Score one for the players. Since July 1st, NHL free agents continue to sign 
on the dotted line for massive amounts of dollars. To this end, Canuck fans must be thrilled with the recent additions of forward Ryan Johnson (two-year, $2.3 million contract), and the ever dangerous Darcy Hordichuk (two-year deal). Oh yes, let’s not forget the brilliant acquisition of ex-Leaf, Kyle Wellwood (one year contract worth just under $1 million), who should fit right in to a team on the decline.
But let's face it; the Canucks are easy to pick on .
Vancouver is not the only team that contributed to this “madness” as many other teams have been making ridiculous offers to lure new talent. I have noted some of these deals (five in each category) in my version of the good, the bad, and the ugly:
The Good
Forward Marian Hossa, one-year, $7.45 million with the Detroit Red Wings. This move is a classic case of the rich getting richer. For his sake he better not get seriously injured as he left nearly $70 million on the table from other teams.
Defenceman Brian Campbell, eight-years, $56.8-million with the Chicago Blackhawks. Campbell will blend in nicely with a great crop of youthful forwards. Finally, the Hawks appear to have turned the corner.
Forward Sean Avery, four-years, $15.5 million with the Dallas Stars. Give Stars Co-GM Brett Hull full credit for this move as he obviously understands there is more to hockey than sitting in the slot firing shots on goal.
Forward Miroslav Satan, one-year, $3.5 million with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Satan may not quite replace Hossa, but he will rebound this season playing with all that firepower.
Forward Brian Rolston, four-years, $20.25-million with the New Jersey Devils. Like old times as he won a cup with the Devils in 1995. He may be 35, but remains an effective two-way player.
The Bad
Forward Todd Bertuzzi, one-year, $1.95 million with the Calgary Flames. Make it five teams in just over two years. Maybe Jerome Iginla wanted him, but he isn't in management. The Flames are making the same mistake the Ducks did a year ago.
Defenceman Wade Redden, six-years, $39 million with the New York Rangers. His performance tailed off significantly last season and yet he doesn't have to take a pay cut.
Defenceman Rob Blake, one-year, $5 million with the San Jose Sharks. Blake is well past his prime, and he certainly won't fill the skates of the departed Brian Campbell.
Goalie Jose Theodore, two-years, $9 million with the Washington Capitals. Yes, he rejuvenated his career in the regular season, but Theodore was pathetic with Colorado in the playoffs against Detroit, and his best years are behind him.
Goalie Cristobal Huet, four-years, $22.4 million with the Chicago Blackhawks. How does he command more money than Martin Brodeur?
The Ugly
Defenceman Jeff Finger, four-years, $14 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs. For a guy averaging a quarter of a point a game in less than 100 NHL games, this heads the “Ugly” list, but it's the Maple Leafs, so would you expect anything less?
Goaltender Andrew Raycroft, one-year, $800,000 with the Colorado Avalanche. Did the Avs not pay attention to last season? I didn't even know if an NHL farm club would pick up the ex-Leaf.
Winger Kristian Huselius , four-years, $19 million with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Nearly five million a season for a player who has a reputation for playing as soft as a marsh mellow? Come on!
Forward Michael Ryder, three-years, $12 million with the Boston Bruins. Wasn't he a healthy scratch for the Habs in the playoffs?
Defenceman Mark Streit, five-years, $20.5 million with the New York Islanders. Will only pan out if he plays exclusively on the power-play.
The Value
The combined salaries of Satan, Avery, and Niklas Hagman (four-year, $12 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs) work out to slightly more than $10 million a season. Is it just me or is it a no-brainer that I would rather have those three on my team rather than one 37-year-old Mats Sundin?
From the quote rack:
“By signing a defenseman with 24 points in 94 career games to a 4 year contract worth $14 million, the Toronto Maple Leafs have literally given their fans the Finger.” Contributor Derek Wilken of Calgary (http://smacksport.blogspot.com/)
“Spain winning at Euro 2008 is a good omen for the Toronto Maple Leafs because of the eerie similarities. Neither team had won the big one since the 1960`s, both teams have managers that are in their seventies and they both take an average of 13 shots on goal a game.” Derek Wilken
“The "Love Guru", Mike Myers' film about a spiritual advisor who helps the Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup, has bombed at the box office. Yeah, even in the summer, I guess there are just limits to how much fantasy moviegoers can take.”
“Bob Ackles, president of the BC Lions, died of a heart attack last weekend. He loved the CFL and worried that NFL would destroy the league by playing games in Toronto. But shouldn't we give the CFL more credit for durability? For years they have been surviving the Hamilton Tiger Cats.” Janice Hough
“The NHL wants to kick the owners of the New York Rangers out of the league for accusing NHL officials of violating antitrust laws. New York Knicks fans are desperately hoping a ruling could spill over to all of the Rangers' owners’ holdings.” Vancouver comic Torben Rolfsen (www.theprovince.com/liveat5)
“There may be something to the rumored affair between A-Rod and Madonna. Last night a Yankees announcer said that recently Alex has been swinging with an old bat.” Marc Ragovin of New York.
“Cynthia Rodriguez' lawyers will now call Alex...'Pay-Rod'" Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
“The L.A. Coliseum naming rights are for sale. Since no NFL team is likely to ever play there again, how about the Maytag Coliseum?” Bill Littlejohn
“Charles Howell III and Davis Love III are among the first to be tested for drugs by the PGA. Next on the list is anyone whose name ends with "II" or "Jr."” Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va (http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/)
“Maria Sharapova's grunts topped out at 103.2 decibels during her loss at Wimbledon, the London Telegraph recorded and reported. To put that in perspective, that's louder than a motorcycle, an ambulance siren or John Daly when he misses last call.” Cam Hutchinson of the Saskatoon StarPhoenix
And in case you missed it:
An estimated 17,000 bottles of champagne were consumed by tennis fans at this year's Wimbledon tournament.
And how was your week?
Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com
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