Jets news:
Winnipeg Free Press: Being cheap just doesn’t cut it. Having to spend just to get to the bottom seems insane, especially if your preference is to contend a few years down the line. Hence the belief that the owners will try and remove the minimum in the next CBA. Right now as the Jets are rebuilding, it makes more sense to save those dollars for free agents down the road, who can help this team get to that next level.
Winnipeg Free Press: Jets score Ponikarovsky. Well he certainly adds some size as well as familiarity with the Jets Nik Antropov. Slow and steady building is not sexy, but the Jets certainly have to be smart and pragmatic when signing free agents.
Winnipeg Free Press: Glass couldn’t pass up Pens. While Ezra and I (as well as the 15,004 fans who chanted it almost every game) are crushed that the GST line is no more, it was obvious to anyone who spoke to Glass last season that he wanted a multi year deal. He now has a great chance to win the Stanley Cup and that had to play into his decision to head East.
Winnipeg Sun: Signing Ponikarovsky gives Jets size and scoring. Addition by subtraction? The Jets still have some players to add, so stay tuned to IC as we bring you all the latest news.
TSN: Interesting first day of NHL free agency for Jets. Losing Mason seems a surprise, especially in light of the revelations of GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.
General NHL news:
Globe and Mail: Martin Brodeur takes a cut to stay in New Jersey. The ownership situation almost caused him to seek employment elsewhere for the long time Devils goalie, but he opted to stay with the Devils he knows…rather than find a new opportunity.
Arizona Republic: Phoenix Coyotes continue cautious spending habits for new reasons. Like Brodeur you get the sense that Doan wants to stick with the team he has played for his entire career.
Los Angeles Times: Kings play it cool regarding free agent Zach Parise. Could Parise pull a Hossa and switch teams?
Toronto Sun: No frenzy but GMs still throw wads of cash at UFAs. And all this is being done with the spectre of the looming CBA uncertainty.
