February 27, 200719 yr ALSO: Alex Auld confirmed today that he needs surgery and is out for the rest of the season. Hate to say this because he's such a cool guy, but Alex may have played his last game for the Panthers. That Luongo trade was just dynamite. That trade keeps looking worse and worse. We get Bertuzzi for 7 games and Auld plays an average season then misses the last 2 months of the year and probably wont get resigned. In retrospect we essentially put Loungo on waivers. We did get Allen even if thats not fair consolation for Luongo. And anyway doubting that Allen will be a Panther for a while should say so now, because I think if this Roberts trade goes through, we may end up with, without a doubt, they most solid defense core in the East. Montreal for at least the remainder of the season has something to say about that. And, while there'd be a lot of top, puck moving talent, you need that gritty stay at home blue liner to pair with a guy like Bouwmeester to let him move up and take more chances. Adding 6 guys that have a big shot, puck moving skills and a nose for the back of the net could (and I'd dare say would) lend itself to a situation of too many chefs ruining the broth. 1-6, talent would certainly be plus plus, but it may not be as spread in a beneficial way. We already have Allen and Salei. Those two guys are as gritty as they come. Montreal will not lay claim to that much longer. They already traded Rivet, a mainstay for years. Souray is a surebet to leave. Markov might be gone as well. NEW RUMOR: TSN: Darren Dreger reported tonight during the second intermission of the Canadiens-Maple Leafs game that the Leafs have apparently offered the Florida Panthers a second and fourth round picks, plus a prospect defenseman, for Gary Roberts. Spector's Note: Hmmm, interesting. The Senators started the day considered front-runners for Roberts' services, but after the Pens made their pitch of prospect Noah Welch, Sens GM John Muckler said he won't part with anyone off his roster at the deadline. With the Leafs making this offer, I'd say that would put them into the role of front-runner. We're still awaiting word if Roberts will waive his NTC regarding the Penguins offer. You're entitled to your opinion, but you're letting homerism blind numbers. Bouwmeester (while the skill is there unquestionably) has nut put up offensive numbers to justify being considered a #1 DMan. 46 points last season, on pace for 39 this season...yet to have double digit goals in a season (although his next goal this season will end that). He's a far cry from what was expected when he was drafted. However, his +- is awfully pretty this year, especially when you consider how awful this team is. Van Ryn's regressed immeasurably this season to last, I'd argue taht you're insane thinking of him as anything more than a 5th or 6th dman...ditto Salei and his -12. Same story with Allen, he's a second line type D-Man, and even that may be a stretch on a "make noise" playoff team. What Salei was when he left Anaheim is much different than what he is in Florida, even if his play has improved lately. So again, like much of the Panthers, this vaunted defense is high on potential, but lacking in production. I'd be hesitant to crown them the best in the east. Bouwmeester, without a doubt, is a #1 defensman. there's absolutley zero question about it. hell, you could make an argument of him being the best defensman in the east right now. chara held that claim but he has been extremely erratic for boston this year. offensive numbers don't mean nearly as much for defensmen. dan boyle is outscoring jay by a large margin and you won't find one coach in the league who would take him over bouwmeester - now or in the future. bouwmeester is a clear-cut #1 defensman. he's not elite yet (pronger, lidstrom, etc.) but he's definatley in that next tier of defensmen with the redden's, kaberle's of the world. i agree van ryn has regressed, but again, he's still easily a top-4 - EASILY. he's been erratic, no doubt, but he's had alot of problems with injuries this year and even then, he's not regressed to a point where you could consider him a #5-6 like you suggest. coming into this year the consensus was he was a decent #2/great #3. now i'd say he's a 3-4 type. salei...+/- can be deceiving. he too has been erratic at times, but not nearly to the point his +/- suggests. good #4 allen...same as salei. good 3/4 florida has a good defense...it's the last of this teams problems. inconsistent scoring and the backup goalie have been the biggest problems. florida is 13-4-5 in belfour's last 22 starts...translates to something like 45-13-15 over a full season....not half bad. the problem is auld went something like 4-15 during that span, which is absolutley atrocious. keep the defense together, add a legitamate #1 and a goal scorer or two and you should have a solid team next year.
February 27, 200719 yr from what I am hearing, someone will be added to the front office this offseason and he will be trying to convince Jacques to move Olli.
