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Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:38 pm EDT

Puck Headlines: USA Hockey camp invites; Hossa's final offer?

By Greg Wyshynski

Here are your Puck Headlines: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• Your USA Hockey orientation camp invitees. No Keith Tkachuk(notes) or Bill Guerin(notes) or Rick DiPietro(notes), but a player can make the team without going to camp:

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller(notes), Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas(notes)

Defensemen: Tom Gilbert(notes), Tim Gleason(notes), Ron Hainsey(notes), Erik Johnson(notes), Jack Johnson(notes), Mike Komisarek(notes), Paul Martin(notes), Brooks Orpik(notes), Brian Rafalski(notes), Rob Scuderi(notes), Ryan Suter(notes), Ryan Whitney(notes)

Forwards: David Backes(notes), David Booth(notes), Dustin Brown(notes), Dustin Byfuglien(notes), Ryan Callahan(notes), Chris Drury(notes), Scott Gomez(notes), Patrick Kane(notes), Ryan Kesler(notes), Phil Kessel(notes), Jamie Langenbrunner(notes), Ryan Malone(notes), Mike Modano(notes), Kyle Okposo(notes), T.J. Oshie(notes), Zach Parise(notes), Joe Pavelski(notes), Bobby Ryan(notes), Paul Stastny(notes).

• Interesting piece post-NHL Draft that looks at the prospects from "non-traditional" U.S. markets and the decline of Russian prospects; wondering if Gary Bettman's "Southern Strategy" is actually paying off in fresh talent playing hockey. [On Goal Analysis]

• And this is why we all wanted John Tortorella to coach the New York Rangers: "I just think we're soft. I'm not trying to insult anyone physically but I think we're soft thinkers. I think we need to grow in what we need to do in preparation and practice habits." [NorthJersey.com]

• Marian Hossa(notes) and the take-it-or-leave-it offer from Detroit. [Snapshots]

• The wooing of Jay Bouwmeester(notes) continues, as the soon-to-be-former Florida Panthers defenseman gets calls from Jarome Iginla(notes) and Robyn Regehr(notes), as well as some negotiating from Darryl Sutter of the Calgary Flames. [Sun Media]

• Is anyone else sort of fascinated by what, if anything, the Phoenix Coyotes are going to do in the next week or so? What's the budget? Who makes the deals? Do the potential new owners have any say? [Five For Howling]

• Free agent goalie Jonas "The Monster" Gustavsson is delaying his decision until after the July 1 free-agent frenzy starts. So a Swedish hockey player has delaying making a decision. Water still wet. Pope, Catholic. All of it. [Sportsnet]

• Please go read Down Goes Brown's outtakes of "Brian Burke" mic'd up by TSN if you haven't already. And if you have, read it again; seriously, how many times have you seen "Airplane!" and still laughed, right? [DGB]

• Is someone makes a run at Phil Kessel as an RFA, what might the Boston Bruins receive as compensation? [Bruins Blog]

• Is one year and $3 million enough to keep Dwayne Roloson(notes) in Edmonton? [Sportsnet]

• Bob McKenzie reports that the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings appear to have pulled out of the Dany Heatley(notes) sweepstakes, leaving the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks as the lone suitors. Heatley on the Sharks is actually a pretty dynamic idea if the money can be worked out going the other way. [TSN]

• The Detroit Red Wings' backup plan in case Jimmy Howard(notes) doesn't work out as Chris Osgood's(notes) No. 2 or co-No. 1. So-long ConkBlock then? [Snapshots]

• What Chris Pronger(notes) can teach Mike Richards(notes) as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers. Like how to lose the captaincy to a more well-respected teammate? [Philly.com]

• Mike Zigomanis(notes) done with the Pittsburgh Penguins; vows to continue fight against The Watchmen. [Post Gazette]

• We may run a Photo Expo on the NHL Draft later today, time permitting. But this shot of Youppi! on the Draft floor after the event, taking photos with arena workers and media, can't wait.

