Thought I'd put up a thread if anyone wants to discuss stuff. The draft began yesterday (John Tavares #1 pick by the Islanders) and two big trades in two days. The biggest free-agent prize, Jay Bouwmeester, is traded by Florida to Calgary. The Flames have exclusive negotiating rights to sign him until July 1, when he'd become an unrestricted free agent.

It was thought the Flyers might make a Bouwmeester push but they traded for Chris Pronger instead, as I blogged about. Yes, blatant plug alert.

Marian Hossa signs with the Blackhawks!

That will strongly effect any salary cap. Chicago will have to let a few good players go as a result.

Maybe not this upcoming season, but next year that would seem likely, especially if the cap figure drops due to the recession. Hossa's cap figure is somewhere over $5 million each year. The Blackhawks' young stars like Kane and Toews will be due higher salaries in the near future. That's when they'll have trouble with the cap.

Brian Burke has been busy as he revamps the Leafs to at least make them tougher in their own end of the rink having signed Francois Beauchemin, Mike Komisarek and Garnet Exelby. Today he landed one of the most sought after goalies of the free agent frenzy having signed the Swedish 'Monster' Jonas Gustavsson. If he is as good as people think the Leafs should be solid in goal between him and Toskala who should be back to his old excellent form after late season surgery to repair his hip which bothered him much of last season.

This description of Gustavsson is from the Toronto Star.
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The goalie had a breakout season with Farjestadt of the Swedish Elite League, earning the nickname Monster for his play and 6-foot-3 frame. In 42 games with Farjestad of the Swedish league last year, Gustavsson posted a 1.96 goals against average with three shutouts and a .932 save percentage. During the playoffs he had five shutouts in 13 games.

"Jonas is considered by many to be the best goaltender not playing in the NHL today," Leafs general manager Brian Burke said in a press release. "He has a unique combination of size and agility and we’re excited to add a player with his potential to our roster."

Colorado, San Jose and Dallas were also reportedly in the running to sign him.
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What do you think of Sergei Fedorov's prospects now that he needs to earn a living again? His best years are behind him.

He signed to play in Russia. How much does he need to do to earn his money from them? The talent level's not the same.

Well nobody can accuse Brian Burke of being shy about completely revamping the Leafs line up. Every move until yesterday was all about toughening up the team - and certainly all the fights in the pre-season opener against the Bruins was proof of that. But then his boldest move yet - landing 21 year old - 36 goal scorer - Phil Kessel from those Bruins for first round picks in 2010 and 2011 + a second round 2010 pick.
http://thestar.com/sports/hockey/article/698128

Suddenly Burke is making it clear the future is now. The Leafs will be tougher, they'll have better goalkeeping with a healthy Toskala being challenged by the hyped Swedish rookie Jonas Gustavsson - and now some added scoring punch with Kessel.

Surely we'll make the playoffs this year - won't we?

No. Kidding. I have no idea.

When I first saw it on an ESPN bottom-line crawl I was stunned. How could the Bruins trade Kessel? I can't imagine what their fans think.

I think Atlanta was very wise to sign Manny Legace! I wish him the best because that's what he gave to the Red Wings fans.