February 27, 200719 yr TSN's reporting Roberts is going to waive the no trade... to which team? I assume you mean Pittsburgh
February 27, 200719 yr Author from what I am hearing, someone will be added to the front office this offseason and he will be trying to convince Jacques to move Olli. why on earth would we want to do that? To piss off more season ticket holders? Isnt it better to use the free money from moving guys like roberts, gratton and a few others and then pluck a few nice players from FA to add to the core here and make a run next year? http://www.miamiherald.com/623/story/25080.html PANTHERS Roberts ready to leave Panthers As today's trading deadline looms, Gary Roberts must either waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal to go to the Penguins, or hope for a deal with another team. BY GEORGE RICHARDS AND PETE PELEGRIN grichards@MiamiHerald.com DECISIONS: Gary Roberts must gamble whether to accept a trade to the Penguins, get another deal or stay with the Panthers. Graig Abel DECISIONS: Gary Roberts must gamble whether to accept a trade to the Penguins, get another deal or stay with the Panthers. WASHINGTON - It appears Gary Roberts has played his last game as a member of the Florida Panthers, but where Roberts will play his next game has yet to be decided. Roberts, a 40-year-old left wing, did not travel with the team to Washington, where the Panthers play tonight. Roberts is deciding whether he will waive his no-trade clause in his contract to join the surging Pittsburgh Penguins. On Monday, Roberts said he rescinded a request that whatever team Florida dealt him to needed to extend his contract by a year. Roberts also confirmed he wanted to be dealt to Ottawa or Toronto, but would go to Buffalo as well. The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. today. When contacted in the team's hotel lobby in Washington, Martin would not comment on the Pittsburgh deal, saying it was not complete. ``We have no deal right now.'' IN RETURN Though Martin wouldn't comment on the Roberts trade, Canada's Globe and Mail reported the Penguins would ship 24-year-old defenseman Noah Welch to the Panthers. A draft pick also likely would be in play from Pittsburgh. Welch is in his second year with the Penguins and has split his time this season between Pittsburgh and the minor-league team in Wilkes-Barre. If Florida were to acquire Welch, it would hold his rights for at least the next two seasons. ''The ideal situation is to get a young player that is currently in the league or close to playing next year,'' Martin said. ``That's what we're aiming for.'' Roberts and Martin met after the team's practice session Monday in Coral Springs, where Roberts was informed of the Pittsburgh deal. Roberts has been trying to get closer to Toronto so he can be around his teenaged daughter. Jordan Roberts will graduate from high school next year, and this past offseason, Roberts asked the Panthers to trade him back to Toronto. Though Ottawa and Buffalo are pretty close to Toronto geographically, Pittsburgh is not. Roberts could accept the Pittsburgh deal and finish the season there and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Or, he could refuse, and hope Martin can make a deal with Toronto, Ottawa or Buffalo by this afternoon. ''Obviously my daughter is the key piece to the puzzle here,'' Roberts said. ``I'd like to be closer to my daughter. . . . That's my ultimate goal. My other goal is to try and win a Stanley Cup. So, to try and accomplish both of those things may be difficult, but we'll just have to wait and see.'' Martin has also been getting calls regarding left winger Martin Gelinas, and center Chris Gratton's name popped up although he said Monday evening he had not heard anything regarding a trade. Gratton has another year left with the Panthers and would have to agree to any trade. The Panthers' front office -- whose members have gathered here -- expects to be busy today. Martin said with St. Louis trading Keith Tkachuk to Atlanta on Sunday, the pool of big-name players has shrunk. ''We've been on the phone yesterday and today,'' Martin said Monday morning. '[Today] looks like a day maybe with some activity. There's probably less and less players available. When you look at big names, the other guy that's left is [st. Louis' Bill] Guerin and some of our guys.'' AULD DONE Goalie Alex Auld is likely done for the season after magnetic resonance imaging revealed cartilage damage in his left knee. Auld is expected to undergo surgery soon. ''That probably has to be taken care of,'' said Auld, who is 7-13 in 27 games this season. ``It just sort of started to bother me the last couple of weeks. . . . I just wanted to see if it could kind of settle down and be able to play through it, but it just started causing a little bit too much discomfort to keep playing.'' Surgery will end a disappointing season for Auld, who came to the Panthers in the Roberto Luongo-Todd Bertuzzi trade in June. After being pegged as the starter, Auld struggled at times before 41-year-old Ed Belfour took over the job. Auld said he hopes to return to the Panthers next season, although it's not certain the team will tender a qualifying offer. ''It's been a learning experience,'' Auld said. ``It's tough. The season is ending in February -- you never want that. Sometimes you don't learn things in the order you want to do it, but you got to take every thing in. I know I will be better next year. I want to be able to come in to camp 100 percent healthy and really ready to go.'' good bye Gary and good luck, I hope you win a cup up there. It was fun to watch you play down here.