• Alex Kovalev and Mike Komisarek both have offers from the Montreal Canadiens, but Saku Koivu(notes) has been told to wait for his until the team figures out its trade options. Cue Vincent Lecavalier(notes) trade rumors, Round 10 billion. [Habs Eyes on the Prize]

• Nik Antropov(notes) will not be returning to the New York Rangers. Hell, at 6-6, maybe the Knicks can use him. [Puck Central]

• Qualifying offers from the Rangers. [Zipay]

• Johnny Oduya(notes) gets $3.5 million (or $3.4 million) per season in a three-year deal with the New Jersey Devils, making him the second-highest paid defenseman behind Paul Martin. Incidentally, Pat Hickey's assessment that Oduya is "a stay-at-home type" ranks somewhere between baffling and comical. [Kevin Allen]

• Don't know how many old white dudes who look like Jacques Lemaire are roaming the streets of Newark, NJ, but one may have visited the Prudential Center this week. [Fire & Ice]

• Malkin To The Kings' orgy of rumors and scuttlebutt. [Sun Media]

• Goofy slideshow fun: The 10 Most Tortured Hockey Franchises in Recent Memory. [Bleacher Report]

• The Colorado Avalanche haven't exactly been communicative during the free-agency frenzy, and Mile High Hockey ain't happy: "Not all of your fan base is a bunch of blubbering morons complaining about Joe Sakic's(notes) career +/- numbers. I speak from experience when I say that you have a lot of intelligent, knowledgeable fans out there and they want to know about stuff like this." [MHH]

• NCAA: Bowling Green head coach Scott Paluch has stepped down from his position to become the regional manager for USA Hockey's new American Development Model. Is Tyra involved, too? [CHN]

• The NHL Network will simulcast TSN's coverage of the Free-Agent Frenzy. Versus will have fishing, maybe an infomercial or two. [NHL]

• Michael Farber's list of recent free-agent busts. The 2007 binge on centers ... holy smokes. [SI]

• On Frozen Blog's video coverage from the Hershey Bears arena. Solid. [OFB]

• Finally, YouTube gold: Norris Division final, 1987, Hockey Night in Canada. Amazing stuff, if only for a spry, game show host-like Ron MacLean:

Related: Hockey Fans, Gary Bettman, Commissioner for Life, Puck Videos, Rumors, scuttlebutt, innuendo, NHL Draft

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57 Comments

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  1. Celtic
    1. Posted by Celtic Tue Jun 30, 2009 1:56 pm EDT

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    oduya sighned nice!!!
  2. Daniel C
    2. Posted by Daniel C Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:05 pm EDT

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    as a pens fan, I've never followed a non-Penguins' player's contract situation with more interest than Hossa's.
  3. M
    3. Posted by M Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:06 pm EDT

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    It is about time the US team quit rolling out the same guys that never really win anything there are too many young talented Americans to keep putting Tkachuk and Guerin out there, even Modano, Gomez and Drury. I know they are only invites but let a new group of young guys start putting the international experience together.
  4. M
    4. Posted by M Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:09 pm EDT

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    Oh its happening even faster than I thought it would. Tortarella, the megalomaniac, is starting to alienate the troops. I am going to say it will be before the end of training camp before Avery blows the lid off this time bomb.
  5. joe h
    5. Posted by joe h Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:18 pm EDT

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    That's actually a pretty good collection of guys for the US. We're a little heavy on grit for an olympic competition, but I guess we've got to use what we have.
  6. Buzz Killington
    6. Posted by Buzz Killington Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:19 pm EDT

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    I posted this earlier under the Panthers-Rosenhaus thing, but I think its a bit more relevant here...
    Team USA's Tryout Roster was just announced...I think the team will be exiciting to watch, and I wouldn't be suprised to see them medal. I know Canada is practically a dream team, and the Russians have the most skilled forwards in the world, but USA is full of capable players who can put up some points. The weak point is definitely defense, with mostly steady, but unspectacular, defenseman. I think for forwards, they could put together a couple of high octane lines with Parise, Kessel, Kane, Ryan, Stastny, and maybe Drury as a center for the top 6. Then they could round out the third and fourth lines with some toughness,grit and hard work. Get players like Dustin Brown, Ryan Kesler, TJ Oshie, even Byfuglien on the Grind Lines. Hey, if USA soccer can take down Spain and almost beat Brazil, then anything can happen right?
  7. M
    7. Posted by M Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:19 pm EDT

