Sharks 11 Mar : 10:39
any GM's out there looking to make moves? hello...been very slow out there and the deadline is coming....lol..14 more sims to go!!! big playoff push!
Sharks 10 Mar : 10:02
IF you use IM or MSN whatever platform you use post your emails or new contact info in the thread...
Sharks 10 Mar : 09:47
Can we get all the GM's and their contact info updated? what about MSN emails making it easier to converse with Gm's? I will start Thread!
‘Trader Rob’ a moniker being thrown around in some circles, in the likeness of Cliff Fletcher back in the day, he has been very busy working the phones over the past few weeks.Managing in the process in not only improving his team but also getting his team slapped with a hefty fine for Cap violations, a move that Team Ownership deemed prudent in order to make the moves necessary to move towards a Cup Run.
The GM in his wary ways shipped out some players that were not pulling their weight and also seemed like they needed a change of scenery. The Mason Experiment is over, Chris Mason and Nik Antropov acquired recently by the GM were shipped out to acquire Future Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur recently from the Flyers. Getting one of the most decorated goalies in NAIHL history sent a strong message to the Sharks Leadership and Fans..."We want to win now”.
In acquiring not only the hefty price tag of Brodeur, it also allows for the Savvy Vet to Mentor the young up and comer and future Sharks Stopper, Jon Quick. Brodeur lost his starting job to King Henry, Henrik Lundqvist with the Philadelphia Flyers this season and only seemed fitting that the Flyers ship out Brodeur who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The Sharks GM jumped at the chance to have Marty between the pipes and presumably, the trade was a done deal as soon as Jeff Childs and Rob Paul had decided upon the specifics."We are pleased to add Martin and Scott," said Paul, speaking about rugged winger Scott Hartnell who came over in the swap. "Martin will get an opportunity to play every night now and provide the veteran leadership to our club.” Even though they gave up a first rounder acquired in a trade with Chicago in the Jokinen for Legwand swap, Paul was assuring all those doubters that Martin could provide the necessary backstop that a 1st rounder could not.
"Martin is as classy and professional as they come," Sharks general manager Rob Paul said in a statement. “Scott will provide the toughness and Grit up front and some defensive prowess that will enable our other skilled forwards to do what they do...thats Score”, and score they have, the Sharks have tallied 17 goals in the past three games.
In another recent move the Sharks and Lightning completed a multi-player deal and the Sharks acquired veterans Kim Johnnson, Petr Sykora and Manny Malhotra. All three players will have key roles, Malhotra, a shutdown faceoff machine, Johnsson a point presence on the power play and shutdown dman and Sykora a Power Play Specialist. In his 2nd game as a Shark, Sykora scored a Hat Trick and all three have points in their first two games as Sharks.
According to Johnsson, he says its more about playoff hockey. “I want to win and the Sharks have provided me with the opportunity” Malhotra, who isn't known for his offensive skills ,when asked about his new surroundings said, “scoring this much in the last week while keeping the opposition off the score sheet...It shows how everybody is involved, how everybody needs to chip in to win, especially when it comes time for the playoffs”. As for Brodeur, he is still living in a hotel and only starting to get to know his new California surroundings — both on and off the ice.
Johnsson said he is still adjusting to the Sharks' coaching terminology. And every practice seems to introduce something new."Today there were a couple of drills out there that I hadn't seen before — entry drills, how defensemen get involved," he said this week. From Coach Steven's perspective, Johnsson still "has to get through that baptism stage, if you will, to feel instinctive rather than reactionary. I think he's getting there."
"This is a team that has a chance not only to win this year, but to be successful in many years to come," Johnsson said of the Sharks. "I'm at the end of my career, and I would love to maybe stay here for a couple more, but who knows?” he added, "I can't think about that. Right now, I have to focus on these games and get prepared for the playoffs." Paul has said that he may not be finished and getting prepared for the playoffs and beyond is a never ending battle, but many GM’s have been quiet this season and seem to be content with riding out the season.
“Sometimes I don’t even get a return call, thats how quiet it’s been this season, maybe they don’t have the same desire as me but one thing is certain don’t expect me to stop trying”.
On behalf of the NAIHL Board of Directors, the league would like to thank John Cluney for his service to the league. After five years John has stepped aside as the operator of the simulator software, in order to focus his attentions more closely on the Montreal Canadiens. Jouni Virta has taken over the simming responsibilities.
Many thanks to John for his years of hard work that resulted in enjoyment for everyone in the league, and please give Jouni your support and patience as we work through this transition period.
With the NAIHL Olympic break almost upon us this would be a good time to examine what player does the most to help keep his team running smoothly.
Each year in the NAIHL there is always one player who means more to their team then they would like to admit. Listed below is an inside peek at who each team’s leading MVP candidate is so far this season.
