Klementyev Signs In Russia

Anton Klementyev Signs With Lokomotiv Yaroslavl,

Ending An Interesting Tenure In The Isles Organization

It appears that Anton Klementyev has jumped ship following his suspension for refusing to report to his ECHL assignment. You may remember Klementyev as the extremely unknown pick in the 2009 draft that then Isles Assistant General Manager Ryan Jankowski referred to as "It's a little bit of a stab in the dark" when explaining the selection in the 5th round (122nd overall) or as the player that the Islanders tried to use as a pawn to get Kirill Petrov out of his contractual obligations in the KHL. 

It's obvious that the Islanders were not expecting Klementyev to become an important piece of their organization, and he was quite aware of that. During training camp I heard rumblings that he was unhappy with his treatment by the club and that if he didn't get a call to the National Hockey League at some point throughout the season he would bolt to Russia once the year commenced. Unfortunately for him he was used in a limited role by the Sound Tigers and nine days ago was assigned to the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL by the Islanders. He refused to report and was then suspended by the Isles. As his destination remained in limbo his agent apparently was working on a contract for him as news came out today that he has signed with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl who is playing in the VHL this season after the tragedy they experienced back in September, and next season will return to the KHL. 




Ok, I'm going to go a little off-topic for a second, but I want to mention it especially because I was thinking about as I wrote this piece....Klementyev grew up playing in Lokomotiv's system, went to Yaroslavl whenever he was in Russia, and had a number of friends on the team. Had he not been drafted by the Islanders and brought over to North America, I think its reasonable to say that he could very well have been on that Lokomotiv flight that tragically went down earlier this season...Just something to think about, especially when you consider that this kid was someone that wasn't on anyone's radar and was picked very out of the blue. Its interesting the way things work.

Poulin Returned To Bridgeport

Kevin Poulin Returned To The Bridgeport Sound Tigers

Immediately following today's loss to the Nashville Predators the New York Islanders announced that goaltender Kevin Poulin has been returned to their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The demotion was made not because of his play, but because Al Montoya is ready to return from the concussion he suffered a few weeks back. Poulin played his first game since being called up to the Islanders, this afternoon. Unfortunately Poulin did not start the game the way he would have wanted letting up goals on the first two shots, and then another on the sixth shot of the game. All three stemmed from defensive breakdowns by the Islanders, but it still doesn't excuse Poulin. After the third goal he kept the puck out, but the damage was already done. I'm hoping that Poulin returns to Bridgeport and plays the same way he did before being re-called. At that time, he was just coming off of a record breaking streak of 3 games and change without allowing a goal against. His stats for the week prior to his promotion he had a stat-line of 4 wins and no loses,  0.48 GAA, and a SV % of 0.980.

Panthers, Stars Swap Struggling Prospects

Trade Details:

The Dallas Stars acquired Angelo Esposito from the Florida Panthers for Ondrej Roman.

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Dallas Stars Acquire:

C. Angelo Esposito Age: 22 Height: 6-2 Weight: 190 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $916,667 Expires: 2012 (RFA) Important Facts: -Has a Two-Way Clause in his contract ($65,000 AHL) -Drafted in the first round of the 2007 draft (20th overall) -This year he was demoted to the ECHL for the first time -Has been traded three times in his career:  ---Penguins to Thrashers ---Winnipeg Jets (Thrashers) to Panthers ---Panthers to Stars

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Florida Panthers Acquire:

F. Ondrej Roman Age: 22 Height: 6-0 Weight: 185 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $750,000 Expires: 2012 (RFA) Important Facts: -Has a Two-Way Clause in his contract ($60,000 AHL) -Played 53 games in the Czech Extraliga (pro-league in the Czech Republic)

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Analysis:

This deal is all about giving these guys fresh starts and hoping they succeed in a new environment. Both players were drafted in 2007, Esposito in the 1st round and Roman in the 5th round. Unfortunately neither have experienced much success since that time. Angelo Esposito has had some bad luck, injury wise, but in his 86 games in the American Hockey League he had only 22 points. This season he had 5 points in 16 games in the AHL which was deemed as too little, and was demoted to the ECHL where he put up one point in three games. That lack of success is a common theme when looking at Ondrej Roman's information as well. In 96 AHL games he's put 27 points, and this season he had a 6 game stint in the ECHL where he put up 6 points. Although the point total is underwhelming, Roman's game is more versatile than Espositos so he could possibly make the NHL in a variety of ways. As of right now I would not count on either making the NHL permanently, but if I had to choose which player has a better chance I'd say it was Roman. 

