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Monday, June 27, 2011
D.C. United acquires McDonald
D.C. United has acquired centerback Brandon McDonald from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for allocation money, the club announced on Monday. McDonald, 25, plays both holding midfielder and centerback, but he figures to plug into the heart of D.C.'s backline, which has been a bit of a rotating door this season. In McDonald, D.C. acquires a physical, experienced player at a position of need. For San Jose, the move gives the team more financial flexibility while seemingly clearing the path to give Ike Opara the reins in central defense once he becomes fully fit. What do you think of...
Video: Islanders’ pick Ryan Strome: ‘I want to win a championship’
ST. PAUL — It's been a busy week for Ryan Strome.
"I've gone from taking exams Monday and Tuesday to flying out Wednesday, whole bunch of interviews the last two days," said Strome, the Niagara IceDogs center who tallied 106 points last season.
Before he could concentrate on the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, Strome needed to ace tests in data management and law. "I'm usually a pretty good math student," he said, "but the brain needs a little rest, that's for sure."
His nerves could finally rest after the New York Islanders made him the No. 5 pick in the draft on Friday night — the third center selected in the top five, and the first in a run of four centers that ended with Sean Couterier going to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Strome's Niagara teammate, defenseman Dougie Hamilton, went next at No. 9 to the Boston Bruins. Strome said he was nervous the Islanders might opt for Hamilton at No. 5. "He texted me about an hour before I left saying whatever happens, it's been a great year," said Strome.
As for his future with the Islanders, Strome has trained with star John Tavares, who had a glowing endorsement of the pick at the Isles' draft party (via Islanders Top Shelf).
"He's a special player. The way he sees the ice is exceptional," said Tavares, after Strome was selected. "He's gonna do great. I've got no doubts about him."
Strome will likely be back in the OHL next season, but he's excited about becoming a part of the young foundation GM Garth Snow is laying down on Long Island.
"It's a big investment for them. It's a big part of their future," he said.
"I want to win a championship. I know I'm young saying that, but that's what you want to do."
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Puck Daddy chats with Ilya Bryzgalov about Philadelphia Flyers, his contract demands, getting drunk and parks in Winnipeg
If Ilya Bryzgalov's former team the Phoenix Coyotes played in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, would fans in Arizona take part in the same kind of riot as those in Vancouver did?
"Fans there wouldn't even know that Phoenix lost to someone in the Stanley Cup Finals," said Bryzgalov, never one to filter his thoughts.
The Coyotes traded Bryzgalov's free-agent negotiating rights to the Philadelphia Flyers, and the goalie is getting closer to signing a contract with Philly. Some reports suggest that he has agreed in principle to the terms already.
Upon his return from Philadelphia last week he told SovSport he "really liked the city and the people who worked for the club." He was reluctant to talk about the contract developments at the time. For the subsequent interview a few days later, Ilya Bryzgalov asked to meet him in the center of Moscow. He was wearing an orange Flyers hat. A clue?
"No, no! It's too early! Although to wear the Flyers' hat I have a full right. Until July 1, I belong to that team. It's just the contract hasn't been signed yet."
As for the contract, he said "I can sign it from anywhere," even in Turkey. SovSport's Pavel Lysenkov then asked Bryzgalov some questions for Puck Daddy:
Q. Damien Cox from the Toronto Star speculated you asked for a 9 year $60 million contract in Phoenix but the Coyotes didn't agree to it. Is it so?
BRYZGALOV: "It's not true. I had no negotiations regarding finances with Phoenix. I didn't receive [even] one offer. The team has no owner, it is run by the League. Days came and went and then I was traded to the Flyers."
You found out about it from the media?
"Maybe I told reporters that I didn't know?�What do you think, would this trade take place without my consent?"
Would it be better for you to play for an Eastern Conference team?
"I never played there. But I heard that hockey players in the East get a bonus. There is less travel. That means you get to spend more time with your family. It's important, especially when you're 31. I am not that young." (laughing)
There may be a tandem of Russian goalies in Philadelphia. Could you imagine yourself as a mentor for Sergei Bobrovsky?
"I myself need to learn! What kind of a mentor am I?�What are you talking about?"
[Do you believe] 'Either a number one or don't call me'?