Northeast Division Canadiens MVP - Jose Theodore. On a team built from blood, sweat and tears the nod goes to the renaissance of Theodore in net. He has the Canadiens grasp exceeding their reach and in the playoff hunt. Sabres MVP - Niklas Backstrom. He’s the backbone of Buffalo’s rise in the eastern conference. Backstrom is near the top of every major goaltending category. Bruins MVP - Marc Savard. He's leading the B's in goals, assists, PP goals and SH goals. The defending cup champs look to be rounding into form for a second half surge and Savard looks to be leading the way. Devils MVP – Daniel Sedin. He’s the Devils leader in goals, PP goals and GW goals. His brother Henrik sets them up and Daniel knocks them down. Daniel’s leading the charge on a surging Devils team. Islanders MVP – Rod Brind’Amour. The Isles captain is leading the team in scoring, PP goals and +/-, not to mention being their top faceoff man in crucial situations. Rangers MVP – Craig Conroy. On a rebuilding team in the big apple Conroy is showing that his 38 year old legs have something left, leading the team in goals and scoring. Senators MVP – Kristian Huselius. The Sens leading scorer and pending FA looks to be playing for a pay day in the off season.
Souteast Division Hurricanes MVP – Tomas Vokoun. On a team loaded with stars it’s hard to pick just one, but Vokoun has the Hurricanes challenging for a conference title and putting the bad memories of missing the playoffs last year out of everyone’s mind. Flyers MVP – Zach Parise. On a team full of shinning stars Parise has gone supernova. He’s leading the Flyers in goals, points, PP goals & GW goals. Penguins MVP – Sheldon Souray. He is quarterbacking the league’s most dangerous power play. The big D-man is leading a veteran Penguin team in goals, assists, points, PP & GW goals. Lightning MVP – Derrick Brassard. This young gun is leading his team in goals and points. He’s one of the team leaders in +/-, second on the team in PP & GW goals. Panthers MVP – Bobby Ryan. Despite only playing in 23 of the team’s 50 games this season he is tied for the team lead in goals and 4th on the team in points. He’s second on the team in GW goals and leads the team in GT goals Thrashers MVP – Jason Williams. He’s the Thrashers leading goal scorer, leader in PP & GW goals and second on the team in points. Capitals MVP – Steven Stamkos. Although he has only played 23 out of the Caps 50 games this year he has 20 points and leads the team in GW goals. This future superstar will be the team’s MVP for years to come.
Northwest Division Blues MVP – Steve Mason. He has backstopped the Blues to the top of the NAIHL standings this year. He is the league leader in wins, shutouts and near the top in every other major category. Flames MVP – Jeff Carter. Carter has been mister everything for the high powered Flames this year. He’s leading the team in goals, points, +/-, PP goals, SH goals and GW goals. Maple Leafs MVP – Dwayne Roloson. He’s another 40 year old that has been lights out this season. Roloson is the driving force behind the Leafs return to prominence in the Western Conference. Blackhawks MVP – Michael Cammalleri. He’s the Blackhawks leader in goals, points, GW goals and is second on the team in PP goals. Cammalleri is doing his part to keep the Hawks in the tight Western playoff race. Oilers MVP – Daniel Cleary. He has proven to be a bright spot this year for the rebuilding Oilers. He’s leading the team in goals, points and PP goals. Red Wings MVP – Alexei Kovalev. Since coming over from Philly in an early season trade Kovalev has been the Wings most dominant offensive player. He’s leading the team in every offensive category. Canucks MVP – Jason Blake. This early season pickup has been somewhat of a bright spot for the re-building Canucks. He leads the team in goals, points, PP goals and GW goals.
Southwest Division Ducks MVP – Tim Thomas. He’s the league leader in GAA and SV% for the high octane Ducks. With Thomas in net Anaheim has the confidence to continue their run and gun offense. Kings MVP – Cam Ward. While Chris Pronger also warranted team MVP consideration Ward gets the nod with his stellar performance this year. He’s near the top of every major goaltending category in the league. Stars MVP – Marion Gaborik. On a loaded team that includes Crosby, Iginla and Staal he’s the Stars leader in goals, points, PP goals and GW goals. Sharks MVP – Alex Ovechkin. Who else could it be? He’s leading the league in goals, points and is tied for the league lead in GW goals. Ovie is the heart and soul of the Shark attack. Predators MVP – David Krejci. This young gun is leading the Preds in goals and points, while proving to be a clutch performer with 8 GW goals. Coyotes MVP – Phil Kessel. He has been the desert dog’s best player this year leading the team in goals, points and PP goals. Avalanche MVP – Joakim Lindstrom. He’s leading the last place Avs in goals and points, but there are rumors that he is headed to Europe after the season. Things aren’t all bad in Avalanche country; at least they will be in competition for the 1st overall pick. Agree or disagree, who’s your MVP? Let the debates begin!
We have downloaded the rosters, looked at each team, attribute, and counted skaters with attributes at 75 or higher. Goalies were not included. Long tables do not post well into articles, so here is a summary and if enough of you want the full table, I will e-mail it to Jeff to put it on as a link.