February 27, 200719 yr Author here is some welch info btw: http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdispla...E&pid=56827 Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM 2001-02 Harvard University NCAA 27 5 6 11 56 2002-03 Harvard University NCAA 34 6 22 28 70 2003-04 Harvard University NCAA 34 6 13 19 58 2004-05 Harvard University NCAA 34 6 12 18 86 2005-06 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 77 9 20 29 99 11 1 0 1 18 2005-06 Pittsburgh Penguins NHL 5 1 3 4 2 -- -- -- -- -- 2006-07 Pittsburgh Penguins* NHL 22 1 1 2 22 2006-07 Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins AHL 27 5 16 21 24 NHL Totals 27 2 4 6 24 Not sure of the affect of being a college kid has on developement. I am going to assume that they are considered older typically out of the AHL into the NHL because of that just like in MLB? Noah Welch Prospect Grade: 8.0 B (Click Here for info on Prospect Grades) Profile Contributed By: Adrian Barclay History Welch was captain of the St Sebastian's High School team, leading them to the New England Prep School Championship. He won the John Carlton Memorial Award from the Boston Bruins in 2001. He was also named the MVP of the Independent School League during his senior year of high school. Welch was Harvard?s Co-Rookie of the Year in 2002. In his four years at Harvard, Welch proved himself as one of the finest defensemaen in the NCAA. He earned All-NCAA First Team honors on multiple occasions as well as serving as captain of Harvard. Welch was considered an offensive defenseman in his early college years before establishing himself as the Crimsons top defensive lynchpin. His best offensive season came as a sophomore in 2002-03, scoring 28 points in 34 games, but it was his continued focus on his defensive work which makes him so valuable to the Penguins organization. In 2004-05 Welch still tallied six power-play goals to go with 12 assists in 33 games as well as compiling a team leading and career high 84 penalty minutes. Welch began his pro career in 2005-06 with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton after signing with the Penguins in April 2005. Talent Analysis Welch became arguably one of the best defensemen playing in the NCAA during his college career. This versatile and talented defenseman has been a pillar of strength for Harvard over the last four seasons. One of Welch?s greatest strengths lies in his fluid skating. He moves equally well both laterally and horizontally on the ice. His transitional game is exceptional. He?s able to go from playing offense to defense quickly and rather easily without missing a beat and/or making a defensive mistake much of the time. He?s a very good playmaker who loves to jump up into the plays. Another one of Welch?s strengths is the fact that he?s a smart and very instinctive player. He reads and follows plays extremely well and his reaction to them is equally good. Welch has started to overcome a lacking in his physical game and his use of his large frame (6?4?/212). He has shown some physical play, but could show it more often. His strength has improved but will need to improve again as he enters the pro game. Future A possible top pairing defenseman. Welch has signed with the Penguins and will begin his pro career in Wilkes-Barre. Stats Year Club GP G A Pts PIM 2001-02 Harvard University (NCAA) 27 5 6 11 56 2002-03 Harvard University (NCAA) 34 6 22 28 70 2003-04 Harvard University (NCAA) 34 6 13 19 58 2004-05 Harvard University (NCAA) 34 6 12 18 86 http://hockeysfuture.com/prospects/noah_welch On the blue line the Baby Penguins have two prospects who have trekked remarkably similar paths to pro hockey ? former Harvard teammates Ryan Lannon and Noah Welch. Welch of course has spent most of this season with Pittsburgh after originally being sent to Wilkes-Barre to give Kristopher Letang his shot in the NHL. Welch played well after his call-up but a recent drop in form has meant that he has returned to the minors. The move is designed to get Welch back to top pair minutes and to regain his confidence that had taken a couple of shots in recent NHL games. There is no doubting Welch?s talent and he is sure to return to the NHL in the near future. One of his finer traits is his excellent attitude and hockey smarts and he knows that the best thing to do when sent down is show your dominance again at that level. He was a shining light as a rookie last season, fast becoming the No. 1 blueliner for the Baby Penguins and earned himself an AHL All-Star starting team selection. Long-time teammate Lannon had taken Welch?s place as the top blueliner with the Baby Penguins during Welch?s absence, and has been doing all that could be asked of a defenseman so far. A stay-at-home type by nature, Lannon has made sure the back end is secure by blocking shots and getting in good positions to neutralize the offense of the opposition. He is very disciplined, taking just 11 penalty minutes in the process and contributing seven assists. Lannon, who turned 24 this week, is sure to get his NHL chance soon, but remains in the AHL until he climbs a couple more rungs on the ladder. He can be prone to the occasional error though, and needs to work a little on his outlet passing. http://hockeysfuture.com/articles/9296 that is about all I can find, I hope that helps some for everyone.
February 27, 200719 yr Author http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=5843 Some of the blogs are saying Gelinas to Edmonton? Are we trading our full team?
