NHL News Notes September 13-16

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2004

Anthony Stewart, F, Florida Panthers

Signed

The Sports Ticker reports that the NHL may be closed for business, but that didn't stop the Florida Panthers from conducting some business of their own.

The Panthers on Thursday signed right wing Anthony Stewart, their first-round pick in the 2003 draft.

"Anthony is a powerful young forward who plays aggressively, but also possesses a scoring touch," Panthers general manager Mike Keenan said. "He is a valuable part of the future of our Panthers organization and we look forward to watching him grow and develop into a NHL caliber player."

One irony of the NHL lockout is that some reports suggest a city like Florida could lose a team if the lockout drags on; yet the Panthers have one of the best collections of young talent of all the teams and will be one of the more exciting teams to watch over the next decade. Stewart is one of those guys that is going to bring some bang to the Panthers lineup in the future, assuming there is a future in Florida.

Matt Stajan, F, Toronto Maple Leafs

AHL-bound

The Toronto Sun reports that Matt Stajan, who had 27 points in 69 games as a rookie with the Maple Leafs last season, didn't have to clear waivers and yesterday officially was sent to St. John's of the American Hockey League. The 20-year-old centre made some nice steps in the NHL in 2003-04 but doesn't view the AHL as a place where he will be stagnant.

"(The lockout) is not good for anybody, but I'll make the most of St. John's and I am looking forward to playing there," said Stajan, who will make a fraction of the $825,000 US he could earn with the Leafs this season.

Stajan was due for some more ice time with the big club this year, so now he'll have to stay on track and work hard in the minors and hope for a quick resolution to the CBA situation. If he can continue his physical development and get a bit stronger, he'll definitely be a fun guy to watch over the next few years as he takes his game to another level.

Vincent Lecavalier, F, Tampa Bay Lightning

He has arrived

The St. Petersburg Times notes that playing alongside childhood heroes such as Mario Lemieux and Joe Sakic, Vinnie Lecavalier shed his tag as a player who had not lived up to his enormous potential to become a hero in a nation where hockey rules.

"Well, I don't know if it was a kind of breakout or what, but this is obviously great for my confidence," Lecavalier said. "Being a part of a Stanley Cup championship just a couple of months ago and now this, it feels great. Hopefully it's only going to get better for me and the Lightning."

Vinnie's seven-point, Tournament MVP performance was great, no question. It'll be up to him to translate this success into a consistent performance on the ice. He should be a lock for 80 points every season, so now we'll have to see if he can deliver the goods year in and year out.

Marek Zidlicky, D, Nashville Predators

Signed

The Nashville Tennessean reports that the Predators took care of some last-minute business before the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement last night, re-signing defenseman Marek Zidlicky to a two-year, $3 million deal.

Zidlicky, 27, finished tied for fourth among NHL defensemen with 53 points last season. He set franchise records in power-play points (35) and points by a defenseman during his first NHL season.

His re-signing may mean the Predators will cool on the pursuit of unrestricted free agent Teppo Numminen.

As was noted last week, it really wasn't a big deal that Zidlicky didn't agree to this contract during the World Cup, because he was busy playing. The Cup is over, so the deal got done. Nice. No worries for Zidlicky owners in keeper leagues, who should expect a nice 40-point pace with better upside as long as he's paired with Kimmo Timonen on the #1 power play unit.

Steve Yzerman, F, Detroit Red Wings

Not thinking retirement

The Detroit News reports that the NHL is shut down, maybe for six months, maybe 12, maybe longer. For Red Wings' longtime captain Steve Yzerman, who signed a one-year contract the day before, there was glum resignation in his voice.

"Potentially, that contract might mean nothing," he said Wednesday afternoon. "I'm pleased I got it done but it doesn't make you feel great, because I may not play a game."

After a pause, he added this: "Before I say I'm done if we don't play the whole year, let's wait and see."

Several older players fall into this position of not knowing if their careers are over and it's yet another horrible part of the lockout.

Ryan Miller, G, Buffalo Sabres

Just in time

The Buffalo News reports that the Sabres on Wednesday re-signed goalie Ryan Miller, forwards Milan Bartovic and Norm Milley and defenseman Doug Janik to one-year contracts.

