NHL Morning Papers (Sunday Edition): Another take on the Dany Heatley controversy, Ryan Smyth could have acted like Heatley and did the Rangers break the code by signing Donald Brashear?

Posted by Richard Pollock in NHL Morning Papers on July 5, 2009 — No Comments

NHL Free Agency

With the signing of Rick Nash to a long-term deal, the Blue Jackets may now have a far better chance of attracting talent to Columbus, opines Aaron Portzline.
The Wings are working on a deal with Jiri Hudler, while also looking to add a forward through free agency.
The Islanders aren’t expected to make another splash in free agency but it is possible.
Through free agency, trades and the draft, the Rangers are a better team today than they were heading into last season, explains Steve Zipay.
Penguins netminder Marc-Andre Fleury thought his team would lose a lot more players than it has so far this off-season.
Vancouver fans have to be happy after reading what Mike Babcock had to say about Mikael Samuelsson.

Trade Rumors

Consider Kevin Paul Dupont unimpressed by the way Dany Heatley has handled his trade demand situation.
Senators owner Eugene Melnyk is very angry at what’s been going on with the Heatley situation.
Ryan Smyth was not surprised that he was traded by Colorado, writes Adrian Dater.
Speaking of Smyth, he didn’t have to waive his no-trade clause to Los Angeles but he did.

Everything Else

Larry Brooks chastises the Rangers organization for its signing of Donald Brashear.
The Sabres have made a point of drafting toughness lately, writes Larry Felser.
If Jerry Reinsdorf does buy the Coyotes, could his son be in charge of running the franchise?
Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune says hockey is the biggest news in Chicago in July and he’s as surprised about that as anyone.
Things were looking great in Chicago until the team was slow in sending its qualifying offers out to a number of players, leaving the NHL to figure out whether these players may now be deemed to be free agents.
Meanwhile, Bob Hunter of the Columbus Dispatch says sports stars spending their entire careers in Columbus is rare.
Jim Souhan of the Star Tribune is impressed that Wild GM Chuck Fletcher hasn’t taken any advice from any other of the Minnesota area GMs.
Pittsburgh draft pick Andy Bathgate will be playing in his grandfather’s shadow.
The Calgary Flames players are looking forward to playing for a coach in Brent Sutter that expects the same things out of each and every player.
Who will be the next captain of the Habs?