February 27, 200719 yr Author Agent: Roberts accepts trade February 27, 2007 Sports News - Americans win ice dance gold - sportsnet.ca Gary Roberts has 421 goals and 451 assists in 1,127 career games. (File) Sports News - Americans win ice dance gold - sportsnet.ca Sports News - Americans win ice dance gold - sportsnet.ca Related Stay Connected at the deadline: Sportsnet.ca Trade Tracker Live streaming @ Sportsnet.ca Wireless trade text alerts Other moves Monday: Canucks swing pair of deals Flyers, Hawks, Wings in 3-way Isles get Zednik from Caps Sportsnet.ca News Agent: Roberts traded to Pittsburgh Habs hold off late charge from Leafs Clippers guard Livingston dislocates knee Gretzky link to $2.35M baseball card Raps get rude awakening from Spurs Allen agrees to new deal with Argos Shaq surpasses 25,000-point barrier Victory shoots Flames into division tie Wings land Calder in three-way trade Muckler: Sens won't pay steep prices PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Veteran winger Gary Roberts has waived his no-trade clause so the Florida Panthers can deal him to the Pittsburgh Penguins, his agent confirmed Tuesday. "He waived the no-trade portion of his contract, he waived that last night," agent Richard Curran said. "I would expect there would be an announcement later this morning about a transaction between Pittsburgh and Florida." Curran would not speak about other terms of the deal, including who or what the Penguins were planning to send to Florida in return for the 40-year-old veteran. Penguins officials did not immediately return calls for comment. Panthers spokesman Justin Copertino said he was trying to track down general manager Randy Sexton with the team in Washington, D.C., because of speculation about such a deal in various media sources. But Sexton was not immediately available and the Panthers did not immediately plan to announce a trade, Copertino said. Roberts has 421 goals and 451 assists in 1,127 career games with Calgary, Carolina, Toronto and Florida. Roberts has played in 108 games since last season with 27 goals and 47 assists and is plus-9 during that span. Roberts was the 12th overall pick in the 1984 draft, the same draft in which the Penguins selected Mario Lemieux first overall. He broke into the NHL in the 1986-87 season playing five games with the Flames, and became a full-time player the next season. http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp...227_085122_1216 Will Welch come to the NHL here or stay in the AHL? looks like this one is a wrap not to find out about gratton, belfour, bertuzzi, gelinas
February 27, 200719 yr from what I am hearing, someone will be added to the front office this offseason and he will be trying to convince Jacques to move Olli. why on earth would we want to do that? To piss off more season ticket holders? Isnt it better to use the free money from moving guys like roberts, gratton and a few others and then pluck a few nice players from FA to add to the core here and make a run next year? Olli doesn't necessarily make his teammates around him better
February 27, 200719 yr Author rumor of bertuzzi to Anaheim on the HF boards supposedly from Ekuel ? not sure if I see any thing legit will post
February 27, 200719 yr rumor of bertuzzi to Anaheim on the HF boards supposedly from Ekuel ? not sure if I see any thing legit will post I would do it in a second. Bertuzzi is gone at the end of the year.
February 27, 200719 yr rumor of bertuzzi to Anaheim on the HF boards supposedly from Ekuel ? not sure if I see any thing legit will post I would do it in a second. Bertuzzi is gone at the end of the year. I'm not so sure, I think he's re-signed, if for no other reason than the Panthers will overpay to save face on the Luongo debacle.
February 27, 200719 yr Bertuzzi just got dealt to the Red Wings for a prospect and a conditional pick
February 27, 200719 yr rumor of bertuzzi to Anaheim on the HF boards supposedly from Ekuel ? not sure if I see any thing legit will post I would do it in a second. Bertuzzi is gone at the end of the year. I'm not so sure, I think he's re-signed, if for no other reason than the Panthers will overpay to save face on the Luongo debacle. Betuzzi is a UFA. One of the main reasons he was traded for Loungo is because they were both supposed to be UFA's at the end of the year. Loungo got resigned and Bertuzzi... well you know the rest
February 27, 200719 yr rumor of bertuzzi to Anaheim on the HF boards supposedly from Ekuel ? not sure if I see any thing legit will post I would do it in a second. Bertuzzi is gone at the end of the year. I'm not so sure, I think he's re-signed, if for no other reason than the Panthers will overpay to save face on the Luongo debacle. Betuzzi is a UFA. One of the main reasons he was traded for Loungo is because they were both supposed to be UFA's at the end of the year. Loungo got resigned and Bertuzzi... well you know the rest You misunderstood, I meant I thought the Panthers would re-sign him to save face, that's moot now.
February 27, 200719 yr rumor of bertuzzi to Anaheim on the HF boards supposedly from Ekuel ? not sure if I see any thing legit will post I would do it in a second. Bertuzzi is gone at the end of the year. I'm not so sure, I think he's re-signed, if for no other reason than the Panthers will overpay to save face on the Luongo debacle. Betuzzi is a UFA. One of the main reasons he was traded for Loungo is because they were both supposed to be UFA's at the end of the year. Loungo got resigned and Bertuzzi... well you know the rest You misunderstood, I meant I thought the Panthers would re-sign him to save face, that's moot now. Oh haha. Ya the trade looks like one of the worst in the past 10-20 years.
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