Miller was sent to Rochester along with forwards Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, Daniel Paille, Paul Gaustad, Sean McMorrow, Jiri Novotny, Mike Ryan and Chris Thorburn and defensemen Ryan Jorde and Nathan Paetsch.

Miller is still a nice catch for keeper leagues, but now we'll have to wait another several months at least to see him get a crack at taking the number one job in Buffalo. The lockout stinks for all involved, for sure, but those of you in keeper leagues can use the time to do some more research on the prospects and maybe steal a few in trades during the cold winter months.

Alex Zhamnov, F, free agent

Working out

The Chicago Sun Times reports that ten Hawks attended at least part of the just-concluded two-week fitness camp, directed by assistant coach Phil Walker. Players from other teams also participated. They included former Hawks captain Alex Zhamnov, who is now a free agent. Daily attendance ranged from 15 to 26. That's down slightly from previous years, as some players opted to prepare for training camp closer to their homes with the lockout looming.

Tuomo Ruutu is one Hawk not at the camp. Many of them are planning to pay for their own ice to work out during the lockout, since NHL players will not be allowed to use Hawks facilities.

Zdeno Chara, D, Ottawa Senators

Still healing

The Ottawa Sun notes that one player who has plenty of options is Senators defenceman Zdeno Chara. He's had calls from Germany, Sweden, Russia, Czech Republic and Slovakia. However, he injured his thumb playing for the Slovaks in the World Cup.

"He's got issues with his thumb and once he's fully recovered then we'll be able to make some kind of decision, but (Chara) has got a lot of options. There's plenty of demand," Chara's agent, Matt Keator, said yesterday.

Chara has really emerged as one of the top fantasy defensemen over the past few years. Specifically, his value soars in leagues counting both PIM's and +/-, while he's still able to deliver the much-needed points that count in every league.

Dion Phaneuf, D, Calgary Flames

Contract in place

Calgary Flames General Manager and Head Coach Darryl Sutter announced today the signing of defenceman Dion Phaneuf. As per club policy, terms and conditions of the deal were not disclosed.

"We feel that if the season was in place Dion Phaneuf would be playing

on our hockey team," said Sutter. "He is the top defenceman in the

Western Hockey League."

If Darryl Sutter was dreaming of a defenseman perfect for his system and the Sutter brand of hockey, Phaneuf is the guy he'd come up with, without a doubt. We can't wait to see this kid at the NHL level.

The Flames also signed Anders Eriksson and Lynn Lyons.

Radek Dvorak, F, Edmonton Oilers

Locked in

The Edmonton Oilers have announced forward Radek Dvorak has agreed to a two-year contract.

Dvorak, a native of Tabor, Czech Republic, scored 50 points (15-35-50) in 78 games with the Oilers last season, placing him second in team scoring. His +18 plus/minus rating also ranked him second on the team.

Oilers General Manager Kevin Lowe says, "Radek is a very skilled player who has tremendous offensive upside and great speed. He has proven himself in the NHL and now we believe he can take his game to the next level."

Dvorak has made himself into a multi-purpose forward in his brief stint in Edmonton, providing offense and being a valuable PK guy as well. If the Oil can deliver a talented #1 center for Dvorak, he could score some more points. Petr Nedved could have been that guy, but he and his model girlfriend clearly didn't want to end up in Edmonton, despite reports to the contrary originally.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2004

Todd Harvey, F, Edmonton Oilers

Depth deal

The Edmonton Oilers have announced 29-year-old forward Todd Harvey has agreed to a two-year contract with a club option for a third year.

Harvey, a 10-year NHL veteran, has spent the last five seasons with the San Jose Sharks after being acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers in exchange for current Oiler Radek Dvorak. Last season he tallied four goals and five assists in 47 games.

Oilers Assistant General Manager Scott Howson says, "Todd is a proven NHL player whose versatility and grit make him an extremely tough opponent to play against. We expect him to be a valuable addition to our hockey club."

No fantasy impact here at all.

Martin Havlat, F, Ottawa Senators

Deal

The CP reports that after holding out and missing the start of last season, Martin Havlat signed a one-year deal with the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday.

