What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:
NHL
- The Thrashers have signed Nikolai Antropov to a 4 year, $16 million contract. As well, the team also re-signed Chris Thorburn. A lot of cash to be throwing at Antropov but really not out of line with the ridiculous spending we’ve already seen the past day and a half. Antropov gets a lock of criticism but he can be a 25 goal scorer and 60 point player in Atlanta.
- Mark Recchi has re-signed in Boston for 1 year, $1 million. Good signing for both sides. It is reasonable and gives Recchi another shot at the Cup.
- The Flames have signed Riley Armstrong and Garth Murray. Murray is a plugger who will help to fill out the two-way roster. Armstrong is also a depth player but he has a bit more scoring touch.
- James Gordon of the Ottawa Citizen asks why the Oilers would even want Dany Heatley? Couldn’t have said it better myself.
Team Canada
- As Neil mentioned early today, Marc Savard has not been invited by Hockey Canada to the team’s training camp in August. I like Marc Savard as a player but his representation of Canada has not exactly been exemplary. Additionally, would he slot in ahead of Crosby, Getzlaf, Richards, Lecavalier or Staal on your team? It is arguable, but I don’t think he would.
- The Hurricanes will be represented at Team Canada’s camp with Eric Staal and Cam Ward in attendance. Both worthy invites.
- Ryan Smyth and Joe Sakic have been invited from Colorado. The question is, will Joe Sakic be playing hockey next season?
- Rick Nash and Steve Mason have been invited from Columbus. As I said yesterday, Nash’s value will sky-rocket after the Olympics, so Columbus better get him signed before.
- Brenden Morrow and Stephane Robidas have been invited from Dallas. As Heika says, a big boost in confidence for Robidas.
- The injured Brent Burns has been invited from Minnesota. If healthy, I think he has a real shot but concussions are tricky to deal with.
- Mike Green was the only Capitals player invited. He better shore up his defense if he wants to be in Vancouver for the tournament.
- No Steve Stamkos invite from Team Canada. Still too young and too many good centers ahead of him. He’ll gets his chance down the road.