that Packers general manager Ted Thompson has saved up a significant amount of cap space is what's coming up this season.

Yes, Thompson detests free agency, but he was also smart enough to see the need for cap room in the summer of 2010. A number of Packer starters will be free agents unless they get contract extensions before then. One of those, safety Nick Collins, is not at all shy about his desire for a new deal.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments

Offseason Roadmap: Central Division

Bruce Ciskie — 2009-06-22T12:00:00 00:00

by Bruce Ciskie

Filed under: Blackhawks, Blue Jackets, Blues, Predators, Red Wings, Western

It's officially the offseason, meaning the time is right to look into the future. We continue our division-by-division preview of the potential wheeling and dealing with the Central Division.

The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to build off a magical season. Columbus got its first taste of playoff hockey, while St. Louis returned to the playoffs after a far-too-long absence. Meanwhile, Nashville is trying to rebound after just missing the cut for the Western Conference playoffs.

Permalink | Email this | Linking Blogs | Comments