Havlat missed the team's first six games last season after being unable to agree on a contract. The 23-year-old ended up recording a career-high 31 goals and 68 points in 68 games. He lead the team with seven game-winning goals while finishing third in scoring. During the recent World Cup of Hockey, Havlat led the Czech Republic in scoring with three goals and three assists in five games played.

Havlat has really come into his own and, as has been noted in the N&N, is a pretty good bet for a point-per-game average when play resumes.

Jason Smith, D, Edmonton Oilers

New contract

The Edmonton Oilers have announced team captain Jason Smith has agreed to a four-year contract.

Smith, named the Oilers Defenceman-of-the-Year last season, recorded a career-high seven goals and 19 points in 68 games.

Oilers General Manager Kevin Lowe says, "Jason has been an integral part of our hockey club for the last six years, both on and off the ice. He's a great leader and his ability to play physically sets the standard for our team. This is an important signing for our hockey club."

As mentioned earlier, Smith is a very valuable part of the Oilers. His fantasy value is generally never very good, although occasionally he's good to pick up for PIM's on the blueline in certain match-ups against rivals.

Michael Leighton, G, Chicago Blackhawks

New contract

The Blackhawks have announced that they have re-signed their lone remaining restricted free agent, agreeing to a one-year deal with goaltender Michael Leighton. He appeared in 34 games with the Blackhawks last season posting a record of 6-18-8 with a 2.99 goals against average and a .900 save percentage with two shutouts.

If you started Leighton last season, either you had a hunch about a good match-up or your team was completely hard up for goaltending. Thibault remains the only viable fantasy option in net for the Hawks at this juncture.

Nick Schultz, D, Minnesota Wild

Deadline deal

The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that to beat the clock, the Wild signed Nick Schultz — the only unsigned regular from the 2003-04 roster — to a three-year contract.

He was a restricted free agent, and the Wild would have retained his rights through a work stoppage. But the team elected to lock him into a long-term deal now instead of negotiating with him under the unknown economics of a new agreement.

Schultz will earn $875,000 in 2004-05. His agent, J.P. Barry, said Schultz could earn up to $3.4 million in salary and bonuses over the next three seasons.

Schultz has little fantasy value at this point, but he's one of the reasons Dwayne Roloson is one of the top fantasy goalies around. Schultz had six goals and 16 assists last year; career highs.

Steve Yzerman, F, Detroit Red Wings

Healthy

The Detroit News reports that healed after suffering an injured left eye in Game 5 of the Calgary playoff series, Steve Yzerman would be healthy enough to begin training camp this week — if there is a training camp.

"He's ready to go," General Manager Ken Holland said of the team's captain. "He's trained hard, and he's healthy. When the season begins, he'll be ready to play hockey."

Yzerman was chosen for the Canadian World Cup of Hockey team last spring but decided not to play because he wouldn't have had enough time to prepare and get healthy.

Again with Yzerman, his fantasy value has certainly declined over the past few seasons as young talent on the Wings has come forward. He still has value in deeper leagues though, so don't forget about him on draft day.

By the way, a contract for Chris Chelios will likely be worked out after a new CBA is reached. Pavel Datsyuk still needs a new deal as well.

David Vyborny, F, Columbus Blue Jackets

New deal

The Columbus Dispatch reports that the Blue Jackets completed two last-minute, pre-lockout contracts. They signed right winger David Vyborny and goaltender Marc Denis to two-year deals.

"These are two young guys in our long-term plans, two guys who have been with us since the start and really improved each year," president and general manager Doug MacLean said. "They're still young enough, so they're going to be around a long time."

Vyborny goes through streaks where his fantasy value spikes, but for the most part he's just a mid-level guy. Denis will be more valuable once Columbus improves its defense. Defenseman Jaroslav Spacek should get a new contract once the lockout is over and a new CBA is in place.

Joffrey Lupul, F, Anaheim Mighty Ducks

Minors

The Los Angeles Times reports that in preparation for a probable NHL lockout, the Mighty Ducks assigned 23 players to Cincinnati, their primary minor league affiliate. Among them were Joffrey Lupul, Stanislav Chistov and Michael Holmqvist, all of whom spent significant time with the Ducks last season but were assigned to Cincinnati so they could play even if there is no NHL season.

Defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski said he would play for Hemek in the Russian hockey league if there is a lockout. Center Andy McDonald and defenseman Ruslan Salei also are exploring options in Europe — McDonald likely in Germany and Salei in Russia.

And so it begins. Young stars lose a year of good development because the NHL and NHLPA can't play nice together.

Jason Smith, D, Edmonton Oilers

Contract soon

According to the Edmonton Sun, don't be surprised if the Edmonton Oilers have captain Jason Smith signed to a multi-year contract today, ahead of tonight's deadline to get a deal done before the collective bargaining agreement with the NHLPA expires at midnight. Indications are the Oilers and agent Art Breeze intend to pursue a deal right up until the deadline, if need be, and that the parties are quickly closing in on agreeable terms.

Smith is clearly a key component for the Oil and he's one of the first guys sought by other teams at the trade deadline each year. Radek Dvorak still needs a contract too, although the two sides are apparently not as close as Smith and the Oilers are to a deal.

Bryan McCabe, D, Toronto Maple Leafs

Quick vacation first

The Toronto Sun notes that although his name was on a roster of players supposedly playing in the four-on-four league, Bryan McCabe said yesterday he is off to Western Canada to visit family for a week before deciding what he is going to do during the NHL lockout.

"As of now, I have no plans of going to play, but it's a viable plan if (a lockout) is long,"the Maple Leafs defenceman said. "I really don't know anything about it. But if it gets off the ground, and it's working, who knows?"

Aki Berg and Roberto Luongo are also apparently going to take some time to decide what to do. OSHL league president Randy Gumbley says McCabe's agent has already signed off on the contract, but Gumbley says he has no problem giving some guys time to get over to their new temporary league.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2004

Vincent Lecavalier, F, Tampa Bay Lightning

MVP

Vinnie Lecavalier was named as the Tournament MVP in the WC Tuesday night. He was also named as one of the forwards on the All Tournament Team.

Lecavalier had a fantastic tourney, despite not even being picked on the original team and only being an injury replacement. He had seven points in the tournament.

Mario Lemieux, F, Pittsburgh Penguins

Great game

Mario Lemieux had yet another strong game for Canada Tuesday night, setting up a sweet goal by Joe Sakic early in the first to open the scoring.

Incredible pass reception by Mario to get the puck and then an awesome pass to Sakic for the goal. Mario's healthy and raring to go, but OH -- that's right -- we can't see him play for months now because of some greedy and selfish businessmen. Nice.

Tuomo Ruutu, F, Chicago Blackhawks

Wow

Tuomo Ruutu scored a highlight reel goal in Tuesday's WC Final game against Canada.

The move he made to get around Norris Trophy winner Scott Niedermayer and then the shot made to easily beat the best goaltender in the world were a snapshot of why Ruutu has the chance to be a really special player. Hawks fans should cherish watching this talent over the next decade.

Steve Yzerman, F, Detroit Red Wings

One more year

TSN reports that Detroit Red Wings GM Ken Holland announced today that Steve Yzerman has signed a one-year contract to return for his 22nd NHL season with the Detroit Red Wings.

Yzerman = legend. 'Nuff said.

Dave Andreychuk, F, Tampa Bay Lightning

Can't keep him away

The SportsTicker reports that the Stanley Cup champions will have their captain back, provided there is a 2004-05 NHL season.

The Tampa Bay Lightning re-signed left wing Dave Andreychuk to a one-year contract Tuesday. Financial terms were not disclosed, but he made $1,550,000 last season.

Quite simply, Andreychuk is the main reason Tampa got itself into a position to win a Cup as a franchise. His leadership and determination guided the way for this team since the first day he came to the Lightning and the fact is, the guy can still play.

Simon Gagne, F, Philadelphia Flyers

Make or break

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, this is a crucial NHL season for Gagne. Coach Ken Hitchcock plans to move him into the team's core leadership group or "Gang of Seven." Gagne was thrilled when Hitchcock informed him after the playoffs that he would be part of the Flyers' leadership group this season. He has made mental notes the entire tournament that he hopes he can apply - whenever the NHL next plays hockey.

"Getting ready to go to that next level, I really want to be part of that process," Gagne said. "The experience of coming here and learning from Mario has been special. It is something I want to put in my book. I think I've learned. I can learn from all these guys."

