Cap Limit set at 50.3 m for 2007-08

The NHL and the players Association announced that the cap limit for the 2007-08 season would be established at 50.3 million. In the CBA there is a provision for both sides to apply a 5% inflator, without it the cap limit would of been established at 48.5 m. Note: Teams can go over the limit up to 10% during the period of July 1st and the end of training camp, must be cap compliant by the first day of the start of the season. How much does your team have to spend ? Before we take a look, a note of caution: The below numbers are approximative numbers and are not official numbers. Also, they do not take into account possible bonus payouts from the 2006-07 season, which will count against a team's upper limit for 2007-08. It's just to give you an idea of what General managers have to ''play'' with. It's not the bible and not to be taken in that way, for entertainement and information purpose only. If the NHL would stop being so shy at showing us the real numbers, we would have a better idea at to expect. Mr.Bettman show us the numbers.

Here we go, the Eastern Conference.

NorthEast Division
Team	Cap hit 07-08	Players signed	Cap Space
Boston	39578000	16	10722000
Buffalo	28434000	13	21866000
Montreal	30572000	14	19728000
Ottawa	40565000	15	9735000
Toronto	43607000	22	6693000
Total	182756000	80
Average /Team	36551200	16
Atlantic Division
Team	Cap hit 07-08	Players signed	Cap Space
New Jersey	30231000	11	20069000
Islanders	21128000	10	29172000
Rangers	27053000	13	23247000
Philadelphia	42163000	19	8137000
Pittsburgh	26892000	12	23408000
Total	147467000	65
Average /Team	29493400	13
South East Division
Team	Cap hit 07-08	Players signed	Cap Space
Atlanta	28756000	10	21544000
Carolina	42633000	21	7667000
Florida	28816000	10	21484000
Tampa Bay	34350000	12	15950000
Washington	20281000	12	30019000
Total	154836000	65
Average /Team	30967200	13

Western Conference Estimated cap space for 07-08
Central Division
Team	Cap hit 07-08	Players signed	Cap Space
Chicago	31561000	13	18739000
Colombus	34428000	16	15872000
Detroit	32099000	15	18201000
Nashville	27964000	13	22336000
St-Louis	28233000	14	22067000
Total	154285000	71
Average /Team	30857000	14.2
NorthWest Division
Team	Cap hit 07-08	Players signed	Cap Space
Calgary	35621000	14	14679000
Colorado	30016000	16	20284000
Edmonton	26919000	11	23381000
Minnesota	34110000	13	16190000
Vancouver	40552000	14	9748000
Total	167218000	68
Average /Team	33443600	13.6
Pacific Division
Team	Cap hit 07-08	Players signed	Cap Space
Anaheim	37107000	16	13193000
Dallas	38447000	15	11853000
Los Angeles	24305000	11	25995000
Phoenix	27430000	13	22870000
San Jose	35550000	17	14750000
Total	162839000	72
Average /Team	32567800	14.4

The UFA market frenzy and...

Yes folks, that time of the year is back again, the unrestricted free agents are looking for jobs, and their price could be high.Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, Scott Gomez, Ryan Smyth and Sheldon Souray will be the most sought after UFA's in this year's market frenzy. They are all Eastern conference players, I'm sure some Gm's will them to go west young men. Briere could be the only one staying in the East,either in Buffalo, Montreal or Philadelphia.

How much are they worth and long will their contracts be for ? I'm sure General managers know the exact amount limit they can spend in 2007-08, as the Board of Governors approved it last week, but has not been made public yet, but it could be between 48 and 50 million. They must be careful as I think the cap may stay at that amount next season, I doubt the league revenues will go over the 2.4 billion dollar range, which would bring the cap higher next season, a question of logic, the revenues have shot up quickly in the last two seasons, they might be due for a drop. Teams will not be able to bring up ticket prices anymore than they have, because fans won't be able to pay a higher price and they risk having empty seats.

Getting back to my question, how much are the top UFA's i mentionned above worth ? We may get answers to that question starting Sunday at noon eastern time. Stay tuned.

Cap Spending in 2006-07

Even though the cap has risen twice in the early life of this CBA, spending on average is not that high, even with some contracts taking up 7.8 million dollars in cap space, the average spending last season was, 41,741,000.00 for the league. Eastern conference teams spend 41,161,133.33 while Western conference teams spend 42,320,866.67 . In 2005-06, the average cap spending was about 36 million. These are not the league's official numbers, but I'm sure they are not too far from the true figures, these are cap numbers and not actual salary.

Claude Julien and...

Former Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils coach, Claude Julien to be confirmed by the Bruins today, according to Fluto Shinzawa from the Boston Globe. A press conference will be held at the TD Banknorth Garden today at 10.30 am. Julien was fired by Lou Lamoriello with less than a week left in the 2006-07 season.

Speaking of Lou Lamoriello, he should be naming his new coach soon also, may even do it this weekend during the Draft. I suspect, and this is just speculation on my part, but I would not be surprised if we see the return of familiar face behind the bench next year. Yes I think , Pat Burns may return as the Devils coach. Double LL, has been known to pull out rabbits from his hat in the past, stay tuned.

