What team beat writers are saying this afternoon:
- Is Scott Niedermayer the 42nd best player in the NHL? Let’s be straight here; Niedermayer is arguably one of the top three defensemen of his generation, but this is probably a fair ranking for him at this stage in his career.
- After looking at the Sabres’ forwards, you wonder why they cannot become a pretty dominant offensive team? I really like a lot of those forwards, and they aren’t on the downside of their careers, so things are looking up in Buffalo.
- Tuomo Ruutu just signed a three-year, $11.4 million deal with the Hurricanes. Good deal for both sides. Ruutu, when healthy, brings a nice blend of grit and scoring touch to that team. I’ve always liked his game and now he finally seems to be hitting his stride in Carolina, where players like Staal and Whitney can take some pressure off of him.
- Yesterday Mike Heika profiled Mike Modano, today he profiles Brenden Morrow. One of my favorite players in the game today. The guy wears his heart on his sleeve, goes to the net, pays the price and has good hands and leadership skills.
- The Wild has signed Kyle Brodziak to a three-year deal, worth $3.45 million. A tad pricey for a fourth line center, but the Wild obviously believes Brodziak can revert to his 2007/08 form.
- John Glennon wonders if Maxim Afinogenov would be a worthy gamble for the Predators. I don’t mind this idea. He is going to come cheap, has good hands and “potential.” If he doesn’t reach that on a one-year deal, then what’s that to the Preds? Let’s be honest, they need offense.
- Brad Lauer has joined the Senators coaching staff. He’s one of Clouston’s boys and familiarity always helps.
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