The 1st round pick from 1998 has yet to deliver on his potential, although we've seen glimpses of really good things. Since hitting 33 goals in his third season, Gagne has been battling injuries (9 goals in 46 games) and inconsistency (24 goals in 80 games last year). If there is a lockout, his progress could really stall. If there is a season, there is a good chance Gagne will be able to deliver another 30-goal season and he's always going to have 40-goal upside.

Shane Doan, F, Phoenix Coyotes

Thriving as checker

The Arizona Republic reports that Shane Doan has notched just one assist in five World Cup of Hockey matches, but don't assume the Coyotes captain hasn't been an integral part of Canada's 5-0 record heading into tonight's championship against Finland in Toronto.

Canada coach Pat Quinn has asked Doan, who led the Coyotes with 27 goals and 41 assists last season, and linemates Joe Thornton and Kris Draper to shut down other teams' top offensive lines.

"We have lots of guys who can score," Doan said. "We've been given a very specific role. I have to play physical and give us energy."

Doan's game has come so far in the past two seasons, but it got significantly better last year. He finally realized how effective he can be if he shoots the puck more and if he keeps this up, he could regularly threaten the 30-goal mark.

Kimmo Timonen, D, Nashville Predators

Best guy you don't know?

The Nashville Tennessean notes that Kimmo Timonen is one of the primary reasons the Finns are on the verge of such a significant step in their hockey program. His six points (one goal, five assists) are tops among defensemen in this tournament and tied for third among all skaters. He's been paired with Teppo Numinen, an unrestricted free agent whom the Predators have shown interest in signing.

Timonen gets very little respect at the draft in most hockey pools, but consider he has recorded seasons of 42, 40 and 44 points over the past three years. He's never had worse than a -7 rating on a mediocre Nashville team and his power play totals are always high. Hey, if you know about him and he's always left in the middle rounds when you draft, I guess there's no sense in complaining -- just take him and watch him rack up his points yet again.

Jere Lehtinen, F, Dallas Stars

Better season in store?

The Dallas Morning news notes that Jere Lehtinen has consciously implemented a health plan that has resulted in greater flexibility and core strength, and he has worked tirelessly to get himself mentally prepared to play.

Not that working tirelessly was ever a problem for Lehtinen. He's in better shape than any Stars player and possibly any player in the NHL. His workouts are legendary, and his work ethic is unquestioned. So what happened last year?

"I don't think he was ever really healthy," Stars coach Dave Tippett said. "It started with the shoulder in the fall, and it never got better. Jere is a world-class athlete, and I think he's used to feeling a certain way. And because he was not able to get completely healthy last year, he probably battled mentally as well."

Depending on the size of your fantasy league, Lehtinen is generally a fringe player. When he is on his game, he can contribute from everything to points to +/-; but even when he's off a little, it can affect his fantasy production enough to drop him from most rosters. If he and Mike Modano can keep their usual chemistry together, they should both be good bets to have rebound seasons.

Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils

Should play

The CP reports there is good news for Team Canada on the goalie front.

"I'm pretty certain he'll (Martin Brodeur)play," Canadian coach Pat Quinn said Tuesday ahead of the World Cup of Hockey final against Finland. "He looked good in practice."

When you go head-to-head against a hot Miikka Kiprusoff, one goal against is likely going to be the difference. Given that Finland doesn't tend to shoot a lot, Canada probably is better off with Brodeur in net over Roberto Luongo. Why? Although Luongo is a stud, he's used to being peppered with shots all night long, while Brodeur is used to the New Jersey defensive shell and generally only faces 20 shots a night. Either way though, Canada does not really need to worry about its goaltending: they need to worry about how they're going to score on Kipper.

Dom Hasek, G, Ottawa Senators

OSHL-bound

The Toronto Sun reports that with a lockout expected to be announced tomorrow, the Original Stars Hockey League has lured Hasek.

Hasek's agent confirmed his client is on board for the four-on-four Original Stars Hockey League, slated to begin play Friday night in Barrie at the Molson Centre.

And the team Hasek will play for? Detroit. It doesn't get much funnier than that, given the ordeal with Hasek, Cujo, Manny and the groin last year.

