Sutter stepping down – June 09, 2009
Dobber Sports
2009-06-09
Puck Daddy, a recent guest on Dobber Nation , discusses the Dany Heatley rumor that he wants out of Ottawa.
There is a chance that you will see a very hungry Petr Sykora in the lineup for Game 6…
This rumor may be bad news for Parise, Elias et al if true – Jacques Lemaire to coach the Devils. Just pure speculation at this point.
According to reports out of Calgary, Brent Sutter will step down as coach of the Devils. He should eventually coach the Flames. The Sutters have a reputation for defensive hockey, but try explaining that to Zach Parise and Patrik Elias. I actually think his arrival will help Olli Jokinen…and Jarome Iginla doesn't need any help.
Sutter's departure from New Jersey will have an impact, but it would depend on who comes in and takes over. Sutter really got Paul Martin rolling in the second half. You think 33 points sucks for a d-man, but as a DobberHockey reader now you know different: 21 points in his last 32 games including the postseason prorates to 52 points. I figured he would flirt with 50 next year…but a new coach could change that outlook.
The Ducks signed tough guy Mike Brown to a two-year extension.
The Blackhawks signed Swedish defenseman Jonathan Carlsson to an ELC. He is a late bloomer with some offensive skill, but the Hawks probably want to see what he can do in North America at the AHL level.
The Hawks signed undrafted college star, defenseman Brian Connolly. He had 27 points in 38 games for Colorado before signing a try-out contract with Rockford. The offensive rearguard had three points in nine AHL games. His NHL success will depend on his AHL season in the year ahead – and on what the situation is with Campbell, Seabrook, Keith and Barker. A lot can happen in a year. For now, his fantasy outlook looks grim though.
The Hawks also signed Rob Klinkhammer (a depth player, 23 years old).
Finally, Chicago signed another college star in goaltender Alec Richards, 21. This further indicates that 'Bulin is probably gone and Huet will start. Niemi and Crawford will battle it out for the backup role and Richards will battle the loser for AHL playing time.