Stan Fischler
Bluelines: Isles dangling Hamrlik?
By Stan Fischler
MSGNetwork.com
 Yes, the NHL is concerned about a decline in robust aspects of the game. But, no, it's not the Commissioner's wish that The Game be played this way. We're told that any style-change will be dictated by the league committee which includes general managers and officials such as Colin Campbell, Andy Van Hellemond, et. al. "Gary stays out of these things," an NHL insider tells us. "He lets the 'Hockey Men' take care of such business."
Yet, even mild-mannered players such as Travis Green tell us they're concerned with the milder direction in which the league is headed. Meanwhile concern about officiating inconsistency remains as intense as ever.
Pat Burns tells us that those -- such as Sports Illustrated -- who call the Maple Leafs the "most-hated team in hockey," are wrong. Burns defends Toronto's style and players. Likewise, Pat Quinn is quick to praise Burns' stewardship of the Devils.
What will Gary Bettman put on the table for Bob Goodenow? One NHL team official tells us that the menu will read like this: A) Hard Cap; B) More revenue-sharing among the teams; C) A league-wide pledge to reduce ticket prices.
However, one prominent East Coast agent -- not a hard liner -- insists that a Hard Cap is not necessary for an NHL-NHLPA pact. "Look at baseball," the rep points out. "MLB is doing it without a Hard Cap. We all know that the NHL needs what they call 'cost-certainty.'"
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| The Isles may dangle Roman Hamrlik in a big deal. (AP) |
Reports indicate that the Lightning are very interested in bringing back defenseman Roman Hamrlik. A three-way deal has been rumored that would send holdout Kyle McLaren to the Isles and possibly Pavel Kubina and Brian Holzinger to the Bruins. According to Phil Esposito, "I never wanted to trade Hamrlik in the first place."
Mark Messier turns 42 on January 18. So, how does he manage to keep up? "A lot of it is conditioning," says the Rangers' captain. "Conditioning has enabled guys over 30 to enjoy the best years of their career."
Didja know that Tony Granato was about to be signed as a Minnesota telecaster back in September. The contract was all set when he got the call from Colorado.
Our man in Las Vegas, Bobby Bryde, offers this suggestion: "Forget Mario Lemieux, my vote for MVP goes to Geoff Sanderson."
In case you like Darryl Sutter-type melodrama, mark February 24 on your calendar. That's when his Flames next play San Jose.
Wisdom from Sutter: "To have a good club, your goalie has to be your best player."
Barry Melrose still maintains that he'd like to get back to coaching but no offer has come his way.
Give Jean-Sebastien Giguere credit for not being an ingrate. "I'll always remember the Flames for giving me a chance," says the Ducks goalie. "I just wasn't ready. I'm succeeding now because of experience and my goalie coach (Francois Allaire)."
Target date for the first game at the Coyotes new arena in Glendale is December 27, 2003.
How scary is Georges Laraque? One opponent, Darcy Hordichuk, agrees with most observers that the Oiler is the toughest in the league. Before a game against Edmonton, Hordichuk scanned tapes of Georges. Darcy's critique: "I was a little intimidated after watching Laraque."
Old-time Islander fans will be tickled to know that Mikko Makela has signed on to become the head coach of the WHL's Lethbridge Hurricanes
Considering what's been going on in coaching circles, you have to respect Scotty Bowman's answer when he's asked about his greatest accomplishment: "Never having been fired as a head coach."
The funniest New Year's resolution we've heard comes from Scott Gomez: "Be more nice. But I don’t know if that's possible."
The second best belongs to teammate Scott Niedermayer: "To stop biting my nails. For the 30th time."
No team has better exploited its success than the Wild. The latest example is a new book -- "A Wild State of Hockey: The Minnesota Wild's First Season on the Ice." It's authored by Tom Tuttle, a Twin Cities journalist and sports radio personality.
Word out of Detroit is that Sergei Fedorov will not re-sign and the Wings will trade him before the deadline in March. With Detroit committed to not trading him within the Western Conference, finding a suitable Eastern trading partner becomes the challenge. The defending champs need young defensive depth, but any potential trade partner would need the funds to sign Fedorov long-term. Stay tuned.
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| Old friend Phil Esposito is becoming an author. (AP) |
Phil Esposito's auto-bio is tentatively titled "Nets and Bolts." It's Espo's second book attempt. His first was aborted last year when Phil, his author, and the publisher agreed to disagree.
Paul Stewart tells us he expects to referee his 1,000th game the first week in March. Stewart and linesman Pat Dapuzzo are involved in a new training regimen whereby they do warm-up skates before every game. Stewart says pre-game skates were recommended by league-trainer Dave Smith.
Having left Anaheim, Doug Moss takes over as President of the Coyotes this week. His first challenge will be obtaining a naming-rights contract / corporate sponsor for Phoenix's new arena in Glendale.
Mike Grier -- having moved from Edmonton to Washington -- tells us that there is a difference between NHL hockey in the East and West. "The West is more wide open," says Grier. "The skating is faster. Eastern teams grind it out more. There's more play along the boards."
The NHL said in September that it was concerned about younger referees successfully integrating with the veterans. They're right. Word around the league is that the young refs are overzealous.
An Edmonton exec tells us he expects the Oilers' farm team to be successfully moved to Toronto for 2003-2004. But we're told elsewhere that it's still an iffy proposition.
Anyone who has seen Jason Spezza dazzle in Binghamton will tell you that he belongs in the NHL right now.
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