Archive for July, 2006

Hurricanes Trade for Scott Walker

Scott Walker, 33, had injury trouble last season with the Predators, but his $1.52 million salary next season and potential to put up 25-30 goals and 50-60 points is his upside. I would’ve been skeptical if Holland had traded for Walker, as he gives me the Ray Whitney feeling. But anything beats signing Griffins at this point. I’m starving for anything NHL level…

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The Wings neglect to sign MacLean, who goes to Phoenix

I’d totally missed this last week but it was pointed out to me and I was pretty surprised. If you remember, Don MacLean had an MVP season in the AHL last year, scoring 56 goals and notching 36 assists in 76 many games with the Griffins.

He was brought up to the NHL late in the season and played three games with the Wings, scoring a goal and adding an assist. According to MacLean, however, the Wings didn’t have much of an interest in signing him. So, Phoenix gave him two-year, two-way contract that will pay him the league minimum ($500,000) if he makes the NHL roster.

Quite frankly, I cannot understand why the Wings had no interest in MacLean. He may well prove unable to put up the same numbers in the NHL but surely he was worth giving a chance, especially given the loss of Shanahan. They’ll give little Jiri Hudler a contract but ignore MacLean, who has size, significant scoring ability and who was signed at a can’t-beat price. Real smooth, Kenny. Oh well.

Good luck in Phoenix, Don.

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Khan: Wings sign Hudler, Bootland, Kolanos

If I recall correctly, neither Hudler nor Bootland can play in the AHL next year so, barring a trade, they should be with the Wings in the NHL this season. Little Jiri Hudler should bring some offense to the table while Darryl Bootland will add toughness, some scoring and new female fans. Kolanos sounds like more GR roster filler, a la Dan Smith and Matt Hussey, yesterday’s blockbuster signings by the wheelin’-and-dealin’ Detroit front office. (forgive the sarcasm)

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