Jeremy Jacobs named as chairman of the Board of Governors

The Owner of the Boston Bruins, Jeremy Jacobs, was elected as the new Chairman of the NHL's Board of Governors. The same Board, rubber stamped the new cap limit, which should between 48 and 50 million. Jacobs is taking over from Harley Hotchkiss of the Calgary Flames, who had held the position the last twelve years. He was instrumental in helping draft the present CBA.

Would Bolts Trade Richards For A High Pick?

Bruce Garrioch of Sun media, mentions that he has heard from league sources that Tampa Bay Gm, Jay Feaster could dangle forward Brad Richards as trade bait in order to get a top pick in tomorrow's first round of the 2007 entry draft in Colombus. Feaster must of forgotten that Richards has a no trade clause in his contract. It won't happen, the Hawks already have 34, 161,000 million in salary under the cap, and have at least 9 more players to sign to be within the limit of 23 players on the roster. I doubt the league would approve such a one way trade.

Why is Bettman so scared of Canada?

Toronto Star columnist, Damien Cox, Threw the book of common sense at NHL Commissioner, Gary Bettman, as why he did not bother to invite Jim Balsillie to the Board of Governors meeting, so that he could make a pitch to the Governors for his bid to purchase the Nashville Predators. Even the greatest player in the history of the NHL, Wayne Gretzky, got in to the Nashville situation, "If the franchise is able to move into that area, it'll be tremendously successful," speaking of the Hamilton area. I would think, that in Gary Bettman's mind, if the Predators moved to Canada, he would have to admit that hockey in Nashville is not working, but also would see it as making it even more difficult to obtain a national broadcasting contract in the US market. Gary, wake up, hockey is a regional sport in the US.

I sometimes wonder who is more clueless, Gary Bettman or George W.Bush. Which leads me to quote the great Jackie Gleason in one the of the Smoky and the bandit movies '' I remember when a pair of boobs were two dumb guys. '' I guess it speaks for itself.

Where Top UFA's could land and...

As the NHL prepares its future in entry draft on Friday and Saturday in Colombus, let's take a look at the UFA market, that is due to open in a few weeks.

Matthew Ryder from Spector's hockey trade rumour site, in his last ''End to End'' for 2006-07, established a list of where the top UFA's could play next season. If I disagree with his prediction,I will file a note.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere: Resigns in Anaheim, for 5.75m
Slava Kozlov: Resigns with Atlanta at 3.5 m
Note: His former team, the Red Wings, may show some interest in bringing him back.

Keith Tkachuk : 2.5 m and signs with the Blues.
Note:I doubt that the Blues re-sign him, as they will want to go with a youth program. He could land somewhere, but it won't be in St-Louis.

Daniel Briere:Signs with Montreal at 6m .
Note: The fans in Montreal would love having a french speaking player to identify to, as they did with Roy and Lafleur, the problem could be his size and his willing to play. The Habs need to beef up a bit, I think money would be better spend on a Ryan Smyth, than Briere.

Chris Drury:5.5 m in Buffalo
Note: Drury would be Buffalo's priority, but having a home in California where his wife is from, could be a factor in his decision, remember the wives of players have a say in where hubby goes, ex: Chris Pronger. LA, San Jose or even Colorado, could be destinations.

Sheldon Souray:5.25 m in St-Louis
Note: Souray has expressed interest in staying in Montreal, but not at the offering price of 4.5m a year. If it's not Montreal, LA or San Jose could destinations.

You can see Matthew's complete list by clicking on the end to end link above.

Gainey rids himself of Samsonov

Montreal Canadiens Gm and former Captain, Bob Gainey, found a taker for his disgruntled Russian Forward, Sergei Samsonov. Gainey obtained former hab Jassen Cullimore and forward Tony Salmelainen. Cullimore will not play for the Habs, as Gainey bought his contract at two thirds, which will mean a cap hit of 641,666. over the next two seasons.

Murray in, Muckler Out

Ottawa Senators fired John Muckler as Gm and promoted Coach Bryan Murray to the position. He will be looking for his own replacement behind bench. There is no doubt, that the best candidate out there is Pat Burns, he has won a Stanley cup, he is no pushover and knows how to get the best out of his players, but he might just takeover his old job in New Jersey.

NHL Awards and ...

This week the NHL will present the winners of the regular season awards, such as the Calder for the rookie of the year, the Selke for the best defensif forward, the Hart to the most valuable player, the Adams to the coach of the year. The Norris to the best defenseman, the Lady Byng to most gentleman player. The Pearson, that is voted by the players and the Vezina to the best goalie.

My Predictions:
Malkin > Calder
Palhsson >Selke
Hart >Luongo
Adams >Vigneault
Norris > Lidstrom
Lady Byng >Sakic
Pearson > Lecavalier
Vezina > Luongo

Larry Brooks of the New York Post, mentions that the players may have to pay escrow, as it seems the players got more than the 55 % that was due to them under the CBA. Also claims, that expansion would not be profitable to the players. Expansion fees do not count as Hockey related revenue as mentionned in the partnership between the league and the players. Brooks thinks that the cap for 2007-08 will be around 48.5 m, and won't reach the possible 52m as mentionned in other media outlets.