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    And, if anyone really cares what I think, Avery should win that tussle because if anyone lost that series against the Caps last year it falls squarely on the shoulders of that boob Tortorella. He is the next Ted Nolan exile after he loses this team.
  8. Collin C
    8. Posted by Collin C Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:27 pm EDT

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    I like how the story out of Philly talks about pronger being the captain of a stanely cup champion team. Yes he was Captian the year after they won the cup because their Captain and Conn Smyth Trophy winner Scott Niedermyer had retired to start the season. Great reporting out of Philly and the Notion that having a young captain further makes me questions this guys report since a certain Kid named Sid just raised the cup above his head in Pittsburgh. Which ever player is the one guy everyone looks at to get them Motivated is the guy to be captain. Obviously its richards in Philly and it was never Pronger in Aniheim.
  9. Joe
    9. Posted by Joe Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:27 pm EDT

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    Callahan - Kesler - Backes for the 4th line, plz
    I don't want to put too much into the invites, but no Pominville?
  10. Stilly
    10. Posted by Stilly Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:29 pm EDT

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    How does Bruce Garrioch still have a job? His suggestion that the Pens are going to pursue Havlat is asinine.
  11. Patrick
    11. Posted by Patrick Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:30 pm EDT

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    Team USA has a nice mixture of some veteran leadership and some talented young guns. Thank you to the players and coaches for their dedication to our country. GO USA!
  12. stoneyboloney
    12. Posted by stoneyboloney Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:33 pm EDT

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    Glad to see some of the baby Blues playing for team USA. Oshie is a superstar in the making. Lets just hope there isn't a golf tourney before the games begin EJ. GO BLUES!
  13. sleza
    13. Posted by sleza Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:36 pm EDT

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    I think the Down Goes Brown link goes to wrong post...
  14. Potvinsux
    14. Posted by Potvinsux Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:36 pm EDT

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    @ wysh
    VS won't have coverage for the NHL tomorrow because they are covering the Billy Mays Funeral.
  15. pensfan1982
    15. Posted by pensfan1982 Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:44 pm EDT

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    i would love to see a US Olympic Team with a bunch of young run and gun type players who give it their all every shift for the pride of WINNING in the Olympics!!!!!
  16. zachary J
    16. Posted by zachary J Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:44 pm EDT

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    Team USA roster is at the very least interesting. I haven't watched the last few attempts in the O because it was just painful to watch Chelios and Tkacuk wheez out their Meta-Musil all over the ice. I say give the kids a chance, there are some nice skilled forwards and decent size at the back end. As far as goalies go, even with the Vezina I still dont know about Thomas, he is basically a Hasek-Minus in his playing style and he played behind a pretty good D core. Ryan Miller is all fine and good, but I just haven't seen an amazing American goalie in a long time.....like way back to Ray LeBlanc....HA
    Kudos to Quick for the invite...he has amazing flexibilty for his size and stole a few games for a weak Kings team last year.
  17. 4th and long
    17. Posted by 4th and long Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:47 pm EDT

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    Wow. Don Cherry standing up for a Euro vs. a good Canadian boy. To paraphrase, "Salming's making $350 K and earning every penny of it while Iafrate's over on the other side picking his...you know..." Great stuff all around (including Dave Lewis on the ice for Darren Veitch's goal).
  18. DontAttackSean,AttackSid
    18. Posted by DontAttackSean,AttackSid Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:49 pm EDT