For each of the attributes, these are the team with the highest number of skaters at 75 or higher and the percentage by division.
CK - Checking: 9 players Bruins, Devils, Rangers, Canadiens, Sharks, and Stars. By division: NE 33%, SW 26%, NW 23%, SE 18%. Looks like there is alot of hard hitting in the NE and a bunch of floaters in the SE.
FG - Fighting: 13 players Canadiens and Capitals. 11 Rangers, Panthers, Thrashers, Red Wings, and Canucks. By division: SE 26%, NW 25%, NE 24%, SW 24%.
DI - Discipline: 16 players Avalanche, 15 Maple Leafs, 13 Kings, 12 Flames and Coyotes. By division: SW 28%, NW 27%, SE 23%, NE 22%.
SK - Skating: 16 players Flyers, 15 Bruins, 14 Flames and Blues, 12 Sabres and Devils. By division: SE 28%, SW 25%, NE 24%, NW 24%. While the SE may not hit, look out they can fly by you.
ST - Strength: 11 players Rangers, 10 Panthers and Ducks, 9 Hurricanes and Sharks. By Division: NE 26%, SW 26%, SE 25%, NW 23%. DU - Durability: 19 players Ducks, 18 Kings and Flames, 17 Islanders. By division: SW 26%, SE 25%, NW 25%, NE 24%.
PH - Puck Handling: 17 players Flames, 16 Bruins, Sabres, Blues, and Kings, 15 Flyers. By division: SE,NW,SW 26%, NE 22%.
FO - Face Offs: 5 players Devils, 4 Maple Leafs and Ducks, 3 Rangers, Hurricanes, and Stars. By division: 30% NE, 28% SW, 26% NW, 17% SE. A big gap between the NE and SE on this one.
PA - Passing: 6 players Bruins, Devils, Hurricanes, Flames, and Blues. 5 for Ducks, Kings, and Sharks. By division: SW 30%, NE 28%, NW 24%, SE 18%.
SC - Scoring: 7 players Flames, 6 Devils and Sharks, 5 Flyers, Blues, Ducks, Kings, and Stars. By division: SW 36%, NW 23%, SE 21%, NE 20%. It looks like there is an arms race for scorers in the SW.
DF - Defense: 12 players Ducks, 11 Kings, 8 Devils, 7 Flames and Stars, 6 Flyers and Sharks. By Division: SW 37%, NE 24%, SE 20%, NW 19%. It looks like a viscious cycle in the SW. Teams are loading up on high DF to counteract the high SC.
EX - Experience: 15 players Penguins, 14 Sabres, 13 Kings, 12 Blackhawks, 11 Rangers, 10 Maple Leafs. By division: NE 26%, NW 25%, SE and SW 24%. Stay away from these teams come playoff time.
LD - Leadership: 15 players Penguins, 14 Sabres and Oilers, 13 Kings, 12 Blackhawks and Ducks. By division: NE 28%, SW 26%, NW 24%, SE 22%.
OV - Overall: 3 players Flyers, 2 Flames, Ducks, Kings, and Stars. By division: SW 44%, NE,SE,NW all 19%.
In the wake of controversy over the waiving of Ryan Kesler by the New Jersey Devils, the league's Board of Directors (Steve Schwartz, Angus Pippy, John Cluney, Al White, and Jeff Childs) has determined the following:
The New Jersey Devils waived Ryan Kesler. The Board believes this action was inadvertent and was not intentional, and is therefore allowing the Devils to retain Kesler.
The Ottawa Senators claimed Kesler off waivers, which was their right under the previous waiver system. As compensation, the Senators will be awarded the New Jersey Devils #7 pick in the 2010 NAIHL Entry Draft.
The league has altered the Waiver rule. The following Waiver rule addendum is effective immediately:
If a player is inadvertently placed on waivers, and the waiving GM wishes to pull the player back from waivers, the GM has the 48 hour waiver period to advise any member of the Board of Directors that he wishes to recall the player from waivers. The player will then be placed back on the GM's roster, and the GM will be penalized his lowest available draft pick for the upcoming NAIHL Draft, which will be awarded to the team that has been awarded the waiver claim of the player. If the GM cannot give up any picks without leaving him short of the minimum draft pick requirements, then the GM will have to pay $1-million in compensation to the team that has been awarded the waiver claim of the player. The waiving GM only has the 48 hour waiver period to act. After this period has expired, he is no longer entitled to any action or compensation regarding the waived player.
The Board also ruled that any teams who lost a player or players to waivers inadvertently since the start of last season may submit an e-mail to the NAIHL Board of Directors requesting compensation and explaining the reasons they feel they are entitled to compensation. The Board will then rule on these individual cases, awarding compensation of an additional 7th round draft pick to these teams where warranted. Teams have until Jan. 1 to make such a claim with the Board.
