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Post by instaaled on Apr 1, 2006 22:19:50 GMT -5
BIG NEWS IN CAROLINA 8/5/05
The Carolina Hurricanes™ announced the hiring of new GM, Ryan inSTAALed, this morning. They were obviously won over by his awesome last name with crazy punctuation. Jim Rutherford was happy to step aside for the new-comer saying, "He [inSTAALed] has a bright future ahead of him, and an awesome last name to boot! I am glad that awesome people like him can get a job being a GM in the big league."
In a press conference this afternoon, inSTAALed listed his goals for the upcoming season.
"I plan on shedding some of our veteran players to make room for our youngsters such as Staal and Cole. They are a couple of key players for us, and this should be a big year for both of them. A few of our contracts are really outrageous and that needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Cam [Ward] is our goalie for the future, and I want to get him some playing time. I feel that our team is in a rebuilding phase right now. It would be nice to get to know the players and staff so that I can bring in the right people to make the Hurricanes a power in the NHL for a long time."
Other things that were covered in the press conference were inSTAALed's plans for reworking scouting, and words of praise for the coach, Peter Laviolette.
"I really enjoy the way Peter coaches the game, fast and always pressuring." Ryan said. "I'm going to do everything in my power to keep him with us, and to bring in players that merge well with him and his style."
Hurricanes fans were skeptical at first, but after the press conference, they like the way the teams future looks. Joey McJoeson, a Raleigh native, stated, "I'm not expected this team to do incredibly well this season since they're rebuilding, but if it means we will have a strong team in the future, I'm all for it!"
inSTAALed also wanted to wish the other GMs of the league good luck in their quest for the cup in the 2005-2006 season. "I would watch out for San Jose and Buffalo this season. I like the way their squads look, but I would like to wish all the teams good luck this season."
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Post by instaaled on Apr 1, 2006 23:29:03 GMT -5
The Rumor Pool is Churning! 8/5/05
Recent trade rumors around the league are centered around Carolina and Calgary.
In Carolina, Rod Brind'Amour has been rumored to be heading to Boston according to a recent report in The Ottawa Sun while other rumors have been circulating regarding Doug Weight and Mark Recchi.
Calgary may have a deal revolving around Kristian Huselius in the works with an east coast team. Brad Emond of Nashville is rumored to have spoken with Javs Hendirx, but this rumor appears to be unfounded.
We will keep you updated as more information is received.
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Post by instaaled on Apr 1, 2006 23:45:52 GMT -5
Interview With Boston GM, Alex Tousignant 8/5/05
What got you interested in hockey?
AT: My upbringing, mostly. My father loved hockey, so I love hockey.
What was your favorite team as a child?
AT: Boston, and it still is.
What is it like to GM the team you loved as a child?
AT: It's cool. We have some great young talent and some quality vets, but it will be rough for awhile, though. I would like to point out that I like the [Joe] Thornton trade the old GM did before I got here.
How do you plan on dividing up goalie playing time this season?
AT: Hmm... Well I plan to platoon [Tim] Thomas and [Andrew] Raycroft, mostly Raycroft early on. Depending on how the coaches deal with them, I'll go from there. If [Hannu] Toivonen plays good in the AHL he could see a call up, however I don't plan to rush him. Raycroft will most likely be the starter, I don't plan on trading for a goalie this season.
How do you expect the defensive pairings to look if no trades happen?
AT: Umm... Good Question. (laughs)
Thank you.
AT: Well the first, and most important, thing to do is make [Brad] Stuart or [Nick] Boynton learn Left Defense.
Why?
AT: They are both Right Defensemen, as are most of my Defense which has created a log jam of sorts. My only two defensemen that can play Right Defense are [Hal] Gill and [Andrew] Alberts. [Jiri] Slegr and [Brian] Leetch can play Left Defense but I want Leetch in his natural position. I may try Boynton - Leetch as one pairing, Gill - Stuart as another, and Slegr - Tanabe as a third.
How is Patrice Bergerons development looking coming off of the lockout season? Do you predict a breakout season for him?
