April 16, 2008
Dobber Sports
2008-04-16
The Carolina Hurricanes have agreed to terms with right wing Sergei Samsonov on a three-year, $7.6 million contract. This is the best-case scenario for Samsonov owners and he is probably good for 65 points next season, +/- five points.
Patrice Bergeron was not cleared to play Sunday and the doctors will not reconsider the decision until this Sunday coming up. This means that, best case scenario, Bergeron will not be back until Game 7.
Peter Schaefer, Dennis Wideman and Aaron Ward did not practice for Boston this morning.
Kimmo Timonen sustained an upper body injury last night and did not play in the third period. He will be re-evaluated today, but apparently he hurt his right arm.
Gary Roberts is doubtful for tonight's contest. He has a groin injury.
Luca Caputi, who has rocketed up my prospect rankings to No.32, is expected to sign to play with Wilkes-Barre soon. Watch him.
Bet Wade Redden wishes he waived his no-trade clause now…
According to the Vancouver Sun, Fabian Brunnstrom's agent JP Barry has indicated that Dave Nonis being fired may have cost the Canucks. Brunnstrom was apparently close to signing there and not knowing who the GM is or what the direction is changes things. Detroit and Toronto are now back in this race.
Vincent Lecavalier underwent unsuccessful surgery on his torn labrum yesterday. Just kidding – it was successful. I just think it's funny when it is reported that a player undergoes "successful" surgery. Just say it's a surgery and only bring up the level of success if it's a failure! Anyway, he will need three months of recovery time. He will also have wrist surgery this summer. Come training camp, he should be back to 100 percent. His second-half dip was because of these injuries, so expect 100 points next year from the superstar.
This year's Jonas Hiller could be Finnish netminder Antti Niemi. The 24-year-old put up strong numbers in the Finnish League and is reportedly interested in coming over to North America. He could be a backup goalie next season, so keep an eye on the situation if you need one of those.
Michael Ryder was a healthy scratch last night. Here we go again! Ryan O'Byrne took his place in the lineup and Mart Streit was moved back up to forward.
Phil Kessel was benched for the third straight contest. Since the Bruins did not score, he may get back in for next game. All these scratches will certainly push his value down, putting him in a "Buy Low" situation in keeper leagues. This summer might be the time to scoop him up, as I still have confidence that he will be a point-per-game player in the NHL.
Bobby Ryan was scratched for the Ducks.
Tomas Fleischmann was scratched for the Caps and Steve Downie for the Flyers.
More healthy scratch news – Jeff Finger was a healthy scratch in favor of Jordan Leopold. The move paid off as Leopold chipped in two assists and the Avs cruised to a win.
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Christian Ehrhoff was back in the San Jose lineup last night.
Francois Bouchard, ranked 20th on my fantasy prospects list, has signed a three-year entry-level deal with Washington. He is a couple of years away from NHL action, but don't forget that he had an incredible camp last fall and nearly surprised everyone by making the team. He is a high-scoring right winger on a team that needs high-scoring right wingers.
The Oilers signed Denis Grebeshkov to a one-year extension.
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