by Ryan Kennedy - June 21, 2012 6:00 PM EDT
The Russian who was once a candidate to go No. 1 is now slipping down most rankings, much like Sean Couturier last season... plus a video with Olli Maatta.
PITTSBURGH - The story of the 2012 draft so far has revolved around two Russians – one has been given the white hat, the other the black hat.
by Ryan Kennedy - June 20, 2012 3:31 PM EDT
Take a look back at some of the trades and you'll see why goaltender is a position you can't have too much of.
Straight up: Would you trade Vesa Toskala for Logan Couture? Let me give you a moment to think about it.
As ludicrous as it sounds, that swap went down in a roundabout way in 2007 and the San Jose Sharks can thank their own proclivity in developing netminders for landing them their best current player.
by Ryan Kennedy - June 13, 2012 12:22 PM EDT
With one year left on his contract, Jordan Staal has been at the center of trade rumors. If true, Brian Burke must throw everything at Pittsburgh.
If last year’s draft was any indication, anyone can be traded in the NHL these days. It was that fateful Thursday media luncheon that saw dozens of smartphones blow up with news of Mike Richards and Jeff Carter being dealt away from Philadelphia in separate trades, despite being on huge long-term deals.
by Ryan Kennedy - June 6, 2012 1:43 PM EDT
It's not always the easiest route, but Dean Lombardi built through the draft and pulled the right trades at the right time.
With the Los Angeles Kings on the precipice of glory, it seems as good a time as ever to evaluate how the team was built. Or, more precisely, rebuilt.
by Ryan Kennedy - June 4, 2012 2:36 PM EDT
The Bruins goalie decided to take next year off and whether he comes back or not, his reasoning is sound.
There are two reasons to become a professional athlete and they are not mutually exclusive: love and money. Tim Thomas has both covered, so if he has played his final NHL game, he can leave without regret.
by Ryan Kennedy - June 1, 2012 6:49 PM EDT
From the interview process to the grueling tests, the combine provided some kids a chance to prove they're healthy; and more.
There was a time when the NHL draft combine was attended by just a handful of media members; now it's a big spectacle. The players invited have all heard the horror stories about tricky interview questions and puking after the bike stations, so there isn't a lot of new terrain to be unearthed.
by Ryan Kennedy - May 31, 2012 11:25 AM EDT
Players drafted out of the CHL have to wait to come to the NHL, while those taken from somewhere else have a more direct route.
This year’s top draft prospects are currently having their heads scrambled by their prospective employers at the NHL combine and many decisions will be made in the next few months.
by Ryan Kennedy - May 9, 2012 12:35 PM EDT
The Kings were hunkered down in a long contract negotiation with their defenseman last summer, but the deal that came out of it has been working out fine.
Based on the way Drew Doughty has played for the red-hot Los Angeles Kings lately, it seems almost unfathomable his worth to the team was questioned over the summer.
by Ryan Kennedy - May 3, 2012 2:23 PM EDT
The signing of the Czech forward is an attempt to gain offense, but here's why he probably won't live up to expectations.
The Calgary Flames waded into murky waters Wednesday with the signing of center Roman Cervenka, a 26-year-old Czech free agent who has spent the past two years in the Kontinental League.
by Ryan Kennedy - April 18, 2012 1:02 PM EDT
The Phoenix winger's brutal hit on Marian Hossa gives the Hawks extra motivation for Game 4.
Dare ye anger the Hockey Gods, Raffi Torres?
The stout Phoenix Coyotes winger has once again propelled himself into the spotlight by propelling himself into an unsuspecting opponent.
by Ryan Kennedy - April 11, 2012 12:21 PM EDT
Edmonton must avoid the trap of the "take the best player available" adage and fill the big hole on the blueline.
People often ask hockey writers who they cheer for. Most will say they cheer for players they like; some will simply strut around in a golf shirt with the home team’s crest on it.
by Ryan Kennedy - April 4, 2012 2:43 PM EDT
The playoffs aren't a reality for a number of teams this season, but that doesn't mean they can't bounce back in 2012-13.
Sixteen teams will enter the Stanley Cup playoffs in a week, leaving the rest of the league to ponder what went wrong. A few of those squads will miss by a point or two and be forced to dwell on the one or two blown leads that ultimately cost them a post-season berth over the 82-game schedule.
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"If we do pick first, we're leaning more toward one of those three forwards."
- Colorado's executive vice president of hockey operations, Joe Sakic, on what the Avalanche plan to do with the first overall pick at the June 30 entry draft. Many were expecting Colorado to take defenseman Seth Jones.
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