AT: He is coming along quite well. We hope to finalize a trade with Carolina that will give us [Rod] Brind'Amour, so I am thinking he will take second line duties at center. He can also play Right Wing which is nice. His faceoffs really need some work so you may see him more at Right wing than at center. A breakout season would be nice, and I hope he can put up some big numbers, but I'll have to find him a good center to play with if I move him to wing. If he can improve on his 39 points as a rookie and get closer to 50, I'll be happy. Anything more is just a bonus. I'm hoping something like 20 goals and 30 assists out of him.
Can you describe the Brind'Amour trade that has been circulating lately?
AT: I can pretty much confirm that he will be coming to Boston for a draft choice and a prospect. Which ones, I can't tell you as of yet. It appears that the Hurricanes are trying to dump their larger salaries, including Brindy, so he came to us with an offer, and a little negotiation later and a deal was made. I can assure you the prospect was not Lashoff or Stuart, but he may have a shot at becoming a future depth D-man in the future for their franchise, most likely an injury call up or a solid AHLer.
Who are you expecting to be your team leader/captain?
AT: We are hoping that it will be Brind'Amour if he comes over. We don't particularly like the idea of making a new player a team captain, however, it's the start of a new season coming off of the lockout, and I feel it could be a good move. We are also considering a few other guys to be captains and assistant captains. We are lucky to possess lots of mature, good players who have also shown great leadership qualities. Primeau, Leetch, Murray, Axelsson, and even Bergeron have been slated to wear the "C" or "A".
How do you like your team's chances of going deep into the playoffs this season?
AT: Well, we will need to play hard during the regular season to get into the playoffs first. This team is good, but does have it's flaws. Goaltending will have to be clutch and our scoring may be a problem. Realistically, I think we could get fairly far, but we may get in as the 7th or 8th seed and get knocked out in the first round. I think the Cup will be going to Pittsburgh, Anaheim, or maybe Calgary, but it's anyones for the taking right now.
Thanks for taking your time for this interview, Alex.
AT: Glad you could have me.
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Post by instaaled on Apr 2, 2006 17:25:47 GMT -5
Big Trade Sends Fan Favorite to Boston 8/5/05
Today Carolina Hurricanes General Manager, Ryan inSTAALed, announced a trade that would send proven veteran and team leader Rod Brind'Amour to the Bruins for a prospect and a day one draft pick in 2007.
"Alot of you may not agree with the trade that I made," inSTAALed stated at a press conference this afternoon. "I know the Rod was a fan favorite here, but I had the team's best interests in mind when I put him on the block. His contract was much too large for us to handle. This is a contract year for Erik Cole and I wanted to make sure I had the money to resign him after this season."
In return for Brind'Amour, the Hurricanes recieved defensive prospect Matt Hunwick, who is currently playing for The University of Michigan, and a 3rd round draft choice in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
"Hunwick isn't going to be a star player. I see him being more of a depth guy in case we get hit by the injury bug. He has excellent skating ability and a great transition game which is something we are looking for in our defensemen. The main thing that will keep him from being a regular player is his size. If he can grow into his frame, than he may find a spot in the regular line up in the future."
Hunwick is entering his Junior year at Michigan where he is a team leader playing on the top defensive pairing while wearing the "A". Over his past two seasons there he has been named to the CCHA All Rookie team and played for the United States in the World Junior Championship.
"I'm hoping him and Jack Johnson get along alright. They may be playing on the same team in an upcoming season." joked inSTAALed.
"We want to wish all the luck to Rod Brind'Amour and his family in Boston. You will be missed."
Yes he will..
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Post by instaaled on Apr 2, 2006 18:08:57 GMT -5
Interview with Buffalo GM, Tom E5150 8/5/05
What were you thinking when you were called about the Buffalo job?
TE: I had been friends with a few members of the Board, so I guess it does help to have friends in high places. I've been an avid fan of the team for years, so I guess they figured I was the best man for the job.
Have you always been a fan of the Sabres?
TE: Well I grew up in Toronto, so I was always a fan of their's. I was eventually turned on to the Sabres after I played a number of hockey tournaments in the Buffalo area and got to see them practice.
