5+ Game With Danny Boome
5+ Game with Danny Boome is the new Article and Blog for Powerplay magazine. The article will cover the 5 main events of the week – games, trades, players, coaches – and anything else that affects the NHL community.
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1. Heatley: Timing is everything when you want to make a statement and Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators has done just that this summer. Heatley declared himself open for a trade, telling Sens owners, management and fans that after two seasons of a 7-year deal worth $30 million he wanted a move before the end of the summer. Heatley gave no reason and would not comment to the media, inciting speculation – is it the coach? His teammates? The money? Much like everyone else, I’m waiting with baited breath to hear where this 7-year veteran with 260 goals and 534 points in 507 games – a prize asset to any team – would end up. Only the Edmonton Oilers have entertained that thought and the deal was nixed within weeks. Heatley recently bowed to pressure from Team Canada management to give the press something before Olympic Orientation Camp began. Only then did Heatley express his dissatisfaction with his role in the Sens overall game plan and commented that his talents would be appreciated elsewhere. But where? Who has room in their budget and something worth trading? San Jose or Columbus? Both teams are building for playoff success and Heatley’s proven he can be a huge impact player with both Joe Thornton and Rick Nash on Team Canada. If Heatley isn’t traded, he will honor this season’s contract and explore his options again next summer.
2. Kane: Chicago’s wonder kid Patrick Kane got himself into trouble at the start of August when he and cousin James Kane were arrested for allegedly attacking a 62-year-old cab driver over a $13.80 fare. Apparently the cab driver was 20 cents short in change and things got out of hand from there. This week, an Erie County, NY grand jury dismissed the felony robbery charge. They were, however, indicted on lesser charges including assault in the 3rd degree and theft of services, both misdemeanors. It’s amazing what two drunk kids with multi-million dollar egos and whole lot of attitude will do. Even more amazing is what a sports star and a high-powered attorney can negotiate with a 62-year old minimum wage cab driver.
3. Free Agents: This summer, some clubs dipped into the free agents market and by signing just two or three players made dramatic changes for the coming season. Atlanta, Anaheim, Montreal, New York (Rangers and Islanders), Toronto and San Jose are all starting the 2009-10 season with a new look. Atlanta signed high-scoring Nik Antropov from New York and defenseman Pavel Kubina from Toronto as part of 9 overall new signings bringing new attitude, skill and depth to the club. Montreal and Toronto will be totally different squads this season – Montreal will be faster with Scott Gomez and Mike Calimari and Toronto’s blue line might be the toughest in the league. The summer’s super signing still has to be Chris Pronger to Philly – that’s one blue line I wouldn’t cross!
4. Age: As training camp approaches, some players are realizing that their days in the NHL are coming to an end. This is sad but true, as the league gets younger and room has to be made in the wage cap. Chris Chelios still hasn’t got the hint that at 47 he should consider hanging his skates up. Detroit gave him the first push by not taking him on this season and Team USA brought him in as a “special advisor” for the Olympics. Jeremy Roenick (39) took his last bow a few weeks ago in San Jose as did Sergei Fedorov (39). Last season’s come back story was Claude Lemieux (43) who returned after a 5 year absence and worked his way back to play the end of the season and a few playoff games with San Jose. He wanted to end his career the right way and he did, retiring at the start of the summer. He inspired one more relic from the old NHL, your friend and mine (UK Hockey Fans) Mr. Theo Fleury, to attempt a come back at 41. He currently has no interested parties.
5. Phoenix: Contrary to popular belief, the Phoenix Coyotes don’t have moving boxes scattered throughout their offices and aren’t planning an escape from the Valley of the Sun. The Coyotes are a franchise in transition and their future could be determined in early September when they are to be sold. Who will buy the Coyotes and where will they play in 2009-10?
Game: Game On! Training camp starts in two weeks! Preseason games begin on September 16th and the regular season on October 16th.
Who’s got Game? Columbus Blue Jackets Rick Nash is going to have a great season, as so is OV (again). But the player on Washington’s team to watch is Nicklas Backstrom. Toronto has a new attitude and it will be fun to watch that evolve this season.
Who’s not got Game? Nashville. Sorry Preds fans – at least you’ll get the first pick at the draft.
What Game are you playing? Rangers GM Glen Slater – lots of new players, but I think he forgot something when he traded away and released others – GOALS! Where are they coming from??
The information statistics and subject matter of articles is sourced from the official NHL web site NHL.com and it’s archives. Research and quotations can at times come from independent associated press.