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    M, anti-Rangers again? Torts isn't to blame at all. Hell, he got the Rangers into the playoffs. You want to blame someone on the Rangers, I can name 18 or 19 players you can blame.
    Wysh, Rangers rumors in trading Rozsival, Dubinsky, and a draft pick to the Senators for Heatley, or Zherdev, Dubinsky, and a draft pick for Heatley? What is Dubinsky a guarantee in a possible deal? that blows, imo.
  19. Buzz Killington
    19. Posted by Buzz Killington Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

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    Zach J, what can Thomas possibly do to earn your endorsement for the starting gig? His entire career he is doubted. You know the tale...bounced around the minors, played in Finland, was doubted in Boston even until last season. Finally he was rewarded this season with a nice contract extension and a little award called the Vezina. I would be honored to have Tim Thomas represent the US in the olympics, he's a hardworking veteran who is a class act who can provide leadership and stability from the goal.
  20. Logan
    20. Posted by Logan Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:52 pm EDT

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    parise and langenbrunner, whatever line theyre on, need to play together. As a devils fan im a little biased but they play EXTREMELY well together. As for the comment i saw saying the dmen are unspectacular, Martin is a great defensive defenseman and rafalski is really good as well.
  21. M
    21. Posted by M Tue Jun 30, 2009 2:58 pm EDT

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    Donnellon got some of his facts mixed up but really he doesn't insinuate that Pronger is there to do anything other than help with leadership on a very young team especially in the leadership roles. Mike Richards' captaincy is as rock solid as you can get he just needs to hone his role and learn how to push more buttons.
  22. Ben D
    22. Posted by Ben D Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:01 pm EDT

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    yo wysh, the one link for the Down Goes Brian Brian Burke thing takes you to a different post. you have to scroll through all the comments and click "newer post" to get to the Mic'd Up Brian Burke Outtakes post. just lettin you know...
  23. Louie
    23. Posted by Louie Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:03 pm EDT

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    You should just link Down Goes Brown to this site. he is the man.
  24. M
    24. Posted by M Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:05 pm EDT

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    @DontAttackSean,AttackSid, you really don't see the benching of Avery and getting thrown out of a game for lack of self composure as the breaking points in that series. The Ranger were playing as a team almost unified by every move Avery made on the ice. Then Tortorella undermined that team unity by benching him. I think he is a demonstrative, blowhard who got lucky on the back of Khabibulin(?). Not as much anti Rangers as mortal enemy I revel in seeing in disarray, but that team should have been better and he didn't help at all. I also think getting rid of an overgrown slacker like Antroflop will help that team.
  25. Runnin up on ya !
    25. Posted by Runnin up on ya ! Tue Jun 30, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

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    @ M and anyone else.
    Don't worry about Tortarella. I read so many posts from fans of other teams on here that think they know whats best for the Rangers. The funny part is the typical comments about the team such as; the team has been a place where players go to retire, you know a real club-med atmosphere. Then there is the Rangers are soft and lazy comments and how much of a loser team we have that doesn't have the talent or desire to lay it on the line for a win. There are alot of justified knocks on this team both presantly and for many years past, fine, if thats your take then okay you got us. And us Rangers fans have had it for a long time as well.
    But to come on here and blast a guy who is here to change the modus opperendum of this team, well, take your critasizms and shove it!.Oh but he's a team destroyer. Yeah ! And? Your right he is, but not with your spin on the truth. He may break some pouting hearts on this current team but thats the beauty of it. because those that are going to have a problem are the soft minded fools that need to go anyway. For years the terms ,lazy, uninspired, and has-been have been prevailent on this team and now it's time to change that and seperate the men from the boys. Do you think there are any premadonas on Detroit? Boston? Dallas? no and those are some of the most repected teams because of their play on the ice and the level at which their players are willing to go to play for each other and that goes a long way to building a solid team. If you think Tort's is a bad coach for his line of thinking your wrong.
    You as a fan of another NHL team can't have it both ways. Go ahead and blast them for what they have been for a long time, but if thats your side of the arguement then don't contradict yourselves by craping all over Torts for trying to change that and bring accountability to this lackluster team.

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Puck Daddy is an NHL blog edited by Greg Wyshynski. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

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