So you play hockey as well?
TE: As a teen, nothing major. Just a fun house league team.
What is your game plan for the preseason?
TE: Well, I think the Sabres already have the tools in place to be a serious cup contender. I'll just do some polishing here and there, and focus on brining the team together to get some chemistry going.
Any trades in the works that your willing to share with us?
TE: Well, we have contacted a number of teams, and there has been some great interest in goalies Ryan Miller and Martin Biron, but it will take quite a good offer for me to move either of them.
It's been talked about that you are looking for some defensemen. What can you tell us about that?
TE: Well yes, I think its the main area that our team needs to work on, I already made a move to bring in Brent Sopel from the Kings. I'm hopeing to bring in one or two more guys to help bolster the ranks.
Where does Sopel fit in with the rest of your team?
TE: Sopel is a great player that I have eyed for a while, and I'm sure he will be getting some time on the powerplay.
Speaking of the powerplay, how do you feel your special teams will be this season?
TE: I am very confident in both, we have a great combonation of playmakers and snipers up front, and 2 or 3 defenseman that will be able to quarterback the play. We also have many players that are willing to play the more defensive aspect of the game. I am very confident the team will do well this season.
Buffalo has a great mix of youth and veteran players. Who do you believe will step up their game to the next level this season?
TE: Well, starting on defense, I'm looking for Alex Kotalik to have a great year. I'm sure some of the more experienced players like McKee and Numinnen will help him along with his developement. Tomas Vanek is another young guy we are looking forward to have a great year. He will probably be playing on the wing with Chris Drury. I have high hopes for Tim Connolly and Paul Gaustad as well.
Do you see any of your veterans having career years?
TE: Yes, I think we have a great mix of players, and they will rub off on each other.
Who are you planning on giving the "C" and "A"s this upcoming season?
TE: That is something the team will choose themselves.
Care to elaborate?
TE: I don't beilive its right for a GM to choose who should lead the team. The players will vote on who they think deserves to be their captain.
How do you like your team's chances of making it into the playoffs?
TE: I'm confident that we will be serious cup contenders this year.
Anything else you want to tell the fans?
TE: Come out and watch us play. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you for taking time out of your schedule for this interview.
TE: No problem home slice! Keep it real, dawg!
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Post by instaaled on Apr 2, 2006 19:13:25 GMT -5
Another Huge Trade for Carolina 8/5/05
Hours after the Rod Brind'Amour trade was announced, Carolina Hurricanes General Manager, Ryan inSTAALed held another press conference to announce another trade, this time involving an NHL All-Star and Olympic player on multiple occasions.
Doug Weight was dealt to rival Southeast Division team Tampa Bay in exchange for Jason Jaspers and Ruslan Fedatenko.
"The main issue we were trying to address here was cap space. Like I stated a few hours ago, this is a contract year for some of our franchise players, and we need the cap room to resign them" inSTAALed said. "Jaspers should be a hard-working, energy player for us, and Fedatenko is a speedy winger that we hope will gel with Staal and Cole."
In Tampa Bay, Lightning GM Aly Kaba was quoted during a press conference, "We are very excited to bring in a veteran like Dougie. He's a terrific playmaker, and a great team leader. Losing Ruslan & Jason, who are both still farily young, was not our personal choice, but we felt we needed someone like Doug Weight, to solidify our roster. He is an establised, first class player who will only make our team better."
This trade further solidified the fact that Carolina is rebuilding this season, and that Tampa Bay wants to make a run at going deep into the playoffs. Kaba said, "I think with the trade we have a very strong chance to win the division, but there are still 82 games to be played and we can't get ahead of ourselves. We need to work hard game in and game out, acquiring a guy like Dougie Weight doesn't hurt either. He brings a lot of work ethic to our room, and it always rubs off on his whole team, every team he's ever played for. We feel we have a great core here that can do something really special this season. We just gotta perform on the ice, work hard & see what happens."