"Where did you get this?�Journalists come up with slogans, create an unhealthy buzz. And then you say that this is what I said. I once said 'I am number one.'�And you blew it up to be something else. And you think that if I am not the number one then I won't play for the national team. But I never said that."
? ? ?
And here's the excerpt from the rest of Lysenkov's interview for SovSport.
Q. You had a similar situation in Anaheim. JS Giguere was the number one with a big contract. Bryzgalov was sitting under him. Did he teach you anything?
BRYZGALOV: "Of course now. This is wolves' world. Especially for goaltenders. There are a lot of them but there is only one spot in net."
Were you the best goaltender in April 2011?�Skeptics doubted Bryzgalov because he gave up 17 goals to the Red Wings in the series.
"Detroit came out and smashed us. Maybe I gave up one or two bad goals, that's it. Once the puck hit me in the leg. I can't even remember the second bad moment. The Red Wings did everything to make my life difficult. I didn't see most of the goals. I was simply torn apart."
One agent said: "Bryzgalov is a perfect client. If only one can get his mouth shut!"
"Who said that?"
It doesn't matter. But it is connected to the Winnipeg story when you said that you wouldn't play there 'a city where it's very cold and there are no parks and fun!'� This story really ticked off Canadians.
"At least I will be remembered in North America in some way!� But your words surprised me. Who talks so nice of me? A perfect client!�Usually people talk very badly of me. Not knowing me they say 'yes, Bryzgalov is difficult, just a terrible character!'"
Really?
"I find it out from [the media]. You read and think, 'I don't even know this journalist and he already has a r�sum� of me. As if we have been going through life side by side.'"
Does it irritate you?
"I don't care. But as far as [my] frankness ? it used to let me down before, yes."
Once you substituted Lada's goaltender Vincent Riendeau when he gave up two goals. You just put on your gear and came out to the ice.
"Yes, it happened in the playoffs when Lada played for Perm. The coach then couldn't decide to pull the Canadian. So I just jumped out."
Did you want to do it in Vancouver [during the Olympics]?
"Very much so. But couldn't imagine what it would look like?� The Olympics are broadcast worldwide. Out quarter final game with Canada is watched by millions of people. I am skating towards the goal and there is another one in goal who refuses to leave? That would be a joke."
Is it true that after the first period with the score 1-4 players themselves started saying 'Bryzgalov should be in goal'?
"So why wasn't I?"
Coach Bykov insisted 'Let's play for Evgeni [Nabokov]!'
"It's not true. Because Bykov didn't even come to the locker room after the first period. Usually he used to show up in the locker room at the end of the intermission. But back then we were already standing in the corridor. There was a minute left before the start of the second period when Bykov and Zakharkin came out of the coaches' room."
They were probably in shock as well.
"But who shouldn't be in shock?�Actually the generals. Players, spectators can be shocked. But not the main commander who is running the parade. … Maybe I said more than I should have?�But I am tired of hypocrisy and empty interviews where people say 'We fought but were unlucky.'�And in reality it wasn't like that. The fact that I may not be invited to the national team is OK. I will feel bad. I want to play. But the truth is more dear."
It is sad about Nabokov. At the World Championships [in Bratislava] he damaged his career. You could say he was set up. An unprepared goaltender was put on the ice.
"Why set up? What, he didn't know where he was going?� Didn't he want to go to the World Championships?�Of course he wanted to!�Only Nabokov is at fault for what's going on with him. No one else. The same I can say about any person."
You don't ever drink…
"Why, I did. Until I was 17."
Strange, because 17 is usually when people start to.
"I had everything the other way around. I even remember the day ? November 7. I got so drunk. And then decided to quit. I realized that I had to choose ? either hockey or alcohol."
What did you drink from the Cup and the World Championships trophy?
"In the Anaheim locker room I poured in cranberry juice. In Bern I didn't even get a chance to drink. Guys filled up the cup with vodka,." (Laughs)
What does a goaltender feel when he's in goal and is struck by pucks hard as a rock?
"But I wear my equipment. I feel very little. Of course I wouldn't stand in goal naked. I don't look crazy, do I?"
But there is a saying 'Play wherever you want, son. Just don't get in goal.'
