Spector's Hockey - NHL Rumors - Sunday, September 20, 2009.
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NHL Rumors - Sunday, September 20, 2009.
Written by Lyle Richardson   
Sunday, 20 September 2009 10:05
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Updates on Anton Babchuk and Denis Gauthier, plus the latest Predators and Sharks news.

RDS.CA: reports former Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Anton Babchuk was about to agree to a contract with Avangard Omsk of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League. Babchuk, a restricted free agent, has refused a one-year, $1 million contract offer from the Hurricanes, who are trying to trade him.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Evidently there can't be much of a market for Babchuk so it would appear he's heading for Russia this season.

NEW YORK POST: Larry Brooks reports defenseman Denis Gauthier was invited more than once to NY Rangers training camp on a tryout basis but has declined.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Either Gauthier is holding out for a contract or he's considering retirement.

CSNPHILLY.COM: Tim Panaccio reports San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson may have successfully landed Dany Heatley but he should be worried about his job. The Sharks have underachieved despite several notable, expensive stars on their roster.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: If the Sharks come up short again next spring not only could Wilson possibly lose his job but there might be a housecleaning, although many of those expensive name players on their roster - now including Heatley - has no-trade clauses.

TENNESSEAN.COM: John Glennon reports Predators GM David Poile will consider other options to bolster his offensive production, possibly via waivers leading up to the start of the season or an early season trade with strugging teams.

SPECTOR'S NOTE: Those options however will be limited but Poile might be able to find something worthwhile.

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Comments  

 
0 #1 habswin 2009-09-20 06:01
Now the Sharks have 3 super expensive players that have never won anything in the NHL, I do not see them winning the Cup this year. Winning is not just with talent alone, and whatever is needed to win these 3 just don't seem to have it.
 
 
0 #2 Smokey 2009-09-20 06:21
I hate to agree with a Montreal fan but Habswin is right, adding as many big name players with big contracts as u can isnt the key to success. Heatley adds a solid scoring punch on the wing and will make them better but Wilson should look into some proven winners. Its guys like Mark Recchi, Tomas Holmstrom, and Chris Pronger that helps win cups.
 
 
0 #3 1Jersey Boy 2009-09-21 11:26
Marleau, Blake and Nabokov Contracts are up next year freeing up a little more than 15M. Marleau could be signed for ALOT less next year. He loves it in San Jose and his wife is a local Girl. Or do you trade him before the Trade deadline? Blake unless he has a very Good year will retire or will sign for less. Now Nabokov will be 35 next year. He has shown that he can't carry a team in the Playoffs. Trade him before the trade deadline or sign him to a 1 year deal for alot less. Nabokov is at best in the middle of the pack 13-17 of starting Goalies.
Vesa Toskala will be a Free agent next year and is a couple of years young than Nabby

Sharks still have the same problems as last year No 3rd & 4th line scoring help and NO CAP SPACE.

Wilson should be fired anyway for bad contracts and poor cap management.
 

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