Gillies Claimed Off Of Waivers

Blue Jackets Claim Colton Gillies Off Of Waivers

The Columbus Blue Jackets have claimed Colton Gillies off of waivers from the Minnesota Wild. At twenty-two years of age, Gillies has put up ten points (3 goals, 7 assists) in 89 NHL games. There is absolutely no denying it, Gillies' production has been quite underwhelming give in the expectations that come with his draft spot. That draft spot was the 17th overall selection of the 2007 NHL Draft, while guys like P.K. Subban, David Perron, Max Pacioretty, and many other great players were still on the board.

This season has not been a good one for Gillies as he's been held to only two points in 37 games. He does have some nice potential, but as of now he's been a massive disappointment. With that said I like this move for the Blue Jackets. They don't have anything to lose by adding a depth player to round out their roster, and they could end up gaining a lot if Gillies finds his game.

I think by the end of this season we will be able to say more accurately what the story is regarding his career. This 2nd half of the season is incredibly important for Gillies' career and the Jackets will give him every opportunity to succeed.

Flames Re-Acquire Cammalleri

Trade Details:

Calgary Flames acquire Mike Cammalleri, Karri Ramo, and a 5th round pick in 2012 from the Montreal Canadiens for Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland and a 2nd round pick in 2013.

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Calgary Flames Acquire:

LW. Mike Cammalleri Age: 29 Height: 5-9  Weight: 190 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $6,000,000 Expires: 2014 (UFA) Important Facts: -Has a Limited No Trade Clause in his contract -The last two years of his contract (2012-13 & 2013-14) his actual salary increases to $7,000,000 per year. -Has hit the 80 point plateau twice in his career. -During his one season with the Flames (2008-09) he had a career high in goals (39) and points (82). -In 32 career NHL playoff games, he has 32 points.

G. Karri Ramo Age: 25 Height: 6-0 Weight: 215 Unsigned Prospect- During the 2009 off-season he became a Restricted Free Agent. After the Lightning retained his rights with a qualifying offer he signed in the KHL. Important Facts: -Hasn't played in North America since the 2008-09 season. -For the past two years (09-10 & 10-11) he has been selected to the KHL all-star team -Incredible stats in the KHL ---2009-10 he had a 2.11 GAA and .913 SV % in 44 games ---2010-11 he had a 1.97 GAA and .925 SV % in 44 games ---So far this year (2011-12) he has a 1.87 GAA and .932 SV % in 29 games

5th Round Draft Pick In 2012 -Originally owned by the Columbus Blue Jackets -Acquired on June 29th in-exchange for the rights to James Wisniewski.

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Montreal Canadiens Acquire:

LW. Rene Bourque Age: 30 Height: 6-2 Weight: 211 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $3,333,333 Expires: 2016 (UFA) Important Facts: -Has a Modified No Trade Clause in his contract -Actual salary this season is $4,000,000, next season (12-13) is $3,000,000, 2013-14 is back to $4,000,000, and then the last two seasons (2014-15 & 2015-16) its down to $2,500,000. -For the past two seasons he's had at least 50 points -For the past three seasons he's had at least 20 goals -Suspended twice in the past month.

RW. Patrick Holland Age: 20 Height: 6-0 Weight: 175 Unsigned Prospect- Drafted by the Flames in the 7th round (193rd overall) of the 2010 NHL Draft. Important Facts: -Has played three seasons in the WHL (all for the Tri-City Americans) -Third on his team in points (17 goals, 40 assists)

2nd Round Pick In 2013 -Calgary's own pick.

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Analysis:

At around nine o'clock last night the Montreal Canadiens pulled Michael Cammalleri from the game against the Boston Bruins. Internet message boards crashed, and twitter was overloaded with fans discussing where he could possibly be headed. Eventually it was announced that he had been sent to the Calgary Flames along with Karri Ramo and the Columbus Blue Jackets' 5th Round Draft Pick in this upcoming draft. In return the Flames sent Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland, and a 2nd Round Draft Pick in 2013.