Other teams are taking notice of Tampa Bay as well. Washington Capitals GM, Rahim Kassam, said in an interview this afternoon: "Tampa Bay seems to be really committed this year, already acquiring a young phenom in Miller, and now the addition of Doug Weight makes them a legitimate threat for the cup. Instant goaltending and scoring improvements."
Maybe a repeat for the Bolts could be possible, but it's hard to tell without any teams having played a game yet. Once the regular season starts, we will have a clearer picture.
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Post by instaaled on Apr 3, 2006 9:19:57 GMT -5
Trade Review - 8/5/05 8/6/05
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Calgary Gets:
Marc Staal
NY Rangers Get:
Matthieu Lombardi
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Buffalo Gets:
Brent Sopel
Los Angeles Gets:
Toni Lydman 5th Round Draft Choice (Buffalo) in 2006 NHL Entry Draft --
Calgary Gets:
Jason Blake
NY Islanders Get:
Kristian Huselius Bryan Marchment
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Washington Gets:
Sami Salo
Vancouver Gets:
Tony Fleischmann Jared Aulin 6th Round Draft Choice (Washington) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft
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Boston Gets:
Rod Brind'Amour
Carolina Gets:
Matt Hunwick 3rd Round Draft Choice (Boston) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft
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Tampa Bay Gets:
Doug Weight
Carolina Gets:
Ruslan Fedatenko Jason Jaspers
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Post by instaaled on Apr 4, 2006 20:20:02 GMT -5
Trade Review - 8/6/05 + 8/7/05 8/8/05
-- Tampa Bay Gets: Nolan Yonkman Brian Sutherby 7th Round Draft Choice (Washington) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft
Washington Gets: Cory Sarich 6th Round Draft Choice (Tampa Bay) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft -- Calgary Gets: Norm Milley
Tampa Bay Gets: Jamie Lundmark -- Boston Gets: Fredrick Modin
Tampa Bay Gets: David Tanabe Pat Leahy Ian Moran 3rd Round Draft Choice (Boston) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft -- Calgary Gets: Jordan Tootoo 4th Round Draft Choice (Nashville) in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft
Nashville Gets: Andrew Ference -- Calgary Gets: Jordan Leopold
New York Rangers Get: Matthew Lombardi -- Buffalo Gets: Teemu Laakso
Nashville Gets: Teppo Numminen -- Tampa Bay Gets: Todd Bertuzzi Richard Park Jarkko Ruutu Matt Cooke
Vancouver Gets: Martin St. Louis Vaclav Prospal Nolan Pratt --
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Post by instaaled on Apr 5, 2006 14:30:20 GMT -5
Waiver Action - 8/7/05 - 8/10/05 8/11/05
-- Minnesota Wild claimed Patrice Brisebois from Colorado Avalanche. -- Chicago Blackhawks claimed Peter Nedved from Philadelphia Flyers. -- Pittsburgh Penguins claimed Keith Primeau from Philadelphia Flyers. -- Los Angeles Kings claimed Garth Snow from New York Islanders. -- Philadelphia Flyers claimed Josef Vasicek from Carolina Hurricanes.
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Post by instaaled on Apr 5, 2006 14:38:07 GMT -5
'Canes Lose Center Vasicek to Waivers 8/11/06
Earlier today the Carolina Hurricanes recieved word that fan favorite, Josef Vasicek, had been claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers.
Ryan inSTAALed, GM of the Hurricanes, said that, "We were going to send him down to Lowell to help him recover from a knee injury that will put him out for about 5-7 months. Turns out, the Flyers were looking for another injury prone center for some reason, whatever it may be. I just want to wish Big Jo the best of luck with the Flyers and a speedy recovery from reconstructive knee surgery."
After the two recent trades sending Rod Brind'Amour to Boston and Doug Weight to Tampa Bay, the Hurricanes are running low on centers. Right now Eric Staal, Kevyn Adams, and Matt Cullen are the only 3 NHL ready centers remaining.
"We are looking around the market for a center for the second line. We aren't comfortable having Kevyn play on a scoring line. Him and Craig work great together on the penalty kill and on a checking line, which is where we want Kevyn to be." inSTAALed said. "Vasicek was who we really wanted there, but now that won't be happening."
