Much like RP, I also attended the Wild-Sabres game Monday night in Grand Forks. While none of the regulars put much effort into the game, a number of rookies put forth an effort. Petr Kalus, obtained by Minnesota in the Manny Fernandez trade, was one of those players.
A shifty, offensive forward, Kalus struggled as a junior in his native Czech Republic, but blossomed offensively when he came to the WHL’s Regina Pats. After finishing second in scoring amongst WHL rookies and tied for the Pats’ team lead, Kalus was chosen in the 2nd Round of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. He had a strong training camp for the Bruins in the fall of 2006, and was assigned to Providence of the AHL. Kalus had a strong rookie campaign with the Baby Bruins, posting 30 points in 43 games and scoring 5 points (including 4 goals) in a 9 game stint with the big club.
Projected as a top two line forward, Kalus may get a look on the top line with Slovaks Pavol Demitra and Marion Gaborik. Scouting reports on Kalus focus on his individual 1 on 1 skills and his skating, and are also pleased with his ability to go into traffic. Kalus is said to possess a good attitude and a willingness to accept coaching. Defensively responsible, the lone negative note on Kalus is that he doesn’t use his nasty side more often. Prospect Pulse feels that spending some time with Derek Boogaard should help that problem.
News You Can Use Late in the Day:
–Cam Neely named a VP in the Boston Bruins organization.
–TSN with a number of candidates for a breakout season.
-The Senators Ray Emery will make his pre-season debut tonight.
-The Anaheim Ducks acquired Mark Mowers from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Brent Skinner and Nathan Saunders.
-The Clarkson Golden Knights are tops in the ECAC preseason poll.
-Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun wonders if Kyle Wellwood is the victim of a medical mishap.
-The Arizona Republic with a story on the Coyotes’ BIG Line.
-Robert Tychowski of the Edmonton Sun notes that Oilers’ prospect Sam Gagner may be talking contract with the Oilers. In related news, Anson Carter is back skating.
–Anze Kopitar with a hat-trick as the Kings beat Red Bull Salzburg 7-6.
-Spector notes that the Bruins may be close to signing Danny Markov. Just a rumour, but I thought it was interesting all the same.
-Bruce Dowbiggin reports that Mikka Kiprusoff is looking for a contract in the $7 million per year range.
-In related news, Darren Dreger of TSN notes that Dany Heatley is seeking a contract in the $8.5 million per year range.
-Ansar Khan reports that the Detroit Red Wings have made several cuts, including Jason Cullimore and former Manitoba Moose Adam Keefe.
-Footage of the Rangers-Islanders brawl, courtesy of YouTube.
–Kevin Mio of the Montreal Gazette notes that the Canadiens may lose a few players to waivers. Note that they demoted Jamie Rivers.
-Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe reports that Glen Metropolit is close to earning a job with the Bruins, and that Bobby Allen is once again in tough to gain a roster spot.
-The Palm Beach Post says their is an open roster spot up for grabs with the Florida Panthers.
–Vancouver Giants coach Don Hay apologetic after a fight filled contest with Everett. Note that he was also fined $500.
-The full Canadian Press interview with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
-Check out this sweet goal by Juuso Puustinen of the Kamloops Blazers. (Hat tip, Taking Note)
–Allan Houston of the Globe and Mail discusses the problems with the NHL expanding to Europe.
-The transcript of an interview with Vincent Lecavalier. Very interesting read.
-Three interesting stories from Fanhouse. Note the discussion on the Oilers possibly rushing Sam Gagner to the NHL.
–Roberto Luongo vows to quit if the NHL adopts larger nets.
-The Leafs’ Jiri Tlusty still hanging around at Leafs’ camp.
–Paul Henderson says he is still remembered for 1972.
–Danny Groulx looking to provide experience to a young Moose team.
-Are Tanguay and Keenan the new odd couple?
–Randy Sportak details the Calgary Flames’ reactions to the new Rbk jerseys.
-An emergency room nurse in the Rob Ramage case says that Ramage did not appear drunk despite a high blood alcohol level.
-The Nashville Predators will look to Alexander Radulov to replace their lost goal scoring.
–Stan Fischler notes that many of Iron Mike Keenan’s players respect him more after the fact.
-Wes Goldstein reports that Alex Ovechkin practices his English on girls.
-The CBC details Wade Belak’s experiences playing hockey in England.
–Ryan Hollweg will not accept the apology of Chris Simon.
–Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says that the Pens are concerned about their powerplay.
-Good news in the desert as a number of Coyotes players and prospects are performing well.
-Doug Harrison of CBC Sports interviews the Flames’ Matthew Lombardi.
–Benoit Pouliot impressed Coach Lemaire Monday night in Grand Forks.
-Another story on the Panthers Cory Murphy.
-The Bruins demote top prospect Tuuka Rask.
–The Sporting News with a pre-season review of the Bruins.
-The Blues want to end their “sloppy” play.
–Craig Custance goes interactive to get readers to help pick the Thrashers forwards for the upcoming season.
-The Score with news that goalies are seeing a lot of shots this pre-season. Also a note on Nicklas Bergfors of the New Jersey Devils.
For Illegal Curve, I’m Kyle Kosior.