Florida Panthers Coach and Gm, Jacques Martin is hoping to resolve the goaltending situation for next season. He is looking at different scenario's, but according to Brian Biggane of the Palm Beach Post, the dust should be settled come the entry draft in Colombus in less than 14 days. This will be Jacques Martin's first draft as Gm of the Florida Panthers.

The Hamilton Bulldogs, property of the legendary Montreal Canadiens franchise, won the the Calder cup this week, which means for an organization such as theirs, a gold mine of young prospects, something Montreal fans have not seen in a long time.

Congratulations to Anaheim and ...

Congratulations to the new Stanley cup Champions, the Anaheim Ducks, they deserved it. The brothers Niedermeyer now join a select group of brothers who have won the Stanley cup. The Richard brothers, the Hull's , the Mahovlich's and the Sutter's, i'm sure there is more, sorry to those not named.

The Ottawa Senators have nothing to be ashamed of, in an era where parity is at it's peak, it's hard to get thru an 82 game schedule, then play fifteen or sixteen games just to get to the final. Hats off to them, and next year you will be better and have the experience under your belt.

Next for the NHL, is the regular season awards and then preparing for the future, with the entry draft in Colombus on June 23rd and 24th.

July 1st is the annual UFA feeding frenzy, where some Gm's look like Einstein, but at mid-season, look like idiots, because they forgot to read the fine print in the CBA, some people just never learn.

Islanders to buy out Yashin

Islanders owner, Charles Wang finally admits that it was a mistake to have given Alexei Yashin that enourmous contract when ''Mad'' Mike Milbury made the trade with the Ottawa Senators back in 2001.

Pronger suspended and ...

The NHL suspended Chris Pronger as they should of, but in the eyes, not just of Ottawa Senators fans, but espacially in those of hockey fans around the league, it was a friendly slap on the hand and a joke.

The League had an opportunity to a clear message to the players and it's fans, that this league can police itself, but once again they blew it.The NHL General managers will be holding a meeting today before the game, and undoubtly, hits to the head will be a topic, but I doubt it will be discussed, as both John Muckler and Brian Burke are both still involved in the playoffs, so as usual it will be put aside, and maybe rightly so, as the expression goes''let cooler heads prevail''.The league can't put this off for ever and hide it's head in the sand.

Gentlemen settle this issue how ever you want, but settle it once and for all.

Reactions to the Pronger suspension.

Bob McKenzie Darren Dreger Scott Burnside


The Ottawa Senators have to take advantage of the situation, as Scott Niedermeyer and François Beauchemin will be pulling double duty. They need to know that they have an red sweater close by everytime they touch the puck, they will get hit and espacially tired, and that's when the wheels could fall off again. Do the same thing that won you game three, alot of hussle, hard work and keep Giguere busy.

GO ! SENS GO!

Words of wisdom and ...

As we wait for game three to begin, the Senators could use all the positive vibes as they can get. Six members of the 1955 to 60 Montreal Canadiens were honoured by the NHL, had words of wisdom for the Ottawa Senators yesterday.

Legendary greats such as Jean Beliveau, Henri Richard and Dickie Moore, along with Don Marshall, Jean-Guy Talbot and Tom Johnson, had words of wisdom for the Ottawa Senators, who are down 0-2 in the series. Click on pic to see article.

Reading thru them, you can come to one common grown, play as a team and have fun, the rest will take care of itself.

Hull and Cherry to team up in Ottawa

NBC's Brett Hull and HNIC's Don Cherry to team up in Ottawa. Hull will appear on Cherry's Coach's Corner during game three, and Cherry will be a guest on the NBC telecast after the second period on Monday. What better way to attract people, than two have the two biggest loud mouths in hockey meet at the same time.

Bryan Murray and Alfredsson talk to the media

Ottawa Senators coach, Bryan Murray and team captain, Daniel Alfredsson chat with the media.

GO SENS GO

Nothing is impossible unless you don't try and ...

Being down 0-2 in the Stanley cup final was not in Bryan Murray's game plan when the team left for California last Saturday. It's a fact the he and the players now have to deal with in the next two games on home ice.

The time for excuses are over, forget about the complaining about being held up as you go chase for puck, just skate and chase the puck. Maybe the reason why you were being held up, is you stopped skating, skate and make them chase you. You need to keep Giguere busy, he has been having too much fun out there,time for him to work a bit and get in his face. Get under Pronger's skin, you know he has a bad habit of getting fustrated and that's when the wheels fall off and it may create the shift in series you need.Make it a collectif effort and not spurts of of individual ones.

The guy behind the bench has to start coaching and stop whinning, you got ''out coached'' badly in the two games in Anaheim, time to turn the table and get your players hopping.

Ken Dryden, Jean Beliveau and Henri Richard and the Canadiens were in the same boat as you are back in 1971, and found a way to win the Stanley cup. Team work, determination and character will allow you to accomplish it.

Blues have their own cap limit

Jeremy Rutherford, from the St-Louis Dispacth, mentions that the Blues will set their own cap limit for this season at 40 million, even though the league limit will be around 49 million.