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Post by instaaled on Apr 6, 2006 14:09:48 GMT -5
Trade Review - 8/11/05-8/15/05 8/16/05
-- Buffalo Gets: Dan Boyle Pavel Kubina Fifth Round Draft Choice (Tampa Bay) in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
Tampa Bay Gets: Ryan Miller Brian Campbell 3rd Round Draft Choice (Buffalo) in 2007 NHL Entry Draft
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Post by instaaled on Apr 6, 2006 14:23:18 GMT -5
Staff Changes for 'Canes8/16/05 Over the past week, Carolina Hurricanes General Manager, Ryan inSTAALed, has been working the staff market. "I'm trying to bring in the right coaches to mesh with our players and staff. [Peter] Laviolette prefers a flashy, attacking game and our assistant coaches need to as well." inSTAALed said. "In a couple of seasons we should be contenders for the Stanley Cup if we can bring in the right players, coaches, and staff." Assistant Coach Keven McCarthy was fired and replaced by Jeff Daniels, who is a former Hartford Whaler and Carolina Hurricanes player who was an important energy guy on the fourth line during the 2001-2002 season. Also brought in was Mark Chapman, who is sometimes mistaken for THE Mark Chapman who killed John Lennon. He is a former sports reporter for a newspaper in England, but has since coached various Junior teams around the world, most recently in Germany. "Jeff and Mark should compliment Laviolette very well. They are all around the same age, as well as married, so they know the family life well. They should fit right along with eachother." inSTAALed stated in an interview. Also fired were some members of the scouting staff who were deemed to be worse than decent by Laviolette and inSTAALed. To replace them, 4 new scouts were hired. Full details of these scouts can be found on our website. (editors note: it doesn't exist )
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Post by instaaled on Apr 6, 2006 16:52:39 GMT -5
Interview with Phoenix Coyote's GM, Daniel Decker 8/16/05
What got you interested in hockey?
DD: I introduced myself to hockey when I was about 8 years old. I was at home in L.A. and I remember thinking I wanted to follow a new sport other than baseball. I saw a "Prime Ticket" commercial advertising an upcoming Kings game and a made a date with my TV. I was hooked from then on out and have been a huge Kings fan ever since
What were you thinking when you got a call to be a GM in the NHL?
DD: Well I dang near pissed myself. I was at home doing some freelance scouting on the Dish when my cell rang. As soon as I heard Wayne I knew something good was coming my way.
So you spoke to Gretzky? What did he have to say?
DD: Well we had met a banquet once before so were somewhat familiar with eachother, or I should say he was somewhat familiar with me. He said his organization was looking for someone to come in and be GM. He said he wanted me to apply for the position and that was about it.
What are you planning on doing to make the Coyotes contenders this season?
DD: Well Wayne and company have made it clear to me that we are in the middle of a building process and that we're not really looking to be major contenders this year. However we're very excited about our youthful team and the talent that we have. We think the group we have can do some damage, but my main focus will be to continue to build this team from within, so I don't expect to make any major changes.
How does it feel having a veteran netminder like Curtis Joseph on your team?
DD: Curtis is a great guy to have around. We were joking the other day saying that we both wish he was about 10 years younger. We're very glad to have him on the team and I think he will be a good leader for our young team.
How do you expect your offensive lines to look approaching opening night?
DD: Well we're going to be missing the services of Nagy for a good portion of the season. His injury is very unfortunate for us, but as far as the lines will look I wouldn't want to comment on that at this point. we have training camp to go through and in the end it will be Wayne's decision on who dresses and where they will be playing.
How big of an impact does Nagy's injury have on your scoring capabilities?
DD: Well it will be substantial no question. He is one of our top stars for offense and his being out of the lineup will have an impact. There is some work for me here, I will be looking around to try and add some more offensive power, but it will have to be the right deal.
Who do you expect to have a breakout season?
DD: Well we have some young guys coming in on defense that we look forward to seeing. We expect them to come out and work hard in their first season. We expect to see Morris really elevate his game also.