It's also being reported that players will get a cut of revenues in this new league. Wait a minute: they're agreeing to a percentage of the money made from the league they're in? But that's not fair to the players! I mean, doesn't that restrict their ability to earn a living? Shouldn't they be free to earn whatever they can earn?

Wade Redden, D, Ottawa Senators

Sidelines

The Ottawa Sun reports that Wade Redden will play the role of spectator at tonight's World Cup final. Team Canada executive director Wayne Gretzky said yesterday the Senators defenceman has only "80%" of the strength in his sprained left shoulder -- too risky to chance going into a championship game.

This shouldn't come as a huge shock, especially with Jay Bouwmeester and Scott Hannan playing well. Redden should be fine for the regular season, whether it gets underway in October, February, or October of 2005.

Joe Thornton, F, Boston Bruins

Defensive checker?

The Boston Globe reports that flanked by defensive specialists Kris Draper and Shane Doan, Bruins' multimillion-dollar captain Joe Thornton tonight likely will be asked, first and foremost, to contain the downsized and devilish Saku Koivu when Team Canada faces Finland in the World Cup championship game here at Air Canada Centre.

"Joey Thornton, I think, has been impressive in each and every game," said Wayne Gretzky, Team Canada's executive director. "He's not getting maybe the publicity that [Vincent] Lecavalier is getting for our team right now, but he's one of the guys -- he's checked his ego at the door, he's become more of a checker than he has in the past. He's been a huge part of the success of our team and the success of a guy like Vincent."

When you have the offensive talent of a Team Canada, some guys will have to play checking roles. It's that simple. Thornton can be a dominating power forward and if you've got him in a keeper league, you should come to count on 80-point seasons with healthy PIM totals year in and year out. The only question now for Thornton once the World Cup is over: who will Boston sign to play with him?

Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida Panthers

Beefed up

The Sun Sentinel notes that Jay Bouwmeester spent much of the summer in the weight room with Panthers goalie Jamie McLennan and has added muscle to his upper body. Known for his skating, Bouwmeester has played a much more physical brand of hockey in the tournament.

"This is the stage of your life where you've got to mature physically and get bigger," Bouwmeester said. "Hopefully I can put it to use this year, but if not [because of the anticipated lockout], I'm looking to be more physical in the future.

"I've put on a little bit of weight, and that always helps battling around in your own end."

You can see the improvement in his overall game in this tournament compared with last year in the regular season. In fantasy terms, more muscle can only help him. In two full seasons we've seen great skating, but he needs to get bigger and stronger to continually move forwards away from Roberto Luongo in front of the net. More beef on his body could also translate to a few more PIM's, which is a good thing in many pools. If JB wants to take the next step in terms of offense though, he has to learn to shoot more. 110 and 85 shot totals in his first two seasons clearly demonstrate that he's got to get more confident with his shot, which would then translate to more goals and then more assists coming from rebounds of his shots.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2004

Barret Jackman, D, St. Louis Blues

Contract

Senior Vice President and General

Manager Larry Pleau announced today that the St. Louis Blues have re-signed defenseman Barret Jackman.

Jackman, 23, missed the majority of last season due to a shoulder

injury, only skating in 15 games, collecting three points (one goal, two

assists) along with 41 penalty minutes.

Just when we finally thought we'd get to see the Calder winner from a few years ago back in action, the NHL could be locked out. Nice. This kid's fantasy value is nice in PIM leagues and he has a little bit of upside in the points department, although no one will ever confuse him with Chris Pronger there.

Sheldon Souray, D, Montreal Canadiens

New deal

The CP reports that defenceman Sheldon Souray has signed a three-year contract with the Canadiens, the NHL team said Monday.

Souray, 28, led Montreal defencemen in 2003-04 with 35 points (15 goals, 20 assists) in 63 games. He also led the team in ice time, averaging 23.43 minutes per game.

Souray was incredible last season and as long as he stays healthy and continues to shoot the puck a lot, his goal total should be good and he should keep producing points for your fantasy team. If Andrei Markov can get his game going again, the Habs could turn in an awesome power play.

Mario Lemieux, F, Pittsburgh Penguins

Keeps on keepin' on

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that the World Cup tournament ends tomorrow night. The NHL's CBA with its Players Association will expire 26 or so hours later and might take the 2004-05 season with it.