Once the details of the trade began to leak to the public Flames fans became excited at the addition of Cammalleri, who played incredibly well in his one season with the club. The Flames were in search of a proven goal scorer that could play with Iginla and Cammalleri fits the bill perfectly especially because of the fact that we know that there won't be a problem creating chemistry between the two players give in their success the last time Cammalleri played on the Flames. I am confident he will flourish with Calgary. The Flames also added Karri Ramo, a goaltender who was originally drafted by Flames GM Jay Feaster when he was apart of the Tampa Bay Lightning organization. Ramo is a big question mark, primarily because he may never wear a Flames jersey. Many people believe he won't return to North America again, and will remain in Russia. He has been dominant in his three year career in the KHL with an average GAA of 1.98, and save % of .923. So far this season he is on pace for his best of the three years with a 1.87 GAA and .932 SV % in 29 games. If the Flames do end up getting him to come back over, he may be a very nice asset to the club. The final piece headed to the Flames was the 5th round pick in this year's draft that was originally owned by the Columbus Blue Jackets. It will be a high pick in the round, and I have been impressed with the depth of the 2012 draft so I am sure there will be some nice prospects on the board when their turn comes around.

The Flames did receive a nice package, but they sent some quality assets the other way. The center piece of the package headed to the Habs was Rene Bourque. Bourque has seen his career evolve and eventually flourish in Calgary as he is coming off of back-to-back 27 goal and 50+ point seasons. He will step into the Canadiens' line-up very nicely as his impressive size is sorely needed. The biggest problem with Bourque is his drive and consistency which just this season has been very evident. Its a big issue that will definitely be questioned by the extremely critical Montreal media. Regardless of the on-ice result of this deal, the Habs financially come out on top as they were able to save almost $3,000,000 by swapping Cammalleri for Bourque. Along with Bourque, the Canadiens acquired an unsigned prospect in Patrick Holland. Holland was drafted by the Flames with their 7th round draft selection in the 2010 draft. His upside seems limited, but so far this year he's third on his WHL club in points with 57 points in 40 games. Most people believe the absolute best-case scenario is that he makes it to the NHL as a grinding fourth-liner. I expect him to be  a fringe NHLer, first call-up type player at the higher levels. Another valuable piece headed to the Canadiens is the Canadiens 2nd round draft pick in the 2013 draft. Right now that draft is shaping up to be a good one as well.

Although its early to choose a side, I feel like the Flames won this deal. Not by as large a margin as I previously thought, but I stick with my gut that Cammalleri will excel in the Flames roster

Special Moment At Isles-Detroit Game

Jimmy Howard's Kindness Turns Tears Into Smiles
If you look at the score of last night's Islanders-Red Wings game, you would think that Detroit fans would have very little to be proud of about that performance and normally I'd agree with you, but last night there was something different to take pride in for the Wings.

Late in the third period with the Islanders way out in front of the Red Wings there was an incident by the visitors tunnel. A puck flew over the boards and a few spectators raced for it. Coming out victorious was a well-known Islanders fan who wears a shiny gold wig. Walking away from the scramble empty handed and broken hearted, was a young (described as "about five") Red Wings fan. The gold-haired Isles fan noticed the situation and instead of following the norm and handing the puck to the child, he reportedly began to taunt the young child with the puck. As this was unfolding, Jimmy Howard (the goaltender who was backing up for the Wings) was watching with dismay. Another Islanders fan sitting next to Howard said "He (Howard) kept looking over and you knew he would have loved to call him (Islanders fan) out if he was allowed". 

Now this is the part of the story that I absolutely love. Howard then got the child's attention and called him over. After having a quick chat, Howard asked for the boy's jersey and proceeded to get a few autographs for him. Howard's actions put a huge smile on the young fan's face, and it was the type of move that truly makes you appreciate the great people that are involved with this game. This moment could have possibly ruined this young impressionable fan's outlook on this great game had it not been for the kind and considerate actions of one of the classiest players in the game of hockey. 

Red Wings fans, even though you may not be proud of your team's play on the ice last night, please be proud of your star goaltender Jimmy Howard who reminded this young boy and all hockey fans, why we love this sport.

WAIVER UPDATE: 1/9/2012

WAIVER UPATE- January 9, 2012

Placed On Waivers:

Waiver Wire Players Of Interest:

(RE-ENTRY) RW- Gilbert Brule (Oilers):  Plays an energetic style that might be of interest to a team that is looking for a little spark. Along with his strength as an energy forward, he has a solid offensive game, but unfortunately it has never translated to the NHL when he has made appearances at this level. He is still relatively young and who knows, maybe with a larger role he could show his offensive talent in the big leagues. At half price I would think at least one team dealing with injuries might take a gamble on him.

Other Players Placed On Waivers Today:

D- Mark Fraser (Ducks) C- Brodie Dupont (Predators)