"I would suggest the opposite. So you're on the field. And then bang ? a blindside hit. And a concussion. The first one, the second one ? and you're broken for the rest of your life. Or you're standing next to the boards trying to dig out the puck ? and get hit from behind full speed by someone. And you break your neck. And goalies only have their groins pulled. There are other injuries, but a lot more rare. So what's safer?� Maybe better get in goal, son?"
Why did you decide to join Twitter?
"My friend from Phoenix Paul Bissonnette kept convincing me all the time. 'Bryz, join Twitter!'� I was wondering 'Why do I need it?'� Bissonnette replied 'All my fans and followers write almost every day 'when will Bryzgalov be on Twitter? We want to communicate with him, read his thoughts.' I kept resisting for a long time. And then I thought 'OK, I will join.'"
It's like you have a new life!
"Yes, perhaps. It's just it's a lot easier to communicate via Twitter. Because you, journalists, like to rephrase, write your own way. And on Twitter I can express my thoughts more precise and definitive, if I was misunderstood during an interview."
(Here is The Proust Questionnaire)
What do you value the most in men?
"Wisdom."
What do you value the most in women?
"Also wisdom. And patience."
The main trait of your character.
"Candor. I am a truth teller."
Where would you like to live?
"Where it's quiet and peaceful. An island in the Maldives, 100 by 100 meters?� Something bigger. But two important conditions ? warm water and quiet. It won't be boring."
Your favorite author.
"Dostoevsky."
What vices do you feel most tolerant towards?
"Weakness. A human overall is weak in nature."
Who is your favorite figure in literature?
What will you tell God when standing in front of him?
"Forgive us all."
Thanks again to SovSport and Pavel Lysenkov for their work.
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WWE: Triple H Stirring Up Controversy in His Backstage Role
Some WWE Stars Reportedly Nervous About The Direction Of The Company Under Triple H's Guidance
Triple H has been in his off-screen role as head of talent development for just about three months and the controversy is already starting, though it's not anything serious right now.
According to Wrestlezone.com, bringing on Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman has raised the ire of some wrestlers who are worried that backstage factions could become the norm again.
Many wrestlers are watching what is being called "the fast track" WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has placed Triple H on, and many are wondering if WWE under HHH and Stephanie McMahon will be wrestler-friendly or an invitation for factions like The Kliq.
"HHH assigning Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman to developmental is a controversial move," a key WWE insider told us, "the jury is still out on how HHH will differ from Vince, or if WWE will be business as usual."
Hiring Nash to be a judge of talent was going to be a controversial move no matter what because when he held that post in WCW right around the time that company went into the tank, though there were a lot of factors that went into the death of WCW.
Waltman has never held a position like this in his career, but he was a good worker in his day and knows what it takes to get over in the business. Plus, he can vouch for some of the smaller, more athletic workers that don't get pushed because Vince McMahon hates them.
The reunion of the Kliq is a potentially explosive situation because of the way that they used to operate in the mid-90's. But since they are not using their power to get themselves over, everything should be okay. It is a situation that bears watching though.
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Kings send Ryan Smyth back to Oilers; mullet-watch begins
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The Edmonton Oilers finally completed their deal with the Los Angeles Kings Sunday to get the hugely popular winger back in his old No 94. They sent centre Colin Fraser and a seventh round pick in 2012 for Smyth after Kings GM Dean Lombardi had balked at taking forward Gilbert Brule because of health issues.
It's expected Lombardi will buy out the $825,000 one year contract Fraser has left at two-thirds which is $550,000
Lombardi had planned on buying out Brule at one-third of his $1.85 mil because he is under 26. Fraser is over 26.
The wrinkle with Brule was that buying out an injured player is forbidden under the CBA (See: Drury, Chris). Were it not for his picking up Bono has a hitchhiker, his holding up a major trade for the Edmonton Oilers would be the most patently absurd Gilbert Brule news of the year.
So how does this shake out for the teams? Very well … especially for the Kings.
Earlier this week, we broke down the ramifications for the Oilers and Kings when it came to Smyth. The Oilers take:
Should they acquire him, the Edmonton Oilers� would add the kind of veteran intangibles that transition a team from a wayward collection of young stars and well-compensated vets into a cohesive playoff contender.