But even if all, or part, of that season is wiped out by a labor dispute, and even though he'll turn 39 Oct. 5, Mario Lemieux has no plans to walk away from the game.

Not now. Not, his health permitting, anytime in the foreseeable future.

"Even if there's no season, I anticipate coming back next year [in 2005-06] and playing," Lemieux said. "I just want to play a few more years. If I'm healthy."

That's great for the game of hockey, but maybe not so great for poolsters that are annually lulled into taking him in the first round; only to have their chances for fantasy glory dashed by another three-month injury period. Oh well. Mario is Mario and we should cherish any time we see on the ice anymore. The big guy has looked strong and feisty during this World Cup and we can only hope the NHL and NHLPA get their act together and give this guy a stage to play on pronto.

Marek Zidlicky, D, Nashville Predators

Trickle-down effect

According to the Nashville Tennessean, it's looking more like the degree of Nashville's interest in veteran defenseman Teppo Numminen will depend on whether the Predators can reach a new deal with defenseman Marek Zidlicky.

The Predators have a two-year offer on the table to Zidlicky, a restricted free agent who totaled 53 points in his first NHL season. But in part because of Zidlicky's continued participation in the World Cup of Hockey, the Predators have yet to receive an answer from him.

Should Zidlicky accept the offer, it's not as likely the Predators would continue to pursue Numminen.

Numminen is looking for a two-year deal, but come on... the Preds should keep on the path of a one-year deal, which is what they'd like to sign him to if Zidlicky won't sign. Numinen's best fantasy days are behind him, but don't discount the value he'd have if he was plugged into the other slot on the Nashville PP. Andy Delmore was productive, Zidlicky was productive; so too could Numinen. Bottom line: the Preds have to work it out with Zidlicky, because he's got a future and his present is pretty damn good too. Numinen's future in the NHL is quickly drawing to a close.

Dan Ellis, G, Dallas Stars

Wants big "D" backup role

The Dallas Morning News reports that when the Stars didn't re-sign veteran Ron Tugnutt and traded goalie prospect Jason Bacashihua the day before the draft, the message to Dan Ellis and Mike Smith was clear: This is your chance to be Marty Turco's backup.

"We're going to do our best to attain that position," Ellis said. "We both want that job."

Even if a lockout occurs, Smith and Ellis will head to the AHL and continue to try and earn the job while the NHL players wait for hockey to resume. Whenever the NHL begins, the likely scenario is that both players will rotate as Turco's backup, so that when one is playing behind Turco, the other is in the minors getting ice time.

With Marty Turco slated to play the lion's share of the games, Ellis and Smith will just be fighting for scraps. But when you're an up and coming kid, scraps are how you get the team to notice you in the first place. Ellis and Smith both call themselves butterfly goalies and rely on positioning more than anything else, as do many goaltenders in the NHL these days.

Dan Fritsche, F, Columbus Blue Jackets

Rookie camp vet

The Columbus Dispatch reports that among the prospects in rookie camp for the Jackets will be Parma native Dan Fritsche, who used the camp last year to start making a name for himself.

Fritsche, a hard-nosed center, continued to excel when the big camp opened, landing a surprise spot on the roster as a fourth-liner when the season started.

"Of course, it's a little different this year," Fritsche said. "Right now, we should be trying to work ourselves up to the main camp."

"But (the Blue Jackets) are doing a great thing by bringing us in here, keeping an eye on the prospects and making sure we're developing like they want. This is the third time I've been down this summer."

The team also considered inviting both Nikolai Zherdev and Alexander Svitov to the prospects camp, but decided to let them stay where they were. Zherdev is back in Russia, where he may play if there's a lockout, and Svitov is in Toronto at a power skating camp.

Wade Redden, D, Ottawa Senators

Your call, buddy

The Ottawa Sun reports that it will be up to Wade Redden to decide if he'll play in tomorrow night's World Cup final. Team Canada assistant GM Kevin Lowe told the Sun following practice yesterday that if the Senators defenceman feels his sprained left shoulder is healthy enough, he'll be in the lineup against Team Finland at the Air Canada Centre.

"It's going to be up to him," said Lowe. "If he's healthy, he'll be in there. It's really unfortunate that he got hurt. I thought he was really starting to come into his own when he got injured (against Slovakia).