Which prospects do you expect to step up their play this season?
DD: Once training camp rolls through we will have a better idea of who to look out for.
Thanks for the interview and good luck this season.
DD: My pleasure.
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Post by instaaled on Apr 7, 2006 21:29:56 GMT -5
Interview with Washington GM, Rahim Kassam 8/16/05
Let's cut right to the chase. We know your confident about your teams chances after some of the trades you have made. Who did you acquire and how do you plan to use them?
RK: Well, we made significant gains to our blueline, acquiring steady rearguards Sami Salo and Corey Sarich. The key in obtaining such hardworking players is to solidify, and have some strength on our PP and PK units. We also acquired Shean Donovan. With sucha young team, we need veterans, two way players who may lead the way. Halps (Jeff Halpern) cannot do it alone. Salo, as well, helps bolster some leadership on the blueline.
You have perhaps one of the best rookies to come along in a while with Alexander Ovechkin. It's going to be a tough race for the Calder this season. Who do you see coming out on top?
RK: Oh boy, Sid the Kid will have his guns going, thats for sure. Marek Svatos though, is highly underrated, and surrounded by a better supporting cast, he may just sneak in there. I don't want to jinx Alex (laughs), so I will just say that it is going to be a very tight race.
How do you like your chances of making it deep into the postseason, and perhaps winning the cup, this year?
RK: Hmm, we have to be realistic. Our primary goal, and goal for this season, is to make the playoffs. We are a very young team, a team that will take time to develop. Future wise, we have a great shot at being in the show, but as of right now, it simply is not in the cards.
Which of your younger players do you feel can step up their game this season that isn't named Alexander Ovechkin?
RK: One player that we are interested in particular, is the other Alex, Alexander Semin. He has already shown great offensive ability, a [Ladislav] Nagy type player. Another player that we will definitely be keeping our eye on is Eric Fehr, a man who could very well become a force in the league. At 19, he already appears to be NHL ready. We are certainly excited to see him in action.
You've already told us how you expect the defensive pairings to shape up. What about the offense?
RK: The offensive pairings, are indeed a pickle. Unfortunately, Halps is our only natural centre. This leaves us at a pickle. Right now, I would say, Halps is our first line centre, with Alex O and Shean Donovan supporting the wings. Zubrus will be used for the second line since he has played some centre, and semin and fehr will be the supporting cast. Our third line will feature Hardworking Matt Pettinger, along with Chris Clark and Rico Fata. However, we are still in the hunt for a 5th-6th dman, so our d core is not set in stone just yet. Our 4th line spots will be up for grabs, Matt Bradley though will likely be on that line. It is not set in stone by any means, since some deals are still being worked out.
Who do you think will end up wearing the "C" and "A"s this season?
RK: Nothing is set in stone yet, but Halps should definitely nab the C. He is easily one of our most influential player. One of the A's will most likely go to Shean Donovan, and the last one to Sami Salo. We want the vets the lead the way.
Do you expect any of your veterans to have career seasons?
RK: Jeff Halpern, he will be leading the way, and he will be getting a tons of minutes, first line, PP, and PK. We expect him to have a great year.
Thanks for the interview and good luck for you and your Caps this season.
RK: No problem.
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Post by instaaled on Apr 9, 2006 16:40:39 GMT -5
Trade Review - 8/16/05 - 8/24/05 8/24/05
-- Buffalo Gets: Ben Bishop
St. Louis Gets: Mike Griere 5th Round Draft Choice (Buffalo) in 2006 NHL Entry Draft -- Ottawa Gets: Ryan VandenBussche
Pittsburgh Gets: 4th Round Draft Choice (Ottawa) in 2006 NHL Entry Draft -- Carolina Gets: 1st Round Draft Choice (Carolina) in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
St. Louis Gets: Cory Stillman Frantisek Kaberle 6th Round Draft Choice (Carolina) in 2006 NHL Entry Draft -- Edmonton Gets: Nathan McIver
Vancouver Gets: Matt Greene -- Edmonton Gets: John Flatters
Philadelphia Gets: Marc-Antoine Pouilet
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