He's Captain Canada, for Pete's sake ? a veteran gamer that plays with a body held together by scotch tape and willpower, who leads by example by hauling ass on every shift.
They'd also get a player who scored nine goals on the power play last season with Los Angeles, which would have made him Edmonton's PPG leader. And while left wing is pretty well-spoken for with Taylor Hall and Magnus Paajarvi … what, are we going to pretend that there's a debate about Ryan Smyth vs. Teemu Hartikanien or Jason Strudwick?
Ryan Smyth makes $6.25 million against the cap, which means the Los Angeles savings in this deal are significant.
Here's Lombardi before the trade, when the Brule thing was still an issue:
"To me, it was kind of simple, but it's, OK, if something has to come back (to the Kings) to make this work, then there has to be certain things in place to allow me to run my (salary) cap. If they're not in place, then this makes no sense. Because I have to replace this player. That's the only urgency for me. I have to replace him. In order to replace him, whatever I'm taking back has to allow me full freedom to keep that (cap) space available. If that is not there, I can't do this deal. And those conditions were not there. So there's no deal.
"It makes no sense for me to lose this player and lose the flexibility. I need to replace him. That's where it broke down. When it was clear that I couldn't do what I needed to do with that player I'm taking back, then it's not what the deal was based on, in any stretch of the imagination, and it certainly doesn't make any sense for me."
Our tin-foil hat, Pelican Brief theory was always that the Kings leaked the trade "request" to spark a massive fan outcry in Edmonton and force the hand of the Oilers to make this deal. Whatever ended up getting the Oilers to bite, it's a great salary dump for the Kings.
After the Mike Richards trade, the need a right wing replacement for Wayne Simmonds. Now, they need something on the left side to replace Smyth, who was a more significant offensive contributor.
You could argue that they could use Smyth's cap space to add both players through trades or free agency. The savings are that significant.
Help on the left side via free agency is hard to find; wonder what Dean Lombardi has in mind?
Bottom line: The Kings managed to ship out a player who goes free agent next summer, who was requesting a trade that had a $6.25 million cap hit with a no-trade clause and with a preferred destinations list that read "Only, Alberta."
That's a win for Lombardi.
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How, and why, the Los Angeles Kings acquired Mike Richards
MINNEAPOLIS -- Just like all of us, Mike Richards found out that he'd been traded by the Philadelphia Flyers to the Los Angeles Kings via the Internet, not long before his agent confirmed the news to him.
Speaking to reporters on a conference call on Thursday, Richards said that while he's excited about the new opportunity out west, he was shocked when he learned about the deal.
He wanted to end his career as a Flyer after inking a 12-year extension in 2007.
Had he known he'd be traded, Richards said he would have never signed that deal.
The Flyers approached Kings GM Dean Lombardi about Richards' availability four weeks ago and once Ilya Bryzgalov's rights were dealt to Philadelphia on June 7, the talks between the two clubs picked up.
Lombardi cited his philosophy of building a team from the back and down the middle. Strengthening the center position was something he wanted to do at the deadline, but the opportunity to do so wasn't there.
"It has to be two things: the timing has to be right and it has to be the right player," said Lombardi.
"Obviously the thought of having him and [Anze] Kopitar down the middle, that allows us, I think, essentially to match up to any team in the Western Conference," said Lombardi.
"And I think that was a big hole."
Now that Lombardi's found that "right" player, the Kings have bettered themselves heading into next season and given Kopitar not only some offensive support, but also a teammate who can play at both ends of the ice.
The Trade Deadline in February brought rumors that had the Kings dangling top prospect Braydon Schenn. Ales Hemsky of the Edmonton Oilers was a name mentioned to be possibly part of a deal, but Lombardi said that a player of Richards' caliber was not out there and that was the only way that Schenn would be included. The fact that Richards is signed for another nine years and has an cap hit at $5.75 million made the deal more enticing for Lombardi to part with Schenn.
Lombardi isn't finished molding the 2011-12 Kings roster. Ryan Smyth looks to be on his way out after Lombardi acknowledged that the forward did ask to be traded closer to home.
Dumping Smyth's contract would give Los Angeles around $16 million, according to CapGeek, to spend on a new deal for Drew Doughty and to strength their forward depth which at the moment is very top heavy.
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