Team Canada brass knows that Redden won't put himself in there unless he really feels ready. If Redden does go, Jay Bouwmeester is reportedly the one who would draw the short straw.

Martin Havlat, F, Ottawa Senators

Any day now

According to the Ottawa Sun, it appears Martin Havlat will be going from Czech to cheque. The Senators winger returned to Ottawa yesterday after the Czech Republic was eliminated from the World Cup on Saturday night and is expected to sign a new contract with Ottawa later this week.

The 23-year-old is close to a one-year deal in the $2.3-million US range, but sources say there's still paperwork to be completed.

As we mentioned last week, Havlat has turned into a great fantasy player and you should be able to count on him for point-per-game status or very close to it again this season. If the NHL year is wiped out, Havlat could go to Europe.

Martin Brodeur, G, New Jersey Devils

Better, but not perfect

The Ottawa Sun notes that if Martin Brodeur gets his way, he'll be tending goal for Team Canada tomorrow night. Brodeur plans to test his jammed wrist today at the Air Canada Centre and if all goes well, he'll be back between the pipes tomorrow vs. Finland in the World Cup final.

Brodeur, who sat out Canada's 4-3 OT victory over the Czech Republic on Saturday and didn't practise yesterday, said in a interview with French media his chances of playing against the Finns are "60-40."

"I want to play," said Brodeur. "I've been getting treatment (on the wrist) and we're going to have to see how it feels (today).

Roberto Luongo would obviously handle things if MB can't go, so Canada is in great shape either way. Whoever tends net for Canada will have to be sharp though, as we all know that Kipper is going to bring it Tuesday night.

Joe Sakic, F, Colorado Avalanche

Don't bury me yet

The Denver Post reports that when Joe Sakic signed his last contract, he told anybody who wanted to listen that he would retire when it expired. Now, he isn't so sure.

Sakic, 35, has two guaranteed years left on the five-year deal he signed after the 2000-01 season, but the Avalanche captain said Saturday night he may play beyond the next two seasons, NHL lockout or not.

"It'll depend on how I'm playing," Sakic said, after Canada's 4-3 overtime victory in the semifinals of the World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. "We'll see, but nothing's definite at all."

Players these days train so hard and are in such good shape that playing closer to 40 is not unrealistic for many of the top guys in the game. Sakic continues to perform at a high level and is always taken within the first few rounds of any pool; this coming season will be no different.

Peter Forsberg, F, Colorado Avalanche

Injured, again?

The Denver Post reports that Avalanche star Peter Forsberg may have tried to come back too soon from offseason groin/abdominal surgery.

A source said Forsberg suffered setbacks with the injury during the World Cup for Sweden, and may not be ready to start the season for Modo of the Swedish League during a lockout.

The source said Forsberg definitely will sign with Modo should NHL players be locked out by the owners.

Keep this in mind in case there IS an NHL season and Forsberg stays, because it's the same old story in terms of injuries.

Olli Jokinen, F, Florida Panthers

Boo hoo

The Florida Sun-Sentinel reports that as the Panthers' captain and only proven scorer, Olli Jokinen feels he deserves a three-year deal after signing one-year deals in each of the past three offseasons.

But with training camp technically supposed to open Saturday, the Panthers still have not re-signed Jokinen. With a lockout looming, Jokinen says he feels unwanted and may opt to stay in Europe even if an eventual resolution between the NHL and players' union results in a shortened season.

"After the 36-goal year [in 2002-03], I did a favor for the team and signed a one-year [$2 million] deal," Jokinen, 25, said. "Last year, I think I proved again (26 goals) that I can play at this level. I want a long-term deal. There's not going to be any questions -- either the long-term deal or I stay in Europe.

Jokinen certainly is worth signing to a three-year deal and he's proven his value to the team. No question. But to hear an NHL player say he doesn't feel wanted is pretty funny. Still, it seems the Panthers, like many teams, are in the mode of waiting for a new CBA to see what the marketplace for a guy like Jokinen will be. He should chill out, wait for the new CBA and then he'll be taken care of quickly. Of course, the team could do themselves a favor and tell him that, if his agent hasn't mentioned it already.