Danny Markov Signs in Russia

Paul Kukla reports that Danny Markov has signed with Dynamo Moscow in Russia. The deal is believed to be for 2 years at around $2M US per year. The deal has an out-clause so he could return to the NHL if a team presents him with an offer he agrees with.

Was there seriously no team willing to give this guy a deal on similar terms? He was reportedly looking for a $3.5M per year deal during the offseason so signing for almost half is a bit surprising.

However, he is from Moscow and may have weighed the option of playing in his home country as worth more than the extra cash he was looking for in the NHL. Good luck to him.

Shooting Down the Tavares Rumours

The big talk yesterday was the supposed discussions between John Tavares and John Ferguson Jr. JFJ was allegedly attempting to convince Tavares to sign with the Marlies to play in the AHL this season. It would be a one-year deal with a *wink,nudge* agreement where Tavares would refuse to sign with the team that drafts him in 2009, likely forcing a trade to the Leafs.

The only problem...Tavares is ineligible to play in the AHL under the current rules. From the Globe Article: "Only players who turn 18 by Sept. 15 are allowed to play in the AHL that season, which means Tavares would not be eligible to play until the 2009-10 season, the same year he becomes eligible for the NHL draft."

So he's going to sign with the Marlies this season to...not play with the Marlies this season? He's certainly not going anywhere this season so maybe it's the start of a plan to sign him for next season?

Tavares is in an interesting position but it doesn't look like anybody is about to bend the rules for him. Even if it is an arbitrary rule.

Related Links
Bob McKenzie Remains Skeptical
Mirtle: Toronto Eyes Tavares
Shoalts: Hint of Logic Behind Story

Boulerice Gets 25 Games

Jesse Boulerice has been handed a 25-game suspension for his hit on Ryan Kesler. Kesler is all right after the hit and should be in the lineup tonight to face the Oilers. However the hit was as dirty as it can get and was really for no good reason. He and Kesler were battling back and forth all night then Kesler hit - legally - a Flyers D and Boulerice greeted him with a stick to the jaw.

25 games matches Simon's suspension and is a bit more than Downie's. So it was a lengthy suspension. A lifetime ban would have been better. Yes, he was sorry after and didn't try to justify his actions after the game. It looked like he was trying to goad Kesler into a fight. But this isn't a one-time offender. He has a history - he was charged with assault while in the OHL - of making stupid decisions on the ice.

Why should he be privileged with a spot on any teams roster?

Related Links
Duhatschek Weighs In
Bob McKenzie Has Some Thoughts

Price Solid in NHL Debut

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

I waited anxiously all day yesterday for the chance to catch Carey Price's debut against the Penguins and he did not disappoint. He played a rock solid game on his way to winning his regular season debut against the Penguins by a score of 3-2.

He got help from the post at times - what goaltender hasn't - but he made flashy saves look routine and appeared to not even break a sweat during the game. His poise and confidence just emanates forth and at times I wondered if he knew just how many people were studiously watching his performance.

After watching his play during the World Juniors and hearing of his heroics during the Bulldogs Calder Cup run, I couldn't help but be excited. And I'm not even a Habs fan. Once you find out how hard he worked to make his hockey career happen, there should be no way you could not want him to succeed. Except when he plays your team.

Related Links
AP - Price Wins Debut
Canada.com - Price Picks up Win
Globe and Mail - Wharnsby:Is Price Destined for Greatness

Matt Keetley Sheds "Fat Matt" Moniker

NHL.com has an excellent article up on Calgary Flames prospect Matt Keetley's rise to the NHL. I was surprised to read he was formerly a 240lbs youngster with a slushie addiction. You wouldn't know it after seeing the performances he put on with the Tigers during their Memorial Cup run.

He has been an extremely clutch goaltender in the WHL and was a huge part of the Tigers making it to the Memorial Cup Final, a year in which he won the WHL's Most Valuable Player award. His career GAA in the WHL hovers around the 2.0 mark and his save percentage is around .920. Solid numbers for a goaltender who was only ever expected to be a backup, if that.

He's not ranked high by Hockey's Future (6.0C) but he'll take that as a challenge.

Milbury Fitting in Nicely with TSN

The Globe has an article up on Mike Milbury's position as a studio analyst for TSN. They are entirely positive about his performance and I was extremely happy as well. Maybe it's just leftover from having Tie Domi sit in on the panel at the start of last year and completely blowing it, but I enjoyed his commentary.

You don't need to agree with everything an analyst says - something I feel people forget at times - but you can at least respect the way he says it. Milbury, the architect of a DiPietro for Luongo trade among others, pulled no punches in his analysis of Raycroft starting over Toskala calling it "absolutely crazy".

He was quick to provide his opinion, he didn't interrupt, he didn't get upset if someone disagreed with him, and he presented it all in a fairly calm manner. All the hallmarks of a good commentator/analyst.

The same cannot be said for Pierre McGuire's "rookie watch". Take a breath, Pierre. Take a breath.